Living ‘off the grid’

Living ‘off the grid’

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

Kaitlyn VanDerZanden sold everything she owned and moved to a cabin in the woods outside of Fairbanks, Alaska in January — a distance roughly 3,700 miles and four time zones away from her hometown of Hart. 

The 25-year-old flew to Fairbanks with her pet dog and cat. Her dad, Kevin, accompanied her and stayed for about a week to help get her settled.

“I found out that January is the cheapest time to fly to Alaska, because nobody really wants to come here during that time.” 

Kaitlyn stands in front of the University of Alaska Fairbanks sign, a popular spot for photos. College students pose in front of it when it displays -40 degree temps wearing only their underwear to be a part of the “40 Below Club.”

When she first arrived at her new home located about 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, temperatures were -40 degrees. “It was negative 28 when I woke up this morning and now it’s negative 17,” she said with a laugh during a phone interview.

Her “dry cabin” is situated in a place called Goldstream. “It’s about 15 minutes northwest of town. It’s kind of like the equivalent of Crystal Valley to Hart.”

Kaitlyn lived in Alaska for a few months in 2022. “I had this weird feeling that I wasn’t done with Alaska.” A job offer confirmed that feeling.

Denali mountain

Working an unfulfilling job at the time, she was offered her dream job in Alaska. Her new position for Design Alaska utilizes her bachelor’s degree in interior design. “They do architecture, surveying and engineering. I am a part of the architecture department. I wanted to grow with my career. I have nothing holding me back — life is way too short.” She plans to pursue a master’s degree in architecture.

A rekindling of the romance with her significant other Andrew Williamson stationed there in the US Army may have influenced her decision to make the move. “Why not live somewhere incredible, especially with someone who you love?”

She’s quickly adapting to living in her dry cabin, which is basically a tiny home. “A dry cabin has no running water. It’s kind of a common thing around here. They have water stations around town where you fill up your jugs of water with a hose.” She said it’s similar to filling up your car with gas at a gas station.

With no running water, she has no bathroom or shower. “I have an outhouse. It’s really not as bad as it seems.” She can shower at her gym, Planet Fitness, or her work place. “Because dry cabins are a common thing up here, a lot of jobs have showers.”

Her cabin is heated with an oil heater and has electricity. It also has solar panels. When her power went out recently, she had no heat. “It was designed to be off-grid. Not only am I learning a lot about off-grid living, but living in the Arctic. I’m learning that in my job, because the way buildings are designed is completely different — because it’s meant for much harsher conditions.” 

She quickly acclimated to the bitter cold, and during an unusual warm-up to 40 degrees, she felt too hot.

Alaska Range

There has not been an abundance of snow because the temperatures are so cold. “It’s been too cold to precipitate.”

Driving in Alaska is a bumpy ride over hard-packed ice and snow. “It’s like driving on a two-track.”

The Arctic world can be dangerous. “Basically, you have to watch out for big animals like moose and bears. I’ve seen moose around my cabin. I’ve quickly learned the significance of buying a handgun here. It’s very important for many reasons.” 

Not just animals on the ground are fearsome, but so are some flying ones. “The ravens are huge. You go to the grocery store and they like to hang out on your vehicle. They’re scary.”

Despite the intimidating creatures and conditions the Alaskan wilderness offers, there are beloved animals and good friends.

“There is a big community of dog mushers. My neighbor is a dog musher.

“One thing I’ve learned about Alaskans is that they’re very environmentally sound. It’s not because they have to — it’s because they want to. People care about the environment here, and they want to make sure what they’re doing is not negatively impacting it.” 

A spirit of cooperation exists among Alaskan people. “Everyone is very kind and helpful, because they know life out here can be really hard.”

Contributed photos by Kaitlyn VanDerZanden

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