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My Friends and I Bought an Island

tynan.com

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Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#111

Post by tynan »

herbig wrote: post #44

I'd like to echo others and say that this is indeed awesome. At 5 acres, are you concerned at all about deforesting it too much over time?

I'm actually really into learning about forest management. I've been reading a lot about it, and it's fascinating stuff. Based on our usage, it seems that we should be fine, especially since few people will be coming in winter. My bigger concern right now is bringing back birch trees! We have some dead ones, but very few live ones. The whole island is balsamic fir right now, so it smells like Christmas trees.

Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#112

Post by tynan »

lukethomas wrote: post #62

Do you plan on staying the winter?

I hope to some day have it visitable in the winter, but not expecting it to be ready for that any time soon. The idea is to start with a cool private camp site, and eventually build it into a year-round sustainable retreat.

Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#113

Post by tynan »

CodeCube wrote: post #98
tynan wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would have never guessed that it would, either. I was pretty shocked to see it here when I loaded up HN on my phone. When I was inviting friends to be a part of this, there was a big divide... half of them LOVED the idea and felt like an island was something special (as I do), and others just saw it as some difficult-to-access land. I've had a tough time articulating exactly why an island seems special to me.

Are you going to run internet access to it (or put in satellite)?

Yes, there is strong LTE and HSPA+ service there, and Canada has some decent PAYG plans.

Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#115

Post by Zimahl »

tynan wrote: post #32
patja wrote: post #19

I am curious about how and whether building or environment impact codes come into play with this kind of remote private island in Canada. Things like septic systems, building a dock or anything near the shoreline, and even putting in a mooring buoy can be significant challenges to get approved in many US jurisdictions.

I'm curious about this, too. We've done a little research, and it seems like building non-permanent things like sheds and yurts will be fine, but docks, septic, permanent buildings that cost over $5k will need permits. Then again, there are some pretty janky home-made docks in the bay that seem to have been there for a while.

Those docks might not be permanent structures, which probably removes any permit requirements. You might want to go this route too if you all won't be visiting much or at all during the winter months. Remove your dock to 'winterize' your island.

Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#116

Post by tynan »

300bps wrote: post #110
tynan wrote: post #85

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's an LLC. We have bylaws to deal with people wanting out, but we intentionally make it very difficult (island llc gets 1st right of refusal, every member gets a right of refusal after that, and we must approve of any buyer). The idea is that it's an investment in utility, not in dollars. One bad person on the island could ruin everyone's experience, so we guard against that. We're going to be building next year, s…

Can you vote someone off the island?

Yes, but only one person per week. Should have it all to myself in 9 weeks if everything goes according to plan...

Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#117

Post by lutusp »

machbio wrote: post #107

With the Global Warming upon the Human Race, it will be stupid to buy the Islands which might not last forever... All the Islands that are available look like they might submerge within another 5 years.. paying those exuberant rates for islands is stupidity.. Look for Islands with a Hillview, that might work out..

> With the Global Warming upon the Human Race, it will be stupid to buy the Islands which might not last forever. All the Islands that are available look like they might submerge within another 5 years.

Not five years. Sea level rise at present is about 3 millimeters per year. Over five years that becomes 15 millimeters, or 1.5 centimeters, or about 1/2 inch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_sea_level_rise

"From 1950 to 2009, measurements show an average annual rise in sea level of 1.7 ± 0.3 mm per year, with satellite data showing a rise of 3.3 ± 0.4 mm per year from 1993 to 2009 ..."

This is not to diminish the seriousness of global warming, only to put it in perspective.

Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#118

Post by tynan »

southpaw1227 wrote: post #47

What process are you using for finances? A budget meeting to agree on what to chip in for future years and for what those monies go to? Did you all sign something already that talks about distribution plans if and when one of the group passes away? Any plans to enforce "no trespassing" when none of the group is there? Congrats, by the way!

Thanks! We have a bunch of rules to cover things like this.

Everyone is expecting to pitch in another $1000-2000 next year to build a communal yurt, battery bank, get a boat, etc.

We're told by locals that trespassing isn't a problem. We could put motion detectors / cameras if necessary, but I doubt it will be.

Thanks!

Re: My Friends and I Bought an Island

#119

Post by jessaustin »

hoopism wrote: post #53
jessaustin wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Unfortunately, the first structure in a remote location is often the first structure the local pyro has an opportunity to torch with no consequences. After losing a camper trailer (not on an island, but in a remote location) to this phenomenon, we've investigated more durable/securable structures but have been reluctant to invest in anything more permanent than tents.

One of these: http://www.junglehammock.com/ and a nice Kayak is your key to staying on any coastline or island. If there's nobody there... then nobody will mind. Ownership = headache.

Holy crap I hope those are nice. The cheapest hammock they offer costs several times the most expensive tent I've ever purchased. When I kayak camp I generally just bring a tarp and a self-inflating pad.
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