Seventh Day Adventist

A New Kind of Independence
You have heard of off-grid houses, but did you know there is an off-grid town not far from Josephine County?
Forks of Salmon, California is a small community with 126 residents, located halfway between Arcata and Mt. Shasta. It got its name because it lies at the confluence of the north and south forks of the Salmon River. Part of Siskiyou County, the town boasts a small post office, a pioneer cemetery, and an elementary school.
The nearest gas station is an hour away. Be careful driving there because when you turn off Highway 96, the next part of the trip is a 10-mile single-lane road which has some blind corners, only a few guard rails, and frequent sheer rock cliffs on one side. But it is worth the trip. The natural beauty and views of the mountains are awe-inspiring.
Kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and hiking are available in abundance. If you visit on July 4, don’t miss the Independence Day parade. Local townsfolk rely on solar or hydroelectric power. Though isolated, they will not suffer from a power outage like us city people.
We can’t all become off-grid doomsday preppers, but the ability to be self-reliant and practical is encouraged in the Bible. “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty” (Proverbs 14.23 ESV).
Bible heroes like Jacob, Esau, Joseph, Elisha, and David grew up in the country without a lot of conveniences. They learned how to solve problems. This gave them confidence, and their developed mental and physical strength helped them to succeed in life.
Self-reliance and independence have their proper place. When balanced with trust in God, these qualities can enable us to enjoy life and be a blessing to others.