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The Outsider - Living off grid for over fifty years
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- Опубліковано 21 бер 2023
- Del Harding lives his life away from most people with his dogs in an Irish rainforest on the shore of Lough Derg. Del wandered into Ireland in the late 1960's one of the hippy traveller types that was seeking space, Del never returned back to England.
This was one of my first documentary films, many challenges came my way, the main one being a lack of mains electricity to charge the camera batteries. Del had many tales to tell, I hope this short film showcases this extraordinary man living off grid for over fifty years.
My great grandmother live in a cottage with no gas or electricity. The toilet was emptied in a hole in the woods and cooking done on the fire and paraffin stoves in the porch. Lighting was paraffin lamps. She would get up at first light and sleep when it was dark. The woods provided the fuel for the fire. I spent most of my time there as a child watching the nature, catching toads and making camps. Happy memories free of the trappings of society.
Sound idyllic WB, as you say when you live closer to nature ie by the light and seasons, you become connected in a more fundamental way.
Bullshit.
Rats?
Most people lived like this in the past. I was brought up almost off grid but I didn't know at the time. It was normal.
To those who envy this life, it's a paradigm shift that most couldn't handle. Solitude is great for a while then slowly crushes you. You need a baseline to start from....where and why you're doing what you do....then go back to that if your mind darkens and you curl up into a ball.
I bought 14 acres of rank pasture in Cumbria, after experiencing an NDE. It took everything I had, but slowly over 20 years it's now woodland, orchard and willow. I lost my best friends of decades when I moved; I can only speculate as to why they severed the ties, even though I only moved 3½ hours north.
When people visit, they say how gorgeous my location is and how they'd have my life in an instant if they could. I smile wryly at the naiivity of those who romanticise it all. It's taken a third of my life to get here, and lack of money makes any progress like swimming through molasses. Leaving the land to sell my time for cash, means less time on my dreams. Entropy is a real thing - you have to start with temporary structures with little energy expended upon them, whilst you then work towards something longer lived. But when the environment works against you, resources get used up to patch and repair before you can get back to your tasks. And every year that passes, you get older and ask "are my dreams too big for the time and energy I have left?"
Bottom line - please don't romanticise leaving the rat race. It's 24/7/365 with few real breaks, to keep from going under. But I could never return to my former life, especially now seeing the unfolding dystopia. Make the best of what you have, or make the change. Life's shorter than you think.
It's also easier with the company of three dogs... 😻
@@ladynegretto4008❤️ I hear you, but dogs are family and are crazily expensive when it comes to medical care. Remember that line " a parent should never have to see their children die"? I couldn't bear to have something so close, faithful and short-lived in my life. And on principle I'd never feed them commercial or tinned meat or biscuits....it must be raw meat, offal and berries much like their ancestors. Good breath, teeth and coats from that, and healthy stools.
Del does have friends, but mainly spends his time alone with the dogs
So true, its day after days of keeping things working.
Do you think your NDE changed your outlook mainly for better or worse?
Many strive for a less stressful life, few will attain it. Many wouldn't survive as this man and others who choose to live "off grid" have done. Too fond of their trinkets and take aways. That's not what life is solely about, but few discover this. I admire people who manage to live in this fashion. Resilient, hardy, resourceful. I hope he continues to live without being harassed by anyone who seeks to find him and cause problems!
I write to Del, a few years on now, he is content despite the mad modern world that taps at his window, but without electricity, internet etc, the tap is feint.
@@solitude-filmswould enjoy a follow-up every now and again...
He has cigarettes, dog food, and I'll bet he has more than a couple of trinkets.
@@pearlsforheroes1639 Plenty of books and tools to repair boats with.
Yeah all the way through I was wondering how does he afford to keep so many dogs??
Solitude brings wisdom enlightenment and inner calm
It certainly does...
I've had the pleasure of meeting Del, and like you said a man of many many stories
I have a recording done after we stopped filming, opened a bottle of whiskey but left the record on...I mat well share it at some point, it's very good
Looking forward to it
God bless Del, a fine angler and wonderful human.
My cousin has lived off grid in Alaska since 1975, he is now 78 and has never used the internet
Proper off-gridder, sense the silence.
Wow
Great film.
All my best to Del, i read he lost a dog recently. I know how that feels.
Fascinating insight into a similar but different lifestyle.
Cheers!
Thanks BB.
There's no escaping the creation Del.
What a most beautiful part of the world you picked to live..
Was there 15/04/2023 beautiful.
Great insight into his life. I could easily watch him for hours fishing and just going about his daily life.
He has become one with nature! solitude brings enlightenment or madness or both!
you are so right, probably both!
I'd take both over city life which is certain death
Nothing better then being one with nature and living life like this great guy great insight too is life 👍👍👍
Excellent film I remember Matt Hayes filming with him I could watch him all night defo needs a part 2 👍
I've been living simple for almost 6 years. Its all I got at this point, so I don't see myself moving. i've created a really nice place and have put a lot of work into it. I have a big forest. I have tools, a truck, and have been very fortunate. I'm grateful. But I do not share it with much anyone because no one compatible has shown up. I'm really tired of it. Too much solitude.
I'm sorry to hear that YCU, I know Del has some great neighbours who keep an eye on him and he often drops into the local town, balance I guess is key. Solitude doesn't have to be a year on year experience.
Where
A gentle and generous life well lived. Cheers.
thanks Sean.
🙏 Respect 🪶🪶🪶
Blessings from Georgia USA
many thanks Golden Eagle, glad you enjoyed the film
Wonderful piece. Thank you 🙏
Thanks Grumpy, glad you enjoyed it.
It's not often you see anyone in harmony with himself and his surounding.
Thanks for sharing, appreciate it.
A pleasure TWW
He is certainly very fit . Lovely man.
Golden. Thank You. -Ingrid . San Francisco, California
Thanks for watching Ingrid
Just beautiful!
Thanks Georg.
Thank you for sharing this person's life and video. I live similar and close to 70 ,but have a phone .
Your a lucky man
Growing older does hold its worries.
What a gorgeous film on this man he knows more about how to live than the majority of people, happy with his lot in tune with life and what is going on, Bless Dell and his wonderful enlightening lifestyle.. Amazing film Thanks for sharing. Cheers. Andy .Scotland.
I have been friends with folks like this.
Some of the most enriched conversationist s and humorous and also really easily ticked off.
It's away of life and find it fascinating.
Thanks for a needed few minutes of tranquility.
Doug😎
Thanks Doug
You can hear how he really has kept himself to hiself at how his accent has no Irish in it still after 50 years of living in Ireland,that's amazing.
He sounds like Peter Cook ( Derek and Clive )
Estuarine Thames accent, never really leaves you.
@@mmwaashumslowww7167 he does! 😂
Great video and I'm envious of his peaceful way of life. God Bless you Sir.
Glad someone made this film as a piece of history but so important we leave people like this to be themselves. In the future maybe humans will return to nature. A small population of people, as part of nature, add to nature. Humans are not an aberration on the planet, the problem is there are too many with too many expectations. That is where we have gone wrong.
Thanks for your comments Matt, often people today do want it all, only to discover it doesn’t make them fulfilled , too much consumerism that offers little or no contentment
Stuff that works
Stuff that holds up
The kind of stuff you don't hang on the wall
Stuff that's real
Stuff you feel
The kind of stuff you reach for when you fall...
(Guy Clark)
Your a very lucky man mind,all that water to fish but I can see the fishing an the dogs are keeping you going,you live a wonderful life that's part of your believe an how we should all should be,no destruction but simple life surrounded by so much nature,I wish you well my man
Thanks for you words Ian.
What a fantastic film , a man in step with his surroundings
Thanks Chris
What a wonderful docu, many thanks. To those desperately wanting this.....the grass is always greener. Also you don't have to be 'off grid' at all. Just quiet and contemplative works where ever you are. Animals and growing plants help, nature heals but that isn't so far away from anyone these days really. Thankyou 👍
absolutely.
I love your dogs. ✨
Beautiful area, great house. What a story, thanks for sharing. My paternal ancestors came to the states from there. I think I wish I had been born there💙😏
Thanks Yvonne, it is a very peaceful place, in fact Ireland despite its troubles always seems quiet and well mannered.
My grandparents lived like that, learned a lot from them.
Indeed, everyone pretty much lived that way 100 years ago if you were in the country.
@@solitude-films they lived in the Netherlands, my granddad born in 1882 and grandma 1890. Oldschool people, made 5 sons and 4 daughters and never got stressed by anything. Granddad was poaching animals in the forrests at nighttimes risking getiing shot by the germans in ww2 but he didn't care. Word goes he got confronted a few times by patrolling germans and did away with them. He told me never to listen to politicians.
@@johan8724 Thanks for your words, and yes, never trust a politician, or anyone seeking power over others.
Really enjoyable. Beautifully made film. Thank you.
Thank you APC
Thank you for sharing this short with us!
No worries Kimberly, hope you enjoyed it.
Del is awesome... I'm 53 lived in cities all my live.. Now I'm going of grid. No phone no internet.. Scary.. But it will be good for the soul..
I wish you all the luck, remember humans are sociable creatures, be kind to yourself.
@@solitude-films Thank you.. I'm afraid.
You're going to be living my dream. I admit that I'm afraid of how i would cope on my own. Takes alot of courage, and no doubt some desperation. I hope you find all the inner strength you need to make a fulfilling and happy transition.
@@andydixon2980 Thanks Andy. You helped me feel a little better.
Greatest video ever! Great! Thank you. Please more!
Generous words, thank you Johnny.
great video loved the production beautifully shot and story well done sir thanks for putting this up essential viewing for fishing/boating/story of life classssssssssss
Hey, thanks Mike, appreciate the appreciation! N
What a wonderful documentary, thank you for doing this!
A REAL FREE MAN
Great Video...Wish there was More of this Ol' Boy
I'm working on it, more to follow.
Nearly scrolled past, thought, hang on is that Del Harding?? 🙂☘
I'm over on the burren and haven't seen him for a while .
Good film . Thanks
Thanks Marjorie for watching, he’s still good although he’s slowing down a bit
Lovely footage, artfully put together. Interesting life, thank you for bringing it to our attention 🙏
My pleasure Monica, glad you liked it.
Thank you for filming this special man, his dogs and the most beautiful forest I’ve ever seen. What a great steward Del is…❤❤❤
Thanks Earthling Here
excellent, thank you.
You can say a lot about this man - but being an angler is an honour.
Great film , first saw Del on Matt Hayes fishing programme , glad he’s still going
It was a chance meeting with Matt that eventually found my way to Del
Love this! More please.
I'm currently spending periods of time over a year in Normandie, shooting a similar character who has lived in a forest for over twenty five years. Sadly it won't be out until the end of 2023.
Thank you for this wonderful video. I am fascinated by people who choose this type of lifestyle. Just discovered your channel, and I am looking forward to exploring your other videos. New subscriber from California.
Hope that you do an Outsider II video. Del looks like a really interesting fellow that we could all learn a lot from. Would love to hear more of his story. 🌍 💙
Hi Nancy, there is a good chance I shall do a second film!
@@solitude-films good to hear, I enjoyed this video and listening to this gentleman. New subscriber too.
@@brianincanada148 Many thanks
Thanks for sharing,shared.
Great little documentary
Many thanks
Wow! This man is living LIFE. Who gives crap about all the Internet garbage that occupies humans with false imaginings, and false hopes. Thank-you for showing us a secret life. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
I totally agree Louise.
I have subscribed very deservidely this quality of film making should be supported, An amazing film, I would love to know more about Del and his lifestyle. Thank you so much again for sharing. Cheers. Andy. Scotland.
Thanks Andrew
Beautiful film Nick. Thank you for the journey.
Thanks Giles.
Remarkable man!
Quite a few people live like this in NZL,it will be away of surviving the coming crash and whatever else happens, I cannot wait to get back to the hills after a visit to the city,I go less and less now...
Those who will not use the brains and skills they have are no better off than those who have none. They are by their own choice subject to the will and control of those who would be their masters.
The wisdom of simplicity.
The luxury of efficiency.
Your life. Your choice.
Cool
Seagull outboard motor made in Poole!
Nice... Very nice...
Thank you.
Regards from S. Africa.
Many thanks Derius, good to hear from South Africa!
i cant believe this is one of your first documentaries! amazing work, your style and content are great
Generous words Jonathan, thank you. Few new films in the making, one with a similar off-grid story to tell, this time in France.
Some good points are made here. This synthetic world isn't doing us any good.
everything I dream about. wishing you the best.
There is just so much more potential here with this man and his life, we saw just a glimpse, a taster of hopefully what will result in more video footage?
There are, and potentially Outsider Il.
Excellent
Fantastic film :)
Thanks Sonmi
I have 4 acres of rural land, and 1 acre is woods. I often daydream of making a shack in the woods and living in it from time to time
Do it
Yes, just build it Alan.
Great documentary! Thank you. How old is he in the video?
Thanks Ralf, I think he was 73, this was back in 2019. We still write and he is fit and well, but with such a physical life he is slowing...not that he would ever admit it.
Great life fella iv been trying to do this for years and still haven't iv all the skills and more, but I get my chance in 2 weeks time, look after yourself!
Good luck Shaun, remember it's not a survival contest, enjoy it, breath it in.
Met this Gent once in Fishing Tackle Ireland. 😊 A tackle shop in Ennis.
Nice, Del loves a tackle shop!
@@solitude-films The Lads knew him! In fairness he was just in for a little bait.
Wow it’s beautiful
love an light
Love that intro guitar strumming
bought ferret kits of him 30 years ago , mad as a brush but a nice fella to deal with
Sounds like Del 🤣
And I wish I was living like him, even in Devon it's just so frantic and noisy now!
Ireland still keeps a sense of the old and there is certainly more green space to get lost in.
Amazing 😊
Thanks Orenda
His cottage looks amazing….dogs….land….would have loved to see more…is there an uncut version? 😀☺️👍🏻
There is more footage and I shall endeavour to look at an additional cut, Del is a man with many stories
I recently watched 'The Sailor' -Stash TV, this reminded me of that. I thought this a well made video.
I've just bookmarked it, i'll watch it later, looks interesting.
More Tales about the Conamara monster,please!
I'm seriously looking at Outsider II now.
Super 👍💚
Someone stated " solitary life is abnormal". I disagree, it can be done,buts its a rare individual who can cope and feel at peace with it,expecially if its "by choice ".
Interesting!
A really interesting man we write to each other on a regular basis, he never disappoints.
Nice Documentary, I wonder how He can afford petrol for the boat and he seems to know what's going on fishing wise in the Lake. At first thought this was about someone living on the penance island but a hardy spot to live all the same. It didn't show much by the way of how he lives in the winter. Looks like it was filmed in the summer with the swallows across the lake eating the midges. Was that Bream or Perch he was catching? Used to be thousands of people fished for them in the old days. Does he have a radio or flashlight or does he use lamps to get around at night. The summer in Ireland there's no need for electric light from 4am to 10pm so he'd be fine that way. How does he keep warm in the winter? Maybe he gets the fuel allowance and uses coal and gas to keep the place warm. Plenty of old timers like that when I was a boy living in Ireland not so much now. I must go fishing next time I'm back on the island.
My visit with Del was only for a few days one summer. Winter is a challenge from what Del said, but he has done it for a lifetime and he loves to sleep in. Del has worked in his life and now relies on a small state pension. Heat comes from the wood in the forest, no gas or coal. I know that Del likes to sleep outside in a medieval mud hut that he made, in the centre is a fire. The fish are roach/bream hybrids. I don't recall Del ever needing a flashlight, I guess he knows the layout like the back of his hand.
I miss my hippie house 5acre no power h20 but their was a laundry room and shower at our local gas station could buy smokes at 13yrs old and beer at 15 great time indeed.
And people had nothing and believed in America and community ❤
Adversity builds courage and strength and humanity.
but, yes, a great video.
And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul..
Would have liked a few basics asked like how does he feed himself, get fresh water, cook clean, those kind of things. good vibe though.
I hear you Johny, although all that off grid stuff can get a little dull when you have reincarnation and monsters to discuss. There is a spring in his woods, he eats food mainly cooked off an open fire, he does have a very meagre pension for buying food...and no energy bills to pay!
@@solitude-films Cheers for the reply
He sounds just like Alfie from peaky blinders 😂❤
I agree with the fishing rod thing. I love fishing but my best fishing rod is my 5 year olds little Spider-Man rod 😂 I’ve caught so many fish on that dinky little pole
Documentary maker and camera man has to do fish net duties all at the same time :)
Holding a camera and passing a landing net in a boat can be tricky.
I might be wrong...I saw me in him..and I would call it escapism ?
Quite humorous. He ridicules those who see apparitions but does exactly the same thing as they did with his explicative on reincarnation.
Off the grid does not produce enlightenment however his feel for the synergy of nature is important.
True Stewart, but after seeing 'something' Del did turn back a went another way!
Even when I walk I do so to not break even a single blade of grass ! ( Me... Every minute of every day )
I live in the area and know of this guy, but this docu doesn't tell us much. Like where is he from, how did he end up here, what has he done to earn money over the years etc etc.
Instead he is being asked about monsters.
Ha ha I was thinking the same. It's left more questions than answers watching Del. I enjoyed the visuals and guitar though.
The Outsider is a story about a man when men were men!
The statement concerning the large old trout, is a statement most humans have no idea what it really means or says about our planet. Most humans have never really made an effort to study the life of any living create. They do not realize that many creators do live their entire lives within a very small area.. as long as we or other predators don't kill them or run them off or over take their territory. Deer will live within a 1/4 mile of the place where they were born if they are allowed to.. have food and shelter... to survive there.. same with many animals that do not migrate.. and even migrating animals will choose the same places to go and return to... if not disturbed killed or deprived of their food and shelter. I've spent years watching particular species as well as particular individuals .. do just that! From hummingbirds that return each year after a 3,000 mile voyage South America for the winter.. and a return to SC year after year... raising their young to now take that same journey themselves. If we allow creators to carry this cycle out we will be fine.. if continue to disturb these cycles we will destroy ourselves and the planet!
A bit more about his previous life, current life future life etc would have been nice....a tad one dimensional for my liking.
Thanks for the comments Alan, in hindsight I would have approached things differently, also it was one of my first films, and we only had two days and we had never met before so I decided to tread carefully, let his stories come out, I may return next year and shoot Outsider II, we still write. 😉
As soon as he started talking he sounded sanctimonious.
Absolutely wonderful, the only saddest part,"" where once you've grown,learned, experienced, child,boyhood, youth, teenager, man etc and the individual time and fashions,,you have that experience and gut instinct, to try this kind of life,hopefully your complete body is at a peak,and that psychological, your family,relatives " doesn't enter your mind with worry,concerns" because as we all get older,physical, mental health,illness's must and do enter your mind of worry,concern,,and really you've escaped the rat race,but maybe psychological you are teased,tempted back to ,kind of safety,, because this man or woman will get to the point of,wanting to be safe,unless they're a'' 100%child of the forest"(you live,you die, end of) and I admire because like this man or woman? fashion/ rock music/(you are at your peak) and it looks absolutely wonderful and free, but sad when it starts to fade and go downhill,, because I feel? As I see and get older,, it appears the world,earth element's start to go against you,just as your age strength is waning,,but maybe with god our maker,,its kind of combined "
Amazing peaceful life adding in homesteading, meat rabbit , sheep , milk cow , essential equipment such as shotgun / 22magnum rifle / handgun , boat , plenty of ammunition , rotational fruit veggies gardens, seeds savings, survival gear , cast net , gill net , spear gun , fishing rod , plenty of hooks , fishing line & medical kit & a dog.😊
Not much chance Del has any firearms unless he can afford the license for each one. He does carry a knife and it looks like the Gardai must leave him alone.