36-hours in Animas
In early June, I covered a story for Dwell Magazine that left a lasting impression on me.
At the remarkable age of 85, Rod Rylander embarked on an ambitious project: purchasing 10 acres of remote New Mexico land to build an off-grid, solar-powered home on a modest $50,000 budget. His vision is to create a prototype that could inspire off-grid communities, artists, military veterans, and lower-income families.
I've always been fascinated by off-grid living, which feels worlds apart from modern life. In a time when the world seems to be at a critical point, the idea of living sustainably, in harmony with nature, holds a particular allure.
Before our meeting, Rod and I had a few phone conversations. He spoke about the remoteness of his location and graciously offered me a spot to camp on his property. With my kids on summer break, I saw the perfect opportunity for a father-son adventure and invited Tarajh to join me.
To my delight, he agreed.
Most of my previous assignments have been local, within familiar boundaries. But the thought of venturing into the unknown with my son stirred a protective instinct and a deep excitement for the experience ahead.
A few days later, we packed up and hit the road. After a five-hour drive, a quick pit stop, and a bumpy ride through the beautiful desert landscape, we arrived.
The heat was intense, and it easily felt like triple digits. Rod greeted us warmly, his presence gentle and his voice soft. Living alone in a trailer beside the construction site, he gave us a property tour. I was amazed by how much he had accomplished on his own. While many slow down at his age, Rod's sense of purpose keeps him moving forward.
I could feel his commitment and passion in every word as he spoke.
The heat was rough on Tarajh, so Rod quickly invited him into the trailer to relieve himself while I started photographing the site.
Rod and I continued to chat as I worked, and he walked me through the regenerative processes he planned for the home. He pointed out partially built areas, explaining how they would evolve: a self-sustaining koi pond feeding into a garden, an air conditioning system utilizing underground ducts to cool the air, and a plumbing system designed to flow with the land.
As I explored and captured the property, Rod paused to show me where a storm had damaged parts of the building. Undeterred, he was already at work rebuilding those areas.
As the sun began to set and the temperature cooled, Rod started preparing dinner while Tarajh and I readied the drone for flight. The day had been nothing short of incredible.
We ended the evening with a stunning bird's-eye view of the sunset, a shared meal, and an exchange of life stories with Rod.
The next day, we spent a few more hours capturing portraits of Rod.
Rod's life motto was simple but profound: "The less you have, the happier you'll be."
I'll carry the memories of Rod, his wisdom, and the unforgettable adventure I shared with Tarajh.
