In 1982 Phil and Barb Nichols set out to actually accomplish what countless others, fed up with city life, have only contemplated–drop out of the rat race and move to the country. Thinking to one-day share the experience of their transition Phil kept a journal throughout most of 1982. Using this very real and sometimes visceral record of their property search, acquisition, and tumultuous first year at the homestead Phil attempts to paint an honest picture of what the reader might expect to encounter under similar circumstances. The lessons learned then are just as pertinent today for folks who are contemplating going back-to-the-land. The ounce of prevention herein if applied before the leap could save the unsuspecting many pounds of cure. This is a story of high hopes, near failure, and hard won success.