The story started many years ago. We moved to Colorado in 93, within a year we were looking for land to build our Earthship. It took us 15 years, but it was worth the wait.

We got much of our initial inspiration years ago from watching Mike and Mrlice Shealy build their “ship” up there in the Black Forest. They not only helped us start on our journey, but Mike was the engineer who helped us design our “ship”, patiently taking our crazy ideas and turning them into the 9 pages of plans that got us our building permit. We recommend using the tirebales, which was Mike’s idea. If you want to know much more about “ships” and using tirebales check out his site - http://www.touchtheearthranch.com

We’ve been on a mission to see as many Earthships and variations “ships” as possible. They are too numerous to name, most here in Colorado. We even travelled down to Taos, and met Michael Reynolds. We rented one of his earthships in his “Greater World” development. We visited many others down there to see what we’d like, they all felt great. When we lived on Cape Cod we visited Malcolm Wells’, (the godfather of underground building) and saw the underground art gallery, that he had built for his wife. There are an amazing variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. The beautiful thing is that everyone of them, while different, worked and were a beautiful expression of the owners creativity.

One of the most creative and beautiful earthships that we have visited is the lovely one which our dear friends Laura and Santi built. Theirs is not only beautiful, but contains a large garden area where they grow much of their edible produce. Laura and Santi are our resident angels within a snowballs throw. They helped us find our land and have us unending support. They have shared their creative ideas, loving hearts, and have worked hard on our ship.

Another beautiful and elegent earthhouse was built by Rob and Shelly Blessing near westcliffe, CO. Rob is a very talented and creative builder which makes him the perfect person to build alternatives structures. He has performed magic on our ship, and has been very instrumental in us getting as far as we have.

Another ship friend is Mikee Gaillard. He’s also building a tirebale ship. He just got dried in, roof on, and glass installed. We’re envious, it’s looking good. Mikee’s been very helpful, and also has a website that you should check out - http://community.webshots.com/user/magranch

The great blessing of this journey is that we have met many incredible people and have seen many amazing “ships”.

Hopefully this site will be an inspiration for the flowering of your building creativity. Maybe a ship will be in your future.  :  )

Be well, be adventurous, and above all have fun,

Tony & Mary Lynn