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Hello, I’m Jack. A British expat building off-grid in the Texas desert, taking on other adventures, and documenting the plans, progress, and lessons generally learned the hard way. It began with five acres of Southwest Texas desert and the entirely sensible decision to build an off-grid home on it. The land came without a house, water, power, or any particular interest in making the process straightforward. This is the story of what happens next.

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Articles

Wildlife

+3

In Search of Bats

Jun 26, 2026

•

3 min read

In Search of Bats

Austin once tried to get rid of the bats beneath Congress Avenue Bridge. Now people fly in from around the world to watch them leave.

Jack Opie
Jack Opie

Technology

+4

Would You Get Into a Taxi With Nobody Driving?

Jun 12, 2026

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3 min read

Would You Get Into a Taxi With Nobody Driving?

Austin offered me the chance to put my life in the hands of a driverless car. I said yes. Autonomously.

Jack Opie
Jack Opie

A British expat building off-grid in the Texas desert, plus travels, challenges, and lessons generally learned the hard way.

© 2026 A Brit Wild.
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