We Are The Dog House Pirates
We are a crew of two humans and two dogs who live aboard a tiny 28-foot sailboat that we bought for cheap and fixed up ourselves. More recently, we became homesteaders in the high Sonoran desert, building a home with our own hands. We are doing things the unconventional way because we care about the environment and saving the little cash that we have.
The Crew
Peaches
She loves to cuddle and sunbathe but she’s also feisty and will set her boundaries. You can easily win her over with some treats though.
Tula
High-energy and derpy dog. She thinks she’s a tiny dog like her Ate (sister) Peaches. She loves saying hi and she loves exploring new beaches and dog parks.
Justin The First Mate
I have spent the past decade teaching math, computer science, and robotics to students of all ages. With a degree in Computer Science and a background in competition math (including qualifying for the AIME), I joined AoPS in 2021 as an instructor, teaching assistant, and software engineering intern. For me, math and CS are both about using creativity and logic to solve problems and sharing that excitement with students. Outside the classroom, I enjoy hiking, sailing, and spending time with my partner and our two dogs.
Bene The Skipper
I’m from a rural town in the Philippines called Tumauini, Isabela. I love learning languages and I can speak Ibanag, Tagalog, English, Korean, and Spanish. I immigrated to California when I was 10 years old and I have loved traveling since then. I solo traveled to South Korea, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Italy, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Greece, Croatia, and most states in mainland U.S. I served in the U.S. Navy as a Gas Turbine Engineer after high school and I’ve been living on boats since.
Welcome to Our Pirate Oasis
We are self-building a home in the high desert of the Sonora. With little money, no professional help, and few permits.
Finding a place in the United States that allows one to build a dream home one’s own way was the most difficult part. Once we found the perfect place, price, and policies, we jumped on it and bought land for cheap. Just like we did when we bought our boat.
Now, we have 10 acres of desert land to establish our dream homestead. We are taking the same pirate code that led our lives at sea and applying it to our new home. Building a self-reliant system cheaply is no easy feat. Stay updated on this crazy venture and subscribe below!
Our Humble Beginnings
Chapter 1: Why I Drained My Life Savings For a Sailboat as a Broke College Student
I know the title sounds ridiculous. A broke college student draining his savings for a sailboat? But by the end of this, I think you’ll understand why it wasn’t reckless but it was the first time I chose a life that actually felt like mine. Who I Am Hi, I’m Bene, Skipper of Dog House,…
Our Pirate Code
Simplicity
On a 28-foot boat, simplicity is survival. We’ve brought that “live small” mindset to the desert. When you carry less, you can see more.
Sustainability
Whether it’s a battery bank or a water tank, we know our limits. From the ocean to the desert, living in harmony with the elements keeps us alive.
self-Reliance
Out here, you fix your own problems. You learn your systems. You make do with what you have. Self‑reliance gives us confidence, freedom, and a deeper connection to our home.
Leave a Reply