‘Flower power’ blooms in locally authored Y2K guide

While Y2K mania sweeps the nation, author and underground housing expert Mike Oehler lives a Y2K-compliant life in his underground, solar powered, wood-heated home in Boundary County.

In 1998, Oehler began furious research into the Y2K “millennium bug” and concluded it could have far-reaching impacts for our technological-based society. He turned his experiences and research into a new book, The Hippy Survival Guide to Y2K, out since February.

Oehler’s narrative and practical advice is peppered with his salty humor and philosophy holding true to the ’60s.

A back-to-the-lander hippy, Oehler has lived the self-sufficient life for more than 30 years. He insists a return to simplicity is necessary to sustain humankind, whether Y2K brings about massive changes or not.

This summer, Oehler plans to push his book, but come next Jan. 1., he plans to be safe at home in his underground haven in the woods.

The Hippy Survival Guide to Y2K is available at local bookstores, on the Web at the Sandpoint General Store, or by calling toll-free 1-800-880-3573.