Yes, like every homesteader, Berry is a bit of a LARPer. Even his sparse lifestyle relies on a lot of products and services developed in technological society. He's still a good read though.
I wouldn't call it LARPing if someone just figures out the life he wants to live and then does it for 90 some-odd years.
PS Its distilleries that are along the river and the land there is far too hilly to grow row crops.