The Lunasea group is "crazy" wonderful. There has been so much to experience so far. I am half way through the 2 week stay and I could easily stay here much longer. There are people who live on the farm, and then the other WWOOFers, all rotating through and contributing their character.
A group of brilliant college students from California (LA/San Diego), instantly became my new best friends. Trips to the river, exploring parts of Portland, on-going jokes while weeding in the gardens or campfire meals...all of these and more solidified the fact that you can make life-long friends wherever you want. They're the best! Such healthy laughter and discussions.
The work here is pretty much just like every where else, as weeding is the most demanding task of all. We have done transplanting and some animal care, the guys have split a lot of wood and everyone has shared a talent at some point while here. My favorite- cooking skills over the fire pit, and surprisingly tasty options in the all outdoor kitchen.
I have been able to adventure out to so many cool spots, including the hike up Neahkahnie Mountain that overlooks Manzanita and the coastline. I absolutely love the town as well and could totally see myself living here for a while. Cute places, beautiful landscape, and the people are all into the same eco-conscious community mindset. The first night I was here the Cali group and I drove up the coast to Astoria while the sun was setting. So beautiful. So lots already seen, but more to come. I know that there is a fishing day in the agenda and a separate beach visit. Ohhh yes and the night of the 4th will be memorable I'm sure, these friends love to celebrate all things- like the huge gathering of artistic and beautiful people on Wednesday for Hank's birthday. :)
I could actually write a whole journal's worth of things that have happened here and all of the hilarious comments or conversations. This is all completely priceless, the best adventure I could ask for right now. All smiles unless it's cold out! Gotta love all of these beautiful WWOOFers and farm folk.
Pictures soon.... Enjoy the glorious weekend!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
An In-between
The days spent in town here have been really great. Was able to finally go check out Smith and Bybee Lakes, thank you Matt, and saw many a cool creature as well as practiced my tactical sliding on muddy banks. And a look at a pretty awesome research lab on crabs! I went on a bike ride out around south Portland about 17 miles with Lucy on Thursday. Ate and stared in awe at Bob's Red Mill. (Yumm, and oh my what amazing amount of product there is...) Then today, friend Kirsten invited me to walk with her border collie and his friends along Washougal River followed by a great quiche for lunch with Richard as additional company. The two of them host amazing conversations and encouragement that I most thoroughly enjoyed. With Kirsten as my willing friendly coach, I will now have weekly assignments in photography to be shared with her. :) She is pushing me effectively into making some moves that will help get my career track in line. Love it.
Now some photos from the last farm and my activities.....
Now some photos from the last farm and my activities.....
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| Mr. Salamander, one of several in the pond |
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| Cool teeny frog |
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| Smells wonderful |
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| Belinda! |
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| My own graft |
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| Pretty Ollie |
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| Very funny Keiran (sp?) |
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| Love these two |
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| Dog Mountain hike |
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| These damsel flies and dragonflies were all over |
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| Tons of baby catfish |
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| Nest right at eye level, shows how rare it is to have company out there |
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| 4 turtles on this cute log |
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| GF bread, mine tastes better than theirs and it's the same mix haha |
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| Young robins waiting for snacks |
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Acknowledgements and Parting Words
So I am now back in suburban Portland, taking several days off before I plunge myself into the off-the-grid wonder known as Lunasea Gardens. I will recap on the events and experience of the last part of my stay with Andee and Chris at Cascadia Chestnuts here first...
As I continued to work on the garden and various weeding projects, Andee was there to make sure I didnt work over the time requirement per week. She really believes in spoiling her workers. She would tell me in the afternoon of nearly every day either "you work too hard" or "you've been working a lot of hours today, you've got to be passed your quota by now" and then the last day... "Jaida I mean it, stop working!" Haha so I gave in, but really the weeds in the patio or around the house were just calling me to tend to them... And she was not happy when I came to her beaming about having cleaned the floors in the camper on my departure day. Funny.
I did manage to learn about grafting the chestnut trees two different ways. Chris took me around and talked me through several scenarios, and then I was able to execute my own graft. We'll know if that is successful in about 2 weeks, he said he'll let me know. He also said he thinks it has a 75% success rate, given the average is 50% I think I'm doin' pretty well. Then again his own success rate is at 95%...
I took many pics in the chicken yard and more of the beautiful flowers and interesting tadpoles. Then I ventured on the 7 mile hike of Dog Mountain on the Columbia River Gorge, upon invitation from a friend made here last summer. The elevation gain was ~2700 feet. (!!!) In 2 hours we were at the summit, the trail was approx 3.3 miles up. I think in honesty, that was the most physically demanding exercise I have ever encountered. Rough for thinking I was in shape this whole time...my legs are still healthily sore after 3 days. However, it was all wonderful, not in a hurry for another, but it was not regretted. Jessica and Holly were great trail buddies and didnt make me feel too bad about lagging behind. Their dogs are awesome and hilarious and that made it better. Now back to the hosts...
I will miss the company of these folks and their beautiful sweet Ollie. And that peculiar chicken. We agreed to be in contact about harvest time, and most definitely a little laid-back crabbing with them in September if they make time. :) To top it off, these sweet people who made a point of not celebrating holidays or birthdays of their own, left me with a birthday card which I promised to save for July. Man I love them for being such gracious hosts and priceless friends.
I will be updating once more, shortly, before I depart for Nehalem on Saturday. I will be out of cell range and internet connection completely, unless I go into town. So my updates following that will be very thorough I am sure.
As I continued to work on the garden and various weeding projects, Andee was there to make sure I didnt work over the time requirement per week. She really believes in spoiling her workers. She would tell me in the afternoon of nearly every day either "you work too hard" or "you've been working a lot of hours today, you've got to be passed your quota by now" and then the last day... "Jaida I mean it, stop working!" Haha so I gave in, but really the weeds in the patio or around the house were just calling me to tend to them... And she was not happy when I came to her beaming about having cleaned the floors in the camper on my departure day. Funny.
I did manage to learn about grafting the chestnut trees two different ways. Chris took me around and talked me through several scenarios, and then I was able to execute my own graft. We'll know if that is successful in about 2 weeks, he said he'll let me know. He also said he thinks it has a 75% success rate, given the average is 50% I think I'm doin' pretty well. Then again his own success rate is at 95%...
I took many pics in the chicken yard and more of the beautiful flowers and interesting tadpoles. Then I ventured on the 7 mile hike of Dog Mountain on the Columbia River Gorge, upon invitation from a friend made here last summer. The elevation gain was ~2700 feet. (!!!) In 2 hours we were at the summit, the trail was approx 3.3 miles up. I think in honesty, that was the most physically demanding exercise I have ever encountered. Rough for thinking I was in shape this whole time...my legs are still healthily sore after 3 days. However, it was all wonderful, not in a hurry for another, but it was not regretted. Jessica and Holly were great trail buddies and didnt make me feel too bad about lagging behind. Their dogs are awesome and hilarious and that made it better. Now back to the hosts...
I will miss the company of these folks and their beautiful sweet Ollie. And that peculiar chicken. We agreed to be in contact about harvest time, and most definitely a little laid-back crabbing with them in September if they make time. :) To top it off, these sweet people who made a point of not celebrating holidays or birthdays of their own, left me with a birthday card which I promised to save for July. Man I love them for being such gracious hosts and priceless friends.
I will be updating once more, shortly, before I depart for Nehalem on Saturday. I will be out of cell range and internet connection completely, unless I go into town. So my updates following that will be very thorough I am sure.
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Portland Pictures
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| Andee is amazing. I was thinking basic items and she went all out! |
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| Really cozy! Nice space |
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| I think I could manage in a camper for a long time. |
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| little firepit too, but its been so rainy I havent used it yet |
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| great house, great property |
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| the beautiful chestnut trees |
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| Main source of compost is old mushroom blocks, so they just keep growing |
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| Happy :) |
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| Amazing market selection |
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| Haha, Tito following Anthony and Chris around the farm |
Nutrient Rich
And by nutrient rich, I'm talking about all aspects; from the physical make up of the soil here, to my experiences and growth.
These hosts here at Cascadia Chestnuts have been really awesome. Andee and Chris are knowledgeable and always committed to having me get what I need or want from the time I have available here. They have both lived on this land for over 20 years and have lived in Oregon, as a whole, much longer. Andee keeps busy at a part time nursing job and when she's not doing that she is focusing her time on the 40 chickens and their fantastic yard, or making my stay more comfortable (if that's possible). Chris is out amongst his chestnut orchard everyday either checking up on the growth or watching out for any threat at this young production stage or grafting different varieties.
What I have been working on mostly is clearing spaces in the garden with heavy weeding, or thinning young veggies. Also, the many raspberry and blueberry bushes require some care and every time I am out there one particular Rhode Island Red claims me as her companion. She gets right next to me and eats the goodies I'm digging up while weeding, then I find myself having conversations with her and I question my sanity on occasion. She's funny though, she'll let me pet her and push her out of the way when I need the space, then she'll sit on my boots and watch for a while. Haha yeah...my entertainment. (I've named her Belinda) The apples have been thinned considerably, the thistles and morning glory vines have been cleared out around them too. And they have tons of huckleberries here, that they use mostly for ornamentation! I told them how lucky they were to not fight for a berry picking spot every year.
The dog here is Ollie. She is adorable, and hilarious. A big chocolate labradoodle. Her face is beautiful, I'll get a picture up sometime. She loves the attention and has once pushed me over so she could sleep on my legs. Sometimes there are guest dogs here for sitting and they've been fun. At dinner in the house, Chris and Andee will tell me about their fascinating, detailed travels to Turkey and France and Morocco. They have gone all over the place for fun, but also to attend Chestnut Grower's conferences. Chris has an extensive knowledge about all things related and is considered the expert on certain diseases related to the crop. He took me to a friend's farm yesterday, who provides ingredients to many gourmet places in Portland and used to be the main grower for Cascadian Farms berries, where we toured the property and he inspected this person's chestnuts for issues.
I have taken a few adventures here and there to little towns and attended the Portland State Farmer's Market, which is magnificent to say the least. He bought me the best-tasting Gluten Free/Vegan cinnamon roll and cupcake I've tasted. I felt so meshed with the community in that outing, there is no doubt that I will do perfectly fine moving here. I felt inspired and driven to keep pursuing my goal of living here long term. New Season's Market here is a brilliant organization and I am in the process of filling all of the application requirements. My hosts also have been providing produce for them for the 12 years they have been open, so I'll get a killer reference when needed.
And for those who have not heard, since I have been down here the last 3.5 weeks I have been gaining my immune system back and have been overcoming my food allergies. Straight dairy, via yogurt, has not been successful, but soy use in foods has been fine and small gluten exposure has been ok, along with cheeses. :) This makes me very happy, and I am clearly gaining my weight back. Now I'll let you gaze at some pictures I have so far, could talk forever, but I'll rest now. :)
These hosts here at Cascadia Chestnuts have been really awesome. Andee and Chris are knowledgeable and always committed to having me get what I need or want from the time I have available here. They have both lived on this land for over 20 years and have lived in Oregon, as a whole, much longer. Andee keeps busy at a part time nursing job and when she's not doing that she is focusing her time on the 40 chickens and their fantastic yard, or making my stay more comfortable (if that's possible). Chris is out amongst his chestnut orchard everyday either checking up on the growth or watching out for any threat at this young production stage or grafting different varieties.
What I have been working on mostly is clearing spaces in the garden with heavy weeding, or thinning young veggies. Also, the many raspberry and blueberry bushes require some care and every time I am out there one particular Rhode Island Red claims me as her companion. She gets right next to me and eats the goodies I'm digging up while weeding, then I find myself having conversations with her and I question my sanity on occasion. She's funny though, she'll let me pet her and push her out of the way when I need the space, then she'll sit on my boots and watch for a while. Haha yeah...my entertainment. (I've named her Belinda) The apples have been thinned considerably, the thistles and morning glory vines have been cleared out around them too. And they have tons of huckleberries here, that they use mostly for ornamentation! I told them how lucky they were to not fight for a berry picking spot every year.
The dog here is Ollie. She is adorable, and hilarious. A big chocolate labradoodle. Her face is beautiful, I'll get a picture up sometime. She loves the attention and has once pushed me over so she could sleep on my legs. Sometimes there are guest dogs here for sitting and they've been fun. At dinner in the house, Chris and Andee will tell me about their fascinating, detailed travels to Turkey and France and Morocco. They have gone all over the place for fun, but also to attend Chestnut Grower's conferences. Chris has an extensive knowledge about all things related and is considered the expert on certain diseases related to the crop. He took me to a friend's farm yesterday, who provides ingredients to many gourmet places in Portland and used to be the main grower for Cascadian Farms berries, where we toured the property and he inspected this person's chestnuts for issues.
I have taken a few adventures here and there to little towns and attended the Portland State Farmer's Market, which is magnificent to say the least. He bought me the best-tasting Gluten Free/Vegan cinnamon roll and cupcake I've tasted. I felt so meshed with the community in that outing, there is no doubt that I will do perfectly fine moving here. I felt inspired and driven to keep pursuing my goal of living here long term. New Season's Market here is a brilliant organization and I am in the process of filling all of the application requirements. My hosts also have been providing produce for them for the 12 years they have been open, so I'll get a killer reference when needed.
And for those who have not heard, since I have been down here the last 3.5 weeks I have been gaining my immune system back and have been overcoming my food allergies. Straight dairy, via yogurt, has not been successful, but soy use in foods has been fine and small gluten exposure has been ok, along with cheeses. :) This makes me very happy, and I am clearly gaining my weight back. Now I'll let you gaze at some pictures I have so far, could talk forever, but I'll rest now. :)
"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." -Seneca
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Round 2 Pictures
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| The group. |
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| Love it! :) |
Thunderstorm with hail (Above and Left)
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| Mae |
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| Tasting Room |
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| From Left: David, Robert, Felix and Fletcher |
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| Mr. Loki (always spelled diff) |
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| Spanish Marcona Almonds and green tea at The Horse Radish |
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| Jersey girls following me up the fence line on my walk |
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| The arrangements for wine weekend |
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| Ducks trying to sneak in the back way |
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| The sweet brotherly love. Actually sleep like that with the arm around :) |
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