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28 Apr 2024
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Description
Hi Folks, we are Vanessa and Amanda, two sisters who are working together on our family Homestead in Alaska. Our land was established by our grandparents in the 1960's when they came to Alaska with their four young kids to live the pioneer life. This homestead is in a remote location near Denali State Park along the Alaska railroad-which is the only means of transportation to and from the nearest town. During the summer season the trains run five days per week, so, though isolated, there are many opportunities for volunteers to go to town by train and explore the nearby attractions. The unique situation of this homestead is the fact that the property itself is a tourist attraction for folks who are exploring Alaska by railroad. It is a historic site in full view of the trains as they go by, and in the past they have been known to stop to let people off to buy the books our grandmother has written that give an account of her experiences as a homesteader and mother in the 1960's and 70's. Nowadays, our grandparents no longer live or spend much time at the homestead since they need to be under the full time care of our aunt. This year we plan to bring the tourist attraction back to life by creating a valuable experience for folks who want to get off the train and tour the historic site.
The 2024 season will be full of big changes and new projects, and we hope you are willing to come be a part of the story as it unfolds!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learning opportunities include growing a garden and establishing perennials in the Alaskan climate, living as a modern homesteader in a remote location, creating value added farm products, food preservation, cooking on an antique wood cook stove, and becoming comfortable and confident in the wilderness setting.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Help
We will be needing help with general maintenance and upkeep of the property. These tasks include cutting down trees, clearing brush, hauling logs, driving tractors, chopping firewood, and mowing the grass. There will also be a vegetable garden to take care of, and some perennials that will need to be transplanted. Folks who have some experience with permaculture are especially welcome!
In addition to the gardening and landscaping roles, we are also looking for folks who have basic knowledge and some experience in carpentry and small engine repair to help us keep the buildings and equipment in good working condition.
Since this is an agri tourism business there will also be a good amount of interaction with the clientele. We are looking for someone who is outgoing and willing to share part of their day with folks who take a genuine interest in homesteading work!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Options for accommodation vary depending on the time of the season and the number of people on site at any given time. For those who prefer to have their own space, we can put you up in a tent with an air mattress close by to the house and facilities. If you are happy to share a room with others from time to time, the upstairs of the house is available as a common sleeping area. We will also be building platforms for canvas tents that can serve as accommodation for volunteers, but since we need help building them they might not be finished by the beginning of the season.
What else ...
This homestead is in a remote location on the Alaska Railroad- our closest neighbors are a mile away. The nearest town is Talkeetna and it's about an hour and a half by train. Talkeetna is one of the major tourist hubs in Alaska, with a vibrant restaurant scene, night life, and sightseeing opportunities. From Talkeetna, the drive to Denali State Park isn't far where there are plentiful hiking trails for those who love to explore the great outdoors. For the right candidate, we may be able to provide a vehicle to go exploring on days off.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can possibly accept pets
Happy to welcome folks with dogs who are good with other dogs and children.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
varies from day to day
