Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
3 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
66
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
At our hot springs here in the Coachella Valley we have natural hot mineral baths in rock-lined pools and a non-commercial hobby orchard, 100% organic, with 9 date palms, Jamaican plums and kumquat. Our date palms produce 7 varieties, and these are all for our own consumption and use, and for educating people about the science of cultivating phoenix dactylifera, in an impossibly harsh climate on poor soil.
Tasks include irrigation, pruning, picking, brush clearing, fertilizing, pollination, clean-up, trenching, house cleaning. We clean our soaking pools regularly, and we love to connect with folks who can operate a sewing machine, because we repair our date bags from insect damage. Electricians and carpenters are also appreciated.
Maximum stay negotiable, 4 days minimum for helpers arriving by public transportation. 3 rooms & 6 beds, 3 hours help per day required, usually in the early morning.
Shuttle from Greyhound in Indio or Flixbus in Palm Springs or Palm Springs airport. Year-round activities. We have bicycles but are not set up for kids or pets, and also have Wi-Fi. We are English speaking, and our kitchen has a no cooking with oil (frying) policy, but boiling & baking is fine, pre-packaged meat & canned fish are ok. International or out of state travelers. NO TOBACCO, alcohol or drugs. Internet access, we always have dates and bulk food items like rice, beans and lentils, but also apples, citrus, bananas, eggs, organic salad mix, pasta, potatoes, tomatoes, tortillas, bread, granola, herb tea, melons, avocados, carrots & such for our for our volunteers.
We are located in a very remote desert setting, 2 and a half hours east of Los Angeles, or 50 miles southeast of Palm Springs, situated on a hillside overlooking the Salton Sea, in the warmest winter climate in the western U.S.
Some hiking and cycling trails nearby and a massive snowy mountain range a little over an hour away. Our farm has natural hot mineral water that flows 16 gallons per minute at 124 degrees (51c), so we have both hot and cold bathing ponds, and also irrigate our palms with the same water.
8 months of pleasant weather (October-May) then 4 months of intense summer heat (June-September). We are about 90 minutes to Joshua Tree, 90 minutes to Anza Borrego & the same to the Imperial Sand Dunes. We also own 40 acres of desert wilderness in the San Jacinto Mountains, 5 miles off the Pacific Crest Trail and surrounded by the Indian Reservation, and it has natural caves, deep pools and waterfalls, so we trek there regularly from March through October with volunteers to maintain the trails, collect medicinal native plants and eradicate tamarisk shrubs...so serious backpackers are appreciated for these outings.
If you are interested in volunteering here with us, please complete your profile before contacting us, and that will increase your chances of us choosing you. But keep in mind that we receive a lot of inquiry so the more we know about you the better.
This is a very healthy warm dry desert climate, where viruses do not thrive.
If you think you have an allergy to bee stings, forget this place. Please, no vapers, e cigarettes or closet smokers.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My farm is one of the very few Workaway hosts that grows and produces fresh dates every summer, and the culture and care of date palm is a unique science indeed. The palms are also only a short distance from our natural hot and cold water sources and bathing pools.
We also have Jamaican plums.
Several times each week between tasks we take trips into the surrounding bio-region, and depending upon the time of year it could be pine forests in the mountains, palm groves in desert canyons, desolate beaches on the Colorado River, waterfalls in the local mountains, wild hot springs, oasis in the desert, Joshua Tree Park, Anza Borrego Park or the high cliffs at La Jolla beach. The local desert and mountains have a very diverse assortment of native plants that were used as food and medicine for thousands of years by the local indigenous population and I am well posted on this subject and know where to go.
The house also contains a large library of books and videos on subjects related to California, horticulture, pre-history, wilderness, psychology, the Pacific Crest Trail, botany, nutrition, healing, native cultures and California alternative cultures that pioneered natural living.
Help
Pond cleaning, irrigating fan palms, brush clearing, road repair, gardening, house cleaning, trail clearing, fruit harvest.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
3 private bedrooms with 6 beds, with shared kitchen in a 1800 square foot house.
What else ...
My hot springs is located in the Coachella Valley of the southern California desert about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Los Angeles, or 50 miles southeast of Palm Springs, just off highway 111, in the morning shadow of the Chocolate Mountains, overlooking the middle of the Salton Sea.
No pets but plenty of wild creatures about; deer, bighorn sheep, owls, hawks, bobcats, coyotes, turtles and fish in the canals, lizards, rabbits, quail northern desert iguanas.
This is a natural hot water source that flows out at 124 degrees (51c) that we use for bathing and irrigation, and we grow 5 varieties of dates, and a few other fruits. Health oriented, no tobacco, alcohol or drugs, we are not close to public transportation, but we fetch people at Flixbus, Greyhound in Indio or Palm Springs airport.
In bed by 10 pm and up by 6, the real attraction here is the natural world, with snowy desert peaks nearby, palm-lined canyons, empty desert canyons and very pleasant weather most of the year. We are 90 minutes from Joshua Tree and about the same to Anza Borrego, 35 minutes from Slab City and Salvation Mountain, 75 minutes to the sand dunes, and we have the warmest winter climate in the western United States.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
3hr per day 5 days a week
Host ref number: 137279565929
Feedback (33)
18 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mackenzie)
Kenzie was a really great volunteer at the farm here....we harvested dates, ripped out weeds, cleaned the irrigation pond and had great conversations about foreign destinations, she enjoyed our wilderness outing, and was super tidy.
I would recommend her to any other Workaway hosts on earth, and she will definitely be on time and ready for the… read more
I would recommend her to any other Workaway hosts on earth, and she will definitely be on time and ready for the… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mackenzie) for host
I had a great Workaway experience with Gordon! Everything was exactly how he described. We picked dates and sorted things around the property for 2-3 hours just after sunrise. We went to Indian Springs and did a hike there. I'd love to come back!
23 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha)
Hot summer days means 6 varieties of fresh dates on this farm, and
this years 10 week long harvest was a lot easier with Samantha's help
every day. Up bright and early her work performance, dedication and
pleasant personality are what Workaway is all about.
She also seriously appreciated our outings to the local wild places.
I welcome her back… read more
this years 10 week long harvest was a lot easier with Samantha's help
every day. Up bright and early her work performance, dedication and
pleasant personality are what Workaway is all about.
She also seriously appreciated our outings to the local wild places.
I welcome her back… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host
My experience at the date farm and hot springs was AMAZING!! Gordon was an amazing host and made my stay the best experience it could possibly be. I was there for two weeks in the month of August, 2023. The picking was fairly easy and you get used to the routine fairly fast. Not only was the work nice, but days we did not work Gordon took me on… read more
26 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
I have had a very good time staying with Gordon. We pollinated the flowers, planted trees, moved some rocks, and I now understand the whole process of date cultivation.
This is a very quiet place in the desert where you can relax by taking a bath in the hot springs.
We also did a lot of hiking as Gordon knows the best hiking trails in the area… read more
This is a very quiet place in the desert where you can relax by taking a bath in the hot springs.
We also did a lot of hiking as Gordon knows the best hiking trails in the area… read more
24 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
Julie is always on time and fully dedicated to every task at hand, very tidy and organized, really easy to communicate with, friendly and always appreciative. We rebuilt palm tree basins, pollinated the dates, trimmed the creosote bush, cleaned the swamp cooler, pulled weeds, fertilized flowers, moved thousands of rocks...and Julie sewed over 50… read more
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
18 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mackenzie)
Kenzie was a really great volunteer at the farm here....we harvested dates, ripped out weeds, cleaned the irrigation pond and had great conversations about foreign destinations, she enjoyed our wilderness outing, and was super tidy.
I would recommend her to any other Workaway hosts on earth, and she will definitely be on time and ready for the… read more
I would recommend her to any other Workaway hosts on earth, and she will definitely be on time and ready for the… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mackenzie) for host
I had a great Workaway experience with Gordon! Everything was exactly how he described. We picked dates and sorted things around the property for 2-3 hours just after sunrise. We went to Indian Springs and did a hike there. I'd love to come back!
23 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha)
Hot summer days means 6 varieties of fresh dates on this farm, and
this years 10 week long harvest was a lot easier with Samantha's help
every day. Up bright and early her work performance, dedication and
pleasant personality are what Workaway is all about.
She also seriously appreciated our outings to the local wild places.
I welcome her back… read more
this years 10 week long harvest was a lot easier with Samantha's help
every day. Up bright and early her work performance, dedication and
pleasant personality are what Workaway is all about.
She also seriously appreciated our outings to the local wild places.
I welcome her back… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host
My experience at the date farm and hot springs was AMAZING!! Gordon was an amazing host and made my stay the best experience it could possibly be. I was there for two weeks in the month of August, 2023. The picking was fairly easy and you get used to the routine fairly fast. Not only was the work nice, but days we did not work Gordon took me on… read more
26 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
I have had a very good time staying with Gordon. We pollinated the flowers, planted trees, moved some rocks, and I now understand the whole process of date cultivation.
This is a very quiet place in the desert where you can relax by taking a bath in the hot springs.
We also did a lot of hiking as Gordon knows the best hiking trails in the area… read more
This is a very quiet place in the desert where you can relax by taking a bath in the hot springs.
We also did a lot of hiking as Gordon knows the best hiking trails in the area… read more
24 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
Julie is always on time and fully dedicated to every task at hand, very tidy and organized, really easy to communicate with, friendly and always appreciative. We rebuilt palm tree basins, pollinated the dates, trimmed the creosote bush, cleaned the swamp cooler, pulled weeds, fertilized flowers, moved thousands of rocks...and Julie sewed over 50… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Evie) for host
I volunteered with Gordon for around ten days helping with his date harvest. He always made sure I was well fed, and felt safe. I learned a lot about dates and desert living. He’s lived an amazing life and has so many great stories to tell. When we finished working we would drive out to the mountains to escape the heat. I had a lot of fun, I got… read more
1 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Evie)
Date harvest lasts 10 weeks every year, and this summer we were fortunate to have Evie's help. We had to pick at 5:45 in the mornings, and keep the rhythm going, so she performed really well. Always on time and focused on the task at hand, adaptable and pleasant to chat with, any Workaway host would benefit by having her help. +++++
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Cody)
Hot summer mornings with hundreds of pounds of dates ripening, needing attention and consistency. Thankfully Cody was here to assist with the harvest. On time, eager and full-on committed to any task at hand, Cody is one of the best helpers we have had here in a long while. He is fit and ready to handle any volunteer task. +++++
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Cody) for host
My stay at Gordon’s farm was pretty chill. Five days a week we got up at 5 am and went and picked dates and afterwards sorted them by quality. The whole process was really easy and only took a few hours. Our two days off, Tuesday and Friday, Gordon took it upon himself to take us to the places in nature he’s identified as the best in his 17 years… read more
7 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Hunter)
With the long summer finally cooling down, October chores were the next to take on. So thankfully Hunter showed up and helped us harvest dates, sweep out the big irrigation pond, knock down the Palo Verde tree and stack brush to block the off-roader trails. With full attention and punctuality and a great sense of humor Hunter did these chores in… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Hunter) for host
Gordon is a fantastic teacher. I learned all about healthy eating, raw dieting, fasting, meditation, juicing, organics, and much more. I was looking for a place to settle my life for a minute with a healthy diet and sleep schedule as well as an interesting place to be. The farm provided both. Warm baths in the hot springs and hikes in the… read more
26 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alexandra) for host
I only stayed a short time with Gordon. My stay was during the spring, outside of date harvesting season, but I truly enjoyed my time with him and the other workawayer I shared my time with. The workload was light and enjoyable and consisted of weeding and watering. We spent many many hours chatting about everything under the sun, including… read more
30 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Keely)
Every year during date harvest the bees and other insects chew up our protective bags, so repairing them for re-use is critical, and this can only be done by someone skilled in sewing. Fortunate for us Keely came along to help us with this task, and what a great blessing it was. She is self contained and easy to feed, pleasant to be around and… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Keely) for host
I had a lovely stay at this farm. The natural hot springs under the stars were incredible. Gordon is a considerate, knowledgeable, and generous host who made time to take us on a beautiful hike in a palm oasis. Because I was visiting in the winter the main task I had was to mend up insect damage in date bags, so it was pretty relaxing work. The… read more
16 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
Staying at Gordon's place was a great experience for me. In the morning we did some work like watering the date palms, trimming his dates, cleaning his nice pool or cleaning the garage. Gordon is always open for a conversation and we visited some absolutely amazing places in his area together. I can definitely recommend this place.
Thanks Gordon!
Thanks Gordon!
16 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
With some seasonal high summer temps and some slowly ripening fruits, this past week has been a cool breeze thanks to Sophie's help. She has woken up bright and early every day and assisted with every task we have, kept the place clean, helped out with food preparation and shared her passion for Nature here on our California desert/mountain… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Allison & Corey)
It was one of those jobs we always looked to avoid...re-locating the fish from our big pond, back into the wild. But with Corey and Ally's help the job went incredibly smooth, and all of those fish have a smile on their faces somewhere in fresh water. Dedication is the word and these 2 Canadians pulled off every job we had with a smile on their… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Allison & Corey) for host
Gordon was the perfect host to get to know more about California! My partner and I stayed for 10 days.
We went on a few hiking trips which were amazing and we learned lots! The property was pretty interesting to us because we had never been to the desert! Comfy sleeping arrangements and a great library of books/movies/music!
We went on a few hiking trips which were amazing and we learned lots! The property was pretty interesting to us because we had never been to the desert! Comfy sleeping arrangements and a great library of books/movies/music!
16 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma was one of the most enthusiastic volunteers we have ever had here, and she knows and understands that work, adventure and exploration is something that can be combined into a lifestyle. Date harvest, hiking, reading and educational videos made this a fantastic summer with her here, and she went on to check out the rest of California and… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Yura & Nadia) for host
Dates Palm farm in the desert this is a great place where you can take a break from the fuss and noise big cities. For the one and a half weeks on the farm Gordon showed us a few parks and beautiful places. December - a great weather for hiking! 1 times in 2 days we take hot bath with mineral water under open sky. The work was not a lot and it was… read more
8 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Yura & Nadia)
Happy days are here again, and thanks to Yura and Nadia my web site is up and fixed again. Yeaa. And the combustible wood pile near the flammable building has been relocated to a free area in the open. We went to Borrego, Indian Canyons and Joshua Tree.
Around the world they travel, and things are better now on my farm. Cheers++++
Around the world they travel, and things are better now on my farm. Cheers++++
(Excellent
)
11 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Maelan) for host
Gordon is a lovely man
Thanks To him, I discovered a lot of fun places, camping spots, beautiful waterfalls, treckking.
With him we never gets bored !
It's an other lifestyle then street life.
Each Two days, we go on an other place and it's Always fun and he have a good pool To swim when you're hot.
If you want To discover Beautiful landscapes… read more
Thanks To him, I discovered a lot of fun places, camping spots, beautiful waterfalls, treckking.
With him we never gets bored !
It's an other lifestyle then street life.
Each Two days, we go on an other place and it's Always fun and he have a good pool To swim when you're hot.
If you want To discover Beautiful landscapes… read more
11 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Maelan)
Under the blazing hot desert skies comes a Frenchman named Maelan, who picked dates with us this summer, arriving exactly on schedule and dedicating himself to the harvest with serious enthusiasm. We also visited the big waterfall, Indian Canyons, the wild hot springs on the Pacific Crest Trail and the beach in San Diego....which he truly… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi)
Keeping the farm together was fun and easy with Naomi's help, because she greets each day with a frozen smile on her face. We managed to complete all of the farm chores and tasks and checked out the local scenes as well. Mostly I was delighted that someone who really appreciates this place was here to enjoy it.
I strongly encourage any other… read more
I strongly encourage any other… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Naomi) for host
My review comes super late - I am sorry Gordon. I spent one week in the chocolate mountains on your little farm. It was such a pleasant and different experience. Due to the off date season we hiked a lot through the sorrounding Canyons always looking for nice caves and water springs. We made it to salvation mountain, slab city, Palm Springs and… read more
1 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina)
I'm happy that Katharina enjoyed her time here on the farm and her work was xlnt and we would happily take her back again any time in the future. She enjoyed the wild places in the desert and was very tidy and organized here on the farm. Thank you so much for your help.
Cheers +++++
Cheers +++++
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host
I am very grateful that me and my friend Anna could stay one week at Gordon's farm, it was a great experience! We helped with repairing the date bags and cleaning the pool one time.
On our days off we visited amazing natural parks in the area. We got to see two oasis and the Painted Canyon. In the evenings we could take a warm bath in his… read more
On our days off we visited amazing natural parks in the area. We got to see two oasis and the Painted Canyon. In the evenings we could take a warm bath in his… read more
1 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
It was truly a pleasure having the assistance of Anna here for a week to work with repairing the date bags and helping out with farm chores. Hopefully she will pass through here again and return with her talents, and her appreciation for what we are all about here.
I recommend her to any other Workaway hosts, and you will be super satisfied with… read more
I recommend her to any other Workaway hosts, and you will be super satisfied with… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
The stay at Gordon's farm was a unique experience for me. I spent one week there with my friend Kathi during winter, we helped sewing the destroyed date bags from the previous season. Gordon was a very generous and helpful host, in our free time, he drove us to some "desert hot spots", like the Painted Canyons or the Anza-Borrego National Park… read more
25 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Vladimir)
For well over the past week here on the farm things have been really optimum, because of the assistance of one remarkable Workaway volunteer named Vladimir, who has performed every single task asked of him, with uncommon humility and dedication.
He loves nature and hiking and is even willing to do far more work that I ask of him. I hope to… read more
He loves nature and hiking and is even willing to do far more work that I ask of him. I hope to… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Vladimir) for host
I have spent at Gordon's place almost 2 weeks and I had a great time. It was end of December and not too much work in the garden. Simple maintenance around the house/garden. It is coldest part of the year and hot pool every night was pretty good. In US is a car almost necessary but here it was OK without it. Gordon loves hiking and he knows this… read more
24 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jacqueline) for host
I feel very fortunate that my fist experience through Workaway was with Gordon! He is a very knowledgable and interesting man who is also very caring and giving. Besides all the knowledge he provided us with all organic meals and took us on some amazing hikes to places there is no way I would ever have found without him. It was super hot in… read more
28 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacqueline)
It was a blistering hot August with my dates dripping honey by the hour, and our group was so fortunate to have Jacqueline show up for 11 days and assist with our harvest. She's a class act and is always on time, enjoyed our pools, food, social atmosphere and is a fast learner who was very eager to explore the local wilderness with us.
Any… read more
Any… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host
I spent almost 3 weeks at Gordon's farm and it was an amazing experience for me ! We usually get up early in the morning and picked the dates before it was to hot. After ,during the day you can relax in the pool or spend the day with others volunteers from different countries! But you can hike a lot with Gordon in beautiful places like San… read more
24 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)
It was blessed timing and good fortune for this years date harvest, to spend time and work with Benjamin. He was punctual, courteous, fluent, on time and optimistic. He knows how to handle slow time and also maintains a great rhythm with a group.
He's welcome back here and I hope to work with him again someday and I wish him well in his travels.… read more
He's welcome back here and I hope to work with him again someday and I wish him well in his travels.… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Elysia)
With our date flowers 4 weeks behind schedule Elysia waited patiently with me for mother nature to let loose with this summers harvest, so finally they began to pop during the last week. So in the mean time we planted a garden, seeded the carob, weeded the Bermuda Grass, fertilized the trees, cleaned the irrigation pond, watered the fan palms,… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Elysia) for host
Gordon was the first host I've had through workaway. The place was nice and eclectic. It's secluded and serene. The hot springs, stars, and mountains are memorable.
Gordon is a kind soul with vast amounts of generosity. I came in the off season, so the work load was minimal and he was very instructive. He holds lots of knowledge for 60's… read more
Gordon is a kind soul with vast amounts of generosity. I came in the off season, so the work load was minimal and he was very instructive. He holds lots of knowledge for 60's… read more
23 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia )
My people and I have been surfin this farm for 8 years and it's about time Olivia joined me & my homies to shred some waves. She burned the sea, ripped the mountains, fried the hot springs, sewed the date bags then decorated the porch. She was tidy, punctual, communicative, congenial & Canadian.
The desert will never forget her expedition… read more
The desert will never forget her expedition… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Olivia ) for host
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Gordon on his farm. He is full of knowledge for many different topics, which made for many interesting conversations. We went on plenty of hikes during my three week stay that I would never have found on my own. Gordon provided a high level of hospitality, as well as all healthy, (and… read more
14 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Once again we have been blessed on the farm here with a Workaway volunteer, because after 3 weeks of Sophie's help the place looks and feels so much better. She helped us sew the date bags and a giant pillow. We cleaned out our irrigation and swimming pool, painted artistic designs on the porch, and transformed the swamp cooler from a mess into a… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
Staying at Gordon's farm was an amazing experience. There wasn't much work to do with maintaining the date palms at that time of year, so instead we cleaned up several spots and got stuck into painting a mural on his porch. Gordon was so generous with his time and took us hiking at least two times a week - we got to see some amazing places that we… read more
10 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
People come and go but Anna really made a great connection with our desert and compared it with Morocco. She was clean, prompt, hard working and dedicated to our tasks. Most of all she loved the outings to local natural places. Any Workaway host would really benefit from her assistance and I highly recommend her to anyone.
~~~~Cheers~~~ +++++
~~~~Cheers~~~ +++++
(Excellent
)
9 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I spent one and a half weeks at Gordons place last year during my travel threw California and Arizona. As I was there in March, there was not too much work to do, so Gordon took me to some amazing hikes. He knows Southern California very well!
He taught me a lot about farming during the varied work we did together (like fertilizing the dates,… read more
He taught me a lot about farming during the varied work we did together (like fertilizing the dates,… read more
10 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Marc) for host
Travelling by bicycle and stopping for 3 days at Gordon's place, we had a great and relaxing time in the desert. The place is easily reachable but remote and quiet, with an amazing view on the mountains. We enjoyed many baths in the hot and cool pools, and at night under the many stars it's quite an experience! We worked a little and Gordon was… read more
14 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Brendan)
We were past our peak of date harvest this summer when Brendan arrived, but still needed an extra hand, so it was great to have him on board. The Swiss always look for mountains, so we took him there with on our day trips. His French was handy because our other volunteer was a guy from Belgium.
From Brendan I learned about the best deal on a new… read more
From Brendan I learned about the best deal on a new… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Brendan) for host
Only stayed a week at Gordon's farm, but I loved the stay. Although the area is very hot at that time of year, I enjoyed myself during the day chilling by the pool under the hot sun, getting to know Gordon and other volunteers. No hard work involved when I was around, it consisted in picking ( delicious) dates in the early morning, finishing… read more
3 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Levin)
This summer's date harvest (2015) was sure a lot easier with Levin's help. He was up bright and early to assist with the 3 hours of picking, sorting and packing, and whatever other chores needed attention.
Always dedicated to our projects and appreciating our mountain outings, plus very easy to get along with, I hope this farm sees more… read more
Always dedicated to our projects and appreciating our mountain outings, plus very easy to get along with, I hope this farm sees more… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Levin) for host
I spend two and a half great weeks at gordon's farm and I really enjoyed this experience. We usually get up early in the morning and picked the dates before it was to hot. So there was still enought time to relax in the pool and to watch movies.
We went to a lot of beautiful places in the Bernardino mountains and to Joshua Tree National Park.… read more
We went to a lot of beautiful places in the Bernardino mountains and to Joshua Tree National Park.… read more
16 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Rosalie)
The workload at the beginning of this years date harvest on July 1st was very light so less than 40 minutes per day picking for us workers, and on alternate days we went to the mountains. Besides picking dates Rosalie helped us trim the palms, burn brush, sew curtains, clean the big pool and deal with the outdoor ants. Her performance was good and… read more
(Good
)
13 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Rosalie) for host
I spent 12 days in July with Gordon and the experience was really nice. I learned to pick dates and a lot of other things about the american culture and the "desert lifestyle". The job is very nice and not that hard and after you have all your day free which is great because you can swim and enjoy the sun (you won't stay outside a lot during your… read more
27 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Vera) for host
I stayed with Gordon for a few days. Gordon is really nice and did everything to make me feel welcome in his house.
He lives in the desert and it is a great experience. Fresh fruit everyday and a pool where you can fresh up in whenever you like.
He showed me and the other helpers around and he even took us to the pacific crest trail. That… read more
He lives in the desert and it is a great experience. Fresh fruit everyday and a pool where you can fresh up in whenever you like.
He showed me and the other helpers around and he even took us to the pacific crest trail. That… read more
27 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Vera)
Vera really helped us out here on our organic farm with the date thinning, mulching, brush burning and great socializing. She was on time and dedicated to our tasks and would always be welcome here at our place in the future. ++++++
(Excellent
)
21 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Chris)
Chris helped us here for 5 days as a Workaway volunteer, performing ever task with efficiency and in a timely manner & a pleasant agreeable Kiwi attitude.
We thinned the dates, scraped the irrigation pond, swept the porch, hooked up the air conditioner, repaired the compost bin, computer work, road repair, cleaned out the swamp cooler and… read more
We thinned the dates, scraped the irrigation pond, swept the porch, hooked up the air conditioner, repaired the compost bin, computer work, road repair, cleaned out the swamp cooler and… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Chris) for host
I only stayed with Gordon for four days but during that time we did a wide variety of interesting work. We did most of the work in the morning before the day got too hot leaving the afternoons free for exploring. The desert environment was a great experience and there are plenty of interesting things to see nearby. I took trips up north to Andreas… read more
23 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Emilie) for host
I really enjoyed my 2,5 weeks stay on Gordon's farm! Gordon is a sensitive and friendly guy who knows a lot about plants, natural food and health. We talked about politics, society and the different cultures and I appreciated these interesting conversations. We went out for hikes in the mountains twice a week and I was able to see some beautiful… read more
23 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Emilie)
Mature and smart, Emilie is a conscious, multi-lingual woman who is on time and can handle any farm task. She helped us with weeding, access road repair, seeding carob pods, thinning the dates mulching, cleaning the house & pond. She holds a deep appreciation for the natural world of animals, insects, plants and wild places... and also shares… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)
Ben is a class act. Hardworking, responsible and with a high charged personality he helped us create some soaking pools with rocks and mortar, and this job required dedication, skill and strength, but he was certainly up for the task.
I would recommend him to any other Workaway hosts and rest assured that the job will be done right with his… read more
I would recommend him to any other Workaway hosts and rest assured that the job will be done right with his… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Janes) for host
I had a really really good time at Gordon’s place in the desert. I got up early every morning, then we fixed and painted the kitchen. I had lots of time every day for exploring the desert, relaxing or cool down in the pool. Gordon and I hiked to an amazing place in the San Bernardino Mountains, with a couple of hot springs. That was a pretty cool… read more
1 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Janes)
Janes was one of our 110% Workaway volunteers, performing ever task with efficiency and in a timely manner & with a pleasant agreeable attitude. We painted cabinets, doors & walls, and repaired our access road daily. He is a mature and smart, multi-lingual traveler who is always on time and can handle any task.... and shares fascinating stories… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Aug 2014
Left by Workawayer (George12591) for host
I very much enjoyed my 12 days working in the desert. Growing dates is both a science and an art that Gordon has mastered.
Gordon also has encyclopedic knowledge of California: soil, hydrology, botany, geology, etc. There was rarely a dull moment of conversation. We (another worker, myself, and Gordon) went on an excursion once every three days,… read more
Gordon also has encyclopedic knowledge of California: soil, hydrology, botany, geology, etc. There was rarely a dull moment of conversation. We (another worker, myself, and Gordon) went on an excursion once every three days,… read more
18 Jul 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (George12591)
George helped us out during our date harvest and did a fantastic job rising early and assisting us with picking, sorting and packing our fruits. He's punctual, focused, humorous and intelligent, and he gets along with others splendidly, and he enjoyed our outings to the mountains. I would recommend him to any other Workaway hosts because he's a… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Dec 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Bryn)
It was perfect timing for us to have Bryn show up during the holiday season, cleaning up our house, garage and fertilizing the date palms every day. The garage particularly was a mess, but now it looks amazing. Pleasant and easy to get along with Bryn was one our 110% Workaway volunteers, and I can only hope to connect with more like her in the… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Dec 2013
Left by Workawayer (Bryn) for host
Staying with Gordon on his farm was a wonderful experience and would love to return in the future for longer! Once the Palms had been fertilized at first light we set about the morning’s tasks. Due to the time of year and Gordon drawing on my strengths, we set about cleaning and organizing the house, shed & garages, a job difficult to find time… read more
22 Jun 2013
Left by Workawayer (pandaslow) for host
My friend and I enjoyed our stay at Gordon's immensely - Gordon's got loads of great knowledge about the Imperial Alley area as well as Southern California in general, we went to quite a few scenic spots in the surrounding area including creeks, canyons, gorgeous hot springs as well as Salvation Mountain. I learnt a lot about the process of… read more
20 Jun 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (pandaslow)
Yuen Sin and her friend Bex were a great team here on my desert farm, and we did everything from scraping the big pond to trimming the palms, thinning the dates, burning brush and pulling weeds. It is so wonderful to work with dedicated folks like them who love nature, and I look forward to having them both back again in the future someday.
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(Excellent
)
