Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Jan 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
43
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
I am 76 I was born in England, have lived in the Canadian wilderness for 40 years. I have built cabins alone. I am also an artist and a writer, and have had many books about my wilderness life published. I have hosted many volunteers over twenty-five years.
I have an off-grid house (that I built) surrounded by magnificent scenery, high mountains and many lakes. Work is all outdoors, gardening, basic carpentry, firewood, general maintenance.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
45 years ago I worked my way round the world before Workaway was invented. I empathize with like-minded travellers and we can learn from each other.
Help
Help is gardening, firewood, and carpentry. This is a remote area close to nature, and there are a lot of spectacular places to see. Season most years is late March to October or November. Both these times depend on how much snow is on the ground.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
In a cabin or yurt usually, but if the accommodation is crowded, a tent is used for overflow.
What else ...
It is not always possible to give volunteers half a days' work so I tell everyone to work half the time: in other words, work one day and take a day off; or work 4 days and take 4 days off. This is ideal for people who like to explore. Lots of hiking opportunities in spectacular mountains, and some wildlife viewing; notably bears in spring and fall.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Nothing gigantic, No room to turn round. But average size campers OK.
Can possibly accept pets
I have a dog and would be happy to host others as long as they are quiet and not dangerous to my neighbour's kids.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 9663757464b7
Feedback (15)
17 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Anja & Daniel) for host
We had an awesome time at Chris place! She taught us a lot about living here (including skills like chain sawing for firewood and building), the surrounding landscape, nature, local history... In the beginning we self-isolated for 2 weeks to prevent Covid spread, but the time flew by quickly, because you have so much nature around and things to do… read more
30 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Anja & Daniel)
Not a lot of experience at wilderness life, but they learned fast and had excellent ideas. Very hard working, too. They are extremely careful re the covid.
(Excellent
)
22 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Johannes & Franziska) for host
It was great to experience the life off-grid. We gained skills and experiences working with wood, but also weight because of the delicious food.
Nearby are some great spots to see.
Chris is an impressive and knowledged women and knows very specifically how she wants things to be done.
Nearby are some great spots to see.
Chris is an impressive and knowledged women and knows very specifically how she wants things to be done.
20 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Johannes & Franziska)
A bonus when people come with so many innovative skills. Wood tools, mechanicking, and good imagination. Come back any time.
(Excellent
)
20 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Mareike & Philipp)
Not natural wilderness lovers, but they tried and I think learned a lot. Very cute little dog!
(Very good
)
Photos
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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
17 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Anja & Daniel) for host
We had an awesome time at Chris place! She taught us a lot about living here (including skills like chain sawing for firewood and building), the surrounding landscape, nature, local history... In the beginning we self-isolated for 2 weeks to prevent Covid spread, but the time flew by quickly, because you have so much nature around and things to do… read more
30 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Anja & Daniel)
Not a lot of experience at wilderness life, but they learned fast and had excellent ideas. Very hard working, too. They are extremely careful re the covid.
(Excellent)
22 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Johannes & Franziska) for host
It was great to experience the life off-grid. We gained skills and experiences working with wood, but also weight because of the delicious food.
Nearby are some great spots to see.
Chris is an impressive and knowledged women and knows very specifically how she wants things to be done.
Nearby are some great spots to see.
Chris is an impressive and knowledged women and knows very specifically how she wants things to be done.
20 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Johannes & Franziska)
A bonus when people come with so many innovative skills. Wood tools, mechanicking, and good imagination. Come back any time.
(Excellent)
20 May 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Mareike & Philipp)
Not natural wilderness lovers, but they tried and I think learned a lot. Very cute little dog!
(Very good)
8 Apr 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Oliver & Clair)
Oli and Clair came to me at the point where the Covid-19 pandemic was shutting everything down. They obeyed my stringent isolation rules exactly. They had few tool and outdoor skills when they arrived, but they learned quickly and worked hard.. They remained cheerful under the isolation restrictions. They were fun to have around..
(Excellent)
9 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Judith & Matthias )
Judith and Matthias stayed a month to look after my dog while I was away. They also did a lot of clearing and burning brush to help make my place more fire-smart. (We have a lot of forest fires here.). They did an absolutely fantastic job. I wish they could have stayed longer.
(Excellent)
5 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kathy & Mark) for host
Thanks Chris for an excellent stay at your cabin. My husband Mark and I helped with chopping firewood, burning dead wood and brush for fire mitigation, and helping fill potholes on the long road to Chris's house after unusual torrential spring rains. Chris took us around sightseeing in Bella Coola which was really nice and educational. Her two… read more
17 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Kathy & Mark)
Kathy and Mark's time with me was short and sweet. Very hard workers, fitted right in. I wish they'd stayed longer.
(Excellent)
14 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (caitlinmarymcd) for host
Staying with Chris was my first workaway experience and she made it very enjoyable. It's hard work at times but Chris always makes sure you have enough down time to explore the beautiful Chilcotin and meet the lovely people. Even if you don't have your own transport Chris goes out of her way to make sure you get to experience as much as possible.… read more
12 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (caitlinmarymcd)
Few skills but she learned fast and is a great worker. Very pleasant person and easy to have around.
(Excellent)
20 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Dominik)
Fantastic. I have a wilderness place and he came complete with chain saw expertise, strength, and able to solve logistical problems. He is cheerful and interested in everything. He would be what I refer to as a super-volunteer. Thanks Dominik.
(Excellent)
20 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Hannah is an excellent helper. Very strong and prepared to work long hours. She has a few skills at beginner level such as carpentry and chain saw work - and is an excellent gardener, house tidier, and cleaner. She has a few food issues - only just discovered - so unless a host is used to this, or Hannah has access to a store that provides some… read more
(Very good)
23 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Friedemann)
Young, and had to learn a lot, but he was cheerful and willing at all times. He embraced life in the wilderness whole-heartedly - camping out in -9C temperatures to see the stars and so on. He has worked very hard for me and has been a pleasure to have around. I wish he could stay longer.
(Excellent)
23 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonas Bo)
Jonas had some difficulties with the isolation of my place - unfortunately he was the only volunteer I had for a month - but he worked very hard and uncomplainingly. He is quiet and tidy.
(Very good)
16 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jonas Bo) for host
Chris is a wonderful person she has a great sence of humor, and the stories she can tell about her traveling the world and the life she lived out in the wilderness are really amazing and worth listen to.
Chris is also a woman who likes her time alone, and when she wants her alone time, tou can sence it and you will know when it's time to go for a… read more
Chris is also a woman who likes her time alone, and when she wants her alone time, tou can sence it and you will know when it's time to go for a… read more
16 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Frédéric & Eve) for host
Exellent food, breathtaking view, lots of interesting story, what would want more? We've learn so much in our month with Chris: chainsawing, roofing and much more. But more importantly, we've learn about the reality of the people that truly lives their life out in the bush. Staying at Chris's place was a lot of hard work but it was all the more… read more
13 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Frédéric & Eve)
Fred and Eve came to me young and very green! But they listened to what I had to say and worked very, very hard. I hope they come back again some day.
(Excellent)
14 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Samuel & Irene) for host
We had a great experience working with Chris and our fellow volunteer comrades, Eve & Fred. Chris was a generous host, offering us a beautiful Yurt for sleeping and daily home-cooked meals (many of the ingredients coming from her own garden). Badger and Harry were wonderful and watchful canine companions that roamed the property.
We worked… read more
We worked… read more
13 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Samuel & Irene)
They were a bit out of their depth in the wilderness but they tried very hard and if they had stayed longer than 2 weeks, they would have learned a lot more.
(Good)
13 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Dora)
Average. Pleasant person, tidy worker, but unable to think outside the box. As I live in a wilderness situation this is essential.
(Good)
17 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ethan) for host
Chris's place was exactaly what we were after, a real experience that I will remember for life. She feed us extremely well and we were never hungry. She was very generous and showed us an impressive climb high up with a panoramic view of awesome mountain ranges. Thanks again Chris
13 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ethan)
Could not have been better! He and friend Logan Heath came already skilled at chain saw and mechanic work - they did wonders on my place and old vehicles. I cannot thank them enough.
(Excellent)
13 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Hendrik & Annemarie)
I could not have wished for better! Marien came already skilled as a very good carpenter and did fantastic work. Anna Marie actually ASKED if she could clean my house! Both worked very hard . I wish they could have stayed longer.
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jola & Darek) for host
Chris is amazing. She is a great source of information about wilderness . Her place is beautiful, full off great art , books and well organize.We only spent 2 days with her and we regret that but we were house sitting for her 3 weeks and had no problems. Her dogs were great companions for us. The area around is very beautiful, forest, lakes, lots… read more
10 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)
Tom had tons of energy and surprising carpentry skills, considering he had done very little before. He worked very well with the other volunteers and hated to be idle. He would always find something to do if I was too busy to organize him.Thenks, tom, for your great stay. Come again.
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
The month I spent with Chris went by all too quickly. She gave me the opperunity to learn some new skills and was easy going when I made mistakes! The chilcotin itself is an amazing place too with so much to see, I wish I could have stayed longer and seen more! Chris had some great friends as well who were all as interesting and fun to be around.… read more
24 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sanjey) for host
Chris was a great host. I learned a lot from my stay in the Chilcotin for sure, life here is quite different from a busy city life. The work and Chris's simple and yet tasty meals keeps one fit and healthy. I probably experienced more new things in the one month I stayed with Chris than I would have in several months back home. Harry and Badger… read more
21 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sanjey)
Sanjey was with me a month. He was a very willing worker, but had a lot to learn about my remote way of life! He has a delightful personality - very pleasant to talk to about a wide range of subjects. Good luck with your pilot training, Sanjey.
(Very good)
21 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexa)
Alexa was a lot of fun. She tackled unfamiliar tasks with panache! Please come again.
(Excellent)
26 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Myles & Jamie)
Myles, Jamie and Jordan were inexperienced in the bush but they learned to use a chainsaw and worked very well on next winter's wood supply. Once they knew what they were doing, they worked hard unsupervised. They left their accommodation in good shape (reasonably clean and so on.) However, they cut short the agreed time with me as they were… read more
(Very good)
6 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Jean)
Cheerful and quite handy. He did not always understand my English.
(Good)
6 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben)
I wish he could stay longer! He is quiet, creative, an imaginative carpenter. He has been with me for 5 weeks and done some great work.
(Excellent)
19 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Bruun88)
Lasse is hardworking and lots of fun. He has been marvellously helpful with the garden and some building projects. Thank you Lasse! Please come again!
(Excellent)
19 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Izaro )
Izaro is excellent! Lots of fun, hard working - and boy! can she dig the garden and split wood! You are welcome any time, Izaro.
(Excellent)
28 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah & Johannes)
Hannah and Johannes were working maniacs! They were falling trees for firewood. They would not take time off! Then the chainsaw broke (not their fault) so finally they agreed to take time off. Thank you very much!
(Excellent)
20 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Katie)
Katie was bubbly, enthusiastic, and a very hard worker. She was faced with carpentry work and professed little skill but was surprisingly good. She even managed to hit the nail on the head most of the time.
I wish she could have stayed longer.
I wish she could have stayed longer.
(Excellent)
20 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)
Mathew came to West Canada on his first trip ever from England, and his first workaway. He was not very strong or skilled, but worked tirelessly and uncomplainingly at the very dirty jobs I gave him to do. While he was with me, we got a lot done. Thankyou Matthew.
(Very good)
16 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host
Chris was an exceptional host. She took great attention to makesure I understood everything and went above and beyond for me on more than one occasion.
This is an experience unlike any other. The workcan be strenous and you are away from many of the luxuries you take for granted but that should be a reason to motivate you for workaway is to… read more
This is an experience unlike any other. The workcan be strenous and you are away from many of the luxuries you take for granted but that should be a reason to motivate you for workaway is to… read more
2 Jan 2014
Left by Workawayer (Craig) for host
Working with Chris at her homestead near Nimpo Lake BC was a real highlight of my six months in North America. If you're willing to work hard, and love rugged country with simple living, this will be a perfect opportunity for you to have a great experience and learn lots about yourself. I loved getting up each morning knowing that I would spend… read more
5 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Beix)
Nico's English is not always good but he is a happy, quiet, dedicated worker with good carpentry skills and has been very useful to me. I wish he would stay longer!
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2012
Left by Workawayer (Hugo) for host
Living here is quiet surprising. It's difficult (but possible) to be in more remote place. Even towns around your cabin-in-the-middle-of-nowhere are very small and far.
What I love here is not only to live in a wild place, it's also that you are out of consumer society and if you need something, the easiest way to get it is often to build (or to… read more
What I love here is not only to live in a wild place, it's also that you are out of consumer society and if you need something, the easiest way to get it is often to build (or to… read more
