Prairies, lakes and plains in SE Colorado, USA

United States

Favourited 719 times

Host rating
Feedback
35
Last activity
20/07/2021
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 1 day
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Availability

2021

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What's this?

Details

Description
We have the usual animal routines.... feeding, watering and caring for the goats ( all 6 named and oh so cute ), horse, Zebu cow and Holstein calf, dogs and birds.
We continue fencing projects to increase the acreage they can access we are painting internal walls of the house.
Permaculture gardening practices... ongoing needs out there include weed whacking and moving stuff.... spring planting....there's always something to be done.....
Two people would be fine if the skills are spread across both.
Plenty of recreation in the area: bicycles, tennis courts, frisbee golf, lakes and boats available nearby.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can learn new tool skills- animal husbandry- small town headaches :( and positives :)
and about the rural mid-west; this is a Colorado lifestyle.
Help
Just bring a flexible attitude- things can go wrong, especially with animals.
All the skills will be taught to you if you haven't done them before.
I will provide all the stuff you will need ( ear/ eye protection, gloves, tools etc ).
Help is mainly taking care of the property and animals.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
In your own trailer or In my trailer with power, chemical toilet and bottled water.... too cold at present to run through pipes. Heater and cooking facilities; socially distancing possibly healthier until vaccines abound.
What else ...
The house is clean and tidy- there are no indoor animals- property is 7 acres- this is a small rural community in SE Colorado- town within walking distance.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Bring a booster so you can access from your residence.
Space for parking camper vans
30 amp service. Water alongside but may not be hose compatible in winter temperatures. Have your own toilet set up ( composting, tent etc ) or I have a chemical toilet you can use.( dump outlet on driveway ) You could shower up in the house. You will need a heating arrangement in van; lots of firewood available ( sometimes an open fire ban in effect )
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (35)

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)

26/06/2021

Left by Workawayer (Lauren & Nergis) for host

Absolutely the experience of a lifetime. Gillian was quite wonderful, and taught me useful skills. She really pushed me to my best and I am forever grateful. The animals are super sweet and I absolutely love them. It was my first work away experience and it definitely was one of my favorite travels so far. Such a beautiful home. Going to miss… read more

(Excellent )

14/01/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Ethan & Claire)

I would highly recommend this couple for anyone needing to get things done !! Both are quick learners AND conscientious about what they do . In their week here Claire started my greenhouse mural, organised my bike shed, helped re roof a shelter, dealt with animals, including help trim hooves, as well as many moving jobs. Ethan helped with animals,… read more

(Excellent )

12/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Roxane) for host

Gillian was my first host ever and she has set the bars way too high since. Lol. She's wonderful as a person, a host, a teacher, a traveler, and a guardian. She taught me all practical skills that I needed to know to survive if I ever got stranded in an island or a forest. Coming from a professional/city life settings, I'm thankful to have met and… read more

(Excellent )

30/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Roxane)

Roxane is happy and helpful. It is overwhelming to come to an animal space and jump in to give assistance, and every day she jumped in to learn more and subsequently to help more. I can recommend having Roxane help out with your projects.

(Excellent )

30/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Cassandra) for host

I had a great time completing my first workaway at Gillian's place! I came with little to no skills to offer, and left having done so many things and having learned so many new skills! I absolutely loved helping Gillian care for her farm, my favorite including her two gorgeous horses, her funny black goat, and all of her sweet dogs. The experience… read more

(Excellent )

30/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Cassandra)

She is true to her profile.... and happy to help. Cassie helped burn weeds, cut hooves, move large whiteware, socialised with locals, assisted the demolition of a shed & lawn care for an elderly resident, jumped in with the animal chores and inside took turns to cook. She learned quickly so was helpful from the outset for her short 4 day stay. I… read more

(Excellent )

20/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mary) for host

I had planned for a couple weeks stay with Gillian but we both agreed that I would move on after our first work day together. Gillian is a lovely person, but we have quite different personalities and communication styles. Additionally, I am sensitive to chemicals and odors and I was uncomfortable with Gillian's practice of burning trash on her… read more

(Neutral )

11/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Mary)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Neutral )

05/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Taylor)

I personally liked Taylor and I thought he did some excellent work while he was here, especially painting ... I think it is a job he could enjoy immensely and have as a career. His stay here was shortened due to poor social interaction which for some hosts might not be an issue. We however have a lot of people pass through here hosting summer… read more

(Neutral )

08/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Christo & Gabrielle)

Christo and Gabby bring great attributes with them .... it was lovely to share this short period in their journey west and into adulthood on their terms. Both are great conversationalists, and both try hard on tasks. Very responsible cleaning up after themselves in the house and out working on projects; kitchen and tools put back in place. They… read more

(Very good )

28/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Kiah) for host

Gillian was amazing, so willing and patient to teach me how to do anything and everything I wanted to do. Looking forward to visiting again.

(Excellent )

24/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Kiah)

Kiah easily is one of the best helpers I've had the pleasure to work with; she is a fast learner, energetic, creative and willing to go beyond the call of duty. With a very infectious laugh and smile, there is great conversation and the work lightened by her joie de vivre.
If one is lucky she also excels in the kitchen with wonderful banana bread… read more

(Excellent )

27/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Paul)

Paul brings a lot of skills with construction, house remodelling and thinking along non-conventional lines; he also carried tools ready to tackle any job. He already had experience in hosting so was a huge asset in my planning and design. After work Paul explored the Arkansas valley quite extensively - he can quite possibly tell you every soda… read more

(Excellent )

25/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Paul) for host

I found the prairies of southeast Colorado a very welcoming environment to stop for a while. Gillian has an interesting property on the edge of town with dogs, horses, goats, and a variety of birds that roam freely about the compound. Of the birds, I have to give kudos to the pack of five pheasants who cover a lot of ground during the day and just… read more out of nowhere pass by with their odd and old-timey cranking horn call. The horses and goats are very friendly and approachable.

The property consists of a house and several outbuildings with very nicely landscaped grounds. At eight in the morning the feeding routine starts. It's actually quite entertaining, especially the birds, as they mostly roam freely. The brave chickens try to dart in and grab hunks of barley before their turn, the geese honk at you from a distance, and the big turkey can't figure out if you're friend or foe. But it's ok, after they get to know you a few of them get closer and will even eat out of your hand if you care to give it a try. Make sure you wear gloves as the turkey darts in and snaps the food hard and the geese don't have good aim - or maybe fingers are tasty to them!

After that's settled then it's time to do about a half day work on various projects around the place. In this kind of environment there's always a ton of things that need upkeep and improvement, so anyone with just a little motivation can be productive at something. Gillian is pretty handy, too, and will work with you and maybe even teach you a new skill or bring out one you didn't know you had. If you've got the experience already, she likes to work together to either give a hand or learn something new herself; or sometimes just leave you to your own devices. It's a very flexible work environment.

She mostly sticks to finishing up for the day by two so it gives you a good bit of free time in the afternoon. Sometimes I'd try to work later being already engrossed in a project, but she insists on being diverse and getting out and seeing what the area has to offer. The town is small and has a few things in walking distance, and a nice cycle can get you past a couple lakes and a few farms. If you do have a vehicle, it is pleasant driving around the farms, lakes and other towns further out the area. The gas station on the main highway has a nicely tuned fountain soda machine that I found quite addicting! The evenings at the house are quiet and laid back so you can do your own thing or engage with Gillian in conversation. She likes to talk and is worldly and well traveled so there is always a topic for discussion.

In all this was a very positive experience; I got to wrap up or get started with some of the projects that will help in hosting next season's travelers to her area, and I got to learn a bit more about a small farm life and interacting with those animals. I think there is something here for anyone who has an interest in learning about, or immersing oneself in, this type of environment.

(Excellent )

27/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (leon)

Leon came with experience with building tools to enable us to jump in on two major construction projects. I'd been waiting for this kind of help; Leon had the right skills. Leon certainly improved our situation here with his labour. We are grateful; Josh especially :)
I hope Leons time here added to his arsenal of knowledge in putting things… read more

(Excellent )

12/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (leon) for host

my stay with gillian was wonderful I learned a lot about construction and carpentry work. was great to see how see takes care of her interesting place. gillan was good host and she knows what she wants.

(Excellent )

23/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Lidia & Aritz)

It was a very chaotic hosting for me: deteriorating to where Lidia left without a farewell. Aritz, to his credit, worked hard to maintain civility . Prior to this breakdown there had seemingly been good moments but we had obvious and insurmountable differences in expectations. I am also dismayed that an item loaned was taken when they departed.
I… read more

(Neutral )

04/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Vanessa) for host

This was my first workaway experience and it was absolutely exactly what it needed to be. Gillian is a wonderful host and incredible human being. She truly cares and connects with everyone she meets, and gives so much. She has very high expectations, but it is certainly justified as she works very hard herself! Everything she does is for others,… read more

(Excellent )

18/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Jojo) for host

Gillian is an incredible woman. Knows what she wants and goes for it. Shes amazingly knowledgable in many different aspects of life. I learned an abundance of skills that range from power tools, fence building, community relations, and animal maintenance. Honestly, quite an amazing experience!

(Excellent )

27/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Emmanuelle) for host

Gillian is the best host ever.
She has a lot of patience, she taught us a lot of things to do who made this experience with her incredible ! A lot of animals to deal with ! :)
She always has stories to tell, great humor, beautiful person !!!!! So if you get the chance to work with her DO IT !!!
Thanks again Gillian for everything !!!!

(Excellent )

19/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Emmanuelle)

Emma and Arnaud were fabulous workaways. As they said, they LOVE animals and as it turned out , there was plenty for them to deal with. I had an injured horse, fly eye infections in both dogs and horses, hail storm causing death and injury to critters ( big and small ) and more. They helped with potting plants, weed whacking, chainsawing, mowing.… read more

(Excellent )

17/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Melanie)

When Melanie came in for her week here, we had no way of knowing that she arrived with organisational writing skills that would be essential to a project that popped up in her second week here. And finally into her THIRD week it was all submitted. Our county hopefully gets a boost from her efforts into the proposal on their behalf. As well,… read more

(Excellent )

06/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Melanie) for host

If you get the chance to spend some time with Gillian...DEFINITELY DO IT! She is an exceptional human being, and she lives in a gem of a community in SE Colorado.

My experience was absolutely fantastic!

The work was varied (animal care, landscaping, painting, running errands in town) and not difficult. Gillian is great at explaining what… read more

(Excellent )

31/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Rodrigo) for host

Gillian is a amazing person, helped me with the language and taught me very task in your property. I returned from Colorado with a new outlook on life. Thank you for everything Gillian.
I hope see you again in soon.

(Excellent )

24/02/2016

Left by Workawayer (Lisa & Richard) for host

Gillian taught us so much; from construction to animal care to boardgames! If you want to learn new skills and are motivated to work hard then this is definitely the workaway for you. She was a great teacher and tried to prioritise the things that we were most interested in learning, which we really appreciated. We had a great time in Ordway and… read more

(Very good )

11/05/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa & Richard)

Lisa and Rich came with attitudes to learn and to get new skills. They applied themselves to a range of activities ( with the animals and with equipment ). Really didn't have time enough to exploit all the new things that they could do when they left.
Both made an effort to get through being out their comfort zones with the new activities ( up on… read more

(Very good )

03/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Shea)

Shea was really enthusiastic and willing to do anything asked of her. She undertook a big painting job and just plugged away at it until her time was up, along with various other jobs with the animals and helping other tasks through the day. It does take some patience to get the task outlined for Shea in having to write it all down, but this is… read more

(Excellent )

14/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Shea) for host

I just had the opportunity at Gillian's. The time spent there was worth it, I learned several new terms from her, how to use new tools, how to take care of animals in different ways, and more... I miss all of her critters! Gillian has energy, sense of humor, willingness to write down instructions, explanations and such on a paper and pen! :) I… read more

(Excellent )

13/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (joe)

It is comfortable having Joe here.... his third time around.... he graciously painted all the interior doors and surrounds this visit.. and repaired paintwork in the bathroom. As well he helped with outside chores with the animals and keeping the fire burning through the cold snap.
I would recommend him as a helper with any host.... especially… read more

(Excellent )

29/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (joe) for host

I am back here at Gillian's over five years later and it is still as special as the day I first walked onto the property. A great experience, host, and best of all; friend. Thanks again Gillian!!!

(Excellent )

12/05/2015

Left by Workawayer (Camilla & Maisie) for host

We had a great time here and learnt so much! It was lovely being able to meet so many new people from the community and to gain so many new skills from Gillian - we never thought we'd be able to say we can build a shed! It may be a small town but there is lots to do and a great place to be if you love hard work, the outdoors and animals - we… read more

(Very good )

11/05/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Camilla & Maisie)

Millie and Maisie worked with me for 3 weeks I believe.... both were very keen to learn new building skills and construction techniques. They got plenty of practice with both :)
They also got to put their riding skills to work for a friend by working her horses to help keep them in shape.
Good company; prodigious appetites ; intense board-game… read more

(Very good )

21/03/2013

Left by Workawayer (ERICA) for host

Gillian's place was my first workaway experience and I am so glad it was!

I had the most amazing time at her place. I learnt how to do so many things that I hadn't done before. ' Proudest moment was building a tin wall for the dog house. I wasnt so proud of screwing my glove to the wall.

Gillian is an incredible lady, she knows so much… read more

(Excellent )

10/01/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Zachary)

Seemed to be on his way... expected him a week ago... not a word.

(No show)

04/09/2010

Left by Workawayer (Joe) for host

Gillian is a wonderful lady. She is full of life and is very caring. Fun people were always around and I enjoyed the work.

(Excellent )

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