Experience daily family life off the grid in Nanaimo, Canada

Details

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  Description

  **Update: We are now full for the summer. Safe travels**
  
  We are retired and living off grid on an island on the BC West Coast with our two slightly neurotic cocker spaniel dogs. We have been married 42 years . We live in a newly renovated home on 2.5 acres at the edge of the water and like to say we live on the nature channel with regular visits from sea lions, eagles, seals and deer. Occasionally whales swim past us under our deck. The sunsets are spectacular.
  
  We get all of our water through a rain water catchment system and our power from solar panels with a back up generator. We are truly off grid but have all of the comforts of the city. We just have to manage the power wisely.
  
  We built a beautiful two bedroom bunkie (320 sq. ft) next to our garden in 2020 where our guests will stay. It has a small bathroom but no cooking facilities. It has propane heat and on demand hot water.
  
  Most of our firewood will have been split by the end of May but we will need help getting it stacked. We would also like to get our deck and house stained during the summer as well as the windows washed and house cleaned.
  
  Our workstay would be ideal for a couple as we are so isolated. But if you are happy to spend your off hours kayaking or wandering the island alone that would be great too.
  
  There is a garden where we grow flowers and lots of vegetables which I have started from seed.
  
  We start our days early and would expect about 4-5 hours of work in the early part of the day. Afternoons could be spent kayaking, exploring the island or chilling on the deck.
  
  This is a non smoking property. No drugs, minimal social drinking. Our guests must be vaccinated.
  
  We have internet access and good cell reception.
  
  I admit cooking isn't really my thing but there is always tons of food in the fridge. The menu is basic, in the summers its mostly bar b-qued meat of some sort, vegies and salads for dinner. We normally do coffee and toast in the morning, help ourselves to fruit and sandwiches whenever we break at lunch and then sit down to an early dinner. Self serve meals during the day are normal but we can share making dinners at night. We are pretty flexible so if you would like to do most of the cooking I will stock the fridge and pantry with any reasonable preferences. Help with the dishes and cleaning up after yourself in the kitchen would be expected.
  
  Ian is building a new workshop and could maybe use an extra hand and we are also putting in a new deer proof garden and could use some help with that. There is always weeding and watering to do in the garden.
  
  We are quiet low key people living a peaceful existence on a remote island. There are no stores or commercial businesses. But there is nature and a beautiful 2 acre property to enjoy. We have kayaks and bikes for your use.
  
  We could meet you by car at the ferry terminal in Nanaimo to then get on our 22 foot aluminum boat to travel twenty minutes to the island. There are no stores on the island and we go for supplies twice a month. Pick up could be arranged to coincide with supply runs. There is also a sea plane which comes from Vancouver near the International airport directly to our marina. A ten minute flight to our island provides a once in a lifetime experience.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will experience a truly off grid west coast life style and all that it entails. We get our power from solar panels and a back up generator, Our water is filtered from a rain catchment system and our heat is from a wood stove. It is a unique lifestyle that can only be understood by experiencing.
  
  Sightings of sea lions, eagles, whales, and deer is likely depending on the time of year.

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  Help

  Absolute priority is getting the firewood sorted before winter. It should be all split by May but it will need to be stacked.
  Planting, weeding and watering vegetable and flower gardens
  Staining the house
  Staining the deck
  Planting the new garden.
  General maintenance around the property. cleaning the house, washing windows
  Construction help with DIY projects. ie staining boards, replacing broken windows.
  Meal preparations

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We have a two bedroom bunkie built in 2020 (320 sq ft) with its own deck facing the ocean. There is no cooking facilities but it has a coffee pot, kettle , toaster, bar fridge and a small bathroom with shower. Meals can be accessed at the main house with us.

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  What else ...

  Ideally suited for a couple as we are so isolated. Your time off can be spent exploring the island with kayaks, bikes or by foot. There is a public beach at the far end of the island (3k bike ride).
  Afternoons reading on the deck or sitting in the hot tub are also an excellent options if you want to enjoy the view and nature channel.
  There are no restaurants , stores or commercial facilities. The island is about 450 acres with about 30 full time residents. In the summer the population is significantly higher with summer cabins occupied.
  Everyone is very friendly and have chosen the quiet lifestyle.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week