Developing a Sustainable Destination While Enjoying Off-Grid Lifestyle Near Big Bend National Park in Austin, USA

Details

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  Description

  Hi there! My name is Austin! I'm a home cook aficionado (Mill my own grain, brew my own kombucha, ferment my favorite foods), avid yogi, meditation "wanna-be" (Hey, I try my best), & overall lover of holistic lifestyles... which is just another word for the belief that everything is connected! It is because of this belief that I am committed to a lifestyle that does as little harm to our planet as possible. I believe we can enjoy her beauty & still live a fulfilling, fun life. Growing up in Las Vegas, I've worked in hospitality since I was young... organized music events in my early 20's.... and graduated with business degree during 2020. It was during that pivotal year (of all of our lives), that I truly realized what I wanted to do. It was as if all of these things I loved and had experienced were supposed to culminate together. And so, I decided I wanted to create a space full of all of these things.... community, hospitality, music, real food, & healing. In partnership with my cousin (whom is a nifty "interior designer") ... we purchased a few acres in Far West Texas, to take a chance at creating a genuine holistic destination for the world.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  DIY and building projects
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Desert dwelling, beautiful starry night skies, sustainable building techniques, off-grid living, endless opportunities to connect with nature, reiki & massage.

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  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.

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  Help

  We have finished PHASE Zero/One.
  This phase included the installation of our water tank (20K gallons!) & clearing for road & dome spaces, as well as two partially completed domes.
  
  We are now entering PHASE 1.5 (April 13-April 20) which is why we're looking for YOU!
  In February we partially completed two domes, which both require some final work!
  
  This work will include:
  (Dome 1): Interior Plaster, Electrical, Door Installation, Earthen Floor
  (Dome 2): Removal of top 11 rows, Re-installation of 11 rows, Exterior Plaster, Interior Plaster, Electrical, Door/Window Install, Earthen Floor
  
  If you are unfamiliar with Earthbag building, PLEASE search on Youtube, or check out our favorites on Instagram (ask us for the link ) to get an idea of how the process works!
  
  Earthbag building most notably requires the filling of bags (about 50lbs) with dirt from the ground & a little bit of water to create a "SuperAdobe" mixture (It is heavy!) These bags are then "Tamped" down, & layered one after-another. When the exterior is completed, then comes time for plaster! Again, PLEASE read & watch videos about this work, as it is labor intensive! While we are only working on 11 rows, it is still hard work!
  
  This project is ideal for anyone wishing to spend 3-4 days in the desert, although you are more than welcome to stay the entire week. We will be camping on the property. You are more than welcome to bring your own tent, or sleep in one of the domes! Car camping/RV's are also welcome! Very basic food will be provided OR a daily cash stipend.
  
  Essentially, there is NO experience needed, just a willingness to learn & love of being in the natural elements.
  However, if you have any experience with natural building/planning or have any others skills you feel would lend themselves well to this project, please let us know!
  
  Nonetheless, we would love to hear from ALL OF YOU!
  We would for you to join us in the beautiful desert & help us create a truly sustainable destination!
  
  ***Once the property is Completed, ALL Participants will be welcome to FREE STAYS for LIFE!!!***
  
  Participants can expect very basic foods OR daily cash stipend to purchase own food.
  (We are deep in the desert, so fresh fruits/veggies options may be limited/expensive).
  
  Our daily schedule: (Because temperatures may be warm, we prefer to start & end early)
  -Begin Work 7:00am
  -Lunch/Snack time: 11:00 -11:30am
  -End Workday: 1:30pm
  -Free time: 1:30pm onward.
  
  During Free Time: We are located about 30 min from the entrance of Big Bend National Park, which offers hundreds of miles of hiking, as does the nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park. About 15 minutes away is the swimming pool at the Lodge. We are also a little over an hour away from Marfa, TX, which is a quirky art town full of galleries, coffee shops, & other activities. Closer-by Terlingua ghost town (about 20-30 min away), also offers a few coffee shops, restaurants, & galleries as well.
  
  -Hourly Wage of $7.25

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  If Sleeping in Dome, Participants will be sharing/rooming with others.
  Please keep in mind that these are unfinished & will essentially be an enclosed tent. Barren floor.
  Please expect to bring own Linens/Blankets/padding.
  
  Participants who wish to camp on site with their own gear, are also more than welcome!

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  What else ...

  -30 minutes from Big Bend National Park (The most remote national park in U.S.) with endless hiking activities, hot springs, the Rio Grande & more!
  -Big Bend Ranch State Park nearby - more hiking opportunities!
  -25/30 Minutes from the town of Terlingua which has restaurants & bar
  -1 Hour from Marfa, a hip "artistic" town with galleries, coffee shops, restaurants
  -15 minutes from Terlingua Lodge Swimming Pool

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  (7:00am - 11:00am) (11:30am - 1:30pm), 5 days

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