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Come and learn about alternative building techniques and living off-grid near Durango, Colorado, USA

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Paula and Joe have been building an off-grid homestead on 40 acres in Southwest Colorado for over 20 years. Up til now we have done all the work developing our homestead by ourselves, but now we need some help and want to pass on some of what we have learned over the years. We are looking for a single person or a couple to help with some projects planned to make our homestead more sustainable.
    Living in a high desert climate at 6,800 ft. we are in the foothills of the San Juan Mountain Range. Our view to the north are the many peaks of that range. Wolf Creek Pass is to our east, with Purgatory Ski slopes to our north. To the west are the canyon lands of Utah.
    Mesa Verde is an hour drive and several other National Parks are within a 2 or 3-hour drive. These include Chaco Ruins and Aztec Ruins, of the Pueblo (Anasazi) culture. Arches NP and Canyonlands NP are located just west of Moab, Utah. Biking and river rafting or kayaking are also available nearby.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Travelers can learn about gardening, solar electric systems, building skills, managing an off grid homestead and speaking American English, if that is not their native language. If they have an interest in ancient cultures, this is the place to be. Paula and I have worked at several of the nearby National Parks and will be happy to share what we know about them. Additionally, they can learn about a unique area of the Rocky Mountains and the Four Corners region of the US. A place where four states come together. But also a region where several cultures come together. Anglo, Latino, Navajo, Ute, several Pueblo tribes such as Hopi and Acoma and others.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We have several projects planned for this summer (2023) and there is always general maintenance work needed.
    The main project will be construction of a hybrid earth ship/ greenhouse. We will also be building a garage using small diameter logs cut on our land. Volunteers can learn alternative building techniques as well as gain some experience in living off grid. There will be oportunities to learn what living on a rural homestead requires to make a go of it. Brush clearing and tree cutting will be part of those projects. I will also be setting up a small photovoltaic system for one of our outbuildings. As Spring approaches the gardens will require some help as well. Having a working knowledge of using hand tools is a plus but most important is a willingness to work hard and learn as we go.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Intermediate
    German: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    I can help with learning English. I would like to improve my Spanish. Paula has limited Spanish and German, but would like to learn more.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We have a small furnished tiny (10x12) cabin suitable for one person or a couple. Couples with children may be welcomed but generally there are a lot of hazards around our house that make it dangerous for children. The cabin has a loft bedroom, bathroom with shower and cooking facilities. I expect we will eat one meal together each day, and the other meals will be up to the travelers. We will help with groceries. No cigarette smoking in the house please. Internet is available using cell service. We have a wood fired sauna for your use.
    Our place is somewhat isolated and the nearest town is 10+ miles away, so too far to walk but within biking distance. Durango is about 20 miles away and offers numerous restaurants and stores. Folks coming here should like quiet and peaceful living. The nearest large city is Albuquerque, New Mexico, about a 3-4 hour drive.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    There are so many interesting things to see and do in this area, but most require a vehicle. Our place is somewhat isolated and the nearest town is 10+ miles away, so too far to walk but within biking distance. Durango is about 20 miles away and offers numerous restaurants and stores. Folks coming here should like quiet and peaceful living. There is some limited bus service to the nearby towns. Having your own transport would be preferable, but not absolutely necessary. We can provide transportation for at least one shopping trip each week and possible longer trips on the weekends. We are not big party people, but like to enjoy life. We like camping and hiking in the nearby mountains and canyons. We are omnivores, drink alcohol moderately, and are 420 friendly. No heavy drinkers or hard drug users please. We have a dog, looking for another and your dog would be welcome. Cats don't do well here for some reason.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We don't have wifi at our home but use cell phone mobile data for online activities.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    I have room for small to medium RVs

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    We welcome well behaved friendly dogs. Cats don't seem to do well here.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

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

Host ref number: 449516352211

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