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Housesitting opportunity in Clam Gulch, Soutcentral Alaska, USA
Last activity
: 23 Mar 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 5 days
Min stay requested: at least 1 month
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 486899678237
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Feedback (59)
Left by Workawayer (Kabir) for host
Had a fantastic time hanging out in Clam Gulch. Gus and Emily are awesome individuals with a passion for life, their surroundings, and all the dogs (bunch of beauties!), and I enjoyed getting to help out and spend time with them in their element. The hot tub under the winter Alaska night is a magic that can't be replicated in the city, and I'll
… read more especially look back very fondly on that. Thanks for everything, guys!!!
Left by host for Workawayer (Lottie)
with Lottie, the pedigree was already there. She grew up working on a farm in.glouchestershire uk and was no stranger to hands-on outdoors work. She fit right in here in Alaska.
She learned the system very quickly and is excellent with the dogs, learning the routine and being proactive. She's excellent around animals and not so bad around people
… read more as well!
She also has a dog named Trevor back home who goes to pubs, so that's a plus
We're not gonna blame the recent warm weather and Tottenham's bad form on her visit. that would be unfair.
It's refreshing to host someone like Lottie. she'd make anybody's team (perhaps not spurs...)
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
This was my first workaway and it was AMAZING. I live in NYC, am on a sabbatical, and had done nothing like this before. My goal was to get away from the crowds and experience a different way of living. I got that and more. Gus and Emily are both wonderful people, and my time in Clam Gulch was excellent.
Highlights include:
- The dogs,
… read more obviously. (too many to list but especially Lucy, Luna, Sugar, Junior, Osky, Moscow, Lani, Fargo, Astro, and Winksy).
- Emily's incredible cooking. I'm coming from new york city, my food bar is pretty high, and Emily's meals completely blew my mind. Incredible ingredients cooked incredibly!
- Getting away from the hustle and bustle. I didn't check my apps / news for the entirety of my stay, this was awesome. There's a tiny amount of wifi you can use for things like buying plane tickets and reading email but you can't eg stream anything. Gus has a library of books which kept me entertained.
- The work was hard but i found it meditative. Now when I have trouble sleeping instead of counting sheep i imagine feeding all the dogs. Most of the work was feeding dogs, scooping poop, and filling in holes. There is also miscellaneous stuff like stacking firewood, spreading gravel, and hauling water. I recommend future workawayers bring working clothes.
- The hot tub, perfect way to end the day.
- if you want a vacation, this ain't it. but if you love dogs, want to experience a different way of living, and maybe get into premiere league, i could not recommend this workaway enough.
Thank you Gus and Emily for hosting me and sharing your way of life, it was a privilege!Left by host for Workawayer (David)
it it always amazes me when people travel to the humble hamlet of clam gulch from somewhere like New York City. The kind of place where you can get a 24 hour a day "New York slice" and live the life like those people in the sitcom "friends". Lots of fresh faced people, enjoying a cuppa at "central perk" without a worry in the world.
but people
… read more do. And that's how we met david, who held from Bushwick, which is supposedly somewhere near Brooklyn. Will have to take his word on that. And he came here to help out for a few weeks and, like Reggie Jackson in the 1977 ALCS , he knocked it out of the park".
david is energetic, enthusiastic and engaging. Which makes me want to come up with more adjectives that start with "E". egalitarian? Maybe? empathetic? Probably?
he fit right in this "controlled chaos" of life here. He's definitely a animal person and was able to take on all projects. he was quick to help out with running the dogs. And adapted to lots of different situations in this shoulder season of fall.
He also became the hard-core Tottenham Hotspur fan in his short stay. As well as one of the founding members of the clam gulch Spurs supporters group. COYS!
as city folk, he done goodPhotos
running into the great unknown
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(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (Kabir) for host
Had a fantastic time hanging out in Clam Gulch. Gus and Emily are awesome individuals with a passion for life, their surroundings, and all the dogs (bunch of beauties!), and I enjoyed getting to help out and spend time with them in their element. The hot tub under the winter Alaska night is a magic that can't be replicated in the city, and I'll
… read more especially look back very fondly on that. Thanks for everything, guys!!!
Left by host for Workawayer (Lottie)
with Lottie, the pedigree was already there. She grew up working on a farm in.glouchestershire uk and was no stranger to hands-on outdoors work. She fit right in here in Alaska.
She learned the system very quickly and is excellent with the dogs, learning the routine and being proactive. She's excellent around animals and not so bad around people
… read more as well!
She also has a dog named Trevor back home who goes to pubs, so that's a plus
We're not gonna blame the recent warm weather and Tottenham's bad form on her visit. that would be unfair.
It's refreshing to host someone like Lottie. she'd make anybody's team (perhaps not spurs...)
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
This was my first workaway and it was AMAZING. I live in NYC, am on a sabbatical, and had done nothing like this before. My goal was to get away from the crowds and experience a different way of living. I got that and more. Gus and Emily are both wonderful people, and my time in Clam Gulch was excellent.
Highlights include:
- The dogs,
… read more obviously. (too many to list but especially Lucy, Luna, Sugar, Junior, Osky, Moscow, Lani, Fargo, Astro, and Winksy).
- Emily's incredible cooking. I'm coming from new york city, my food bar is pretty high, and Emily's meals completely blew my mind. Incredible ingredients cooked incredibly!
- Getting away from the hustle and bustle. I didn't check my apps / news for the entirety of my stay, this was awesome. There's a tiny amount of wifi you can use for things like buying plane tickets and reading email but you can't eg stream anything. Gus has a library of books which kept me entertained.
- The work was hard but i found it meditative. Now when I have trouble sleeping instead of counting sheep i imagine feeding all the dogs. Most of the work was feeding dogs, scooping poop, and filling in holes. There is also miscellaneous stuff like stacking firewood, spreading gravel, and hauling water. I recommend future workawayers bring working clothes.
- The hot tub, perfect way to end the day.
- if you want a vacation, this ain't it. but if you love dogs, want to experience a different way of living, and maybe get into premiere league, i could not recommend this workaway enough.
Thank you Gus and Emily for hosting me and sharing your way of life, it was a privilege!Left by host for Workawayer (David)
it it always amazes me when people travel to the humble hamlet of clam gulch from somewhere like New York City. The kind of place where you can get a 24 hour a day "New York slice" and live the life like those people in the sitcom "friends". Lots of fresh faced people, enjoying a cuppa at "central perk" without a worry in the world.
but people
… read more do. And that's how we met david, who held from Bushwick, which is supposedly somewhere near Brooklyn. Will have to take his word on that. And he came here to help out for a few weeks and, like Reggie Jackson in the 1977 ALCS , he knocked it out of the park".
david is energetic, enthusiastic and engaging. Which makes me want to come up with more adjectives that start with "E". egalitarian? Maybe? empathetic? Probably?
he fit right in this "controlled chaos" of life here. He's definitely a animal person and was able to take on all projects. he was quick to help out with running the dogs. And adapted to lots of different situations in this shoulder season of fall.
He also became the hard-core Tottenham Hotspur fan in his short stay. As well as one of the founding members of the clam gulch Spurs supporters group. COYS!
as city folk, he done good
Left by Workawayer (Jamie) for host
I had an INCREDIBLE experience in Clam Gulch with Emily, Gus and all 32 dogs. Their set up is unique and inviting, and they are the best people you could hope to meet.
This is a great opportunity for people who love dogs and nature and want to get away from everyday life. The work is hard for those who are not used to physical labor, but it's
… read more very rewarding. The dogs were amazing and filled me with joy whenever I got the opportunity to interact with them. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! I suggest bringing clothes and shoes to work in while taking care of the dogs. Care takes place twice a day and includes scooping poops, dishing out homemade dog food, and filling holes. After dog care in the morning, you'll likely be asked to help with some tasks around the property such as pumping water and working in the high tunnel.
Soaking in the hot tub, dinners in Gus and Emily's cabin, and evening walks back to the yurt were some of the magical daily experiences I had. I saw many moose, birds and heard an owl outside multiple nights. Thank you, Gus and Emily for letting me experience your beautiful way of life. I will be back!Left by host for Workawayer (Jamie)
our daily lives in clam gulch is full of small details, sometimes making tasks unnecessarily complicated. this is not by choice, but the evolution of the off-the-grid life here over 35 years.
rarely have we had someone pick up "the system" so quickly as jamie did. which was great, because she only had a few short weeks to spare (& we had a rare
… read more summer opening). jamie is quick and efficient and pays close attention to what needs to be done and what it took to "survive" here.
maybe it was her teaching background? but she only needed to be shown how to do something once, and picked up from there. jamie is excellent with animals and is a first-rate artist (having sketched some of the pups in her spare time).
Left by host for Workawayer (Zhifang)
zhifang came to us in the busiest part of the summer and capably helped care for our family of pups. she learned the system quickly and performed her duties efficiently.
due to a scheduling mistake on my part, zhifang was here at the same time as another workaway, as well as a visitor. she was very patient and understanding with the changes and
… read more rearranging of people with cabins.
she is pleasant and easy to be around and works great with animals.
Left by host for Workawayer (Mariami)
mariami came to us from the hustle and bustle of NYC. she was able to negotiate clam gulch life summertime version easily. Trading the high rises for the Alaska high for a couple weeks, Mariami was able to learn complete. The tasks asked of her she has tenacity and more importanly -- GRIT!!
I can see her continuing doing workaways in different
… read more parts of the country in and ably getting the job done!
Left by Workawayer (Mariami) for host
Emily and Gus are sweet people, I admire the way they live! It takes a little time get to know them and build a trust that works both ways, the dogs and the routine of the tasks that needs to be done, but it’s worth it in the end. They were understanding to accept my visit, even if I would have shorter stay compared to other Workawayers. I live in
… read more NYC, so Clam Gulch was totally different world for me, really peaceful one! I’m grateful for experiencing living in Yurt, being invited to yummy dinners(Salmon!!!) with them and their friends , hanging out with all the dogs(Especially my sweetest roommate doggo Lucy girl and hiking with her), seeing Moose twice in the woods , trying out their famous hot tub, just enjoying being in nature etc etc.
My first Workaway experience with them has been awesome , communication was great and I agree to all the feedbacks that others wrote. You should be flexible with the timing when tasks needs to be done, but plenty of time to be independent and do whatever you want! I will definitely be returning to Alaska! Thanks Gus and Emily!
Left by Workawayer (Annika) for host
My experience with Gus, Emiliy and the dogs was amazing. In the beginning of my month with them, I noticed that the work is hard and something most people are not used to, but once I got to know the routine I realized that it's a wonderful place to be. The dogs are great and I wish I could have taken them all with me :). The dinners in the evening
… read more were awesome and the feeling of sitting in the hot tub after a cold day is something I never want to forget. I'm so grateful that I got to experience Clam Gulch, in my opinion it's something everyone needs to do and I'll definitely be back to visit the coolest dogs in Alaska (probably in the whole world) :)Left by host for Workawayer (Annika)
Annika is a good kid. She was a pleasure to host. She's a fast learner and very easy to be around. She learned the system here in record time and insured the dogs were cared for properly.
She stacked a lot of firewood, as per the regimen of the "clam gulch gym". and was able to enjoy a february in alaska, which can be a collectors item.
Left by Workawayer (Kerey) for host
This was my first workaday trip and my first time in Alaska- it was a life-changing eye-opening experience.
I had lots of fun hanging with the doggies and caring for them. I don’t own a dog— I’m more of a dog uncle— but it was great to get to know them, care for them and above all… become friends with them. Some of them liked to hug me, most of
… read more them love to curiously sniff you. I lived with two dogs at the yurt, Lucy and Luna, and they were great roommates to hang out with— great to walk/hike with, fun to snuggle with— we really bonded. I’ll always cherish my time with all the dogs.
Gus and Emily are amazing people as well in addition to being fantastic hosts: they are very accommodating, always communicative, always making sure you’re doing well, and always open to answer questions and help you with something.
They were also nice enough to take me to the beach, after checking that the tide is low.
It was always great having dinner with them and swapping convo and jokes, plus they make a lean mean moose burger!
As someone who works behind the computer for most of the day and had suffered some massive burnout previous to the trip, Alaska was the perfect way to reset my brain. It was great to get away from civilization and I personally enjoyed being outside most of the day and doing chores. I particularly found it meditative to organize and stack firewood.
This whole trip cleared my mind and gave me more discipline to work/ exercise early, I even lost 15 pounds over one month.
At their small cabin— they have an amazing library of classic literature— I ended up reading Call of The Wild and some Hemingway Stories. A fit for this trip!
The scenery in Alaska during the winter is beautiful beyond words. Really nice skies and beautiful mountain ranges— showing different colors everyday. There’s an endless suppl snow covered trees, and I also saw some wildlife— bald eagles, rabbits, and a moose one time.
Because you are living off the grid, you do have to be alert when it comes to survival, everything down to watching out for moose on walking commutes, dressing warmly, hiking safely at the beach and remembering to load the wood stove with firewood every few hours. Stressful? No. The learning curve isn’t too hard if you’re open to it.
All of this is worth it, and I absolutely will be coming back to Alaska again. Thanks Gus and Emily!Left by host for Workawayer (Kerey)
march is the best month in alaska -- lots of snow, days are long., temps are mild -- it's the best part of winter. it's a good way to experience an alaskan winter.
kerey joined us from the east coast, where winters are just an excuse to wear your puffy coat! i think the transition to life here was definitely a challenge, but in the end, the
… read more challenge was met
kerey is punctual and methodical and was able to adapt to our routine (which is labor intensive due to our off-the-grid lifestyle). he was very conscious of the work to be done and was also independent with his time off. he also takes great photos!
Left by host for Workawayer (Dylen)
coming here, in the middle of winter, is never an easy prospect. It's dark it's cold. You're on your own. It takes a certain kind of person to adjust and thrive in that environment.
Coming from the UK, Dylen took on the challenge and went above and beyond during his stay here. He is reliable and able to take on most every task. Which most people
… read more would say is surprising for an Arsenal fan.
dylen proved that the Clam Gulch gym really does work. He lost half a stone during his stay here although none of us really know what a stone exactly is that's a British term I guess.
He has the right attitude and willingness to learn new things and would be a welcome addition to any workaway
Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host
Trying to sum up my experience with Gus and Emily feels like an impossible task-it was just amazing beyond words! Right from the start, they were kind, patient, and clear about my responsibilities. I always felt comfortable asking for clarification or guidance, and I just had so much fun. The work was satisfying and fun, and Gus and Emily were so
… read more kind to let me help out with some bigger projects (like the high tunnel) where I was able to learn some new skills from them. They are both so knowledgable and eager to share their knowledge, which I hugely appreciated. The dogs out here are beyond any dogs I have ever met-perhaps it’s all the love from Gus and Emily, or all the moose stew they eat, but they are incredible. To get to meet and form relationships with each of them is something I will forever be grateful for. Perhaps the only bad thing about my stay here was having to leave.
Gus and Emily themselves are wonderful people, and they were so inclusive in bringing me along into their lives. I never thought I would be so invested in a premier league team! They are also both incredibly skilled cooks-It's been hard to adjust back to store bought cabbage! They are both such real and honest people, and I was struck by how happy and grateful they are for the lives they live.
Definitely bring some old work clothes-a couple pairs of canvas pants and an old jacket were great for me to wear when feeding the dogs! They were great about letting me borrow boots, gloves, etc. It was a bit overwhelming at first to learn all the names of the dogs (and to be able to tell them apart sometimes!) and getting the feeding routine down, but Gus and Emily are supportive and helped me as much as I needed while I found my groove.
Loved every moment I had here with Emily, Gus, and every single dog! I couldn't have asked for a better first experience with workaway.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Claire)
Claire went above and beyond in every aspect of her stay with us. She is an amazing worker, very diligent very conscious of all the details that make our lives here work. She was here at our absolute busiest time of the year -- fall -- and really helped us transition into the upcoming winter months.
She is genuine and fun to be around. She fit
… read more right in immediately and is definitely a dog person. And I don't use that term very often.
claire, thanks to Tottenham's brilliant start this year became the first workaway to get two triathlons during her stay. IYKYK. So congratulations are in order there. But also, COYS!!!
I wouldn't doubt that claire ends up, living a similar life. Whether it's in the UP or Alaska. cheers!!
Left by Workawayer (Arsel) for host
Yes, I recommend it cien por ciento!
Bring some clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. There are spare clothes and boots (size 8-9ish) which you can borrow too.
The work schedule varied throughout the week, but Emily and Gus were always communicating and super responsive on a daily basis.
Since the area is pretty far away from the nearest
… read more town, there isn’t much exploring to do outside of the property without a car. But you could work something out with them if you wish to explore outside of the town for the day. There is cell signal depending on your carrier, but you might want to act like there isn’t any for a more off the grid experience.
Thanks again Gus and Emily.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Arsel)
arsel -- clam gulch's "hermano del la sur", -- is hardworking and amiable and would be an asset to any host.
he ably took on many tasks and is reliable and timely. his easy-going nature makes interactions a pleasure. he was excellent with our dogs and adapted well to life here.
he began his journey with us and i am sure more workaways are in
… read more his future
Left by Workawayer (Katie) for host
My stay in Clam Gulch was truly a life changing experience. Post college graduation I was looking for some kind of adventure to embark on before settling into my career, and my time in Alaska was exactly the adventure I was craving.
This was my very first workaway experience and it's hard to imagine any others topping it. Gus and Emily
… read more immediately made me feel welcomed in their home. The adjustment to off-grid type living went more quickly and smooth than I imagined, and having hosts who so actively see the beauty and wonder in their Alaskan paradise made it all that more special.
Highlights for me included Emily's outstanding 5 star dinners (first time trying moose!), watching Ginger's puppies grow bigger by the day (loving and missing all six of those goofballs), visiting the ocean which Emily so kindly drove me to and from (4th largest tide differential in the world!), exchanging stories, inside jokes, music and books with Emily and Gus (there's always seconds), joining the limited and elite few who have completed the Clam Gulch Triathlon (GO TOTTENHAM), and having the amazing opportunity to watch the incredible dogs begin their training (please tell Sugar I miss her dearly)!
Overall I couldn't have asked for a more perfect time. My heart (and camera roll) is still so full from my time spent with Gus, Emily and all 35 of their dogs. I hope to visit again in the future and will never miss a chance to tell others about this wonderful experience. Thank you both!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Katie)
Katie from the "Jewel of the Northwest" -- Spokane. Which is home to the minor-league baseball team the spokane indians. and in the parlance of the sport, katie came here on her workaway and "crushed a grand slam out of the yard"
She came as a last minute, short term, fill-in. And absolutely thrived here. She learned all the dogs names quicker
… read more than anybody before, and was super attentive to all the details of every day life here.
She "achieved to dream." She is only one of the very select few people that have ever completed the "in Clam Gulch triathalon". IYKYK.
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
I did not want to leave. Gus and Emily were wonderful hosts in making sure I had everything that I needed, but also gave me the space to get out of my comfort zone, roll up my sleeves, and try my hand at off-grid living.
This workaway was exactly what I was looking for. An opportunity to get away from the city, loads of time outside, tons of
… read more physical exercise (is REAL), and of course lots and lots of doggo cuddles. The accommodations at the yurt hand all the necessities and I deeply miss my three roommates Kenai, Luna and Lucy.
All of the dogs are incredibly well cared for by Gus and Emily. I loved getting to know each of the dogs' unique personalities and was eventually able to remember all of their 30+ names. I was even lucky enough to win the lottery by being there for the birth of Ginger’s puppies, like seeing actual angels land on earth!
My advice for anyone who’s considering this workaway would be to make sure you’re ready to get outside your comfort zone and get a little dirty. Life is very different from city or suburban life. Make sure you’re content in spending time on your own, I loved the solitude this workaway provided, but you won’t be spending a lot of time off the property. And get ready to work hard! I promise you the feeling of the wood-fired hot tub after a long day on your feet is pure BLISS.
Thank you Gus and Emily for the opportunity to escape Los Angeles, for the incredible dinners, enlightening bonfire convos, and most importantly the chance to love on your dogs for a few weeks. Can’t wait to return one day.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura left the high flying world of west coast advertising (I won't name any clients she worked for, but will just say one was a major sneaker brand) To join us in the humble Hamlet of clam gulch and scoop some dog poop.
The fresh air and all the quality dog time must have suited her, since she picked up the routine right away and ran with it.
… read more she adjusted to the life here quickly and was very attentive to the animals and tasks on hand.
And in the evenings around the fire as we demolished another one of emily's delicious dinners, she would regale us with stories of life in the big city.
"Thanks for the opportunity". The Selby
Left by Workawayer (Julian) for host
A lucky star. Absolutely glad that I was able to stay with Gus and Emily on my last stop during my journey. The location is marvellous, the dogs are friendly and curious (well, most of them 😅) and being active outdoors doing the certainly demanding work leaves you with a fulfilled feeling in the evening. Not to forget the delicious dinners before
… read more sleep.
Go here if you want to experience something unique and be sure to take your time. Roll up your sleeves and go for it.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Julian)
we rarely have the availability for short term workaways (our typical guest spends a minimum of one month) but we happened to have some space and had the pleasure to host julian, who was nearing the end of his epic cross-hemisphere motorbike saga.
(that may be the longest sentence i have ever written)
julian is an ace. he came and helped out
… read more with anything needing to be done. he has lots of energy. we enjoyed his company and his stories. he has a great attitude and willingness to work. he brought an interesting perspective to our lives, having completed his journey. his baddass motorsickle remains in storage here in the last frontier, so we expect to see him again soon.
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
Lauren came to us on a short term last-minute availability. She was already in the state of Alaska, so she was able to arrive quickly.
She learned all the many details and was able to complete any task that was asked of her. she as efficient and learned things quickly. it's never easy here -- there are many details with everything we do due to
… read more our off-the-grid lifestyle. so reliability and communication are key and lauren was great at both.
Left by Workawayer (Abigail) for host
Every positive and praising word in this long page of reviews are true! Their property, the work being done, the dogs, the food; it is all incredible. My few weeks there were transformative.
Gus and Emily are without a doubt two of the most generous and hardworking people I have had the privilege to spend time with. I left extremely inspired by
… read more their dedication to living in such a self sustainable way and in their loyalty to eachother and their dogs. They have the perfect balance of sharing real wisdom, answering questions, telling stories/experiences, and the funniest sarcasm to become your quick friend and favorite conversation.
The hardest part, other than dodging moose on your daily walk, is having to say goodbye :(
I say hi to Lucy!! and my boyfriend Junior! And kenai, luna, chomp chomp, mr.sweets, Gingy’s new pups, astro, boo boo, ALL of them! Thank you again and again.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Abigail)
abagail is a natural. she is able to pick things up very quickly
and do them well. in addition, she is very pleasant and easy to be around.
we adopted a dog that needed a home during her stay and she stepped up to help care for it and show it love. (lucy says hi!!)
abagail visited us in the gravy days of summer and was involved in all aspects
… read more of our daily lives. she is hard working and punctual. i somehow think i should balance out this review by pointing out some of her shortcomings, but she must have left them in idaho. in clam gulch she was an all star. she would be a welcome addition to any workaway, anyplace.
Left by Workawayer (Nicole) for host
This workaway was a once in a lifetime experience! Gus and Emily were wonderful hosts who always made me feel welcome and comfortable. Being born and raised in Florida and then coming to Alaska in the winter was an adventure, but I quickly adapted. The yurt I stayed in had plenty of room and the pups that stayed with me, always kept me company.
… read more All the pups in their care have amazing personalities and it was hard to say goodbye when leaving.
The area I stayed at was beautiful with wonderful walking trails, northern lights, and wildlife everywhere. The dinners were by far the best I have ever had!! I loved attending Tottenham games with Gus and Emily at their friends house, and I am still rooting/watching even after leaving.
The daily schedule was easy to pick up which included wood stacking, feeding all the dogs, snow shoveling, filling water jugs and buckets. Towards the end of the day we would soak in a hot tub after showering which was one of my favorite things to do. Thank you, Gus and Emily for this amazing experience and my new love for Truff hot sauce:)!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)
coming from Florida to Alaska for a workaway, can be tricky. Leaving your flip-flops behind in the sunshine state and travelling to the opposite corner of North America is a big jump. And nicole knocked it out of the park.
Nicole is a self described "workaholic" and has a lot of experience with dogs. She's very attentive to their needs and takes
… read more on every task with vigor. She got the late-winter routine down quickly and seemed to thrive in the longer days and the beautiful weather that March brings us.
The fact that she only wants dogs, not children automatically endeared herself to us. cause dogs & beer = where it's at!
Left by host for Workawayer (Sandra)
sandra almost fit in TOO well -- when her workaway ended, i thought we were going to have a new neighbor!
coming from northern spain to the always unpredictable alaskan winter, sandra had to be up for a challenge. life here is never easy and the wintertime, everything is much tougher.
sandra fit in immediately, taking to the dogs and definitely
… read more was the most enthusiastic member of the "clam gulch gym". the lifestyle here suited her and she handled all tasks with ease. she appreciated the lifestyle here and was eager to help out in any way.
buenas buenas!
Left by Workawayer (Abigail) for host
Clam Gulch. I stayed with Gus and Emily for one month, mid November to mid December. I have never seen so much snow in my whole life, absolutely stunning! This was the Alaskan experience I have been searching for. It is difficult to sum up a month worth of amazing experience into a paragraph. Just know this place is wonderful and it will impact
… read more your life in so many great ways, if you let it. I enjoyed slowing down and being shown how life should be experienced. Simple. Gus and Emily were beyond excellent hosts! They always made sure I felt comfortable and that I was taken care of. They have so much love for there dogs and you will too! I miss them already!
If you get the amazing opportunity to go to Clam Gulch, do it! You will be shown how capable you are and how truly wonderful life is!
Thank you Gus, Emily and all the dogs for the memories!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Abigail)
you can't go wrong with hosting abagail. here in clam gulch, she fit right in learning the routine with the dogs quickly and ably. we bestowed upon her a lifetime membership to the "clam gulch gym" because it snowed three feet in a week and that was followed by endless shovelling
life here can sometimes be a lot of work. this december was one of
… read more those times. just to maintain is difficult. then again, you are in the alaskan woods surrounded by the best dogs...
abagail was up for the challenge. she took to the alaskan lifestyle immediately and by the end seemed like an old sourdough in her 20th winter. and she is pleasant to be around.
Left by host for Workawayer (Georgie)
georgie is a real go-getter. she came to us at the last minute with her friend caleb and completely knocked it out of the park.
georgie fit in immediately and adapted very well to our alaskan lifestyle. she is a hard worker, easy to be around and able to take on any task and do it well. she is also very independent, which is a must here.
she
… read more got her share of workouts in the "clam gulch gym", completing both the 100-yd water jug scamper and the full-cord log stack by the end of her stay. she also taught us some great british curses -- i had no idea about "bangers and mash"
she promised to keep following our beloved tottenham too. to dare is to do!!
Left by Workawayer (Georgie) for host
What a magical place! I stayed with Gus and Emily for a month during October/ November. I haven't even been away for 48 hours but I am getting Clam Gulch withdrawal!
You will stay in a wonderfully cosy yurt next to Emily's butcher shop. It has a propane stove and amazing wood burner which will save your life through the cold. Yes it can be very
… read more cold and dark. But you really build up a relationship with that stove!
Gus and Emily's cabin and the dogs (there were 32 in total when I was there) are a spectacular 10-15 minute walk down the road and through a lovely section of forest. Beware that the work is physical so you have to be in shape. As long as you don't mind this, the tasks are a lot of fun! Feeding the dogs, scooping poop, hauling water, stacking logs, nursing fires etc. You gotta get your hands dirty! And the dogs themselves, wow... I was expecting tough, resilient dogs, which they are! But they are also total softies. They just want to play and have belly rubs and lick your face 24/7. I can see why Gus and Emily prefer dogs to people!
Something else to bear in mind is that you will have a lot of time to yourself between the morning and evening chores. So come with books, paints, podcasts, knitting or whatever you please. If you don't have a vehicle, you're quite isolated, but I personally think this is a benefit. Another musher in the area was also looking for help so I worked some hours for him in the afternoons to earn a bit of cash as well.
More perks include rotating through incredible wood burning hot tub after work every evening, Emily's scrumptious cooking, and evening drives to a friend's place who has a TV to watch Tottenham games (UK premier league football). Watch out - the Tottenham fever is infectious!!
Thank you so so much Gus and Emily for sharing your beautiful lives with me and for being such great people. I'll be rooting for Tottenham from now on!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Ashley )
sometimes you just stumble on that perfect fit. ashley joined us for five weeks of workaway and was exactly that.
ashley is punctual, reliable and solid in every way. she was able to tackle every task and was a quick learner. she has a real love for dogs. she is smart and funny and a pleasure to be around. if she were ever to run for a political
… read more office, she has got my vote!
she is quality people and surely will go far whatever she choses to do. and as the only two-time workaway finisher of the "clam gulch triathalon" she has written her name in the record books.
(note: ashley (like many of us) has a weakness for bacon. so if you have bacon, only leave 2-3 pieces out for her. not the whole plate! (poor emily))
Left by Workawayer (Ashley ) for host
I was lucky enough to spend five weeks in Clam Gulch (Sept-Oct) and I wouldn't have changed it for the world. It was far from anything I had ever experienced: you're living off the electrical grid, situated in the (beautiful) Alaskan wilderness, and surrounded by the sweetest 30+ sled dogs. Tasks vary, though constants include feeding the dogs
… read more twice a day, poop scooping, hauling water buckets, plus some other tasks in the dog yard. It's challenging, you get your daily workout in for sure, but at the same time, it is the most rewarding experience. Each day wraps up with a soak in a wood-fired hot tub and the most AMAZING home-cooked meal (I am craving focaccia and moose stew as I write this). You also have a lot of alone time which pushes you to let your mind wander, strengthen your creativity, and gain a better understanding of who you are as an individual.
Gus and Emily are such wonderful human beings––they are so kind, understanding, funny, and welcoming. They have such interesting stories and lives, and I have relished getting to know them throughout my trip.
If you are lucky, you will have a chance to participate in the Clam Gulch Triathlon. Without saying too much, it's not as strenuous as it sounds: it involves beer, dogs, and watching soccer. It's great.
One warning: you will be converted into a Tottenham fanatic and will start talking to dogs like there are humans by the end of your trip.
Thank you Gus and Emily––you guys are the absolute best!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by Workawayer (Mehr1351) for host
Being in clam gulch was a whole new experience for me,learned a lot, feel stronger then ever .If you are a dog lover it will be a unique opportunity for you to spend time and live with some of the greatest dogs you could know in your life، not far from city and there is a possibility to have a short trip to city and back for grocery shopping or
… read more other needs.
GUS is a great guy with lots of experience and a beautiful heart, I always remember his delicious chicken wings bbq. emily was a good detailed teacher. I miss all the lovely dogs. thanks for giving me that chance.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Very good)
Left by host for Workawayer (Mehr1351)
it's not every day we get a 50-yr-old ex-hairdresser originally from iran who is looking for the "clam gulch experience". but we met mehrnoosh and she was up for the challenge.
she wanted to challenge herself by doing something completely different. and turned out to be an excellent fit to every day life here. she is very reliable and
… read more independent. great with details. easy to be around. mehrnoosh figured out daily life here and thrived outside her comfort zone.
she treated us to a traditional iranian dinner of chicken and rice. this was "off the charts".
i believe she is just starting her workaway journey and will thrive wherever she goes
Left by host for Workawayer (Drake)
I have a lot of respect for people who wander outside their comfort zone. Drake is definitely a person who did that by coming here. He left the comfortable confines of suburbia in Illinois and came up here and roughed it in Alaska.
drake has great attention to detail, is always very timely and communicates very well. except for his "joke of the
… read more day" which he tends to sneak into everyday conversation and catches you off guard.
he ably accomplished every task and was a friend to the dogs. no loud late night parties or drama either. i believe drake would be a good workaway candidate anywhere if he decides to stray again from the status quo of rockford illinois (home of cheap trick)!
Left by Workawayer (Drake) for host
Gus & Emily were wonderful hosts to me when I stayed with them in July-August 2022. They give you your own little yurt to stay in with 2 cute dogs - Kenai & Luna. Emily is an amazing cook you will provide you fresh meals with fish that she caught herself and with plants that she has grown herself. Regarding the work, you will be expected to feed
… read more the 36 awesome dogs every morning and afternoon and you will have to scoop their poops. Gus & Emily may also require you to haul wood, carry heavy buckets of water, clean the chicken coop, fill bird feeders, etc. Though the work is not always the easiest, Gus & Emily are very generous. They allow you to have some days off to go explore cities nearby, you can end your evening in their fantastic firewood-fueled hot tub, and you will have plenty of alone time to catch up on your favorite books, hike along the nearby trails, or learn a new hobby. This was a worthwhile and amazing experience!
Left by host for Workawayer (Marilou)
when we first started dabbling in workaway, which was about four years ago, our first guest was a girl from Quebec. She was an excellent fit, so we figured every French Canadian would be. so we welcomed marilou.
And it couldn't of worked out better. Marilou Is easy to be around, communicates well, and notices the many details that make up our
… read more unconventional life. Having grown up in northern Quebec, she was accustomed to this type of weather.
She did very well taken care of the dogs which is the most important thing. she was also the first person other than us to complete the Clam Gulch triathalon (which involves running the dog team, taking a hot tub, and watching Tottenham win all in the same day). that's as close as someone gets to being an alaskan sourdough in just five weeks!
Left by Workawayer (Stillwater (katherine)) for host
What better way to experience Alaska than to become immersed in the world of sled dogs, authentic people, and hard work that comes with simple but deep satisfaction of the connection to what is around you. If I could sum up my experience in one word it would be "real". I surely would take this experience of living off-grid, in the forest,
… read more surrounded by dogs and snow and ravens and moose over any tourist attraction or tour of the state. Gus and Emily are the sweetest humans deep down, they are very open and communicative and surely love their fur babies more than anything (even tottenham I think). They are a wealth of knowledge and experience as well, and I enjoyed getting to know them for the brief time I was there. I learned a lot about my physical limits and needs, and how vital it is to express my needs esp. when I needed or wanted a day off for my body to catch up. I was in awe of seeing myself move through the challenging moments and grow stronger from them. This place has alot to offer a willing soul, and you may be surprised by how much sweetness is held there amidst the rugged Alaska terrain and life.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Stillwater (katherine))
all the way. from the cozy confines of Vermont, stillwater joined us and completely knocked it out of the park.
Used to a similar lifestyle, she fit in and thrived immediately. A dog person at heart – she has a dog named Luna at home --- Stillwater learned the whole dog routine quickly and was able to take care of any tasks thrust upon her.
She
… read more fit in well with our life in the woods. She is also a master baker and her pies and donuts are as they say "nonpareil". an added bonus: she is easy to be around and has a quiet, pleasant personality.
Left by Workawayer (Erin) for host
Consider yourself lucky if you get the chance to experience off grid living and the Clam Gulch lifestyle. Enjoy your time here because it is like no other. The work is challenging at times but overall makes you stronger and it gets easier the more you do it. The best way to end a day at the Clam Gulch gym is a soak in the wood fire hot tub-- where
… read more on a clear night you can see every star in the sky--and of course share a great meal with Gus and Emily. You have plenty of free time to catch up on your reading, writing, arts, or whatever else you’ve been too busy to do. This is the perfect place to disconnect and replace old friends with 36 dogs you will inevitably fall in love with (and most likely will end up plotting how to take them home with you).
I hope to come back here one day-- if not I’ll be out 100 dollars.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Erin)
maybe it's a fault of mine, but I am always leery of taking a workaway who is younger than 21. The reason is because life so markedly different here and I'm never sure if somebody that young would adjust to life without the inter-web and Taco Bell. But we took a chance with Erin and it couldn't of worked out better.
Erin is hard-working, affable
… read more and pleasant to be around. She worked extremely hard taking on some major snow shoveling duties as well as the endless dog chores. She adjusted very well to life here and overall did a fantastic job.
It was all great experience and a pleasant surprise. But it still doesn't make me ever want to have kids!
Left by host for Workawayer (ZefJoke)
lucas was the perfect compliment to the clam gulch lifestyle. he came to us after (way too) many stressful days living in the city and left an honorary resident of our humble hamlet. he is the kind of person that would be able to thrive anywhere.
he fit in almost immediately, learning the detailed routines of an off-the-grid lifestyle and a sled
… read more dog team. he ably took on any task and after work made the most of his stay with marathon solo walks on our snowy trails.
we enjoyed our dinner conversations and he generously treated us to a special french wine and cheese night that won't be soon forgotten! he definitely bonded with the dogs as well.
enjoy your travels, lucas. as the franch say: "au revoir!"
Left by Workawayer (ZefJoke) for host
This was my first experience as a workaway and I couldn't be more thankful.
Emily and Gus have become two friends of mine during and after my stay, as they welcomed me into their paradise. You'll come into a simple and honest life in a gorgeous setting : the forest of Alaska.
There, you'll take care of 36 lovely dogs two times a day, scooping
… read more poops, feeding them, petting them, and also taking care of daily tasks as they'll come : getting water, stacking wood, shoveling snow... That will leave you plenty of time to go on wonderful hikes, read a bunch (as the places you'll be staying at are filled with good books) and generally just enjoy this place without any outside distraction if you're willing to leave them outside.
Thanks again for everything, and it would be a pleasure coming back!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Zak)
we were lucky to have zak red allen stay here and he completely crushed it. in addition to reliably acing any chores (dog or otherwise), he engineered the flavor train with his amazing cooking.
zak made everything easy -- adjusting to the clam gulch life immediately. he is responsible, reliable and can take on any task. plus his snarky and
… read more stodgy british hunour kept us laughing. (i may have not used stodgy correctly, but i like the word).
we enjoyed his company and hope he makes it back to our little patch of woods.
Left by Workawayer (Zak) for host
Gus and Emily are friendly, kind and genuine. Getting to share great food together after a wood fire hot tub and a beer is what life should be about.
The yurt you stay in is super comfy with a wood burning stove and two affectionate dog roommates. I am truly thankful.
I enjoyed the work and I will miss my friends dearly, both human and canine.
… read more Tell Kenai I love him and Carlos stay weird 🚂🚂🚂You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by Workawayer (Connor) for host
What started as a work exchange involving chores such as feeding and picking up after 35 dogs (I counted...a couple times), ended as wonderful days planned around feeding and hanging out with furry friends. Gus and Emily have a very wonderful home set up in Clam Gulch. Their passion for the way they live is contagious. You’ll be able to get
… read more stronger and tougher while also enjoying some moose, great ribs, a nightly hot tub soak, and maybe some ice cream if you're lucky. If you manage to get tired of the beautiful scenery and native plants around you, there are always sweet, loving dogs that will gladly accept your attention. It was a fantastic month experiencing a different way to live life and I am grateful for it. Thank you to Gus and Emily for the opportunity, I will never forget it.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Connor)
connor came here to start his post-high school gap year. it was an absolute pleasure to host him.
he quickly learned the daily routine with an eye to detail. connor assimilated to the "clam gulch life" almost immediately. he was able to handle every task and we enjoyed his company. he regaled us with stories about working at olive garden
… read more (breadsticks!) and was able to power through "steppenwolf" in his month here.
he helped out with the various fall chores and dog care & was very reliable. my only "complaint" was that he turned us on to the boise-based band "whippin' shitties" & i can't get their song "sniffin' glue" out of my head. tottenham also went on a disastrous losing streak during his visit, but it's tough to pin that on him.
i'd give him 6 stars. but he will have to settle for 5.
Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host
I was fortunate enough to be able to workaway with Gus and Emily and learn just a few of the secrets hidden in Clam Gulch. The days can be full of hard work (simple and easy are not words one speaks there), but it is so fulfilling. At the end of the day when you're sore and tired and bruised, there's nothing better than living in the woods with
… read more lots of dogs and eating the best food you will ever have in your life.
Emily and Gus care greatly for doing things properly, and that means they also look out for your safety. It's refreshing to be in a place where questions are welcome as it can be intimidating knowing what some of the consequences are for errors (fires, buckets melting, etc.). That being said, as long as you can keep a clear line of communication open and pay attention to detail, everything is super manageable.
In sum, it's a different way of life and lots to learn, but without hesitation I would do this all over again. You get to meet awesome people, spectacular dogs, and watch tottenham games. You're pretty darn lucky if you get to stay there.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)
olivia by nature is a quiet and reserved individual. for me, hard to read when i first meet someone. but after a two-plus month stay here, i can say olivia is quiet and reserved and quite capable, thank you.
she was able to handle any task and was responsible and detail orientated. we could rely on her to take care of whatever project capably.
… read more she fit nicely into this lifestyle and i can honestly say i can see her living her life in a similar fashion.
it is a pleasure to be around someone who cares and pays attention. everything here is labor intensive and involves a lot of detail. olivia understood the importance of that and made sure it was done right.
and she is easy to be around. i'd like to have her as a neighbor.
Left by Workawayer (Eleanor) for host
I had a wonderful time at Emily and Gus's that has left me with a deep craving for Alaska.
Gus and Emily welcomed me into their home and immediately made me comfortable. They have lived full lives, enthralling me with their stories, nuggets of wisdom, and humor. Tasks are reasonable and satisfying to complete (feeding dogs, stacking firewood,
… read more filling water jugs, etc). You have plenty of free time too. It's been a while I've felt such grounded contentedness- reading on the porch, playing with dogs, an amazing view of the woods... It's life stripped back to the simple joys. Dinner is always delicious too (I don't know how Emily does it!)
The cabin I stayed in was very cozy. I was nice and toasty and happy as a clam.
All the dogs are lovely as well- some of them are a bit strange, but that just made them more lovable :)
Truly an unforgettable experience.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Eleanor)
ella was an ace from the get-go. she showed up, learned the system and excelled. she is a total dog person and a go-getter, making life very easy for all of us.
she was a big help in any task and a pleasure to be around. ella seems like the kind of person that could potentially fit in almost anywhere. we were fortunate to have her!!
Left by Workawayer (Alec) for host
My two weeks with Gus and Emily in their little paradise was far greater than I expected. They are very welcoming, understanding, and helpful people. I loved the delicious dinner that Emily provided each night (mostly local meat or fish) and sharing amazing stories and perspectives with them. Of course, the dogs were my favorite part and I fell in
… read more love with each one - my favorite being Sugar! I hope to come back during the winter so that I can go sledding with the team! Thank you guys so much for having me!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Alec)
alec came to us as a last minute visitor. it couldn't have worked out better.
alec is a very quick learner, very thorough in everything he does, & is easy to be around. it was great to get to know him and our evening conversations were always interesting.
we were fortunate to find someone so capable on such short notice. i have a sneaking
… read more suspicion he'll be back.
Left by Workawayer (Melissa) for host
Gus and Emily were really good hosts, really nice! The way they are living is amazing (in the forest, sustainable) and it made me question myself a lot about the way I would like to live. And their dogs.... My god they are sooo lovely it has been a heartbreak for me to leave... They have all their own personality and always ready to give you
… read more hugs!!! I love them so much!
You will be host in a wooden cabin, really nice!
About the work, you have to be able to carry heavy stuff.
Thank you again to Gus and Emily to welcome me!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Melissa)
melissa came to us as a last minute, short term arrival. she definitely made the most of her visit and we were lucky to have her.
she is full of life and genuinely loves dogs. easy to be around and has a good attitude. helped with whatever needed done. self reliant. the kind of person you hope to meet in workaway.
she had to travel back to
… read more france, but if that wasnt the case, i think she would have stayed. these are the gravy days of summer, so why not?!?
Left by Workawayer (Frank) for host
Decided to up and leave my 9-5 job(s) for a month long excursion in Clam Gulch, AK. This was by far the best decision I made in a while. Gus and Emily were fantastic hosts and shared so many stories and experiences they had with Alaska/Antartica/Dog Sledding/Etc.
Emily is also an amazing cook and I would pick her food over high-class restaurant
… read more food any day. Nothing beats homemade.
Gus is super funny and will always have you entertained. He knows a lot about the world and can relate to a lot of things.
They are both extremely transparent and clear about what needs to be done and when. My tasks for the month included but were not limited to: feeding and picking up dog poops, clearing dead branches from the woods, caring for chicks, cleaning chicken coop, and so much more. Never a dull moment over in Clam Gulch.
Would 10/10 go back and do it all over again because this experience was super unique! See you guys soon!
Btw: Poncho says hi! (I snuck him in my carry on Bag before I left)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Frank)
sometimes we get people who just survive here. Sometimes we get people who adjust well. And then sometimes we get those who thrive. Frank was definitely one of those who thrived.
He came here from New Jersey, and took to the lifestyle here quickly. he felt at home in his office helping clear our new land. And picked up on the dog duties
… read more immediately.
Frank is super responsible with close attention to detail. & reliable to boot
He regaled us with stories from his college days and in the retail world of crocs. And then the parlance of sled dogs he is a "good eater".
Left by Workawayer (Can) for host
I came to Clam Gulch after 2 years of stressful work in New Jersey. I was working with gamble addicts who were playing lottery all the time. All I heard was car sounds even when I was sleeping. When I started volunteering in Clam Gulch I started to see dreams after 2 years. Because there was no sound. Instead of gamblers I was spending my time
… read more with dogs. I listened to Radiohead, enjoyed the hot tub, ate healthy food and worked with Maggie. My favorite dogs are Oscar, Dora and Kusco. I miss all of them including the ones I could never touch like Pinstripe, Hank, Rocky.. Gus makes jokes all the time. He loves Tottenham. You will be a soccer fan there. Emily cooks great food and loves the dogs more than anything. You will enjoy the books, birds and squirrels. Clam Gulch is a good gym if you want to keep your shape! I couldn't lose weight there. Because I ate even more than Diego (dog). All the best !You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Can)
can arrived from new jersey and was thrust into life in alaska during winter 2021
the learning curve was steep, but can stepped up to the challenge. he took on every task with aplomb and fit right in amongst the dogs. life here is physically demanding and can earned his membership in the "clam gulch gym".
Left by Workawayer (Margaret) for host
This was a wonderful experience! Gus and Emily and the dogs were great hosts, I give them 100 percent! They are very patient (especially with those of us not physically prepared for the clam gulch gym life lol) and very straightforward (they tell you what is important to them and let you know if you forget something or make a mistake which makes
… read more everyone’s life so much easier) and the dogs are just the best (everyone has a big personality and getting to know them all is a joy)
It’s a lot of physical labor and may not be for everyone but most things I was asked to do also benefited me so it rarely ever felt like working (you help chop wood = you have wood for your fire, you clean the chicken coop = you get amazing fresh eggs, you roll out hoses = you get to shower and hot tub, etc.) I genuinely enjoyed it and left much stronger
Gus has built such a cool home for himself in Clam Gulch, the natural beauty around it never gets old and there are lots of trails to explore it, there is a great collection of books with something for everyone to enjoy, the hot tub is the best way to relax at the end of the day and there are puppy kisses whenever you want! He has a great sense of humor and really wants his work awayers to enjoy themselves. Emily is incredibly kind and makes some of the best food I’ve ever had, anyone that gets to benefit from her bread baking addiction is very lucky :) They have truly built their lives around the dogs and their love for them shines through in everything they do, I felt so lucky to be part of the crew for a couple months and I miss my furry and feathered roommates everyday (especially Rohn Rohnie! He’s the best old man) Can’t wait to visit again someday!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Margaret)
maggie arrived in alaska after a delay (snowmageddon 2021 in texas -- which albeit was good training for winter here), and instantly settled in and thrived.
she has a keen sense for attention to detail and was extremely responsible and thorough in every task. she is one of those people who want to insure the job is done right. which is rare form
… read more for modern times. maybe that was just "healthy paranoia"?
maggie is a delight to be around. she cooked the best curry i have ever had, dumplings that were "off the chart" and salmon rice cakes i could eat everyday. and the dogs couldn't have had a better friend -- especially rohn rohnie (ron rhonie!)
i have the sneaking suspicion she will return to alaska. and we will say "welcome back, maggie"
Left by host for Workawayer (Benji)
due to a last-minute change, benji came aboard -- making it here in a record three days from interview to arrival. which in this day and age is impressive in itself!
benji is enthusiastic and eager and was able to fall right into the routine we lovingly call the "clam gulch gym" (due to seemingly everything taking a lot of physical labor,
… read more especially in winter...). he is the consummate dog person and made the most of his alaska experience by skiing and snowshoeing our trails. benji embraced life here & really fit in with everything we did. even the "puffkake chant"!!
Left by Workawayer (Philip) for host
Uniquely wild and memorable experience with Gus & Emily in Clam Gulch! This was a last minute trip for a few weeks in December, but Gus & Emily were patient with the common learning curve that exists while coming to the woods of Alaska from the lower 48.
Pretty much all of the work involves physical effort, but I became a proud member of the
… read more "Clam Gulch Gym" - first and only rule is "never skip log day." Between the hauling of logs/water/meat and my near daily hikes in the dog trails of the wilderness, I managed to unintentionally shed some pounds of post-Thanksgiving turkey weight. Don't let my testimony scare you off, as Emily is a great cook and you are fed healthily and well (puffcakes, focaccia, short rib enchiladas, hearty fish & meat soups were some of my favorites). An unexpected benefit of Clam Gulch Gym membership is access to a nightly wood-fired hot tub (and soon a sauna!), with the beautiful starry and moonlit skies as your companion.
Gus & Emily are well-read, interesting people, but even if they weren't the 30+ dogs are all more than worthy companions. Experiencing these dogs, who are born to run, in action on the sled is truly special. This is a workaway for people who are willing to be independent (lot of personal down time to read, walk, etc.), flexible (apart from feeding & scooping poops no two days are identical), and environmentally self-sufficient (comfortable without electricity or running water). For me, it was a challenging and fascinating experience where I learned a lot, notably about Alaska, off-grid living, mushing, and myself (who knew that I too bled Tottenham blue?).
Thank you Gus and Emily for everything!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Philip)
coming here at the last minute, i'm not sure if phil was ready for the "clam gulch gym" experience, but he surely embraced it.
since seemingly everything here involves physical labor (handling dogs, hauling water, stacking firewood), everyone gets a good workout on a daily basis. the fresh air is the bonus (also the beer stays nice and cold in
… read more december!) phil jumped right in and thrived -- or as he said "every day is a log day!" & he tackled any task with aplomb.
he explored the backcountry from the dog yard and made some bomber gnocchi (pronounced, as i fond out, no-key). also: quickly appreciated the subtle grace that is tottenham hotspur. i believe it was his first workaway experience and i would say he is "old hat".
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
Gus and Emily are both very kind and understanding people! Coming from the city I was clueless on how to do many things, but Emily and Gus are extraordinarily patient. I do miss my yurt of solitude where you get to hang out with the friendliest dogs you’ll ever meet (I miss all the dogs now but especially Luna, Ruby, and Oscar, and Sugar!).
I
… read more always wanted to live the sled dog lifestyle and I got to do that! More so I also got great food that these guys cook for you while your there. Thanks for fulfilling my dream guys! Going on a sled dog ride is amazing!
I would recommend trying to get into shape beforehand so you don’t have that clouding up your experience here and bring good cold weather supplies.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
hannah told us she had always wanted to come to alaska and live the sled dog life. coming from the comfortable environs of downtown san fran, she jumped right in during the darkest and coldest part of the winter. headline -- big city biologist survives alaska!
it is nice to see someone who is thrown beyond their element make the effort and take
… read more on the challenge. life here is not easy -- (almost) everything requires physical labor just to maintain. hannah was up for everything thrown at her and was able to help with everything. some people choose to go to the beach for a holiday, some fly to alaska and mush dogs and haul firewood. there is no right or wrong.
Left by Workawayer (Rikki) for host
I spent nearly six weeks with Gus and Emily and their beautiful dogs. I arrived in the beginning of November with no snow so I was pretty bummed, but halfway through my stay the weather changed and I got to experience running the dogs and being a part of that was one of my favorite experiences. These dogs are incredible!! The work at Clam Gulch is
… read more focused mostly on caring for an off grid home. You'll be doing a lot of wood hauling, cleaning the chicken coop, filling water jugs, etc. And then, obviously, feeding the sweet pups twice a day and picking up poop. There really isn't a schedule, rather you'll be told what needs to be done for the day that morning and then you can fill in your time with whatever you wanna do. Its a lot of time alone but there are hundreds of books, and woods to wander around. I cherished my evening hot tub soak before dinner and all the wonderful meals Emily cooked for me. I don't think this experience is "for everyone" but for those that enjoy solitude in the woods, hard work and dogs (of course!!) this can be a very fulfilling experience. I miss those pups everyday... please give them some love for me (and maybe a teeny bit extra love for oscar and sugar). Thank you Gus and Emily for this amazing experience and thank you Emily for the food and bread and good conversation and being understanding about my lack of excitement when it came to helping in the butcher shop!!!! Cheers.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Rikki)
i was not made aware of it before she came here, but during a rebellious teenage phase, rikki took part in an organized backwoods canoe trip for naughty girls. perhaps that would have raised a red flag? in any case, rikki joined us for six weeks and was an absolute delight to have around.
comfortable and capable in every task, rikki is able to
… read more tackle any task with zest. she taught us how to make the best focaccia bread and helped root for our beloved hotspur. an excellent companion for the dogs as well (although i did see her contemplate adding oscar to her carry on). you cannot go wrong hosting rikki.
Left by Workawayer (Lauren) for host
I had an amazing time with Gus and Emily and all of the dogs were amazing. It was a great place to decompress from the outside world while also getting some work done and there was a nice balance of helping out and free time. Gus and Emily are both very accommodating and great hosts overall. Thank you for having me!!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
for us, the dogs are our number one priority. so having lauren was the perfect fit since she is genuinely loves and cares for dogs. both our work schedules were super busy as well -- it was a nice thing to have someone around who wasnso attentive to the team.
the weather started out super snowy on her arrival, but quickly took a turn for the
… read more worse, which unfortunately put us in a holding pattern in regards to training the dogs. lauren was up to any task though. she worked hard, was very easy to be around and comfortable on her own. i can see her living in a cabin in the woods someday. with dogs of course.
Left by Workawayer (Caitlyn) for host
Staying at Gus and Emily’s for 6 weeks was a great experience. Their off the grid lifestyle can be quite a sharp contrast to a house with electricity and running water, but that is part of the appeal of living here. If you’re here to get away from busy city life, then this is the perfect place. As Gus says, this is “the camping trip that never
… read more ends”-- and it is exactly like that! The work can be tough but I got a lot stronger by the end of it. Also helping to run the dogs was always a treat! I will miss all 32 of the dogs, and I'm sad I won't be there when the puppies are born at the end of this month. I guess this means I have to come back at some point! Thank you for everything, Gus and Emily!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Caitlyn)
things couldn't have been busier when caitlyn visited us -- the end of fall/pre-winter scramble. caitlyn jumped right in and ably handled any task given. she was comfortable being on her own and always was reliable, responsible and careful and her work. she is easy to spend time with -- and for a california girl -- able to adapt to the change of
… read more the season.
Left by Workawayer (Aviv) for host
Gus and Emily were great hosts! I was looking for an experience to detach from things and Clam Gulch, Alaska was the perfect place to do so. I was able to go on beautiful hikes and bike rides, spend a majority of my time with the dogs and see the seasons change from summer to fall to winter. I was fed great, fresh food everyday and that was one of
… read more my favorite parts. I learned new things every day and appreciated the wilderness and quiet. This workaway experience is not for the faint hearted, it was hard work. But that is why I enjoyed it, you earned your beer at the end of the day. They are big Tottenham fans so it was fun to watch the soccer games with their friends. I am grateful to this experience and happy that I made new friends in Alaska. From Clam Gulch I was able to travel all around Alaska, so it was really just the start of the adventure!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Aviv)
aviv was the first to join us post covid shutdown & we were lucky to have a guy like him stay here. he was definitely one of the most energetic and adventuresome workawayers we have had & he was willing and able to tackle any task. it was nice to have someone around who was responsible and put thought into the things he did. aviv fit in well here
… read more and it was a pleasure to get to know him.
Left by Workawayer (Mike) for host
5 Star Experience For Living Through The Apocalypse!
My first Workaway experience and what a place to start.
Working with sled dogs had been a dream of mine for many years and I couldn't have asked for a better place to go than at Gus and Emily's.
Everything from the start was very welcoming and the atmosphere laid back and fun. Surprisingly it
… read more doesn't take too long to learn all the dogs names - although making friends with some of the more shy ones takes a bit more time!
Every day has a mix of set tasks (feeding, endless poop clearing ( :-D) and other chores necessary to live in off grid lifestyle (drawing well water, looking after the chickens). I discovered how much satisfaction you can get from clearing snow and making trails, and also how great a stress reliever chopping wood can be!
Experiencing the Alaskan scenery from a sled pulled by these tireless amazing dogs is magical and an experience you are unlikely to ever forget. Likewise the satisfaction from learning how to care for the dogs and set up for a sled run makes you appreciate the time and effort involved in training these dogs from novice pups into a working team.
My accomodation was in a yurt which was so cozy and warm and a great place to chill out and read books or relax with a "borrowed" dog.
Unfortunately my arrival in Alaska coincided with the start of the coronavirus pandemic and so as lockdowns started I had to make the difficult decision to leave after only two weeks of my planned 6 week stay. I am sure once the world is back in order that Gus and Emily's will be top of my list of places to come back to.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike)
mike happened to arrive right at the start of the coronavirus craziness in alaska. so we all hunkered down and waited it out.
the end of winter can be magic in alaska, & 2020 was no exception. mike has a lot of real world experience (around the world) & was able to jump right in and help out with dogs and beyond. he has a maturity and
… read more reliability that can’t always be found these days.
his visit was cut short by events (related to the virus) unfolding. but i have the feeling we’ll be seeing him again in the future.
Left by host for Workawayer (Céline)
celine broke all the workaway records on her stay — longest stay, most dogs fed, first in cookies eaten. she came for a month and stayed three.
she is a consummate dog person and excellent (in every way) with every project. without a doubt, she was in her element here and thrived. super punctual too — if you told her ‘ten minutes’, she would set
… read more a timer and show up in 10. (not that we are on a strict schedule here anyways).
it was comfortable to hang out with her. we hope she will return soon. but this time with belgian beer!!
Left by Workawayer (Céline) for host
As many others said before (and after for sure), sharing time with Gus, Emily and all these amazing dogs (and chikens)will not leave you cold hearted. Here you will have the opportunity to spend your time with real and authentic people, surrounded by all of what nature can offer.
Nothing here felt like working really, the day starts late morning
… read more and plans are made as the day goes by. You will have time to explore around, read a good book or in my case, spend as much time as possible with the dogs. You will have the chance to spend your days outside, not depending on any schedule, not knowing the date because, who cares ? Plus, with all this outdoor activity, you will get stronger for sure. ( I did got stronger right? Gus? Emily?)
The only little thing is you should really be confortable being by yourself, this might not be the best place for you if you absolutely need your daily social meeting, or if you’re wish to go out in pubs every nights. But if you don’t, then you’ll have the best time here I promise.
Dogs here all have their own personalities and each of them have so much to give; some of them will teach you NEVER to leave anything eatable — and not only — on the floor… or any reachable place for that matter ( Luna, carlossss ). Some of them will teach you patience and hard work as you’ll have to prove yourself first before earning their love ( Geeeene, Rocket, … still working on a few). But It is what it is, you have to love them all no matter what — I sure did. They are all amazing, well behaved and so easy to get attached to.
Anyway, Gus and Emily are great people, they taught me so much about their lifestyle, their love for dogs, and how to take care of them…. and a all bunch of new words I will practice and repeat everyday without a doubt (can’t wait for the easter egg hunt to begin). They are the kind of people I wish I had in my life on a daily basis and I really look up to them.
So, If what you’re looking for is an amazing experience in the woods, priceless time with dogs and unforgettable food to consume, then hop in and get ready for it, you will not regret it!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by Workawayer (Veronica Cecilia) for host
Gus and Emily, were amazing with me. I loved to learn every day. I enjoyed every day staying at Gus and Emilys place, i will love to come back soon.
You will have only one meal a day, be sure to be ready for this experience. You don´t have anything around except Wild, Woods.
No Wifi available so its recommended to have a good data plan.
You will
… read more live a great experience.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronica Cecilia)
it’s refreshing to meet someone like veronica (aka pimpo). her positive attitude is infectious and her work ethic is excellent. she cares about everything she does and it shows.
having someone around who is super resonsible and has an attention to detail is a plus for sure, but pimpo brings a true “joy of life” to daily tasks. it was quite the
… read more change moving from south america to the middle of the forest in clam gulch, but she did it with style, panache and fashion!
Left by Workawayer (Oriane) for host
I had the most amazing experience at Gus and Emily’a place - or as I like to call it, the “Winter Wonderland”. The setting was simply beautiful, as were my (almost!) daily walks around the woods. While I did not find a moose, I did find serenity and fulfillment. A typical day consisted in feeding the dogs, a morning and afternoon “poopy tour” (a
… read more wonderful treasure hunt!) and daily activity (cleaning the chicken pen, refilling the water, stacking wood, dishes, etc.). I appreciated the freedom I had to spend my free time reading, playing guitar, cooking, laying in the snow, or hanging out with the dogs. I was also very happy to be able to share this experience with the other workawayer who was there during my stay (love you Celine!). Thank you Emily for every delicious dinner and for showing me your work. Thank you Gus for lending me your guitar. And thank you both for sharing you lifestyle with me. Please send my love to all of the dogs (and extra biscuits to Ginger and Lucas!) <3 Go Tottenham!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Oriane)
my first impression of oriane was a good one — i was several hours late picking her up at the airport and she was patiently waiting and reading “animal farm”, surrounded by everyone else glued to their smartphone.
oriane was quick to learn and quick to adapt to life here. sometimes i feel it is a bit risky having someone under 20 years old come
… read more here for a workaway — there is no wifi, very few trips to town or even running water! — but she fit right in. & the dogs had a real friend with her too.
we even named one of the chickens after her (i think it is one of the brown ones, but i am not sure). au revoir, oriane!
Left by Workawayer (Jeanne) for host
I stayed with Gus and Emily for almost 1 month in december-january and this was one of my favorite workaways ever. Gus and Emily are really nice people, I felt really good from the first day I arrived at their place. I've learned a lot while being there, about a different way of living, which is the best way to live in my opinion. The place is
… read more amazing : beautiful landscapes, incredible sunsets/surises/stars, endless trails to take long walks, and peace and quiet because there's no neighbours! Most importantly, THE DOGS : they are amazing, each 30 of them, even the crazy ones (McKinley) and the ones who farts at night (lots of them). The food was also veeeeery good, Emily is a very good cook, and Gus too (thanks for all the egg burritos).The work was not too hard. Actually it didn't really feel like working, like in other workaways, because I enjoyed it and I was always outside, with dogs, and there is no real schedule so it's very relax. Everyday went by so fast.
So I recommend this workaway to anyone who likes dogs and enjoy having time alone in the wood, and live off the grid.
Thank you again Emily and Gus, for everything! I hope you'll take me back because I absolutely plan on coming backYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeanne)
jeanne is rock solid. she fit in immediately and easily handled any task assigned to her. she is very proactive and is able to troubleshoot and figure out how to do things quickly. she seemed to feel right at home in the woods. also she was only the second workawyer to take out a dog team. and held on!
Left by Workawayer (Evan) for host
Came to Clam Gulch wanting a marked change from urban city life and to be able to experience a true Alaskan setting. There, off the grid, surrounded by dogs, I found it! Staying there with Gus and Emily (and Rohn and Rainy and Rattail and,,,) was a well needed change from the bustle of Anchorage and allowed me to time to not only think and reflect
… read more but learn a skill or two! Whether chopping meat or just petting dogs there was always something valuable to do. I highly recommend this Workaway and am ever grateful for them welcoming me in. Go Hotspurs!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Evan)
evan came to us after surviving half a year working in los anchorage. it did not take him long to find his groove and assimilate to life “clam gulch style”.
evan hails from indianapolis (go pacers!) & brought that good-natured midwestern go-gettum with him. he was easy to be around and was able to adapt to all tasks. funnier than a ewe dressed
… read more as elton john (as they say in indy). highly recommended.
Left by Workawayer (Tomas) for host
If you wanna get experience with totally different lifestyle than you are probably used to, this is the place.
You can leave your phone and laptop in the backpack and calm down yourself (there is no wifi anyway). Enjoy your stay in the middle of forest without these enticements and be outside with dogs - they are absolutely amazing and everyone
… read more has different character, which is really funny to watch. Diego forever! :D
We had very busy time, when I was there - a lot of work, but thanks to us, there is functional butchery shop and yurt now! So it was worth it.
Unfortunately a lot of wildfires were around, so it wasn't best time for hiking, but still possible to do some trips.
Everything is about communication up there, Emily & Gus are kind and open to your opinions and wishes. You just have to be independent and able to tell, what you want or what you don't.
I can recommend it to you. This is the best escape from our little bit crazy world. I enjoyed the stay there and I am sure that you will as well.
Just be aware that for running dogs it has to be fall at least. Winter is the time for it.
Thanks a lot you guys, especially you Emily, for everything, what I could experience and learn with you!
I am thinking about coming back in the winter time.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Very good)
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomas)
it’s hard to believe, but sometimes things get hectic here. the past month was one of those times and tomas jumped right in and helped out in every way.
in addition to all the daily duties involving dogs, chickens and the garden , tomas helped with numerous other projects, including building a yurt.
he is a hard worker, easy to be around and
… read more exceptionally clean. highly recommended!
Left by Workawayer (Kamila) for host
Staying with Gus and Emily was really moving experience for me. I felt that I relaxed from this crazy, fast and consumer world out there. After few days I figured out what to do and how to help. Beside helping, I always found time to enjoy calmness and time for a book. Every evening we had delicious dinner together with some interesting talks.
… read more After dinner I had talks with Luna ( special dog for me). Can't forget to mention the best smoked salmon! Thanks guys. Take care and hopefully see you again!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Kamila)
it would be no exaggeration to say kamila is “the best”. she made life easy just by being here, quickly figuring out how things are done and being responsible. attributes that can be in shoert order this day and age.
she adapted to life here immediately and thrived in our harsh unforgiving environs. she also made some baddass potato pancakes.
… read more
sail true, kamila!
Left by Workawayer (CeilSummer2019) for host
I couldn't have asked for a better first-time Workawayer experience!
Both Gus and Emily were gracious hosts who kindly gave me the opportunity
to gain valuable hands-on work experience as a caretaker for their 30 adorable
sled dogs. The dogs themselves were a joy to interact with and showed me
great affection. If you're fond of our canine friends
… read more and looking for an
authentic Alaskan dog care experience, Gus and Emily are the way to go!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (CeilSummer2019)
a true dog lover, celia fit right in here. we were lucky to have someone like her, so attentive to the dogs and so able bodied. also: possibly the most polite person i have ever met!!
it was great to get to know her, despite the busy summer season. she hinted that the workaway experience may be a one-off experience (as she is about to embark on
… read more working as a dog groomer), but if you are lucky enough to have celia as a workawayer, you will not be disappointed!
Left by Workawayer (Jessica & Martin) for host
If you are searching paradise on Earth, this is the right place! I had the most wonderful 4 weeks in the cosiest wood cabin with the most wonderful 2 people and 31 dogs.
Gus and Emily are so kind, friendly and funny. We laughed a lot and always had something to talk about. Their dogs are the sweetest and cutest I've ever seen! There's no other
… read more option than totally falling in love with them.
The hardest "work" I had to do was saying goodbye and leaving this awesome and beautiful place.
Thank you guys for this magical and wonderful experience. You and the dogs will always have a special place in my heart! I miss you so much.
We will see us again someday and I am already looking forward to this.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica & Martin)
if you end up with jessy thru workaway, consider yourself lucky. responsible, attentive & super hard working, she was a perfect fit for our rough & tumble alaskan existence.
she is also a true dog lover. i would describe her as an “old soul” — wise beyond her years. she is the kind of person that would be able to live here and thrive. she even
… read more ran her own dog team as winter waned and spring sprang.
i have a feeling we will be seeing her again in the future.
Left by host for Workawayer (Misha )
this was a last-minute workaway experience. misha was already in alaska and came here after several other workaway experiences. she did a good job while she was here, understanding what needed to be done & was attentive to the dogs. however after arranging her agreed upon help when one of us had to unexpextedly leave,
misha up and left while we
… read more were out — with no advance unotice. poof. gone. dunno.
Left by Workawayer (Jeanne) for host
Emily and Gus were the best hosts and I hope not so much! I had this chance to meet this wonderful Alaskan family, made up of unique dogs of all kinds, but always with a lot of love. I immediately felt comfortable thanks to Emily and Gus, are two people really interested, passionate and in love with nature and their animals. I basically worked
… read more with Emily, a golden person, who listens and who takes the time to explain the various missions but also an excellent cook (a big favorite for her banana and walnut bread) and a great trumpet player. I could write to you for hours the beautiful memories engraved in me and the well done that this family brought me but I let you discover them by yourself. Thanks to them, I returned to France with the determination to make of my life, a life similar to theirs. Highly my return home. Pinchpach!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeanne)
in alaska we call real alaskans “sourdoughs” & newcomers “cheechakos” (although these days it’s more like “the ones who are left” & “snowbirds”). jeanne arrived from the mean streets of france and assimilated so well one would think she was an old sourdough. she was quick to learn and proficient in everything we do here, as well as competent with
… read more anything dog. super reliable as well. magnifique! i expect someday she will be living in a cabin in the forest too.
Left by Workawayer (Anastasia) for host
I am really happy with my experience of being a volunteer at this place! I have been there for a week and had a great time helping this wonderful people with tasks around the house and taking care of the dogs.
If you are considering this place for your trip - just make sure that you are that type of people that like nature, dogs and life style
… read more which is simple and mostly outdoor. If you match that criterias than you will be absolutely in love with your volunteering. Gus and Emily are very nice people, easy and pleasure to be around, with great sence of humor - if you have one then be ready to laught a lot ;)
All the dogs are nice and well behaved. The cabin where you stay is cozy and has a stove to cook (I would suggest to bring some food with you, so you can cook maybe ones a day whenever you are hungry). However, Emily is a great cook and everything she does is absolutely delicious.
All the tasks are easy and reasonable such as: feeding the dogs, cleaning after them, caring some water, shoveling the snow, washing the dishes etc.
I am very happy that I’ve got a chance to travel to Alaska and meet Gus and Emily and all their dogs!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Anastasia)
it was only a week over the festive season, but anastasia came to clam gulch & made a big impression. nicknamed “the sleeping bag coat lady” due to the girth & heft of her coat (which shows a great initiative for preparedness), anastasia left the friendly confines of southern california for the great frozen north... & thrived. immediate friend of
… read more all the dogs and capable at any task, she fit right in. part of it may have been her experience as a nanny — dealing with bitter cold and sled dogs must be a breeze compared to a couple snot-nosed kids. we wished she could stay longer!
Left by Workawayer (Nikoline) for host
If you feel like you need some time by yourself and you love dogs – This is the right place to go. I mean there are heeps of other brilliant reasons why you should go to this work away. If you can say yes to the following you should text Gus and Emily right away.
Do you like dogs a lot and wanna spend most of your time with them?
Do you love
… read more good and simple food ?
Do you like being around nice people with both feet at the ground ?
Do you like working outside and breathing fresh air?
That must be a hole lot of yes!
You would never ever regret a stay at this amazing work away !
Thank you for showing me your way to live in the forrest. I admire you a lot and love that you want to show it to people who have the interest in seing and being a part of it. Gus and Emily is amazing and so easy to be around.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Nikoline)
nikoline was indeed excellent -- capable, cheerful and a pleasure to be around. being a second cousin, thrice removed, of tottenham's own christian eriksen made her a bit of a celebrity in clam gulch, but even so, nikoline got down and dirty with us commoners in all our daily chores. she is everything you would hope even a friend would be -- easy
… read more to be around, low key and comfortable being on their own. she fit in from the get-go and fell in love with the dogs. highly recommended!
Left by Workawayer (Aurore) for host
Such an unforgettable experience ! Imagine living in the middle of the forest, you can hear the dogs outside, the fire crackles in your wood stove, you feel warm. From your window, only the nature. You can see the dogs playing outside.
Gus & Emily will open their door to their rustic, off the grid world and a real Alaskan experience. Emily is an
… read more amazing cook - moose bolognese, fresh vegetables, cobbler, you'll enjoy it trust me. Make sure you've food with your for lunch and some snacks for the rest of the day. The cabin is super comfortable. You share your nights with one of two dogs and you'll love them right away. So hard to leave without taking them in your backpack. Big kiss to my boys !
Gus and Emily took me many times to run the dogs, loved it so much.
If you're ready to go out from your comfort zone. Outside shower, toilet out in the forest, no electricity neither connection to the society, you've to get there!
Thank you so much Gus & Emily for these past weeks with you. Will never forget.
Ps : Go LamelaYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Very good)
Left by host for Workawayer (Aurore)
it was a real pleasure to host aurore. she is "practically perfect" in every way in the workawayer sense -- with the added bonuses of loving the dogs and being able to do every task & do it well. & i realize it is a bit of a steeotype for the swiss but she is also very knowledgeable about watches and chocolates. aurore is pleasant to be around,
… read more patient and quick to learn. she has become a tottenham fan as well, so she will go far in this world. she finally bade us goodbye and headed to hawaii saying she was "happy to leave this god-forsaken cold wasteland" but did add she enjoyed emily's homemade bread. cheers, aurore!
Left by Workawayer (Erik) for host
An incredible experience!
Gus is a very welcoming person, ready to help in any situation. He is also an excellent cooker, I will never forget his moose burger :blush:. This experience is awesome for anyone who wants to know about real life in Alaska. The accommodation in the cabin is extraordinary and totally out of time, forget your watch and
… read more live the adventure !
Finally, life with dogs is really great, I also confirm that in a very short time we get very attached to them, we understand the character of each one and we take a lot of pleasure in going to see them and take care of them.
Thank you Gus with all my heart! And hopefully see you later
ErikYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Erik)
here in clam gulch we like living the good life, or as some call it "la vida loca". erik fit right in and was a great addition.
august is a great month to be here -- the tourist hordes from the summer have packed up and gone somewhere else (iowa?) and the meancing winter is not yet fast approaching. it is a lovely time.
erik fit in right away,
… read more worked hard and, on top of that, is a master of franch cuisine. he was excellent with the dogs as well. it is nice to be around someone that sees how things work once and then can take on the task.
also: i have never seen someone enjoy a charcoal grilled moose burger as much as he did. then again, it was crazy delicious. viva la france!
Left by Workawayer (Barbora) for host
First of all I am really sorry to leave my feedback so late!!
I loved this piece of wild paradise in the middle of the Alaskan woods taking care of the cutiest dogs of all!!!:heart_eyes:
Gus is an amazing and hardworking person with an amazing sense of humour!!! I always had a lot of fun with him! His bartender and cooking skills are a must!!! I
… read more got to know few of his friends, he took me for several trips and I got to learn some of the carpenter skills while building the greenhouse!!:)
I felt like at home and it was quite hard for me to leave this place!!!
The fluffy puffs are simply amazing!! You cannot not love them!!! Taking care of them wasn't work for me!! I had a lot of fun with these and it was heartbreaking to leave them!!! Best of all is the sleeping time as most of them really like to cuddle :))
I couldn't choose a better place as my first workaway experience and I am sure it wasn't last time to be here!!!
Miss you all guys!!:hearts:You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Barbora)
barbora fit in well here. super energetic, extremely hard working and fun to be around. she is able
to see something once, figure out how it is done & excel at it. it's a quality that is nice to see and hard to find this day and age.
her zest for life is infectous and we had many interesting and spirited chats fueled by cocktails.
she will be
… read more successful in whatever she decides to do & will continue to make the most out of life.
in the end, she decided she was too good for alaska and left us to travel the world. buén viaje!
Left by host for Workawayer (Antoine)
there are pros and cons to every workawayers visit. for antoine, it was 99% "pros". he was an excellent guest and capable worker. fast learning too
the other 1% was the fact he is french and france won the world cup. as an england supporter, i never heard the end of giroux's scoring prowess & 'les bleus'
antoine assisted me with -- what ended up
… read more being -- a very involved chicken coop project and excelled with his quick grasp of carpentry skills. we went on many hikes and a fishing trip as well where one of us got seasick & it wasnt me!
he was great with the dogs too, which is the main thing. he's mustard.
Left by Workawayer (Antoine) for host
The place is simply amazing. You have a nice cabin for yourself. And a new outdoor shower !
The food is very good, it is only local meat or fish with vegetables grown in the garden. There usually are two meals. One in the morning and one in the evening. The breakfast is one of the best thing I have ever eaten in my life !
Bring some snacks
… read more because sometimes you get hungry between the two meals.
The best thing is to be with the dogs. They are all very kind and crazy you will love them !!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Rising)
by the time rising's tenure as a workawayer had come to an end, i had almost forgotten that she was indeed here via workaway and not a full time resident. she fit in that well.
she was totally capable with the dogs and it was nice having someone that is responsible and reliable. don't let the fact rising is still a young lass -- she is wise
… read more beyond her years.
her stay spanned the end of winter into the beginning of spring, which is a pretty cool time to be here.
Left by Workawayer (Rising) for host
This was an absolutely unforgettable experience and I HIGHLY recommend you come here and experience living off-grid in the woods with these beautiful dogs. You will not regret it.
The dogs are fantastic. If you love dogs, every day will be a good day. So sweet, friendly, funny and if you spend time with each one you will see how special each
… read more individual dog is. I had so much fun around them and even got to bring my favorites into my cabin with me to hang out.
The work was easy and varied, my favorite activities were chopping wood, feeding the dogs, playing with the puppies, and helping clip the dogs for their runs. I had to cook for the dogs sometimes while Gus & Emily were away, which was hard for me because I've been vegetarian for a long time, but I made it work. Gus & Emily were respectful and communicative about what needed to get done, and everything I had to do was clearly explained.
Emily is a real sweetheart and shared so many great meals and treats like homemade pizza, homemade jams & jellies, and delicious chocolate custard. They didn't mind my vegetarian diet and many dinners we had started with a salad which was nice. When I first got there I didn't realize only some meals were provided, so you may want to bring snacks and will need to do some grocery shopping for yourself if you prefer to eat three meals a day. They usually provided 1-2 meals per day and dinner was always delicious and filling.
The cabin was BEATUIFUL and comfortable and immediately felt like home. You will have a 5-star view of the woods with lots of natural light, there is a range to cook your own meals, and the woodstove will keep you plenty warm if you can start a fire. Dinner was usually served late so you may have to do some adjusting if you are a morning person. The nice part was that I never had to get up early, the day starts whenever it starts and I liked how relaxed it was.
There is no schedule and you can work the minimum or there is always more to do if you want to be busy. They like to keep things simple, so if you can follow directions, you are happy in the woods and you love dogs, you will adore this beautiful place to call home for a little while. Thanks so much for having me! I miss Rainy and Mr. Shakaroon already.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by Workawayer (Jennifer ) for host
To stay at this very unique, cozy and peaceful place is the best thing I did so far! I love traveling but have never been to a place like this before. I’m still overwhelmed by the beautiful nature and the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. In addition to that, Gus is one of the most interesting people i’ve ever met. He‘s a honest and very
… read more caring person, even if he doesn’t see himself like that. He did everything to make me feel comfortable and always gave me the chance to experience new things. I’m happy that i met him and really enjoyed being at his place and experiencing a life off the grid. However, the most amazing part of this adventure was to be with the dogs. Never expected them to be so cute and loving. I fell in love with them immediately!
I highly recommend this place. You won’t regret your stay with Gus, Emily and those wonderful dogs!
Thank you Gus, I hope we will meet again soon!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer )
although jenny's stay was cut short due to a family emergency, she made the most of her time with us in alaska. she was immediately comfortable and ready to experience what wintertime in alaska had to offer. jenny has a great attitude and good sense of humor and loves dogs. (i had to count them after she left to make sure they weren't be smuggled
… read more back to germany). she works very hard and is eager to learn new things. if i could give her 6 stars i would have. but not seven. that would be ridiculous.
Left by host for Workawayer (Lea)
lea arrived at the start of a very cold and snowy november and jumped right in. it may have been a tough transition coming from urban germany, but lea made it work. she even came to play late-nite poker with the boys. after alaska's frigid temperatures, i think she was ready for some warmer climes!
Left by Workawayer (Lea) for host
Actually I don`t know where I should start because it was so beautiful in so many and different ways! I was there for about 3 weeks and I enjoyed every single day of it. All dogs are so cute and lovely to each other but also to you. This was my first fear that they won`t come to me or don`t like me but it wasn`t like that. I spent so much time
… read more with them that I can`t even think of a moment without them. I also spent the nights with them so I never got cold because I always had somebody to cuddle with. #rhonisthecutest
The way how Gus and Emily live is a completly different one what I ever saw in my life. But it doesn`t mean that it`s worse or something like that. You have to deal with issues witch you never thought it could get one:D You can learn so many things from them and can really find yourself out there. The work what I had to do wasn`t a big deal because I liked to do it. 99% of work is outside so you never get cold or bored because you`ll always have good comapnie ;). The nature, the dogs and you guys were so amazing, I will never forget it. Thank you for letting me in to your own little world, it will always be in my good memories.
LeaYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Jakob)
when we have a december in alaska like we just had (unseasonably warm & snowless at lower elevations) -- all bets are off in dog mushing.
jakob had the unfortunate luck of visiting us during one of alaska's (becoming more regular) winter thaws. for us, that means a scramble moving dogs to more wintery locations. but he made the best of it and
… read more soldiered on.
jakob is eager to help and wants projects. we had some great conversations and enjoyed his visit. he makes a mean strong cup of coffee & explored the surrounding backcountry with one of our dogs, algae. he is the kind of guy who ends up living somewhere like this. someday.
Left by host for Workawayer (Alfiana)
alfiana is a natural. she is a quick learner, a dog lover and someone who appreciates alaska. she gets it. smart & an unassuming sense of humour. she is able to adapt & overcome. you will be better for it, if you get to know alfie. it was a real pleasure.
Left by Workawayer (Alfiana) for host
This was my first workaway experience and it was very special in all ways. Starting with the hosts: Gus and Emily are easy going, open, fun, straightforward and above all they are willing to share everything, from their socks to their friends, you name it. They included me in lovely dinners, dog runs, watching Tottenham play or eating steaks with
… read more friends. Their lifestyle is inspiring and you can learn a lot from them. And man... these people are strong! I always thought I was pretty tough, but turns out, I got nothing on them.
I loved staying in the cabin, it is all you need a wood; stove, gas pit to cook and lots of books, don't bring your own but let their collection surprise you. Also important to mention, you will sleep like a rose.
The dogs are awesome! There are a lot of them but I found it easy to learn their names because of their different characters, some open up to you in no time, some you gotta work for. It is really special to see how motivated they are to run, how all these characters operate in a line and their close relationship their mushers, both ways. I could go on but they were awesome, I had favorites but all of them are lovely really. I had a great time and I hope to see all 33 again. But for now I'll cherish the drinking-beer-talk-about-life-while-enjoying-scenic-views dog runs.
And yes… Nothing compares to Alaska!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by Workawayer (Ali) for host
Had a wonderful experience with Gus & Emily and their super-friendly dogs!! The tree house was very comfortable and warm! Also, many thanks to Emily for making great food, especially, the cobbler! And thanks for accommodating my vegetarian diet! Taking care of the dogs was easy! I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to get away from
… read more the craziness of the world and enjoy pure beauty in a serene, scenic environment. Bringing a couple of good movies, beer from your country would be appreciated! It was nice to meet you guys and your friends Bramante! I hope our paths cross again! Stay warm!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Ali)
ali is a real go getter. alaska might as well be his second home because he fit right in. he spent a couple weeks with us "roughing it" in dogland & then helped housesit a friend's mansion where he enjoyed unlimited wifi & hot showers! don't forget us when you hit the big time, ali!!!
Left by Workawayer (Melissa) for host
It has been a privilege to live off the grid for a little while. Gus and Emily are simple people who knows how to appreciate the little things. They are honest and funny (really funny). Everything is about dogs. To enjoy yourself there, you basically have to love dogs and know how to start a fire. Most of the time, I was alone during the day and I
… read more had to cook for the dogs and just hang out with them. They're a little shy at the beginning but they will soon lick your face and be very friendly. One of the best thing was that every night I could pick 1 or 2 dogs to stay in the cabin with me. The last couple of days I did graveling for the dogs spaces. When Emily or Gus were not working, we would run dogs in the morning :upside_down::upside_down:!! Emily is a butcher so if you want you can help her grinding meat. If not, they'll understand and be respectful.
The private cabin is really comfy and there's a very nice books collection inside!
The food was amazing, it was fresh and healthy. It's a special place. It's peaceful and calm (except when it's food or run time). It's an happy place.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
Left by host for Workawayer (Melissa)
melissa is true blue -- a good kid, just starting a one year ramble around the world. she was also our first workaway experience & it was a success. she loved the dogs and introduced us to amaretto liquors and many franch curse words (which will come in handy). she loved the dogs, which was the most important thing -- though we had to check her
… read more backpack to make sure one of the puppies didn't make the trip with her!!
just a heads up -- if you are butchering a moose or a caribou, be sure to give her some space & plenty of fresh air. not her cup of tea.
best of luck & thanx melissa. allez-vous!Help me practice my German, or just help in my Northwest Arizona home, and get access to the Grand Canyon and more, USA
Learn new skills at our nonprofit farm animal sanctuary on Hawaii's Big Island, USA
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Housesitting opportunity in Clam Gulch, Soutcentral Alaska, USA
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