Join us and help with looking after our sled dogs in peaceful off-grid setting in Alaska, USA

United States

updated

Favourited 1493 times

Host rating
Feedback
63
Last activity
22/04/2021
Nº of Facebook friends
587
Reply rate
96.6 %
Average reply time:
within 4 days
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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What's this?

Details

Description
i have lived in alaska for 27 years. in the summer i typically work & explore, the winters i ski and run dogs. i enjoy every moment i have in this great place.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
you will get to experience off-the-grid life in alaska, the beautiful alaska summer & the magic of sled dogs. it's a good place to learn how to become self-reliant & to live life at a slower pace.
Help
help with the feeding and care of our well-trained and well-socialized sled dogs. in the fall and winter that will also entail everything that goes into training the dogs (harnessing, helping prepare for runs).

we also have chickens, so a love of fresh eggs is a must!

the ideal candidate will be somewhat independent & must love dogs.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
private off-the-grid cabin with wood stove. some meals will be provided. there is an outdoor shower as well.
What else ...
this would be ideal for someone who would like to experience some peace and quiet and to decompress. near world class fishing and hiking.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
2-3 hrs a day/ 5 days a week

Photos

inside guest cabin

running into the great unknown

on the glacier

puppy time!

shak on a hike

springtime with willow

Show all photos

beach near where i live

accomodation for guests

Feedback left by and about host (63)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.8)

Communication:
(5.0)

21/04/2021

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".

(Excellent )

14/04/2021

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

(Excellent )

04/03/2021

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

(Excellent )

06/01/2021

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

(Excellent )

25/12/2020

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

(Excellent )

03/01/2021

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

(Excellent )

03/01/2021

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

(Excellent )

18/12/2020

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

(Excellent )

13/12/2020

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

(Excellent )

01/12/2020

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!!

(Excellent )

26/11/2020

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

(Excellent )

10/11/2020

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

(Excellent )

08/11/2020

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

(Excellent )

21/10/2020

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

(Excellent )

18/10/2020

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

(Excellent )

09/05/2020

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

(Excellent )

13/04/2020

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

(Excellent )

10/04/2020

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

(Excellent )

07/04/2020

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

(Excellent )

07/03/2020

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

(Excellent )

21/11/2019

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

(Excellent )

28/02/2020

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

(Excellent )

14/02/2020

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

(Excellent )

25/01/2020

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

(Excellent )

19/01/2020

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!

(Excellent )

28/10/2019

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

(Excellent )

20/10/2019

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

(Excellent )

20/09/2019

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

(Very good )

08/09/2019

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

(Excellent )

06/08/2019

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

(Excellent )

03/08/2019

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

(Excellent )

10/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Celia) 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

(Excellent )

10/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Celia)

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

(Excellent )

24/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jessica) 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

(Excellent )

20/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)

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

(Excellent )

10/03/2019

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

(Good )

24/02/2019

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

(Excellent )

23/02/2019

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

(Excellent )

20/01/2019

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

(Excellent )

06/01/2019

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

(Excellent )

18/12/2018

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

(Excellent )

14/12/2018

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

(Excellent )

25/11/2018

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

(Very good )

24/11/2018

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

(Excellent )

02/10/2018

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

(Excellent )

24/08/2018

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

(Excellent )

11/08/2018

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

(Excellent )

08/07/2018

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

(Excellent )

04/08/2018

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

(Excellent )

04/08/2018

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

(Excellent )

09/07/2018

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

(Excellent )

02/05/2018

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

(Excellent )

06/03/2018

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

(Excellent )

15/02/2018

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

(Excellent )

03/03/2018

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!

(Very good )

07/01/2018

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

(Excellent )

22/01/2018

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

(Excellent )

30/11/2017

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.

(Excellent )

30/11/2017

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

(Excellent )

03/11/2017

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

(Excellent )

02/11/2017

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!!!

(Excellent )

29/09/2017

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

(Excellent )

28/09/2017

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

(Excellent )

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