Canada
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My partner and I steward a lovely acreage, with our home and a yurt and our two Standard Poodles, in the Cowichan Valley. In the spirit of social permaculture and caring for the land, we seek to create a loving experience for those that live or visit here.
Our preferred workawayers are a couple (more than one person), staying for 7 to 14 days. We generally give the couple projects to work on together. Options to stay longer for the right fit.
We live about 10 minutes (by car, there is minimal bus service) to downtown Duncan. It is a 3 hour drive to Tofino with its majestic beaches on the west coast of Vancouver island, 1 hour drive to Victoria and a ferry to the USA, a short ferry ride to quaint Salt Spring Island and very close to the Cowichan River (swimming and tubing) and Cowichan Lake. Mt. Prevost, with its beautiful views of the entire area, is close by. And also a short drive to Port Renfrew on the west coast of Vancouver Island with its Avatar Grove (old growth trees), huge beach, Botanical Beach and deep sea fishing.
It is helpful if you have your own transportation.
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
You enjoy performing a variety of interesting and unusual projects around our property, all intended to improve the "sanctuary" quality of the land.
Our particular interest is in the dynamics of social permaculture along the lines, or philosophy, of Tamera in Portugal. And you will learn about Being Held philosophy and gatherings, which we hold in the yurt on our property (not during these Covid times).
We are looking for travellers who have some skill in building/carpentry for these projects (and more):
- building out (frame, drywall, door) two closet walls to create sound insulation
- cutting down and cutting up some aspen trees
- digging an aspen root prevention ditch
- fence repairing/building
- building a set of stairs
- refitting composting toilets (new seat/bucket design)
- painting/staining
- cleaning garden beds and other land/garden cleanup
- doing a bit of finish carpentry work and painting inside and outside the main house
- cooking meals and cleaning
- looking after the dogs
We have a longer term fit potentially building a complete 100 sq. ft. tiny home... which would require some carpentry and building skills.
If any of the above fits your skills, please let us know.
English: Fluent
We have a guest room with a private entrance, full bathroom, wifi and a queen bed. We also have room for a trailer or other mobile accommodation. Bedding in the yurt is an option. Meals will be provided in the main house with Michael and I. We can accommodate gluten free, vegan and vegetarian, however animal proteins will also be prepared from time to time.
Our local area lacks regular public transportation. Since we live in the country, couples who have or rent a car for their travels are best.
The Cowichan Valley is a lovely area full of farmers, wineries and artists connected to the land. From beautiful lakes and rivers to swim in, to the ocean beaches and bays, there is lots to appreciate about country and seaside living. Duncan, known as the City of Totems, is also home to the largest First Nations community in B.C. We also live close to Tofino and Port Renfrew, two beautiful west coast towns that have very spectacular beaches.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
This host can provide space for campervans.
Two
Maximum 4 hours per day, every day, or 8 hours every other day. with 2 days off
