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Host rating
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Last replied
4 Feb 2024
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Details
Description
January and February 24
I am the caretaker of a 80 acre regenerative and organic hay farm in the beautiful mountains of Southern Colorado. I practice regenerative agriculture and have owned and managed the land for over 30 years.
The Farm was transformed from a run down farm into a highly productive hay farm using techniques that restore and rejuvenate the land. Over the past 3 decades, the quality and quantity has grown exponentially, demonstrating the power of regenerative practices, No pesticides, herbicides or common comercial fertilizer used .
My passion is soil ! I love to learn ,teach , and create healthy productive soil, teaming with soil microbes and fungi in this high desert environment. Soil carbon sequestration is soil life!
Allison is in a small farming community with many opportunities to hike and explore nature. Do to the sparse population, and the fact it’s a winter habitat for lots of migrating animals, there’s lots of opportunities to see wild critters! As I write this post there are 50+ elk heard enjoying the pastures!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will get to observe the peace of a farm that has been allowed to be productive without the use of degenerative practices. The Farm is grounded and filled with amazing energy. There is winter elk and wildlife. There is hiking right on the property and we are a short walk from the Navajo lake state park. Good downhill skiing can be found at Wolf Creek or Durango Mountain Resort, an 1 1/2 hour away. Hot spring towns of Pagosa or Durango are 45 minutes away. Ignacio ,headquarters of the Southern Ute Tribe is a 15 min drive . Beautiful museum, library , grocery store ,post office, restaurants ,casino,etc. Please know you will be living within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Tribe reservation . Many none tribal members as myself live in this area . I have lived in this area for over 30 years and found vary welcoming and friendly!
Help
Looking for a couple of months to write, relax, or rejuvenate?
Every year I travel in the months of January and February. I am looking for a house sitter/s to care for two lovely medium dogs and a cat. You would ensure they are walked and fed as well as report any issues that may arise during the winter. My dogs are self-managing: you open the door and they explore and come back when they are ready. No leashes or worry! While there is radiant heat flooring on the first level, upstairs uses wood brining stove-you would need to feel comfortable building and maintaining a wood fire (wood is already stacked and waiting).
You don't even have to plow the driveway, my neighbor does this!
I am looking for a workawayer or couple (friends, etc.) to commit to the whole two months.
I have neighbors to help if any issues arise. I will be in reach to support (by phone).
No smoking and heavy drinking. I am looking for workawayers with either good ratings or references.
You will need to be there EVERY night! Very little work but it is a commitment. One other thing , there is no public transportation passing by the farm . Ignacio has some bus service about 14 miles west.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
You will stay in a winter-proof 1500 square feet home. Part of the home was a milking shed from the 1930 WPA program. A modern home has been built onto this with electricity, wi-fi, and wood and propane heat. It is perfect for working remotely, a winter's writing retreat, or to recover from city life for two months.
My room will be closed off, and the guest bedroom will be open for your use.
Food: You will work way less than four hours a day. For food, I will leave dry goods and spices, and you will be responsible for supplementing this with fresh food, etc. and doing your own food preparations.
What else ...
You can hike, ski, and explore. We are "close" to hot sprigs and cute towns to visit (45 minutes away). You can visit Mesa Verde (90 min drive). Chimney Rock Nation Monument is one of my favorite winter time hikes or x county ski ( 20 min drive ).
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
You can park a van here but you need to live inside my house . Besides it’s quite difficult to live in a van in the winter round here!
Can possibly accept pets
Pet accepted on a individual basis .
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
1 hour a day (animal care, fire building, etc.). 30 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes in the evening.
