Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
12 Jun 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
29
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are a family of 4, Mike and Elfriede, (our dog Kansas passed away September 2025), and our cats Jasper and Muffin. We are born again believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks at our meals and enjoy talking about the Lord as He is the center of our life. We live about 20 km outside of Golden, BC along a dirt road, away from traffic and noise. We can see the boundaries of 3 National Parks (Banff, Yoho and Glacier National Park) from our home. Our home is only a 5 minute walk from the Blaeberry River. There is lots of hiking, biking and great outdoors around us. We have a big garden, greenhouse and some chickens. We would like to mention that we are a smoke free property for several reasons. Elfriede is allergic to smoke and we live in an area where there is danger of igniting wildfires.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Pets
Movies & TV
Farming
Plant care
Books
Blogging
Cooking & food
Gardening
Photography
Writing
Animals
Nature
Winter sports
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They will experience life in an international family. Elfriede is originally from Germany but now Canadian and Mike is from the United States. Interaction of a close knit neighborhood, life away from the city, living close to and with nature.
Help
Here are a few things we would like some help with:
In the spring = May / June depending on the winter/snow we had:
-treating the deck
-rota tilling, preparing, and planting the garden
-helping around house and garden (raking the lawn, a lot of little things)
-house sitting for three weeks
In July, August and September:
-weeding
-harvesting and processing
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Guest room with private bath.
What else ...
We live in the heart of 6 National Parks. Behind our house you can see the Canadian Rocky Mountains and from the front yard you can see the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. There is a lot of wildlife in the woods and pastures around our house. That said, serious hiking up mountains will probably not be possible in May/early June yet because of the snow in the mountains. Hiking and biking in the valley will be fine. Nature pure.
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.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 827346716677
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+5
Feedback (11)
8 Oct 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Hans Janek Jost)
For July Stay:
To show our appreciation for the improvements to our home and all the lawn and garden work Hans Wernecke has accomplished, it is difficult to find the words to describe. Upon his arrival he asked what tasks we needed him to do.
His first project was such a challenge that we had been putting it off for 15 years being unsure of… read more
To show our appreciation for the improvements to our home and all the lawn and garden work Hans Wernecke has accomplished, it is difficult to find the words to describe. Upon his arrival he asked what tasks we needed him to do.
His first project was such a challenge that we had been putting it off for 15 years being unsure of… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
For her first experience as a “Work-away” from 17 March to – 12 April 2025, Sarah represented the program in an outstanding manner. She only needed to be told one time what needed to be done: She is a quiet, prompt; conscientious person, and a good listener. She shared with us many family and pet photos; and she is united with us in our values.… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Marlen & Leonhard)
It is difficult to know where to begin when praising the enormous productivity and improvements Leo and Marlen made to our log home and property. We will start at the end of the numerous tasks they performed: Accepting the challenge, they rebuilt the previous flimsy, eight-step stairway from the deck to front lawn. This was not simply the steps;… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+5
Feedback
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
8 Oct 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Hans Janek Jost)
For July Stay:
To show our appreciation for the improvements to our home and all the lawn and garden work Hans Wernecke has accomplished, it is difficult to find the words to describe. Upon his arrival he asked what tasks we needed him to do.
His first project was such a challenge that we had been putting it off for 15 years being unsure of… read more
To show our appreciation for the improvements to our home and all the lawn and garden work Hans Wernecke has accomplished, it is difficult to find the words to describe. Upon his arrival he asked what tasks we needed him to do.
His first project was such a challenge that we had been putting it off for 15 years being unsure of… read more
(Excellent)
14 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
For her first experience as a “Work-away” from 17 March to – 12 April 2025, Sarah represented the program in an outstanding manner. She only needed to be told one time what needed to be done: She is a quiet, prompt; conscientious person, and a good listener. She shared with us many family and pet photos; and she is united with us in our values.… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Marlen & Leonhard)
It is difficult to know where to begin when praising the enormous productivity and improvements Leo and Marlen made to our log home and property. We will start at the end of the numerous tasks they performed: Accepting the challenge, they rebuilt the previous flimsy, eight-step stairway from the deck to front lawn. This was not simply the steps;… read more
(Excellent)
13 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Thibault)
For his first experience as a “Workaway” from DATE to DATE, Thibault represented the program in an exemplary manner. He is easy to get along with, he is honest, conscientious, a fine worker, and a good listener. We found him to be trustworthy enough to house-sit for us during a week-long trip, and he took care of our loving dog, “Kansas”, our two… read more
(Excellent)
21 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria & Megan)
Maria was a great help at the right time to assist us with the final outdoor tasks before the winter was about to hit. She helped raking the leaves from our front yard (we have a big yard), and finished the clean-up in our greenhouse getting it ready for winter. We are so thankful for her support. We also needed help transplanting lilac shoots,… read more
(Excellent)
6 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Megan) for host
I stayed with Mike and Elfriede for a week at the beginning of November and had a wonderful time. I learned so much about their faith, kindness, and way of life living in the countryside of Golden. Wish them a fulfilling and happy life and may God bless them both (and the animals). I will definitely miss the Dog, Kansas, and their 2 Cats - Muffin… read more
27 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
I enjoyed the time very much at Mikes und Elfriedes cute home and I am glad that I could help them. I felt very welcome and a part of the family since the beginning. We had fun conversations, delicious meals together every day, exciting movie nights and especially the wonderful hikes with Elfriede through the Rocky Mountains. The two of them are… read more
19 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Manon & Pierre) for host
We stayed with Elfriede and Mike for a few weeks, looking after their house, garden and animals while they were away. Before they left we spent a week together getting to know each other and their habits. We are very happy to have met them, they are very welcoming, pleasant and generous people.
The house, garden and surroundings are beautiful. The… read more
The house, garden and surroundings are beautiful. The… read more
16 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Manon & Pierre)
From 15 May until 9 June 2023 Pierre and Manon performed work for us at our home in the Canadian Rockies. They proved to be honest, hard working representatives of the “Work-away” program. Their performance was above and beyond all expectation in house-sitting for us and taking care of our dog, Kansas, our cat Jasper, our 30 layer chickens, and… read more
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Himawari)
While we were at home and away for surgery Hima went far above and beyond our daily chores caring for our 40 laying hens, our dog “Kansas” and our cat “Jasper”; she house sat for us for 3 weeks in September/October 2022. Upon our return we felt so welcomed to see everything well taken care of. She kept our house in immaculate condition; the plants… read more
(Excellent)
8 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Himawari) for host
I spent 5 weeks in this house. Mike and Elfriede are very kind people. They took me hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Elfriede's meal is so delicious, it's almost like a restaurant. Mike was a very happy guy and always made me laugh. And my lovely Kansas (dog) ,jasper (cat) ,chicken made my day more enjoyable. All in all a great place. I would love… read more
30 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Renske81)
Ren exceeded all our expectations. Besides always being cheerful, she is energetic, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible. She is a hard worker and performed her work with her own initiative. She sees what needs to be done and does it. Ren is very particular in doing it right. There were a wide range of different jobs that needed… read more
(Excellent)
12 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Renske81) for host
I had a lovely time at Elfriede and Mike's. They live in a beautiful place in the Rockies with great view on the mountains. It is so easy to become part of the family, since they are super kind, generous and they involve you in their daily live. Elfriede took me along on a lot of hikes and sightseeing in the Rockies. It's just beautiful out there!… read more
10 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Dorota) for host
I spent two wonderful months with Elfriede and Mike at their home. They agreed to my coming during the covid time. I will always be grateful for that. It's the perfect place for a slow life with nature. Very close to a beautiful river, a lot of elk and deer near the house. I learned a lot about gardening, cooking and healthy food. I had the… read more
2 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Dorota)
We were extremely pleased with not only her work ethics but also her enthusiasm and quality results! Dorota is energetic, cheerful, courteous and polite, respectful, observant, a fast learner, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible. She is not afraid to take on challenges. As a graphic designer Dorota created the book cover and the… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Bobby & Rose) for host
Sorry for the very late feedback - hopefully better late than never!
Mike and Elfriede are such kind hosts, warm and welcoming. They always wanted to make sure we were having the best time possible. The work we did was satisfying - we always had lots of guidance from Mike and Elfriede so we knew exactly how they wanted things done.
They were keen… read more
Mike and Elfriede are such kind hosts, warm and welcoming. They always wanted to make sure we were having the best time possible. The work we did was satisfying - we always had lots of guidance from Mike and Elfriede so we knew exactly how they wanted things done.
They were keen… read more
26 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Bobby & Rose)
Bobby and Rose represented the “Workaway” program above and beyond all expectation in the Canadian Rockies for two and a half weeks from September 19 until October 7, 2019. We found them to be respectful, cheerful, energetic workers, and they certainly cared about quality and good values. They are both people of good integrity; they were observant… read more
(Excellent)
13 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Clauzier & Barbe) for host
What a beautiful place where to live and especially what nice people to live with. We spent 3 weeks with Elfriede and Mike and it's like if we knew them since many years. We would like to thanks them for their hospitality their kindness their good mood everyday. We are so glad to took part of the work on their house and the yard around but we are… read more
9 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Clauzier & Barbe)
Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Nina &Colin are not only energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible but they were on fire! They performed the work with their own initiative, and are very particular to do it right. All our big projects for this year were done in no time. Nina & Colin transplanted… read more
(Excellent)
30 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
We were extremely pleased with not only her work ethics but also her enthusiasm and high quality results! Maria is energetic, cheerful, courteous and polite, respectful, observant, a fast learner, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible. She is not afraid to take on challenges. Maria performed the work with her own initiative, and she is… read more
(Excellent)
12 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (TANIA) for host
I was very fortunate to found Mike and Elfriede, i stayed with them for 3 months, they are a wonderful people, I loved their house, Delicius food that Elfriede provided me, I helped to Mike to buiIt a roof for the chickens, i learnt how to cooking healty food, i made apple pie, gardering, harvest, I enjoyed every Hiking in the main National Parks… read more
30 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jenny) for host
I had an amazing time with Elfiede, Mike, Kansas, Boots Randolph and Louis Armstrong! Couldn't wish for a better stay. It really feels like a second home and I'll definitely come visit one day. Work didn't even felt like real work, I had so much fun driving the tractor and sewing the curtains. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me, I… read more
27 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jenny)
We were extremely pleased with not only her work ethics but also her enthusiasm and high quality results! She is courteous and polite, respectful, observant, a fast learner, only needs to be told "how" one time, energetic, high spirited, and not afraid to take on challenges. She learned how to use the sewing machine and sewed curtains for our… read more
(Excellent)
19 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)
Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Rebecca is energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with her own initiative, and she is very particular to do it right. All we had to do was mention what needed to be done, and she took care of the work. Rebecca helped with the harvest in the garden,… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Wendy) for host
Elfriede and Mike were very kind generous hosts. Most of my help consisted of weed pulling and cleaning of cars and windows inside and out. I had a lovely private room and bathroom. Food was excellent and Elfriede was very thoughtful in asking me what I liked and she endeavoured to make it. I loved her morning smoothies made with homemade almond… read more
29 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Wendy)
Wendy was easy to be around. She was a great help in our garden and around the house. She definitely loves to pull weeds! Our place looks great and weedless! Our kitchen also sparkles. Thank you Wendy for cleaning the cabinets, and washing the windows. There is not much else we can add to the other positive and confirmed feedback Wendy has been… read more
(Excellent)
27 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan)
Our experience far exceeded our expectations again. Jan is energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with his own initiative, and he is very particular to do it right. He learns really fast. Jan helped us weed and prepare the garden; as well as helped plant the seeds. He also used the chainsaw to… read more
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Ariel & Melina)
Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Ariel is energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with his own initiative, and he is very particular to do it right. All we had to do was mention what needed to be done, and he sanded and painted the greenhouse window frames, sanded and treated the deck… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Mark & Suzanne)
Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Both are energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with their own initiative. All we had to do was mention what needed to be done, and they did the work of extending a small building, planting the garden, beautifying our lawn, cooking and baking, and… read more
(Excellent)
