Come and learn about living off grid on a mountain property located between Stockton and Lake Tahoe, USA

Details

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  Description

  I love the privacy of my valley. It’s more and more rare every day, but because of the intense pain in my back, I can mostly think about, and plan things. I just suffer too much if I do the physical activity that needs to be done here, and that I’ve done in my last 33 years here, so it’s time to change gears! I’ve always wanted to share my property with people who appreciate it as much as I do, and Workaway seems to be the best way to do this. I really enjoy helping others learn the things that took me a lifetime to learn, especially how to REALLY live off-grid without suffering! It’s so much different than I imagined, and it involves a lot of specific education. Especially living here during the Winter! If you really want to learn what it takes to live in snow country, then see the Dogwoods bloom in Spring, I’d encourage you to join me for a while. Since I’ve been here for 33 years, I’ve accumulated all of the equipment needed to be comfortable all year round. Every season brings its own natural beauty to enjoy.
  
  I own the majority of a private valley in the Sierra Mountains at 5,000’ elevation, completely off the grid. I’ve been making my own electricity here for 33 years.
  
  Winter time at the resort: We get all 4 visible seasons here at our elevation in the Sierras (4100-4800 foot elevation), but there are still things to do in Winter. If you’ve ever wanted to challenge yourself in a cold environment, if you’ve been watching those internet shows where they place people in freezing environments, and you wonder how YOU would do, then spend some time with us between January and March when it snows the most
  
  My 2 Great Dane/Mastiffs keep them all away from us, so there’s never any danger, but it’s fun to see the footprints of weasels, mountain lions, bears, etc. There is every type of animal that lives in the Sierras around us, and it’s a great place to practice animal tracking or hunting if that’s your interest.
  
  I have raised bed gardens in greenhouses, blueberry plants, and lots of fruit and nut trees. I live with the concept that if I enjoy eating something, then I am going to grow it. This year I will be converting a 40’ cargo container into a metal barn, so I can begin raising goats, chickens, etc.
  
  My neighbor on one side is El Dorado National Forest, and a logging company owns another 2 sides. My property is the only one that is zoned for habitation, so my nearest neighbor is 3 miles away, yet I am only 3 paved miles from scenic Highway 88. I’m continually improving my place and could use help doing this, as well as the general clean-up that goes with owning a lot of forests. Even though it’s nearly impossible to work outside in the Winter, due to the cold and snow, there are plenty of things to do inside. On the fun side, I’m close to Kirkwood Ski Resort, which has some of the best snow in the Sierras. If you’re a ski bum living in Australia or New Zealand, our Winter is the opposite of yours, so you can ski all year round by coming out here during your Summer!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Since I am constantly improving my property through construction of new buildings, more solar power, and more plants, travelers can learn about all of these things, as well as health related skills that I developed over my 42 years in Nursing. In addition to receiving workaway help, I really want to pass along my skills in living sustainably, and building the infrastructure for that. I’ve built my own roads and structures, and enjoy passing along those skills. Having lived totally off grid for 32 years, I’ve learned more about proper stewardship of the land than I ever thought I would. I recycle or re-purpose everything possible, because otherwise I have to take it to the public dumps, plus it’s the right thing to do. Living at my place for a while is the best lesson in sustainability that anyone could ever have, and I enjoy teaching those skills. I even try to have sustainable relationships, which is an important skill that I’ve learned is based on honesty. Although it’s primarily only me living on the property, I have lots of friends visit, who are almost always younger! I’m a very young, forward thing older gentleman, who has lived a professional life, and still enjoys riding motorcycles and hosting parties.

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  Help

  I would like help with gardening, cleaning and organizing my house, building more geothermal greenhouses and other buildings on the property, sawmilling, and general maintenance of the 152 acres.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  Happy to share my language which is English
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  Accommodation

  Travelers will live in a cabin that has electricity, wood, and propane stoves for cooking and heating. Shared with other travelers. Each cabin has fridges, stoves, etc., and a partially stocked pantry with the basics. You will provide and cook the rest of your food and will share in whatever our gardens provide. I want to share 5 dinners per week with any travelers, as a way to get to know each other better and to share our cultures and experiences.

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  What else ...

  There is fishing in local creeks and rivers, and Bear River Reservoir. Lake Tahoe is 90 minutes away, and the local gold rush area is fun to discover. Mark Twain’s cabin is nearby. It’s a great area for motorcycling, and I have 2 awesome Dirtbike tracks on the property. There is an OHV Park with hundreds of miles of riding trails down the street from me. I love teaching others how to ride motorcycles. You would need to provide your own motorcycle. I own a company that takes motorcyclists on tours of California, so I’m a good guide for all of our state’s natural resources. Yosemite National Park and the giant redwoods are hours away. There is a creek running through my property, and walking through it is a great way to spend some time. I also have a swimming pool that I keep professionally maintained that is available for workaway guests to use. There is no public transportation so you would need your own, plus I can take you with me when I go into town.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Yes. I have WiFi but it is intermittent.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  As long as they get along with my two friendly dogs.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  5 hours a day, 5 days a week