Maxwell

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hello! I'm Max, a Chicago native that loves nature, a rare combo. I'm in Washington after completing a long section of the Pacific Crest Trail - from the Timberline Lodge to Snoqualmie Pass. It's beautiful country! Now, I plan to spend some time getting to know a new part of the Pacific Northwest before my friends arrive in Portland around September 18th.

A little about me: Since graduating college in 2020, I've worked a series of odd jobs, from prescription firefighter to salmon fisherman. My longest stints were as a line cook at various restaurants around Chicago, and most recently as a project manager at a biotech startup (the oddest one of all!).

I am at least familiar with lots of different homesteading implements, from clearing brush to chopping wood to growing and harvesting vegetables and herbs. I slaughtered and fabricated cows and pigs for a college class (though it was almost 9 years ago at this point), so am at least comfortable with the process. I grow herbs, green beans and strawberries in my backyard in Chicago, so am familiar with gardening at a basic level. I've WWOOFed previously. Also very handy with computers, if you need help with that sort of thing!

Personally, I enjoy writing (I am currently working on a few things and expect to spend some of my free time doing so. I would really appreciate a computer to do it on!), reading, watching movies, dancing, biking, and running. I like to be active, and I love art. I also completed a yoga teacher training this past winter, so enjoy practicing that too.

I'd describe myself as a friendly, thoughtful, curious, easygoing individual. I'm curious to get to know you a little better and offer a hand!

Interests

Movies & TV

Gardening

Cycling

Writing

Self development

Outdoor activities

History

Dancing

LGBTQ

Books

Yoga / Wellness

Music

Sustainability

Hiking

Cooking & food

Camping

Languages spoken

English: Fluent

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Teaching

General Maintenance

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

I'll describe my skills in the order of my expertise / comfort level.

I've spent a lot of time in kitchens, so know my way around, though there is always so much to learn. I feel very comfortable offering a hand in meal prep, and would be happy to whip something up or experiment, too!

I've used computers for a lot, from coding to basic graphic design to financial planning and analysis, so I am also comfortable helping if this type of work is needed.

I'm comfortable with my hands, too. I've worked on the fire line, so am comfortable using any number of hand tools to move earth around. I've made garden beds, so am familiar with the tools and principles for construction of a structure, though only that basic. I've chopped wood using axes and log splitters. I've assisted with chainsaws, turned brush and sticks in wood chips with a chipper, and handled table saws and belt scrapers and other assorted wood shop tools, so I'm no stranger to heavy machinery. I also fished on a purse seiner in Southeast Alaska, which, if nothing else, aquainted me with hard work.

I've done plenty of weeding and tended plants from seed to harvest, but on a really small scale. I have two garden beds at my apartment back home, and tend there. I am curious and eager to try to do more here.

I haven't spent much time around farm animals, and might be squamish at first, but the salmon boat taught me that you get used to it fast. I'm really curious to learn more about harvesting animal products!

I've tried a lot of different things in my short time on earth, I am realizing as I write this. A lot of it comes from an appreciation for the lifestyle of the homesteader, so who knows what strange aptitude I have hidden away that may prove useful. I am an enthusiastic, positive person! Tell me about your projects and let me see how I can help.

Age

27

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  no

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  Special dietary requirements