October 1, 2018 – Willow Creek, California

What an incredible group of people. 

There are nine of us around the “WWOOFER kitchen” tables. It’s an open kitchen, and therefore susceptible to the elements. Tonight is a nice night. One of us prepared a family-style meal, and others will volunteer to clean up. There’s a rotation of sorts.

[I arrived at the winery mid-afternoon and was greeted by a fellow WWOOFer. He introduced me to the leader of the volunteers, and I was given a tour of the grounds. More of the workers were met; pleasantries were exchanged with all. I was then guided to my camping spot and informed that despite my initial agreement with the owner to stay for one month, they only had enough work for about another four or five days…]

There are cases and cases of wine stacked in the kitchen, of which the workers appear to be free to consume at will. I kindly refuse their offer and explain my “Sober October” tradition. Great timing, Nicholas.

[Less than a week? Better start looking for another host tomorrow… Regardless of this news, I set up my tent and retrieved the necessary accompaniments from my car. When was the last time I used the tent? Why don’t I camp more often?]

As we eat dinner like a family, I can’t help but ask everyone for introductions and places of origin. You don’t have much time here. Don’t be as shy as you normally are. Then, as if we just started a class or job together, one by one:

Johanne – France (fearless team leader)
Greg – Greece (apparent resident fashionista/comic)
Kay and Kelly – Leesburg, FL (sibling traveler combo, the first I’ve ever encountered?)
Scott – San Diego, CA (fellow-30-something-solo-guy)
Nehem – Spain (Medicine man? Ayahuasca guide? Who is this strange and mysterious man?)
Nicholas – Ames, IA (30-something-solo-guy)
Gabriela – Bolivia (spunky, sexy, single…?)
Rein – Holland (tall, hungry, thirsty, hilarious)

[Satisfied with my camping location, I decided to walk around and snap some photos of the beautiful vineyard. I’ve been a consumer of wine for years. A server of wine for even longer. It’s about time I learn something about producing it.]

My comrades then inquire about my purpose and intentions at the winery, as the owner (Miles) had told them ahead of time that I wanted to do some filming. I give them a brief explanation of my project and ask their permission to film all that I can during my time here. Everyone responds in the best way. Most of them also agree to an interview.

Could this be any better? So many people… will I even have enough time for it all?

[I just arrived, and already wish I didn’t have to leave so soon.]

“The future is uncertain but the end is always near.” – Jim Morrison