October 12, 2018 – Yankee Hill, California

A stark contrast from one host to the next.

Certainly not in a bad way; this host is the “homestead” type with a father (Jacob), mother (Rachel), and two daughters (Alora and Natoma). Here, they focus on herbalism, gardening, and permaculture. There is also a long-term WWOOFer staying in an outbuilding (younger female, Sequoia) that studies under Rachel and assists with child care. I’m not sure what to expect here after leaving the winery on such an emotional high, but the arrangement definitely holds my intrigue.

After Jacob gives me a tour of the property, I settle in and decide to get groceries in the nearby town of Paradise since lunches are not provided. A small price to pay. The drive is pleasant: situated between the city of Chico and the Plumas National Forest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there is no shortage of remarkable views. The euphoric state of mind continues.

Upon returning, I get to know Sequoia while we work and listen to podcasts. As a woman in her early twenties, she gains my respect quite quickly given what I already know—she’s interested in herbalism, alternative lifestyles, and helping others. I further learn that she’s from the east coast and is passionate about women’s rights and empowerment. Her tastes include pods such as “Dr. Ruth: Let’s Talk About Sex” and “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” which provide us with various topics to discuss. A very enlightened younger person.

I wonder how different my twenties would have been had I have done something like she is. Traveling across the country alone. Seeing life through the lens of another family. Learning a nature-based skill set. Not that I regret the way I spent mine, but I just admire the bravery and confidence that she exudes. While many people these days are being swept into the culture of video games, social media, and potential entitlement, this woman decided to pursue a hands-on, down-to-earth, back-to-nature lifestyle.

Fighting the good fight.

“… the young people are the ones who most quickly identify with the struggle and the necessity to eliminate the evil conditions that exist.” – Malcolm X