Tag: 50

May 19, 2018 – Sierra Foothills, California

Sweet relief. I feel a welcome sense of accomplishment as I watch the guests tour Meibao’s farm. We’ve worked many hours getting this place into shape. Weeding, mowing, brush and manure removal. Spreading compost and wood chips, building …

May 18, 2018 – Sierra Foothills, California

God, I hope to be half as good of a father. …if I ever am a father. It’s a Friday night, and Meibao brought Cassidy (a new “WWOOFer”) and I to a local musical performance. The band is …

May 13, 2018 – Yosemite National Park, California

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom… I think to myself as I jam my left foot into the crack. At least I talked to her the other day. With no cell service at the farm, and certainly none in this …

April 25, 2018 – Sierra Foothills, California

“Play Joao Gilberto,” April requests from the backseat. I type the artist’s name into the 17” onboard touchscreen, which contains the media, communication, cabin, and vehicle controls. Brazilian Bossa Nova music starts playing. I continue exploring the controls, …

April 22, 2018 – Sierra Foothills, California

And like that, I’m starting year four. [After an epic road trip from Iowa to California.] This place is beautiful. My host (Meibao) lives in paradise – surrounded by a pond, various mountains and forests, numerous pastures, and …

March 10, 2018 – Lutsen, Minnesota

I’m 32 years old today. It certainly doesn’t feel like it, but maybe that’s just the combination of coffee and adrenaline currently sweeping over my body. Pour an IPA and ESB. Make a bloody Mary. It’s lunch time …

February 13, 2018 – Lutsen, Minnesota

So, it’s not exactly a new place. But this time around, there are plenty of new faces (along with many old ones). The amount of redundancy is further curbed by holding a new position in addition to the …

May 30, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

Clink. Clink, clink. I cheers Karen and Stuart as we sit out on their deck for “happy hour.” My first and last with them. Their generosity and kindness will be remembered, as over the last month and a …

May 28, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

My God, this feels incredible. I inhale deeply. With my eyes closed, I listen to the frogs croaking in the nearby pond. Slow exhale. I feel my body cooling from the water in the cold tub. Inhale. I …

May 18, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

“That’s a great question…” …I say to Will. But I don’t exactly know how to answer. He is inquiring about how I personally maintain lasting friendships while living this lifestyle. Easier said than done. Weeks ago, he had …