Friday five: Gabriola Island WWOOFing.

Yes, yes – we spent two lovely rain-free nights in Olympic National Forest and one fun evening in Victoria, BC seeing a favorite band.  But then the real journey began. 

I wanted to keep a good record of our first couple of experiences WWOOFing so that anyone unfamiliar with the concept could understand why we chose to travel this way across Canada.  I had every intention of blogging every detail - every ache and pain, every barnyard animal’s back story, and most importantly, every new sustainable practice we’ve learned. 

We’ve been on the road almost three weeks now and I have no idea where the time has gone.  Oddly, it feels like we’ve been on Gabriola Island for at least six weeks… in a good way, I mean.  We’ve done so much and seen so much already that another year of this almost feels overwhelming.

Almost.  We’ll get over that overwhelmed feeling soon enough!

Anyway, more on sustainability later.  We have lots to share but I want to put more thought into that.  For now here are five things we did over the last two and a half weeks at Laughing Woodpecker Organics and Just Another Weed Patch, in no particular order:

• Weeded, composted, mulched and otherwise prepped gardens

hand sifting beautiful compost and mulch

and carrying wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow to various parts if the farm

Helped with spring planting

carrots

po-tay-toes

strawberries

nut trees

not pictured: beets, kale, artichokes, licorice mint

• Tended to the animals, including but not limited to…

feeding time

socializing the pigs

fence duty

mucking the barn 

in stylish yet affordable boots

chicksitting in the RV

yolkswagon patrol

• Enjoyed lovely accommodations and meals thanks to our gracious hosts

we really need...

... a fifth wheel

hot tubs under the stars

sailing around the island

delicious ...


... meals ...

... fresh and wholesome

• Made the most of what this beautiful island has to offer



eagles and other wildlife
not pictured: otters, heron, sea lions, orcas



Newcastle Island day trip



petroglyphs



sunsets galore
not pictured: Elder Cedar walks, marsh birdwatching

Next stop: Pacific Rim National Park for a beach cleanup and well-deserved vacation!