As I am writing to you, Kindra and I are sitting with Sherry and a local cattle rancher, Gus, in the upstairs of Eagle Tree Farm main house, talking about cuts of grass fed beef and the drastic changes to the food industry in the last eighty years. Welcome to our farm life; moments like these are pretty typical.
Gus is one of my favorite people here in 100 Mile House. Not only is he an absolute cattler to the core (working 12 hour days, and calls us while herding a lost cow through the wilderness), but he has a charming personality, and his diverse vocabulary (a combination of university level English and swear words) and captivating storytelling makes anything he is saying incredibly interesting.
Speaking of Gus, we have met many kind and unique people since our arrival. There is a real since of community among neighbors (and I use the term liberally when you are dealing with 100+ acre properties), lacking the coldness of the city and instead packed full of interdependence. As Kindra put it so well earlier, people actually assume an attitude of friendship when meeting someone new. We feel so at home here.
Earlier today, we worked a half day at the local powerhouse organic farm CEEDS, which produces truckloads of delicious veggies. We harvested and washed kale, leek, beets, and swiss chard while chatting with local farmers. It is stinkin' hot up here! I mean, I know its 'Cariboo Country,' but mid 70s in the day is pleasant, however a bit much for pulling plants the whole afternoon. Seeking refreshment, Kindra and I walked to a huge lake near CEEDS, and canoed to our heart's content. Needing a little cool down, I hopped in the lake, and then a moment later gave Kindra a needed push to join me. We took turns diving off a woodplank platform into the icy lake, smiling and laughing. This is WWOOFing at its finest.
It's hard to believe we have been here almost a week and a half. Come October, we plan to head for Banff and other national parks; our time is half way over. More to come! Thanks for joining us in this journey.
More pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/117860913937238604610/EagleTreeFarm
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