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What The WWOOF?

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

What The WWOOF Did I Get Myself Into?

Last summer, I traveled around Ireland for 5 weeks hopping from one place to the next. I wanted to do things a bit different this time, and was looking for a new kind of adventure.

Beautiful Ireland
Irish Adventure

I’d heard about an organization called WWOOF that connects volunteers with organic farmers and growers. It’s purpose is to promote cultural and educational experiences, while helping to build a sustainable global community.

It’s based on trust…

The WWOOF hosts provide food, accommodation, and the opportunity to learn about organic lifestyles and sustainable living.

In exhange, the volunteers provide help on the farms. Each opportunity is different, but it usually consists of 4-5 hours of work per day, Monday – Friday.

wwoof in ireland
Trust…

It sounded like an interesting way to see rural Ireland, plus I wanted to learn more about sustainable living. Other travel bloggers had done it, and had good experiences. I figured I’d give it a shot.

I joined WWOOF, and went in search of a host. I picked out 5 that sounded interesting, and sent off my letters.

I heard back from one… Positions tend to fill up fast.

I was accepted for 3 weeks by a family just outside of Gort in County Galway. In addition to accepting volunteers through WWOOF, they run several workshops for families coming from Spain.

Some of what they offer the families includes: English language instruction, eco building, organic agriculture, Irish storytelling, and much more.

I was impressed by their website, and what they offered. It also made me feel more comfortable that they ran a tourism business as well. I had made a 3 week agreement with them, so this is where I’d be staying for my last few weeks in Ireland.

The good, the bad, the ugly…

Upon arrival into Gort, I was picked up by one of the owners, and taken to the property. The area was very rural, peaceful, and pretty.

WWOOF in Irelane
So peaceful

I was given a quick tour of the property, and then taken to where I’d be staying. We passed several small cabins, finally reaching a meadow with two large tipis. Imagine my shock when I was told that’s where I’d be sleeping. A tipi in Ireland? You’ve got to be kidding?

Tipi WWOOFing in Ireland
Seriously? In here?

Entering the tipi, I received another surprise. The overwhelming smell of must & mildew, 3 individual tents set up inside, and wet laundry hanging everywhere. I could almost see the mold spores floating in the air.

I was mortified. I had made a 3 week commitment, and all I wanted to do at that moment was flee. I couldn’t imagine living in such squalor for the next 3 weeks. I felt as if I had entered third world living conditions. I seriously wanted to cry at this point.

Tents inside tipi for WWOOF
Am I in a Refugee Camp?

I decided to sleep on it overnight, and try to sort it all out in the morning. My first night I slept fully clothed, raincoat and all, with 7 blankets on top of me… I still froze.

In the morning, I awoke to a very wet top blanket… Things were going from bad to worst quickly.

After breakfast, the other volunteers & I were told to clean the cabins, bathrooms, etc as they were preparing for the next group that would be arriving. This is not what I had signed up for, but at this point I was grateful to be inside.

Entering the cabin, I was once again hit with the musty smell & wondered if mold was lurking in here as well. As I stripped the linens off the beds, and pulled off the duvet covers I discovered mold spots on the duvets. I felt sick inside. I struggled with putting a clean duvet cover over a duvet covered in mold, knowing a family, or child would be snuggling up against it later that night.

Then came the rest of the cleaning… A single sponge was used. The same sponge to clean toilets was also used for the dishes… A clear recipe for E Coli.

I quickly realized I was not going to learn a thing about organic farming, or sustainable living. We were being used as the cleaning crew as well as English tutors… It’s one thing if that’s what you’re expecting, quite another when you’ve discover you’re being used.

After 4 days of this, I was now afraid for my health. I was feeling the effects of mold in my throat & having problems breathing at night. I still was sleeping fully clothed with a hat now, had not showered, and was wet the entire time. I never had the chance to dry out.

I had also pulled a tick from my hair, and discovered we had slugs sleeping with us in the tipi.

A couple other WWOOF volunteers & I finally decided to approach the owners to let them know we had to leave. We could not stay here any longer. We had suffered long enough.

They were not happy, but agreed to give us a ride into town the next day. They told us to not tell their guests why we were leaving. They planned on telling them that we decided to travel & see a bit more of Ireland. We agreed because we wanted out.

Once, back in Galway, we discovered all the clothes in our backpacks were wet & beginning to mildew. I also had a very wet camera, which at the moment appears to working, however my laptop took a major hit.

I’ve suffered from the most painful stomach cramping I’ve ever had, as well as fatigue & vertigo for 12 days, all while recovering at a hostel in Galway.

I imagine, it’s just a matter of time before someone else gets really sick. I wouldn’t wish that kind of suffering upon anyone. It’s been absolutely hellish!

I’m concerned for the health of future volunteers. I’m worried about the Spanish families coming over on holiday, not knowing what lurks under the duvet, or that their dishes get washed with the same sponge as the toilet… It’s disgraceful to say the least.

So, I’ve thought long and hard about what I would have or could have done differently… I consulted with the 2 other WWOOF volunteers that left with me. In the end, we concluded we’d done everything we could have. We did our homework… We researched the host, and were communicating via email with any questions we had… We trusted the information that was given to us.

Unfortunately, we were dealing with people who consciously chose to lie, and exploit the WWOOF volunteers. They chose to put us in an unhealthy environment… They knew exactly what they were doing.

I’ve been asked if I would try WWOOFing again. At this point, I would have to say no. I’m sure there are many fantastic WWOOF hosts out there, and these were just the bad apples of the bunch… But, sometimes one is all it takes for you to you lose your faith, and spoil it for the rest.

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Filed Under: Galway, Gort, Ireland Tagged With: County Galway, Eco Tourism, Gort, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Organic Farming, sustainable living, Traveling in Ireland, WWOOF, WWOOFing

Kayaking At Cachuma Lake

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Kayaking Cachuma Lake

A friend invited to me go kayaking up at Cachuma Lake yesterday.  I hesitated at first. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve been out on the lake. In fact, I’ve actually avoided going. The drought in California has impacted the lake on such a level, that it’s depressing.

Getting out in nature should never have that effect.

I decided to go anyway. I met my friend at his campground, and we headed to the lake. It was worse that I could have ever imagined. The lake was a mere fragment of it’s former self.

Drought effect on Cachuma Lake
Where did all the water go?

Wow! I felt as if I had been punched in the belly. I stood staring in disbelief. I wondered how much longer before it totally disappeared.

A pipe running through the center of Cachuma Lake was pointed out to us. It’s impossible to miss! The pipe feeds water down into Santa Barbara. This July, there are plans to drop the lake ten more feet to keep that supply running.

What happens when Cachuma Lake ceases to exist? Where will you get your water from Santa Barbara?

To see the lake disappearing, you face the reality of how important it is not to lift the water restrictions too soon. And, it makes you wonder why nothing was done sooner.

Once in the water, you can’t help but notice the beauty surrounding the lake. As we paddled around the lake, we talked about what a great loss this would be for all of us if a solution isn’t found.

Cachuma Lake Kayaking
Kayaking around Cachuma Lake
Shore of Cachuma Lake
Taking a break on the shore

Rain, of course would be the most obvious solution. That, however cannot be relied on.

So, until Mother Nature starts producing it again, what are our options?

What are we doing?

Bureau of Reclamation

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Filed Under: California, Santa Barbara Tagged With: Cachuma Lake, California, California Lake, California Tourism, Eco Tourism, Environment, Kayak, Kayaking, Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara, Tourism in California, travel, Water Restrictions

Burlington In The Winter

By Julie Miche 2 Comments

Things To Do In Burlington In The Winter

Burlington, VT is one of my favorite cities to visit. It frequently finds itself on many “Best Of” lists, and after spending time there, it is easy to see why. Burlington has a lively downtown scene, a thriving art community, an array of dining choices, and bars featuring local live music. The close proximity to multiple ski resorts makes it easy to spend the day on the slopes snowboarding or skiing! It’s a family friendly town that hosts multiple activities for kids too!

Here are few things to check out while visiting Burlington:

Shelburne Farms

I highly recommend a visit here. It’s my number one choice of places to see. The grounds are absolutely magnificent. The farm covers 1,400 acres and is located on the shores of Lake Champlain. Shelburne Farm provides learning experiences for a sustainable future by partnering with the community, and hosts events year round. In the winter you can take a horse drawn sleigh ride, take a class and learn about the animals, or even learn how to make bread and butter. Check their calendar for the many choices offered.

things to do in burlington in the winter, sustainable farming, shelburne farms vermont
Shelburne Farms

Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Sledding
There are many parks in Burlington that offer groomed ski trails, ice rinks for skating, and hills for sledding. What’s more fun that playing outside in the winter? And, these are all free!

winter activities in Burlington, things to do in the winter in Burlington
Burlington VT in the winter

Church Street Marketplace
The Church Street Marketplace is an open air pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown Burlington. The streets are cobblestone and it’s lit up beautifully at night! It’s a fun place to hang out with many shops, restaurants, and galleries to stop by.

If you like books, be sure to pop into Crow’s Bookshop. They offer a great selection, and a cozy atmosphere, which is a refreshing change if you’re used to the mega bookstores in most cities.

Need a chocolate fix? Lake Champlain Chocolates will hook you up! The chocolates are made locally and you can even visit the factory!

If that’s not enough to feed your sweet tooth, head over to My Little Cupcake. They specialize in delicious mini cupcakes and have a ridiculous amount of flavors to choose from! It’s hard to decide on just one, so plan on trying a variety. They are located at 217 College Street, which isn’t too far from the Church Street Marketplace.

For real food, try out Sweetwaters. They have a full bar, and extensive menu with a large amount of gluten free options. The restaurant is housed in a building from the 1880’s and still retains some original architectural details. Former bank vaults now function as walk-in coolers in the lowest level of the restaurant.

Things to do in Burlington in the winter, church street marketplace
Kids love Church Street Marketplace

Burlington Art Scene

I was really impressed with the art scene in Burlington. Art is everywhere, so you will not have to go far to find it! If you happen to be in Burlington on the first Friday of the month, check out the community wide First Friday Art event. It’s a great way to check out a variety of local artists in one night. You can also check the Vermont Art Guide to find out about current openings and exhibitions.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to two very talented Burlington artists, that were gracious enough to let me wander through their studios while they were working.

Check out the artwork of:

Duane Albro at Tao Woodworking. My favorites were the SUP’s. They are absolutely gorgeous! And, when you stop by, make sure you say hello to Chomsky the St. Bernard. He usually is hanging  out in the shop!

Bruce R. MacDonald at HAVOC. His metal wall sculptures are on stainless panels. Holographic effects create a feeling of movement through out the pieces. To see the visual depth and illusion of the art, check out these videos!

Filed Under: Burlington, Vermont Tagged With: Burlington Vermont, Church Street Marketplace, Eco Tourism, Shelburne Farms, sustainable living, sustainbable farming, Things to do in Burlington

A Seaside Village – Cambria, CA

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Cambria, CA… Here we come!

I picked up my friend and fellow photographer Jenna Dosch in downtown Los Angeles.  She had just taken the bus in from Las Vegas, and we were more than ready to be on our way to Cambria, CA!  We had a 222 mile road trip ahead of us, and expected to arrive early evening just in time for a nice dinner and some wine.  That was the plan anyway… Instead, we ended up severely stuck in LA traffic for hours!  Our new ETA was 9:00 pm!

We called our hotel to let them know we were running late, and were told to get something to eat along the way if we weren’t going to make it by 9:00.  We should have listened… Cambria is not a late night party town!  We arrived just as all the restaurants were shutting down!

We checked into the FogCatcher Inn which is right on the coast, across from Moonstone Beach.  It’s a perfect place for a weekend getaway, and the location can’t be beat.  The rooms are cozy, and equipped with fireplaces for chillier nights.

Cambria, CA FogCatcher Inn, Travel in California
Beautiful Gardens at FogCatcher Inn

Still determined to find something that was open, we headed into the Village.  The downtown area was adorable, but pretty much shut down too.  We finally came across the Cambria Pines Lodge, which was not only open, but had live music as well! We went inside to the Fireside Lounge and found a very lively crowd and wine. Finally! Success!

The next morning we headed down to Moonstone Beach. We were in Cambria to photograph California Coastal Clean-Up Day along CA’s Highway 1 Discovery Route, and wanted to get some photos before the volunteers starting showing up.

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Moonstone Beach, Cambria, CA Coast
Morning on Moonstone Beach
Cambria, CA, Travel in California, Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach Morning
Travel in California, Cambri Coastline
Cambria, CA Coastline

Moonstone Beach is such a lovely, serene beach. The coastline is absolutely gorgeous with all the cliffs and pine trees. Make sure to look for the shiny Moonstones while strolling on the beach. They are the very reason why the beach is called Moonstone.

If you like fishing and solitude, you will find it here. The uncrowded beach is a fisherman’s dream. I only counted three all morning.

Ocean Fishing on Moonstone Beach in California
Fishing on Moonstone Beach

If surfing’s your thing, you’ll appreciate this area too! The waves were good and there weren’t any crowds to speak of!

surfing Moonstone Beach
Checking out the waves
Surf Moonstone Beach, travel in California, Weekend Getaway
Found his wave!

If you’ve ever been out on a surfboard in the ocean, you know what a zen-like experience it is while you wait for the next wave. There’s nothing quite like it, and something I think everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.

Zen and surfing, Travel California, Cambria
Surfer Zen!
Surfing the Cambria Coast
Surfing the Cambria Coast

Coastal Clean-Up Time!
Coastal Clean-Up Day is held annually, and is one of the state’s largest volunteer events. The Volunteers will be collecting over 700,000 pounds of trash! That’s right… 700,000 pounds of trash! So, think about that the next time you are visiting your favorite beach or enjoying yourself while vacationing. You would be surprised to see what people leave behind!

I appreciate all the volunteers that came out for this event! They are an amazing bunch of people who really care about our beautiful coastline. If you would like to participate in
eco-tourism while vacationing along CA’s Highway 1 Discovery Route check out some Stewardship Travel opportunities. You can make a difference to the environment while you explore some wonderful nature preserves.

Cleaning up the coast of California, Eco Tourism, Cambria
The Volunteers have arrived!
Cleaning up the coast of Cambria, CA, Volunteer for Coastal Clean-Up Day, Eco Tourism
Volunteer for Coastal Clean-Up Day
Trash on the beach, Coastal Clean-Up Day, Eco Tourism in Cambria, CA
The trash left behind!
children participate in eco tourism in Cambria, CA
Young Travel Stewards on top of the world!


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Filed Under: California, Cambria Tagged With: Beach Clean-Up Volunteers, CA's Highway 1 Discovery Route, California, California Coastal Clean-Up day, California Tourism, California Travel, Cambria, Cambria Pines Lodge, Central Coast of California, Eco Tourism, Fishing, FogCather Inn, Moonstone Beach, Stewardship Travel, Tourism in California, Traveling in California, Visit Cambria, Wine Coast Country

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