Our first farm stay has come to a close and we could not have asked for a better experience. The Paradise Valley families welcomed us with open arms and taught us so much. From answering our endless questions to letting us join in on valuable hands-on experiences, Karla, Olivier, Paul, and Hiedi were patient and good-humored throughout our stay.
Here’s a recap and some of the highlights from our stay at Paradise Valley Ranch:
-AC got to learn how to drive a tractor and a Bobcat.
-Karla taught me some basic canning principles as we canned tomato sauce together.
-We both got to help “dispatch” roosters and rabbits, and we got to cook our first rabbit.
-We enjoyed some wonderful farm-to-table meals, and tasted farm-raised Highland and Hereford beef.
-We got to experience the “joys” of sheep, who truly try to find dumb ways to die.
-Tending the cows was one of our favorite chores.
-On our last day, AC and I rescued a piglet who had climbed into his feeder tank and couldn’t get out. I thought pigs were supposed to be smart…
Though short, these past two weeks confirmed that we’ve chosen a good path. We both enjoy the farming experience, despite the long hours and hard work, and AC, especially, felt accomplished, empowered, and happier than she has in a long time. A day on the farm definitely beats a day in the office.
Sea-to-Sky Highway
To wrap up the Canadian portion of our trip, we took the breathtakingly beautiful Sea-to-Sky highway to Vancouver. The highway followed glacial-blue rivers and provided beautiful views of glacier-capped mountains.
We made a pit stop in Whistler for lunch. Talk about swanky–Whistler was beautiful, but a bit too bougie for us. And it was getting quite full by the time we left–Canada also celebrates Labor Day over a long weekend so folks were pouring in with their mountain bikes and hiking shoes.
Vancouver
Vancouver was packed. Traffic felt like we were back in Austin, and it took us 20 minutes to find parking. We ate a tasty fish dinner at an indigenous restaurant where their gluten free bread option was actually better than the regular bread…that NEVER happens! Then we got the heck out of the city. We originally planned to sleep in Vancouver, but decided to go ahead and cross the border because (1) we didn’t think we’d find a good truck camping spot in the city and (2) it was still fairly early and crossing would make our drive to North Cascades National Park shorter the next day.
Canada, it’s been fun, eh.
Until next time,
Charli