And for you White Buffalo... we leave

Oh the mixed feelings we have about the wwoof program.

We made the decision to leave White Buffalo yesterday amidst a farm drama, that in all honesty, did get blown out of proportion BUT served to hammer in two points:

1. The farm needs a lot of work. The cause is worthwhile (being one of the originators of the organics movement in Colorado) but the wwoof program needs to be restructured so that all voices are heard and all individuals given equal respect and consideration. The potential is certainly there- it's just not something with which Maggie and I wish to be involved. It's someone's community to build, but not ours.

2. Leading to the second point: we want a community to build. We are going back to Twin Oaks. More on this later.

Mark II

We've started again- it's true.

On April 2nd we started our drive out to rural Colorado. Our first stop was memphis where we stayed with lauren and clifton. thanks to them.

2nd day was a drive through the Ozarks and camping. I got to ride a fantastic mtn bike trail called Woomble. Next we drove through texas and oklahoma. Look, I'm sorry to those states but I'm simply not a fan. Everytime we drive through something:

1. happens to our bicycles (last time it was a bike flying off, this time a migrating roof rack)

2. happens with where we are supposed to stay and we end up at a motel 6 unexpectedly (last time an ice storm in southern texas, this time a campground not existing and being nowhere near a place to camp)

3. happens to my self-esteem. I recognize that I don't have an "average Texan" vibe, but are all evil looks really necessary?

Following our adventures in deja vu we drove through New Mexico (awesome) and camped in the Rio Grande gorge on BLM land for 2 nights (awesomer). Stunning- what else can I say? More cycling was had and two cold nights were bundled through (we think the second night was in the teens). It was well worth it.

The closest town was Taos. Lots of arts and one of the best food co-ops we've seen in awhile. More interesting is this . An earthship community not far outside of town. It's the only one I've ever seen- many many alternative buildings all in one community. It's encouraging to see so many people making such a drastic change in context and lifestyle.

We drove from Taos to Paonia the following day. I must say it was one of the best drives I've ever experienced. We drove over two passes that were both 10,000 (plus!) feet. They just don't make it like that on the west coast.

We've been on the farm for three days and are trying to figure out the schedule and get adjusted to the altitude. 5500 feet doesnt seem that high until you start doing farm work all day long. I've been learning to prune fruit trees and maggie has done everything from massive plant burning to stick pick up.

It's a good experience thus far, but we still aren't completely sold on WWOOFing just yet. Learning experience or exploitation of idealistic young folks? Jury's still out.

Pictures to follow.

Maggie fixing all of my typos to (almost surely) follow.