The next time I decide to volunteer to do back breaking work in some remote location, please please please stop me! I thought this WWOOOFing thing was going to be a great experience. I thought I would get to stay in a great location with locals while helping with and learning about organic farming. It wasn’t quite like that. While I know land development is a part of ranching and farming, I don’t think it’s reasonable to have a volunteer follow an old diesel dump truck picking up tree stumps (heavy ant covered tree stumps) and rocks for 6 hrs straight, 2 days in row. I think I actually might have gotten carbon monoxide poisoning. I had a headache, was sick to my stomach, pale, dizzy and light headed. The day before that I pulled weeds for 4hrs straight, yesterday I raked for 5 hrs, and today I got to haul and sift through trash. Today was the one day my back actually got a break, not my gag reflex though. I think before I got here they all sat around the campfire and discussed what the worst jobs were they could give to me.
In exchange for my work I was provided accommodation in the trailer and meals with my host. It totally was not worth it. I didn’t actually learn anything about organic farming. My host’s ad in the WWOOF book said his place was near the beach with snorkeling, surfing, fishing, etc available nearby. No. The beach is like 25K away, and I went once…and that was because I invited myself to go with my host’s sister and brother in law. I got to go to the nearby tourist attraction at Flinders Chase Park, but we didn’t even get there until sundown so we had to rush. I hate to be so negative about this experience, but it wasn’t good. I could go on more about my experience on KI, but I’d rather forget about it. When I get back to Adelaide tomorrow I’m going to soak my hands and feet in lotion and put a heating pad on my back.
The island was quite beautiful though. The sunsets were amazing.
And I did get to spend time with my lovely French neighbors. They were very sweet.
The Remarkable Rocks at Flinders Chase.
Oh no!!! That does sound pretty bad...and it sounded so promising before hand. Oh well, live and learn!!!
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! I spoke with some girls at my hostel today, and they've WWOOFed before. They told me that it's kind of a 50/50 chance that you get a bad one. Some host's are in it for cheap labor, and some are in it to provide a traveler with a great experience. oh well. I'm not going to chance it again though.
ReplyDeleteSo, i'm guessing that WWOOF isn't going to be a second career choice for you??? L
ReplyDeletenope. I'll start a garden or something when I move back to Texas
ReplyDeleteBonnie! This sounds absolutely awful!!
ReplyDeleteAre you on the way back to Texas????
I saw your note on Facebook.....
I know I am a month + late commenting on this!--Sue W.