..and that just about does it!

So that's it- Farm Camp is officially over. I am now just a Friend of the Farm & Garden.

The last few weeks of the apprenticeship were a whirlwind of events that were spent trying to squeeze every last drop of farm goodness into a mason jar of memories. Though all completely spent and exhausted from our full contact lifestyle we've been leading for the past 6 months, farmies rallied to plan more events and tackle even more projects as the days crept closer to Oct 24th. We organized races, farm olympics, wreath making workshops, food drying sessions, canning and preserving, t-shirt printings, potato calendar making, field trips, dinners and graduation ceremonies... on top of all the normal harvests, classes, garden upkeep and daily chores.

Our graduation ceremony took place on Friday night. Complete with hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, speeches, music, certificates, desserts and wine under twinkle lights in the DG and a final dance party in the middle green house. It was a fun night and a very appropriate closing to this little farm bubble we've all been living in.

As our bubble pops and we all disperse back into the real world that has been going on around us- we brace ourselves for what is next. I feel a mix of sadness, relief and excitement as this chapter of my life closes and once again I'm thrown full force into transition. Sadness saying goodbyes to farm friends (who I feel I have developed relationships akin to that of siblings) that I won't see regularly- relief thinking of the rest, space and kitchen access that is hopefully on my horizon- and excitement for the opportunities that lay out before me. I do know, however, that these amazing people that have entered my life won't sneak away too quickly or quietly. I now have personal access to over 45 amazing farmers and foodies across the globe that are going to be doing amazing things. Mark my words... good things are sure to come from these people.

As for me and my next steps, if I hadn't realized it yet- I don't tend to do things the concise nor logical way. This weekend my friend Sabrina is flying to California to help me road trip around this state to see some of the more natural beauties it has to offer. We're hitting Big Sur, Yosemite and Muir Woods, so I won't leave California having seen nothing but farms, soil and sunsets.

I am then flying to Mexico for a week of working at the Tropical Horticulture & Nutrition retreat my friend Chrissi is putting on at her place in Yelapa and from there it's Peru and Argentina until mid January. In South America I plan to meet up with a few good friends from the states and see the sights, hit the trails and sip the wines the regions have to offer. If you're curious as to what wanderings I come upon this go around stay tuned to this site as I'll do my best to update it with (hopefully) more frequency than I have in the past few months.

Now let the packing for the rest of my life begin!

Field Trips, Visitors, Harvests and time slipping away...

Well, I am obviously making less and less time for recording my daily activities and letting more and more of my time be consumed by farm activities. As it should be I guess. Maybe my farm life seems more normal and day to day, thus less need to jot every minute down and record the ongoings. Though the excitement hasn't been dwindling.

Our last few months of the program have been chock full of field trips. Fairly local and some semi farther away. A couple weeks ago we went on our epic Sonoma field trip that all farmies had been awaiting with baited breath... the first stop being legendary Bob Conard's place. Not only is he the iconic back to the earth farmer that has been supplying Chez Panisse with fresh produce for the past few decades- he also manages acres and acres of weeds. Weeds? What?!* He is so interesting and intriguing to us as his philosophy is almost completely backwards from everything we are being taught- and yet his crops flourish and bounty exudes from his fields. He is more in tune with plants and the natural cycle of life than most people on this planet- and thus sees a place for the weed's FULL life cycle to occur amidst all his crops. An amazing place to try to wrap your head around...

On that same weekend field trip I was lucky enough to visit Three Stone Hearth- a Community Supported Kitchen in Berkley promoting the ideals and nutrition philosophy of Weston Price, a couple farms started by former apprentices, Occidental Arts & Ecology- a sustainable center with many amazing programs and practices, and of course enjoy much mirth and debauchery driving around California with thirty-some dirty farmers.

I'm getting back into the swing of being in the down. Harvests and daily routines are definitely different in each site and I'm remembering why I enjoyed the down so much and am excited to pass my last --...sigh :( -- few weeks in this beautiful sight. We're planting brassicas, lettuces and other cold weather crops and cover cropping some beds for the winter time that is soon to come. It's definitely enjoyable to have kale available to harvest again. I'm realizing the full swing of the seasonal cycle I've already experienced in my time here.

This past weekend was an eventful one. Not only did I have three out of town visitors and coordinate the pie contest at our Harvest Festival, but you'll be amazed to know that my tent is still standing after the torrential down pour and wind storm we had the other night. That's not to say anything was dry inside the tent, but it sure didn't fully blow away this time! :)

My brother, Eric, was able to spend a few farm filled days with me and it was a true blessing to have him experience a glimpse into my farm life. Coincidentally enough- my friends Sage and Jerod, from my life in Jackson- were cruising through the area and we all enjoyed apple pressing, a few laughs and yes... that darn rainstorm together. It was great to see them (and their silver submarine) in the surf city I've been calling home.

I spent the whole day yesterday cooking with my friend Robbie. We cranked out another stellar menu: Squash muffins, hard boiled eggs, sliced apples- Pasta fresca, three bean salad, hummus, massaged kale salad and bread- Chile rellenos, mole, mole verde, rice & tortillas. The crowd was pleased.

And after that exhausting series of events I opted to take today off. One dead left front axle fixed and 11 quarts of tomato sauce later... I'm about ready for bed. I have another packed week ahead and an 'Eating Your Way Through San Francisco' weekend planned with my friend Beth. Something that shouldn't be missed!

Enjoy your days young friends. I think of you often- but clearly don't make contact often enough. Be well.