The thriving property of Cadence Valley includes a large barn, two fish ponds, and a happy crew of farm animals: alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, and quirky felines, Marcel and Pinot. The farm yields a wide variety of garden vegetables in addition to an array of fruit trees. The vineyard produces more than 1,000 pounds of grapes per year, providing enough to both sell and keep for wine-making. Hops are also grown for dabbling in beer and cider brewing.
The beautiful 1950s house has been modernized with a clean and simple taste, displaying expansive views of the surrounding farmland. Train tracks run behind the property, which adds to the humming soundtrack of the farm.
Farm owners, Dennis and Rachel, are a fun yet hard-working couple from the mid-west. Dennis is a Marine Corps pilot and Rachel works for the state. They lead an active lifestyle, often cycling and trail-running in nearby forests.
I flew into Portland on Saturday afternoon, brimming with excitement. It should surprise no one who has flown through PDX to learn that it proudly holds a five-year recognition as best domestic airport. After catching the airport shuttle to Salem, I was immediately struck by the lush, green landscape--a stark contrast to the brown desert-like Denver winters. Gray sky and light rain are characteristic this time of year. Despite minimal snow and mild temperatures, the air felt colder than 40 degrees in the absence of the sun. I was surprised, however, by how much I enjoyed the rain.
After becoming acquainted with my friendly hosts, we ran a few errands in the sleepy town before heading back to the farm to settle in. I toured the property and shared my first of several delicious vegan meals. Both Dennis and Rachel are excellent cooks. Dennis's long-time friend, Jason, joined us at the farm while in town for business, adding to many thought-provoking conversations. The only down-side during my stay? Stink bugs!
On Saturday, Dennis and Rachel invited me to join them on an outing to McDonald State Forest. Located 15 minutes north of Oregon State University in Corvallis, the 11,250-acre forest is used for university instruction and research on forest management. I thoroughly enjoyed the new sights, smells, and sounds of the earth-sodden forest--a welcomed change from my typical Coloradan mountain hikes. Moreover, the rain blanketed the adventure with a peaceful sense of calm and quiet.
On Monday and Tuesday, Dennis and I got to work on the farm! One of the first things that I confirmed is the hefty amount of work required to operate a farm; there is always something that could be done. Dennis smartly created a running "to-do" list that allows WWOOFers to choose projects based on skill and interest. Overarching goals include the following: converting grass to food production, improving pasture quality, and removing invasive/exotic plants in order to establish a native plant landscape.
After becoming acquainted with my friendly hosts, we ran a few errands in the sleepy town before heading back to the farm to settle in. I toured the property and shared my first of several delicious vegan meals. Both Dennis and Rachel are excellent cooks. Dennis's long-time friend, Jason, joined us at the farm while in town for business, adding to many thought-provoking conversations. The only down-side during my stay? Stink bugs!
On Saturday, Dennis and Rachel invited me to join them on an outing to McDonald State Forest. Located 15 minutes north of Oregon State University in Corvallis, the 11,250-acre forest is used for university instruction and research on forest management. I thoroughly enjoyed the new sights, smells, and sounds of the earth-sodden forest--a welcomed change from my typical Coloradan mountain hikes. Moreover, the rain blanketed the adventure with a peaceful sense of calm and quiet.
On Monday and Tuesday, Dennis and I got to work on the farm! One of the first things that I confirmed is the hefty amount of work required to operate a farm; there is always something that could be done. Dennis smartly created a running "to-do" list that allows WWOOFers to choose projects based on skill and interest. Overarching goals include the following: converting grass to food production, improving pasture quality, and removing invasive/exotic plants in order to establish a native plant landscape.
Luckily, Dennis was a patient teacher in explaining the basics of farm maintenance. By way of example, I learned how the farm runs purely on solar-powered electricity, which is managed by a bank-of-sorts that is based on daily usage. The barn, however, is self-powered by a small solar panel that is connected to an RV battery.
My daily tasks began with feeding the animals, all of whom I became quite fond of.
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| Buddy, the unspoken favorite |
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| Pinot |
In addition, I helped Dennis replace a frozen hydrant; the farm owns water rights to the spring and stream water on the property.
I also assisted in the installation of concrete steps leading down the gentle hillside behind the house.
In terms of gardening, weeding was a top priority--slightly daunting for a perfectionist like me, but also strangely satisfying. I cleaned up several beds, and started a new one with fava beans. Aside from providing food, fava beans enrich the soil with nitrogen as they grow. The beans become seeds after the pods are harvested and left to dry out. There is something to be said about the almost magic-like experience of planting seeds in the hope that they one day flower.
The three hens kept good company in the garden as they sought out the freshly-turned earth in order to greedily dig up worms!
Another job involved trimming the wildly-growing blackberry bush, after which I learned that cuttings/branches can be taken from certain shrubs and trees to grow new plants.
The final major project was to prune the grapes by removing the canes that fruited last year. The Pinot Noir grape thrives in the fertile soil and cool climate of the Willamette Valley.
I left Cadence Valley on Wednesday morning with a full heart and a rooted vow to maintain contact with my gracious hosts. Although I longed to explore more of the state, I am glad that I made the most of my time on the farm. Besides, my instincts tell me that my time in Oregon has just begun...
During the two-hour flight back to Denver, I felt an
overwhelming sense of gratitude for my stay at Cadence Valley. The rewarding
experience has enriched my life in countless ways. For instance, working with
my hands in harmony with nature is something that I found to be deeply
meaningful. Above all, the wholesome company has left the
greatest impression. Dennis, Rachel, and Jason are among the type that inspire
me to be a better person. Thanks to them, I am reminded of several personal goals:
mindful learning, service and compassion, and my post-injury resolution to
become an Ironman triathlete. While having traveled a long way in my 25 years,
I remain cautiously optimistic in what is yet to come.
