adam harms

Howdy,

I am a single father of a two year old moving to Corvallis in July. I'm looking to make connections with like minded people in the area and get involved in the local permaculture community, if there is one. Any leads for jobs or housing would be appreciated too. I have basic construction and landscaping skills and would love to get involved in some projects, paid or not. So are there any Corvallis permies out there?

Pointer Brand makes overalls in the USA for a decent price. I haven't tried them, but their chore coat is a well made, very utilitarian, and attractive jacket. I know Carhartts are ubiquitous, but I can't stomach buying new goods made under questionable working conditions when there are American made equivalents at a reasonable price. Check them out.

Howdy,

I’m on a homestead in the San Juans of Washington trying—among other things—to grow storage/staple crops for local consumption. Corn, beans, squash, onions, potatoes are the big ones. We are in Zone 8, with 23 inches annual rainfall almost all of it in the winter and spring. According to the USDA soil map the soil is clallam gravelly loam—supposedly prime farmland with irrigation.

To avoid overtaxing the single source aquifer, we will not use irrigation at present. (A rainwater system is in the works).

There isn’t much slope (<8%) and I’m wondering what the best orientation with respect to contour would be for raised beds. I’m thinking about setting everything up just slightly pointing downhill to prevent pooling and constant mud, but how many degrees? Any better ideas? Also, would swales help take full advantage of what little rain falls in the summer, or is there a better option?

The labor is done by hand so tractor access once the beds are established isn’t an issue.

Howdy,

I'm taking a trip to Brisbane next month to visit family then will be touring around on my bike until December. I'm looking for farms/homesteads in southern Queensland and New South Wales that could teach me something and put me to work for a few weeks. I prefer working in exchange for food and a place to camp but wouldn't be opposed to helping out with food costs if the opportunity is right.

I am a 25 year old male with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and have been doing work trade since I graduated. I have experience with cob, stick framing, concrete mixing/pouring, form building, metal roof installation, hole digging, wood chopping, weed pulling, potato digging, tent living, compost shitting, weekly bathing, dumpster eating, and so on. I'm looking for experience designing and constructing water harvesting earthworks, establishing and maintaining food forests, and designing and constructing passively cooled/heated houses. I'm glad to do any kind of work as long as there is the chance to pick someone's brain about and see working examples of the aforementioned topics.

If anyone has recommendations of places to go, please pass them on. If anyone has property in the area and needs hands, I would be glad to start a dialog and see if we will be a good fit. Primitive living situations welcomed. Also, any advice on getting around Australia by bike would be great.

Peace.

Check out Arrow Moccasins. Handmade in Hudson, MA from really thick leather that breaks in nicely. A cobbler could add a sole if you wanted, but so far the double leather sole on my two eye mocs is doing fine walking and riding around Austin. I don't think you can find a higher quality pair of shoes for the price. I would recommend sending a tracing of your foot as the toe box is a little narrow.

Also, Russell Moccasin. They are a little more expensive and take longer to get but can be resoled and should last a lifetime. I've had my eyes on a pair of minimalist Thula Thulas for a while now, just can't seem to pull the trigger.

Consider getting shoes without heels and a wide toe box that allow your feet to function as nature intended. They might take some getting used to, but in the long run your posture and balance will improve. They will also give you more of a connection with the ground you walk on.

Peace.

Rustic, I'd like some more information about how "The longest lived cultures have traditionally followed a low fat, low protein, high carbohydrate diet."