It’s been about two months since I first arrived on the farm. Unlike most people, I am spending my summer “off the grid”. Though yes, I am still technically on the grid through the fact that my mother can call me. But here at the farm, we operate on solar power and generators. Our kitchen and bathroom as well as individual power cords to each of our yurt/tents is powered by solar panels. The cooler we store our harvested food in is powered by a gas generator. I live in a yurt, which is a small tent. I am surrounded by acres of growing vegetables. Our water comes from a well. We eat the food we harvest. I don’t have a car with me. So, what do I do with my time off? Here is your answer!
Despite my younger self proclaiming that this is not the case, I am becoming more and more like my father every day. Only my dad and I could be found at the library on a Sunday afternoon, willingly. Because we don’t have Wi-Fi on the farm, on my days off, you can sometimes find me at the library, checking emails, posting these blog posts, scrolling through Facebook, reading for my senior comp and more. I love the North Bend Library. Though it is small, it is beautiful and has a long desk by a large window facing the street I love to sit at and work. I also got a library card so that I can check out books. This brings me to my next thing…
- Reading Books
With my library card, I have a limited membership, which means I can check out two books at a time (this is because I am from out of state). Reading for fun is something that I haven’t really been able to do since high school. I am usually busy with schoolwork or extracurricular activities. Sitting down to read during the year simply just isn’t an option. Here, I go through two books a week, if not more. I usually choose books due to their interesting titles or pretty covers, but I always look on Goodreads for recommendations. I also enjoy writing reviews. Here are some of my favorite books that I have read so far (in case you’re looking for something to read):
Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman
Burning Down the House by Jane Mendelsohn
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
30 Before 30: How I Made a Mess of My 20’s, And You Can Too by Marina Shifrin
Strength in What Remains: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness by Tracy Kidder
- Listening to Podcasts
I didn’t discover and really start listening to podcasts until I was in Senegal. I asked for recommendations, which is where many of my current podcasts I listen to are from. I really like listening to them, sometimes while pruning the tomatoes or weeding, but also while I’m taking out compost or cooking. It’s good background noise and I’m learning about different subjects at the same time. However, I learned it’s probably not a good idea to listen to my murder/paranormal podcasts at night while I’m alone in my yurt (Especially when the coyotes start howling). Here are some of my favorite podcasts (again, if you’re looking for a recommendation!)
About a 20-minute bike ride away is the town of Snoqualmie. This is also where the coin laundry is located. You spot the connection. Snoqualmie is a little mountain town that is nice to wander around on a warm afternoon. You can stop by the train depot, which has a small museum and offers two-hour train rides through Snoqualmie, North Bend and then down to Snoqualmie Falls. There’s also several breweries and restaurants. One of my favorites is The Black Dog, introduced to me by Krista, one of the other interns. It is a good brunch place with a small stage for performing artists. Also, to be found along the main road is an antique shop, an ice cream place and a curiosities shop. There is also a small park alongside the river that is good to sit and read or rest.
- Boomerang
My favorite place in North Bend (other than the farm of course) is a thrift store called Boomerang. The two other interns and I went on our days off when I first arrived, and we discovered a trove of great items. I got a vintage L.L. Bean jacket for a really good price. We also discovered that the first Monday of every month was half price day, in which I have gotten a men’s Columbia fleece jacket in excellent condition for work and a floral GAP shirt. I also found some cute watering can earrings to wear to the farmer’s market. We made a friend on the first time we visited, Linda, who we always look forward to seeing when we return. She always finds the best items for us.
- The River
On hot days, going to the river is always a great idea. It’s close to the farm, within walking or biking distance. I brought my ENO hammock with me to Washington and I am always able to find great spots to put it. The water itself is usually too cold for me to swim in, but I usually go stick my feet in, call it quits and retreat to my hammock to take a nap or read.
There’s lots of things to do around here and at the farm when I’m not working and I’m always discovering more. If anyone has any suggestions of books or podcasts, you’re always welcome to leave them in the comments. Thanks for reading!
Sweet Tea & Suitcases 