Alexis vs. The Lawnmower

Two things I've never done before: mowed a lawn and driven a manual car. Unfortunately for me I was faced with both last week.

Now I know I said I loved driving a tractor before, but that was the newer one that was similar to an automatic car. Press the gas and go. Last week I was forced to drive the older tractor/lawnmower that involved shifting gears.

The practice round in the wide field was okay, drop the lawnmower contraption, and go forward in a straight line. Once I hit the hills and the small aisles of the vineyard, that's when the chicken poo hit the fan.

The older mower's steering wheel was wobbly and I struggled at keeping my machine straight, and a few times I swerved dangerously close to the grape vines.  And then it happened. I drove the front of the tractor into the wires and into a vine, both which started to bend dangerously close to the snapping point, and all I could do was yell, "AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!." I managed to maneuver my way out of the wires and the vine bounced back, although with a large scrape which was clear evidence of my accidental attempt to take it out.

I wish that was my only mowing faux-pas, but as I headed up what would be my final aisle, thinking I had finally somewhat gained control of the machine, I found myself stuck in the middle on a hill. I kept trying to push forward and could feel the wheels move under me, but all the mower did was roll backwards. I pushed the gear faster and forward, and yet I continued to slide back until I was once again stuck in the wires. I finally parked the beast, and with my newly gained farm girl muscles, managed to lift the mower and get it out of the spot where it had gotten stuck. And then the gosh darn thing wouldn't start.

Defeated and tired, I left it there and went for help. Needless to say, I was not asked to mow on after that.

Evening Commute

Green Acres

Damali Lavender Farm and Winery, 2014

After two ferries, and four buses, I made it to Vancouver Island one week ago to work on a lavender farm and winery. Alexis Kay Arana from college graduate with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications to farm girl. Surprisingly it wasn't me who was doubtful of my farming skills, but my volunteer coordinators. Could an office girl be fine in the dirt and under the sun all day?

I would be lying if I didn't say that every day I woke up after my first five days of farm work with every fiber of my being aching, but it aches in a good way. Your body hurts and lets you know that yes, today you have accomplished something and made a difference. It's only been one week but I have already found out a few things about myself. I found out that I have never slept better after a day of hard work. That I love being outside, and I love driving tractors. I already feel healthier and stronger.

The work isn't paid. I found out about it through workaway.info, where you can find volunteer work opportunities around the world. In exchange for 30 hours of work a week, I get room and board and all of my food and meals. I know work without pay doesn't sound too exciting, but it's a good opportunity to explore, and learn something new whether it be skills or about myself. Also I probably eat better than I do living on my own. Omelette's made from eggs collected from the chickens the day before, fresh mint for my tea, greens collected straight from the garden for your salad.

My clothes may be worn out, I'll be covered in dirt, and my body will be aching, but at the end of three weeks here, I have a feeling I'll be changed for the better.

Xoxo for now,

Alexis the Farm Girl