WWOOF Australia Celebrates 40 years, by hitting the road to visit hosts across South Gippsland, Victoria.
Hosts VW098 Bronwyn, Ray, and Karen Dahlstrom
The weather was a typical day for the end of May, in South Gippsland, rain, wind with the odd break between showers, beautiful rainbows and the opportunity to get outside to explore the wonderful property of the Dahlstrom family who have been with WWOOF Australia for the past 8 years.
We were greeted warmly by Bronwyn, Ray, and Karen, their daughter, into their beautiful home. Within minutes you quickly realise this family is down to earth and willing to share their story and life experiences with ease. Sitting in their kitchen eating freshly baked food and brewed coffee, overlooking the paddocks, watching the horses feasting on the lush grass as far as the eye can see, it is a very easy relaxing atmosphere here.
The Dahlstroms live near Inverloch on a beautiful 40-acre horse agistment property, with endless vegetable gardens and fruit trees. WWOOFers can learn to make Sour Dough bread, as well as preserving and drying foods, Bronwyn is learning to grow Oyster Mushrooms in her new hothouse specifically built for this new adventure. They grow so many different varieties of vegetables it was a great learning curve for us as we live in a colder region and can be a little restricted with our planting seasons.
Ray is an exceptional Artist, and we had the opportunity to take a tour of his studio. Ray is deeply passionate about the earth and oceans and its’ impending destruction from mankind.
This family indulge in everything life has to offer, Bronwyn is learning Pottery (Ray also does pottery, using the burnt sawdust from raku firings as biochar in the vegetable gardens) and both Bronwyn and Karen are learning the Violin, certainly a family of many talents!
It was a delightful morning, Ray pulled out his phone and showed us the various WWOOFers who have visited their property from all over the world. “Its a great exchange, not only for the WWOOFers, but for hosts as well. We have had the opportunity to share recipes, gardening ideas and creative ideas, so its a win win for everyone, not to mention friendships for life.”
Review: Shaghi 10.03.2021
“I was so lucky to do my first WWOOFing with Bron and Ray. They are one of the most beautiful people I have ever met in my life. They are exceedingly kind, caring and open minded and I have learned so much from them about gardening, cooking, art, and much more. I highly recommend WWOOFing at their property.”
To preview hosts before joining, use the List search, you will be able to search hosts within each State and see their basic profiles, to give you an idea of the types of experiences you can look forward to as a WWOOF member.
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