Pack List for Crazy View Farm

With just two weeks left until we report for duty to WWOOF with Laurie at Crazy View Farm in Wilsall, Montana, we've started getting ourselves ready for the big move north. If you've been following our news, you know that we planned to leave Colorado last week to visit the Tetons, Yellowstone, and camp through WY and MT before we start work, but it's best for Boo's recovery from knee surgery to relax here in Fort Collins.

So this week, we're going to start getting up earlier - we're early risers but we've been sleeping in past 8am! - and make sure we have everything we'll need to live and work for the next six months.

Laurie sent us a list of suggested provisions for work and life at CVF. Here it is:

Clothes for every temperature - The weather here is constantly changing and can be pretty radical. For those of you arriving in May and staying through [that's us!], you'll need clothes for EVERY temperature. Everyone coming from June-August will want clothes for 40 degree F. Evenings and daytime temps that vary from the 50s up into the 90s (10C-30C). September is cooler all around. We get frost by mid-month. So light winter clothes will be needed - jackets, hats, etc.

Crazy View Farm

Waterproof boots - It is down into the 30's at night during May and will unfortunately snow occasionally. That will cause a muddy mess, so you'll need waterproof boots/mud boots. (I brought a sweet pair of Wellies, as my mom suggested.)

Work gloves - Everyone will need a pair of work gloves, primarily for weeding the thistle that plagues us. The barbs go through cloth and canvas.

Sunscreen - We have sunscreen here but if you have a preferred brand please bring your own.

Rain Gear - You should bring rain gear - a raincoat and pants if you wish, as we will occasionally have to pick all day in the rain. We avoid this when possible but if there is a market we pick.

Swimming clothes - We have a nice little river which can be tubed for a gentle ride, and several hot springs which are great on cold days.

Going out clothes - I believe all of you will be here for at least one town dance. So, bring something for that!

Hiking gear - If you plan to hike, obviously bring along good hiking shoes/boots. We will have bear spray to loan you but if you use it you'll have to replace it. Hopefully no one will have to use it!


We've got all that and more in the van and the trailer! Here's some other essentials we've packed:

Cameras - We can't wait to take pictures of the beautiful farm.

Laptops - Laurie has wifi access so we're hoping to regularly blog about what we're learning on the farm and to keep in touch.

Books - We both have a stack of great books to read in down time.

Ex-pen - Boo will need to be restricted for at least eight more weeks when we get to the farm so we picked up an excercise pen that will give her more space then the crate but will still limit her movements.

Bikes - With a 13mpg van, we're hoping that the bikes will get us to town and back.

Toolbox - Dave has a stocked toolbox for anything that might come up. It's too heavy for me to carry.

Fishing gear - We've only fished a couple of times but we're hoping to get a Montana liscence and do some fishing. We've got poles, tackle and a filet knife.

Ukulele, didgeridoo and didgeriflute - All Dave's instruments. Laurie plays music so we're hoping to join in. I've been shopping around for a Native American flute so I can start playing again.

Backpacking gear - We have packs, a tent, backpacking stove, headlamps, and everything we need for a multi-day adventure in the Crazy Mountains.

A couple of things we still need:

One recipe you know by heart and can for a large group of people - In preperation for working on the farm, I've been reading alot of blogs and articles about farming, organic policy, and the experiences of other WWOOFers. After their "oh sh*t" moment, a couple that WWOOFed in Italy suggested bringing a recipe for a large group of people after their second night on the farm when they were responsible for cooking. Good thing I have my dad on speed dial: in the Army, he used to cook three squares a day for hundreds of guys.

Kites - Because they're awesome.


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