William’s Wonderful Workaway


WELCOME:

A friend recently stayed at a Workaway in Italy and loved the experience. After visiting my property, they suggested mine would be a perfect fit for this! I am looking for positive, reliable people who would enjoy spending a few days on my beautiful 17-acre lakeside property on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast (a bit north of Halfmoon Bay), in exchange for helping with projects around the land and projects.

THE PROPERTY:

This is a peaceful hilly mountain-and-lake setting with: – Warm swimming lake (only 30 feet deep) with my own dock – Canoe and kayak – Extensive trails on and around the property. World-class hiking nearby – Abundant wildlife, including deer born on the lot too. – Perfect drinking water – Flush outhouse – Large covered dining area with mosquito netting – Three rope swings nearby – The exact location is not posted here as yet

(deer are sometimes born on the lot)

(the trails on the lot are lovely but need upkeep)

(sleepy mouse?)

(mom turtle has the right of way up my driveway)

ABOUT ME:

My Name is William Jans and I am a photographer and host live shows about travels. I love the Sunshine Coast and building and tinkering about up here as time allows. I am trying to hurry to complete smaller tasks to get on to building an actual house soon. Just two tiny cabins here thus far.

(NOTE I am the one in the back of this image)
(on the lower field)

(your host with the most on the coast may boast of his toast)

(jiant jenga!)

HELPING OUT:

This is not a paid position. The idea is a simple exchange: you help with projects for a few hours each day, and in return enjoy access to the property and everything it offers. – I am currently looking at stays of approximately 5 days. If things go well, future and potentially longer visits may be possible. – I will be completely transparent about the lot, expectations and projects, so you can best assess if it is right for you, and need the same detail and transparency in return.

(this boardwalk is in the FUZZVILLE section)

(pender hill is one of the great hikes with amazing views)

PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Trail finding, building and improving, and in some areas creating steps to improve steeper sections
  • Lawn mowing and weed pulling, tree and brush management and bringing to fire pit
  • Rock work and landscaping.
  • possible simple construction projects or building assistance (depending on your skill set)
  • In the colder season fire-pit burning is really fun.
  • The property is hilly, so a reasonable level of fitness is important.

    • (my newest long-ish trail is about 8 minutes uphill to an amazing viewpoint)

    (i have already started building a deck at this amazing viewpoint)

    (I may be able to help teach you how to use tools in a thoughtful way)

    (i have 4 mowers and they all run well now, but need to be kept clean)

    WORK SCHEDULE:

    Typically about 4 hours per day, usually from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., although I may change some work times due to weather or project needs. That still leaves most of the day free to swim, paddle, hike, relax, explore, or simply enjoy being here.

    ABOUT YOU:

    If you are interested, please tell me:

  • Your name(s)
  • Where you are based (if from “away” when you plan to be in this area)
  • Dates you are interested to be here (or if flexible)
  • Whether you have transportation
  • Any relevant experience or skills
  • The best way to reach you (phone preferred)
  • If you have a vehicle, please mention whether it is AWD or 4WD. Also let me know if you can drive a standard transmission, as that can occasionally be useful.

    • (one of the trails on the property, this could use some TLC for better footing)

    (my dock into one of the warmest lakes you will swim in)

    EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

    No special experience is mandatory, however, please let me know if you have experience with tools, construction, landscaping, trail work, forestry, maintenance, or other practical skills. Familiarity with equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, saws, impact drivers, or similar tools is helpful but not necessary.

    (trail work will include pouring gravel on trails for stability)

    (this was cedar chips, but gravel more likely. it is a walk with buckets! you will get strong)

    YOU PROVIDE:

    – Your own tent and camping gear (I can lend good quality tent if needed and have great thick foam to sleep on for added comfort) – A positive attitude and willingness to help – Reliability and attention to detail – Ability to work outdoors and complete physical tasks

    (some of the extensive mowing required)

    (this trail also on the lot)

    I PROVIDE:

  • Camping space on the property
  • BBQ, cooktop, sink, running water, and fridge access (freezer is available which is great too).
  • Covered dining area protected from sun and rain
  • Optional canopy shelter for additional covered space or even to cover your tent area.
  • Canoe, kayak, dock, trails, and access to the property amenities (jiant jenga, excellent(!) puzzles.
  • Occasional outdoor movie nights under the screened canopy (really fun)
  • For meals, it is usually easiest if you prepare food to your own preferences, as dietary needs vary widely.

    • (the most dangerous kind of CANOES are VOLCANOES!)

    (aluminum so lightweight.)

    (movie night with friends in may so cooler at night)

    (these steps have lasted well (on BFR trail – “big fuzzy rock”)

    (rigging up the bug screen and tarp over the patio area)

    (Goodminton! – why be so negative? haha)

    RULES:

  • No smoking, vaping, tobacco, cannabis, or drugs.
  • Moderate alcohol is acceptable, but heavy drinking or drunkenness is not welcome.
  • Respect for the property, the environment, wildlife, and projects.
  • Violation of rules will mean you will be asked to leave.

    • (this was after building the base deck layer, well before the pavers on right)

    (same deck! Finished and big!)

    FINAL THOUGHTS:

    This is a special place that many people find difficult to leave. If you enjoy nature, lakes, trails, wildlife, campfires, and spending time outdoors while contributing to meaningful projects, this may be a great fit. You know my name and can search to find lots of info to validate who I am. I look forward to hearing from you and please provide details about you as requested. Photos welcome if you are able, thanks.

    (some amazing topography, and wild for trail building)

    (the big cast iron tub. In winter you can make it a fire tub and decide if you are just soup)

    (carrying 2 16 footers 10 min up a trail with some tools on back)

    (yes you can get exponentially dirty)

    (the form before pouring concrete for the big fire pit)