TO OUR GUESTSBack

🌵🌞 Desert Bloom WWOOFer & Visitor Guide V 4.2 - 10/03/2025

⚠️ IMPORTANT ⚠️

🏜️ The farm is remote! 🏡 One neighbor, no shopping nearby. The nearest town, Pahrump, offers gas stations ⛽, shopping centers 🏬, and even Walmart 🏪.

✨ You'll experience dark skies 🌌, the Milky Way 🌠, potential comets ☄️, meteor showers 💫, and even a possible aurora borealis (2024-25) 🌈. Plus, there are plenty of hiking 🚶‍♂️ and biking 🚴‍♀️ trails to explore!

🎉 WELCOME! 🌿

Stephen and the current staff welcome you to our organic farm and aquaponic testing facility! 🌱🐟 We’re excited to have you here and hope you enjoy the experience. In exchange for a cozy place to stay and meals to match your dietary needs, we expect your best effort in helping with farm operations. 🚜✨

🧐 A quick heads-up: Claudia, mentioned in past WWOOFer reviews, has moved on to new adventures, and Stephen, the owner, does not reside on the farm. But don’t worry! The farm is run by an experienced team, and Stephen is just a call away. He usually visits on weekends for interactive sessions and fun learning experiences. 📚🎤

⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ⚠️

This guide will give you the basics, but it’s not the full manual. 📝 When you arrive, we’ll walk you through how to survive—uh, I mean *thrive*—in an off-grid environment. 😉

💡 IT IS IMPORTANT TO REVIEW THIS DOCUMENT TO KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. One WWOOFer once wrote: *"It was not as I expected."* We don't want that to be you! If something is unclear, ask before arriving. 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

💬 Communication is key! If something’s not working for you, let us know. Our accommodations are unique (think: desert-chic meets off-grid adventure), and we love feedback to improve the experience! 🏜️🏠

🌾 JOINING OUR FARM COMMUNITY 🌾

We’re opening the doors of our private house to you and hope your WWOOFing adventure is unforgettable! 🤗

Over 64 WWOOFers have stayed with us! Some Europeans have returned five times (we must be doing something right! 🤩), while some Americans tapped out after a week (we get it, it’s the desert 🌵😅). Your experience will depend on your expectations and what we can offer—so check out past stories and reviews for insights! 📖

📍 We are in a somewhat remote location—no stores within walking distance. 🚶‍♂️❌ You’ll be living off-grid in the desert, but don’t panic! We make regular trips to town for supplies. 🛒

📞 CONTACT INFORMATION 📧

Stephen: +1 (702) 460-3882 | solidsol@hotmail.com

📺 LEARN MORE ABOUT SUNBAKED FARM 🎥

Watch our story and get the full scoop before you arrive! YouTube awaits: 🎬

📢 Get a sneak peek into Sunbaked Farm life—watch before you arrive! You'll thank yourself later. 🎞️

🔥 HOT WEATHER WARNING 🔥

📍 WHERE YOU ARE 🌵

Welcome to the middle of nowhere! 😄 Our farm is located in the Mojave Desert, Charleston View, Inyo County, California. 🏜️ Surrounded by mountains, we get less than five inches of rain per year—so don't expect lush green fields. 🌵☀️

We’re about an hour from Las Vegas 🎰 (but don’t expect slot machines here) and right next to Death Valley, where the heat loves to show off. 🥵🔥

Need to confirm that you’re truly in the middle of the desert? Click here for Google Maps 🗺️

🔥❄️ HEATING AND COOLING 🌡️

🔥 Winter Heating

Sunbaked stays warm thanks to a propane water heater that circulates hot water under the wooden floors. 🚿🔥 However, if you're hoping for toasty rock floors—think again! 🪨❄️

To save gas and electricity, we adjust the water temperature as needed. If it's warmer outside than inside, we open doors and windows for some natural "climate control." 🌬️🚪

☀️ Summer Cooling

Summers can be brutally hot. 🥵 To stay cool, we use a swamp cooler when the outside temperature allows. At night, we open windows for ventilation and close them in the morning to trap the cool air. 🏡💨

🌙 The middle bathroom window is your secret weapon—open it at night, close it in the morning!

❄️ Two air conditioners (one in the Master Bedroom and one in the Living Room) exist, but they can’t run non-stop—unless you enjoy draining the battery system like a phone on 1% with no charger in sight. ⚡🔋

Understanding the battery and power system before using the A/C is a must! ⚠️

💧 Water Conservation 🚰

Water is a precious resource here in the desert. 🌵💦 Drinking water comes from a separate tank in the Chalet, and there's a reverse osmosis (R/O) spout at the sink. Fancy coffee and tea? ☕ Use the R/O water. Regular tap water? Also safe to drink! 🥤

🌿 Irrigation water comes from large storage tanks and is controlled automatically. During hot months, we use more water than we can pump, so sometimes we have to haul water from another property. Please help us conserve every drop! 💧🙏

🚜 WORKING ON THE FARM 🌱

⏰ Work Schedule

We don’t follow a strict schedule—because, hey, it’s a farm, not a factory! 🏡🐓 But if you prefer a set routine, let us know, and we’ll arrange tasks accordingly. Otherwise, flexibility is the name of the game! 🔄😃

WWOOFers typically work five days a week with two days off. Got your own vehicle? 🚗💨 You can take two consecutive days off to explore the area! If a group of WWOOFers has a car, Stephen might even organize a road trip to Death Valley! 🌵🏜️

📆 Seasonal Work Hours

☀️ Summer:

Work starts early—like *really* early—at 7 a.m. to beat the heat. 🥵🔥 We process and package fresh produce for delivery to Las Vegas. 🎰🥬

❄️ Winter:

Things slow down a bit due to shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures. ❄️ The greenhouses become your new best friend! 🌿🏠 Outdoor gardens may be tucked under row covers at night to prevent freezing. Don’t forget to uncover them during the day and tuck them back in before sunset—like little plant burritos. 🌯🌱

🍽️ FOOD 🥑

Most of the time, you'll be the chef of your own destiny! 👨‍🍳🔥 A food budget is provided, and we make regular shopping trips. 🛒 Occasionally, someone might get inspired and cook for the group—lucky you! 🍲✨

🥦 Vegan? Gluten-free? No problem! We welcome all diets. Organic produce is shared when available, but eggs are usually sold, so don't expect an all-you-can-eat omelet bar. 🥚🚫

🍽️ There's a special WWOOFer shelf in the pantry just for you! Be a good kitchen citizen—respect shared dishes and keep things tidy. Nobody likes a messy cook! 🙃

🏡 HOUSING OPTIONS 🛏️

🏠 Main House

The main house has three bedrooms, two of which are available for WWOOFers. Each room offers privacy, a shared common bathroom with hot water (yes, a warm shower in the desert! 🚿🔥), and patio access for those scenic morning coffees. ☕🌅

🏕️ Gazebo

A simple yet comfortable outdoor space available year-round. 🛏️🌿 It comes with a bed and seating area, but—plot twist—no bathroom! 🚫🚽 Don’t worry, though, WWOOFers can use the main house facilities.

🚐 RV

For the adventurous spirit, the RV offers a comfy queen bed, A/C (when the batteries allow ⚡❄️), and a taste of off-grid RV living. 🚎💨 It has a *partial* bathroom, but for showers, you'll need to use the main house. 🏡🚿

🤝 RESPECT ❤️

We welcome you as part of our farm family! 🏡🌿 While this isn’t a formal job, mutual respect is a must. Let’s keep things positive and cooperative! ✨

🚨 If conflicts arise (because hey, we’re all human 😅), we’ll work together to restore trust. However, if things really don’t work out, we’ll help arrange transportation to a Las Vegas hostel or airport. ✈️🎰 (No hard feelings, just farm life! 😉)

📚 LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 🎓

Looking to expand your knowledge while getting your hands dirty? 🌿💡 We offer a variety of educational experiences:

• ☀️ Solar Power – because the sun is our best friend out here! 🔆
• 🔋 Battery Care – learn how to keep the lights on without draining the system. ⚡
• 🌱 Gardening – grow your own food and impress your friends back home! 🥦
• 📈 Business Development – because even farms need good management! 💼
• 🐟 Aquaponics – fish-powered farming, because nature is amazing! 🎣
• 🖥️ Computer Automation – making things run smoother with technology. 🤖
• 📢 Marketing Strategies – learn how to spread the word like a pro! 🚀

🌞❄️ WEATHER 🌪️

The desert doesn’t do anything halfway! 🏜️ Expect extreme temperatures year-round. Summers can sizzle at a scorching 118°F (48°C) 🔥, while winters can freeze you out at 8°F (-13°C) 🥶. Oh, and did we mention the winds? 🌬️ Hold onto your hat—gusts can reach up to 80 mph! 🎩💨

Winter days may be deceptively warm and sunny ☀️, but don’t be fooled! As soon as the sun sets, you’ll want a jacket… or two. 🧥❄️

Need extra layers? 🧣🧤 Goodwill in Pahrump is a great place to grab some warm clothes without breaking the bank! 🛍️

🌿 DESERT BLOOM ECO FARM 🌵

Desert Bloom Eco Farm is our official name, and we've come a long way! 🚜 In the past, we ran a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Today, our organic produce makes its way to a Las Vegas restaurant, offering high-quality organic food at prices that won’t make your wallet cry. 🥬💰

⚙️ Aftaz Growing Systems LLC

Aftaz Growing Systems, LLC was founded in 2013 after we realized the existing aquaponic systems were... well, kinda inefficient. 🤦‍♂️ So we built something better! 🚀

Claudia’s father, Gabriel, designed automated electronic controllers that regulate water distribution, ensuring perfect irrigation and no accidental farm-made swimming pools. 💦🐟

Our technology can be adapted for small home setups or scaled up for commercial farms. 🌍💡 We believe it could help fight world hunger, and we aim to introduce it to refugee camps. While some folks ask about growing cannabis 🌿 (where legal, of course), we focus on food security and haven’t explored that market—yet. 😉

We’re working on commercializing our designs. If you're interested in Aftaz products, marketing, or sales, let us know! 📢💼

💡 Aftaz Growing Systems

Our system is highly automated, energy-efficient, and designed to keep farming simple but productive. 📈 Our on-site greenhouse serves as a lab for innovation, testing, and improvements. 🌱🔬

Right now, we use our aquaponic beds strictly for organic produce, but the system also supports fish farming—a crucial resource for communities worldwide. 🐠🌏

🔍 Why is this system valuable?

What makes our system a game-changer? 🚀

• ☀️ Powered by solar energy—perfect for remote locations!
• 📦 Compact & easy to ship and assemble.
• 🚫 No chemical fertilizers or pesticides—just pure, natural goodness.
• 🛠️ Low maintenance—great for beginners and busy farmers alike!

This tech has the potential to transform agriculture in refugee camps, famine-stricken regions, and areas hit by climate change. 🌍✨ It’s also perfect for home growers, educational projects, and commercial farming.

We’ve built the systems, and they work. Now, we’re looking for brilliant minds to help us take this to the next level! 🚀🌱

🌍 DESERT BLOOM SUSTAINABILITY 🌱

Desert Bloom Eco Farm is truly one of a kind! Off-grid, sustainable, and 100% organic. 🚜🌿 The real powerhouse behind the farm? *Hard work!* 💪 More weeding, recycling plants, and sustainable practices help us keep this ecosystem thriving. 🌎✨

We don’t use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or weed killers. Instead, we rely on worm castings 🪱, animal manure 🐄, row covers for pest protection, and organic insecticides like neem oil—plus, of course, a *lot* of manual weeding. 🚜🔥

Stick around, and you’ll see firsthand how we turn desert sand into fertile land using solar power, water, and nature’s own cycles. ☀️💦🌱

🏡 Sustainable Living Project

We dream of an off-grid sustainable community featuring 10 cozy houses, a greenhouse, and a kitchen. Think self-generated hot water, solar electricity, and solar water pumping. ☀️💡♻️

Potential uses? Housing for veterans, a drug rehab center, an eco-education hub, or even an eco-hotel! Got ideas? We’d love to hear them. Plus, we’ll be offering internships for those who want hands-on experience in building a sustainable future. 🙌

🤝 Neighboring Sustainable Communities

We’re not alone in our sustainability efforts! Three other eco-communities are within walking distance:

• The Mojave Center: A sustainable community just two blocks away.

  

• The Mojave Project Earth Domes: An experimental earth dome community.

  

• 3 Moons Project: A rustic, eco-conscious settlement.

  

♨️ Eco-Tourism Project

We’re working on turning Tecopa Base Camp—featuring a private natural hot spring 🌊♨️—into a rental retreat. A dream spot for eco-tourists, especially our European friends! 🇪🇺

We need solid business planning for this project. Know someone who would love to manage an eco-tourism site? The gig comes with residency *and* unlimited hot spring access! 🏡♨️

🌏 Our Philosophy

We believe people can farm and thrive in extreme climates. 🌞🌵 We embrace everything—animals, plants, weather, and geology. We’re here to learn, teach, and grow. Want to be part of it? Let us know! If not, no worries—enjoy the visit. 😊

We’re constantly expanding our gardens and always welcome curious visitors looking for an alternative way of living. 🏡🌾

👨‍🌾 PEOPLE AT SUNBAKED FARM 🌿

🩺 Stephen (a.k.a. "Doc")

Stephen leaves for work at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays but don’t be fooled—he’s the brains behind the buildings, aquaponics, soil gardens, solar power, and water systems on the farm. 🏗️💡

Enjoys giving scientific presentations and deep-diving into medical topics. Prefer a more *chill* learning pace? Just let him know! 😌 Some call him Stephen, others call him Doc. Either way, he’s got all the answers. 🔬👨‍⚕️

📞 Contact: +1 (702) 460-3882

🔨 Rob the Builder

From repairs to non-farm projects, Rob keeps things running smoothly. No job too big, no problem too small! 🛠️🚜

📞 Contact: +1 (702) 592-4822

🚰 John (a.k.a. "The Water Whisperer")

John has been a full-time farm wizard for five years. If there’s water involved—he’s your guy. Lives a few miles away near the church, but his heart (and work) are here at the farm. 🚜💙

📞 Contact: +1 (775) 910-9052

🚚 Yulia & Mikhail (The Russian Produce Pros 🇷🇺)

Originally from Russia, these two make sure farm-fresh produce reaches Las Vegas. If you see them, they’re probably prepping for a trip or making sure everything runs smoothly. 📦🚜

📞 Contact (Yulia): +1 (775) 253-5050

⚙️ Gabriel (The Aquaponics Architect)

Gabriel designed and built the farm’s aquaponics system—aka, the secret sauce behind thriving crops. Doesn’t visit often, but when he does, you know something innovative is about to happen. 🐠🌱

🐓 ANIMALS AT SUNBAKED FARM 🦎

🐔 Farm Animals

🐓 Chickens

We currently have around 120 chickens—at our peak, we had a *clucking* 550! 🐣🥚 We collect, sort, and clean eggs for sale, supplying organic, free-range eggs to a fine dining restaurant in Las Vegas for $9 a dozen. 🍳

🦃 Turkeys

We have three pet turkeys, donated by a neurosurgeon in Las Vegas. Yes, really. 🏥🦃

🦆 White Peking Ducks

Raised since August 2024, these ducks enjoy swimming and causing adorable chaos in the pond. If Sadie and Nomah escape, they may be in danger—so keep an eye out! 👀🌊

🦚 Peafowl

One majestic peafowl roams the property like it owns the place. (Let’s be honest, it probably does.) 👑🦚

🐕 Pets

🐶 Dogs

We have five farm guardians—friendly but always on duty! 🐕

• 🦸‍♀️ Xena: A lab mix orphaned to the farm. Stays near the chickens, protecting them from coyotes. 🛡️
• ⚫ Nopah: Medium-sized black dog, daughter of Xena, born February 26, 2017. Chicken bodyguard. 🐔
• 🔥 Blaze: "Lazy Blazy." Smart, loves chasing rabbits, and somehow learned how to open doors. 🚪🐇

  

• 🌱 Nomah: Local mix dog, sister of Sadie. Loves gardens and weekend getaways in Tecopa. ✈️🌿

  

• 🌾 Sadie: Nomah's sister, equally obsessed with gardens. 🏡

🐱 Cats

Bob: The undisputed king of the farm. Black cat with a natural bobtail, likely part Minx. Ruler of the Chalet. 👑🐈‍⬛

🦊 Wild Animals

🐾 Wild Cats and Dogs

Coyotes make occasional guest appearances. Sometimes a desert fox drops by. There’s even *rumored* evidence of a mountain lion! 😳

🦅 Birds

We have an impressive lineup of birds, including golden eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, ravens, and mockingbirds. 🌌

🐍 Snakes

Snakes are part of the ecosystem—most are harmless, but some deserve a little extra caution. ⚠️

• 🐍 Racer: Fast-moving reddish snake.
• 🐍 Gopher/Bull Snake: Good for pest control, long and thin with a diamond pattern.
• 🐍 California King Snake: Looks cool, eats rattlesnakes—definitely a friend! 🖤🤍

  

• ⚠️ Mojave Rattlesnake: Green and brown with a diamond pattern. Not a friend.

  

• ⚠️ Sidewinder: Moves in a cool "S" pattern but has a bad attitude.

  

Rattlesnakes are rare, and other snakes help keep the ecosystem balanced. Please don’t harm them! 🙏

🐢 Other Wildlife

• 🐢 Desert Tortoise: Rare and endangered. Look, but don’t touch!

  

• 🐇 Rabbits: Cute but garden destroyers.
• 🐭 Mice: Not as cute when they’re chewing through your stuff.
• 🦎 Gila Monsters: Rare, but sometimes spotted.
• 🦡 Badgers: "Buddy the Badger" visited in 2016—he was safely relocated.
• 🐏 Bighorn Sheep: Occasionally seen in the mountains.
• 🕷️ Tarantula: A fall favorite—don’t worry, they’re harmless!

  

🏡 SUNBAKED PROPERTY 🌵

The Sunbaked House sits on a hill overlooking Charleston View. The name came from the previous owner, but honestly, it fits—this place is sunbaked all year round! ☀️🔥

Powered by the sun ☀️ and hydrated by well water 💧, the property runs efficiently. It has three bedrooms: one for guests, a corner room, and the Master bedroom. There are two bathrooms—one in the hallway, and one reserved for the lucky Master bedroom occupant. 🚿

🧘‍♀️ YOGA ROOM

A peaceful spot for stretching, meditating, and pretending you’re not sore from farm work. 🧘‍♂️✨

🌞 SUNBAKED GAZEBO

A cozy little structure with a single bed—perfect for one person, two small ones, or four gnomes. 🧙‍♂️ No bathroom yet, but there’s solar heating by day and a wood stove at night. 🔥

🏗️ LONGHOUSE

The giant white greenhouse is the farm’s main grow zone. 🌱 This is where we test aquaponic systems, grow fresh produce, and keep volunteers busy. If it looks clean and organized, give yourself a pat on the back—it means you helped! 👏

🌶️ YULIA HAUS

A high-tech greenhouse that keeps tomatoes and peppers happy in the summer 🌞 and grows lettuce all winter. Basically, a VIP lounge for plants. 🏡

⚡ CHALET

A sustainable multi-purpose structure with solar panels installed in 2017. ☀️ Beneath it is the domestic water tank, and on the west side sits the "Apartment"—perfect for off-grid living! 🏡

🚰 CATHEDRAL & CHRISTIANS WATER TANKS

Water tanks near the bird cages. These supply all outdoor watering needs. Simple, but essential! 💧

🍀 EGA

A mid-sized greenhouse covered in plastic, with a solar-powered fan that turns on with sunlight. ☀️ Doors and windows need to be adjusted seasonally—so keep an eye on the weather! 🌦️

🌊 POND

More than just a duck and goose swimming pool! 🦆 The pond provides water for plants and serves as a fire emergency backup. Occasionally, it even turns into a swimming pool (if the water’s fresh and clean). 🚣‍♂️

🚨 LIGHTHOUSE

Yes, we have a lighthouse. In the desert. 🏜️ Built from stacked stones with a red roof, it stands as a unique farm landmark. The solar panels nearby keep everything running. 🔆

🌍 OTHER PROPERTIES

🌹 Rose House

A single-wide mobile home two miles east of Sunbaked. Has a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and two greenhouses. 🌿

🛠️ Maple House

Raul’s home base. Includes a workshop, wood shop, and the farm’s main water well. 💧

♨️ Tecopa Base Camp Private Hot Spring

A double-wide manufactured home featuring a *private* 108-degree natural hot spring. 💦

🌑 Moon Path

A visionary project for an ultra-efficient underground house, greenhouse, and solar-powered off-grid setup. 🚀

🏡 Totorra Estates

A new 20-acre property designed for sustainable living—coming soon! 🌱

🚗 VEHICLES 🚜

WWOOFers are not allowed to drive vehicles due to insurance reasons. But hey, at least you won’t have to worry about getting a flat tire in the desert! 🌵😉

• 🚙 Suburban: The farm’s workhorse—handles deliveries and transports WWOOFers in style.
• 🚙 Mercedes SUV: Backup vehicle—just in case the Suburban needs a break.
• 🛠️ Rav 4: Currently enjoying a long nap (a.k.a. out of order). To be revived someday.
• ⛳ Golf Cart: More of a "yard ornament" at the moment. Not operational.
• 🚜 Compact Tractors: The real MVPs of the farm. These little powerhouses handle plowing, road grading, and all the heavy lifting. 💪
• 🚴 Bikes: Stephen has mountain bikes available—with permission. Great for exploring, but remember, the desert doesn’t have bike lanes. 😆

🎭 ENTERTAINMENT 🔥

When the sun goes down and the farm work is done, here’s how you can unwind: 🎬📚🎨

📀 DVD Library: A collection of educational DVDs about nature, Death Valley, and Utah. Perfect for when you want to learn something cool while lounging. 🌄🎞️

📚 WWOOFer Library: Books on gardening, aquaponics, and sustainability. Read up and impress everyone with your plant knowledge. 🌿🤓

🎨 Sign Painting: WWOOFers are encouraged to leave their mark—literally! Paint a sign and become part of the farm’s history. 🖌️✨

🔥 Bonfires: Because nothing beats a desert night under the stars, sharing stories around a crackling fire. Available at Sunbaked, and sometimes at Rose. 🌌🔥

🛠️ FARM SERVICES 📡

📶 Wi-Fi: Available at Rose and Sunbaked via Starlink. Yes, even in the middle of the desert, we have internet! 🚀

📬 Mail: No direct mail service, but if you really need to receive a letter, Stephen has a mailing address in Pahrump. Just don’t expect Amazon Prime speeds. 📦🐌

📱 Telephone: Cellular coverage exists, but it’s like spotting a rare desert fox—strong in some areas, non-existent in others. 🦊📡

📺 Television: Internet TV available in the Sunbaked living room. Perfect for catching up on documentaries about the desert… while living in the desert. 🌵📽️

🧺 Laundry: Washing machine and dryer usage is strictly between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or when the generator is running. Power conservation is key! ⏳⚡

🔥 Firewood: Limited supply. Ask before using, unless you want to be the reason everyone is cold at night. 🌲❄️

⛪ Church: If you’re feeling spiritual, a Catholic church is located five miles away. 🚗🙏

🏡 GENERAL RULES FOR SUNBAKED HOUSE 🌞

Sunbaked House runs on **solar power** ☀️, **battery storage** 🔋, a **diesel generator** 🛢️ when needed, and a **solar well pump** 💦 (500 ft. deep). We also use **propane** for heating and cooking. In summer, we keep windows open at night for cooling. In winter, everything stays closed, and we drain water to prevent freezing. ❄️

Interested in **learning how to operate a solar-powered house**? Let us know! You’re not expected to run the place, but you should at least know how to turn water and the generator on/off. 🔧💡

📌 Basic Rules

• 🚫 No entering the house with dirt-covered clothes—leave the desert outside! 🌵
• 👞 Take off your shoes indoors—desert dust loves to linger.
• 🚿 Showers are encouraged—desert life can get sweaty!
• 💡 Turn off lights and appliances when not in use—solar power isn’t unlimited.
• 🚪 CR doors are **unique**—learn how to close them properly to keep heat inside in winter.
• 🔄 Help open and close EGA doors daily.
• 🚨 **If you see water flooding** anywhere, it means a broken pipe—report it immediately!

❄️ Winter

Frozen pipes = broken pipes. 🚰 To avoid this disaster, we **drain the pipes every night** at Rose. You might need to help.

It gets dark by **4:30 p.m.**, and temperatures drop fast. Help **close all doors and windows** (EGA, Sunbaked, CR, Longhouse) to keep the warmth inside. 🏡🔥

☀️ Summer

Summer heat can be brutal, so we use **passive cooling** to save electricity. Here’s how:

• 🏡 **Sunbaked:** Open all windows at night, turn on the floor chiller, and place a screen on the front door. In the morning, close windows and turn on the **swamp cooler** in the master bedroom.
• 🏡 **Rose:** The swamp cooler can be used during the day but **must be turned off at night**. Open windows for ventilation.
• 💨 **Swamp coolers work best in dry air**—they can cool up to **18°F** but are useless after rain. Stay hydrated and let us know if you feel unwell! 🚰

🏠 RULES FOR THE LONGHOUSE

The **Longhouse** is a **major investment** 💰 and a key part of the farm. You’re welcome to visit and work there—just follow these rules:

• 🧹 Keep it clean! Sweep, wipe, shake out rugs—make it nice.
• 👞 Clean your shoes before entering—no tracking in dirt!
• 🚪 Keep doors closed to prevent **birds, bugs, and snakes** from moving in. 🐍
• 🔧 Put tools back where they belong—no one likes searching for missing tools!
• 🌡️ **Doors and windows must be adjusted with the season:**
• ❄️ **Winter:** Open doors/windows during the day when it's warmer outside. Close them before dark.
• ☀️ **Summer:** Keep doors/windows open at night, close them during the day. Use the **cooling tower** for ventilation.
• 🚨 **Alarms may sound** occasionally. If it beeps for **30 seconds and stops**, it’s probably low water levels. We also have an alarm for power outages.

🗺️ GUIDE TO LOCAL POINTS OF INTEREST 🌄

1️⃣ ACTIVE RECREATION 🏃‍♂️

🥾 Walking & Trail Running

Explore the desert on foot and soak in the **sunsets, mountain shadows, and crystal-clear night skies**. Whether you're hiking or running, the **views are worth every step**. 🌅🏜️

• 🌇 **Sunsets & Golden Hour** – Nature’s light show at its best.
• 🌌 **Nighttime Wonders** – Watch asteroids streak across the sky, spot satellite launches, and listen to the eerie yet awesome howls of coyotes. 🐺✨
• 🌄 **Ridge Trail** – A fantastic hike starting right outside the farm.
• 🌕 **Night Hikes** – Go under a full moon or bring a headlamp for a surreal experience.

🏔️ Popular Peaks

• 🥃 **Tequila Peak** – 1.5-hour beginner-friendly climb.

• 👑 **Princess Peak** – Named in 2016, best accessed by car before hiking.

  

• 🍸 **Vodka Peak** – Discovered by Mikhail in 2024. Smooth climb, no chaser.

🚲 2. BIKING

Two mountain bikes are available for desert rides. 🚵‍♂️

• 🏜️ **Ride to Tecopa** – A 20-mile scenic adventure.
• 🚴‍♂️ **Long Rides** – Possible with Stephen for those who like a challenge.

🏕️ 3. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

🏜️ Near the Farm (within 10 miles)

• 🪨 **Rose Onyx Mine** – Beautiful striped rock formations.
• 🏚️ **Cathedral Canyon** – Ask us for directions!

🚗 4. ROAD TRIPS

📍 Death Valley (1.5 hours away)

• 🌊 **Badwater Basin** – The lowest point in North America (-282 ft).

  

• 🌄 **Zabriskie Point** – Stunning views of Golden Canyon.

  

🍺 Tecopa (30 minutes away)

• 🍻 **Death Valley Brewery** – Craft beer & root beer in the desert.

• ♨️ **Delights Hot Spring Resort** – Soak in 108°F mineral-rich water.

🌌 5. ASTRONOMY

Dark skies = Amazing stargazing! 🌠

• 🔭 **Meteor Showers** – Best viewed in August & December.
• 🪐 **Planets & Comets** – No telescope? No problem!
• 🌌 **Northern Lights** – Seen in May 2024, possible again in 2025!

  

🪨 6. GEOLOGY & MINERALS

For rock lovers, we’ve got it all: 🏔️💎

• 🌋 **Nopah Mountain Range**
• 🪨 **Emigrant Pass**
• ⛰️ **Death Valley’s Amargosa Chaos**

🌱 We Look Forward to Welcoming You to Our Team! 🤝

At our farm, every WWOOFer becomes part of a **close-knit community**. Whether you're here to **learn**, **share your skills**, or simply **soak up the desert vibes**, we can’t wait to have you on board! 🚜🌵

Here, we **grow, build, and create unforgettable memories**—along with a few blisters, lots of laughs, and probably some interesting sunburn patterns. 😆☀️