Circle of Life

Circle of Life 

Yesterday we took an 11 hour bus ride north leaving the Fundo (farm) and our home for the last 9 weeks. We are now on a 5 hour ferry on the coast of Chile heading to the beautiful Chiloe Island, surrounded by ocean, mountains, and volcanoes. This will be our pit stop for about a week before our next farm-life experience to enjoy a beautiful and unique place while resting/relaxing a bit. Let's just say, we are excited to have a bathroom/shower and heat within the same room! 

The last week at the farm was per usual busy and full of classic farm things. We were able to finish up some projects we had been working on as well as start on a new one - the PIG PARK. Yes, that is what they actually named it. The fundo's next adventure is to expand their current two families of pigs so they can begin to sell pork along with beef and lamb. We had the opportunity to build the Pig Park from the beginning which included making smaller fenced areas in a large pasture to create a regenerative system for the pigs. It was really interesting to learn the process - laying out posts, unwinding wire, stringing it through the posts, supporting the corners, and tightening the wire - although repetitive and time consuming. It is wild that this is what they have to do throughout their entire property for the larger animals to make the regenerative farming model work. And makes a lot of sense as to why a lot of farming isn't done this way - it is a LOT of work. 

It was incredibly windy our last week, and we felt the extreme of the Patagonia winter approaching. It is pretty incredible to watch the sky move from pouring rain in the morning to clear skies and sun (still with wind) in the afternoon. On our final day for a BBQ by the river, however, we were given the most perfect, sunny, still day. A rare occurrence in their transition from fall to winter seasons, but we were so grateful. Possibly a small gift from sunny California/Arizona/Nevada to leave for our Patagonia friends. 

More about this BBQ - we were able to witness the full circle of life on the farm when we were told that they would be slaughtering one of the pigs that we've been feeding for our send-off BBQ. We were honored. And slightly nervous for what the process would hold. Connor and I thankfully were sent to work on other projects for the morning while the killing occurred. Although, in classic farm fashion, as we arrived back in the afternoon, we could literally "follow the trail (entrails)" of where everything happened haha. We found some organs outside our shed just hanging out on the ground. Then, as I went to feed the dogs and opened the meat safe where the dog food is kept, I got quite a shock to find the pig hanging there right in front of my face. Classic. But the next morning, they loaded the pig in the truck with all the other BBQ items and roasted it for about 4-5 hours over the fire by the river. And it was probably one of the best tasting meats I've had! We soaked up the sun, drank some pisco sours, ate some meat (tried some liver too!), and felt the immense gratitude and craziness of what this experience has brought to us. The icing on the cake was feeding the compost/uneaten parts of the pig to its fellow family members. They enjoyed every bite. Full circle.

I have learned so much in my time on this regenerative farm about animals and their role in feeding us as humans and in the environment. As this family and the regenerative model have shown, if treated ethically and with respect, animals are such a huge part of the circle of life. Although it is still unnerving for me to think about, I have become much more comfortable with the process and naturalness of death living on a farm. Animals have provided nutrient-dense foods for humans for years and years as well as doing great things for the land and environment (again if produced in an ethical and right way). It has been a fascinating process to feel that connection between all things and the gratitude and respect for all that animals, plants, water, and the land have provided us.  

We have been doing a lot of reflecting for what the last two months have taught us - how we've been pushed out of our comfort zones, and how significantly our views/perspectives have changed in just such a short amount of time. It is time to say goodbye to this chapter in Patagonia, Chile - we thank the people, the animals, the farm for both its harshness and its beauty. Now off to the next adventure - Argentina here we come!

Con amor, 

Abby y Connor 

“Copito” - hope someone still feeds you when we are gone.

The making of the Pig Park

30mph gusts of wind but make it fashion

El Puesto 

The “I never know how many layers to wear” look

The best way to defrost some wieners  

Connor trying to wash the sheep poop 

smell out of his pants - unsuccessful

Time to move the pigs to the Pig Park! 

Almost got trampled by Big George (the pig)

Welcome to your new home piggies 

Fashion show night while babysitting - the cutest gaucho 

Our final day! Look at that sun coming out

Connor’s completed propane tank “casa”

Time for the BBQ

The crew - Caio for now!

11 hour bus ride here we go - 

only ones on here for the first few hours

Driving on the “Carretera Austral” or Route 7 - 

a gorgeous, scenic drive through Patagonia 

Stopped for lunch at a local restaurant

Made it to our hostel for a night - felt like a palace!

Chatted with the family who runs the hostel about all things Chile - they were so so sweet. 

We feel like real locals now with our mate cup, bombilla (straw), and 

thermos for our perfect mate temperature water for on the go. 

Time for the ferry

Yes - we did take the merino wool hand-me-down sweater from the farm

No - we unfortunately left Connor’s sweater vest

Volcanoes are crazy.

Arrived to the island! Time to rest :)