I distinctly recall my first memorable visit to a farm, which took place during a family reunion in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan when I was eight. My mother, who grew up in that region, left her childhood home as soon as she could, never looking back after marrying my father, a British mountaineer. They eventually settled in Banff, surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, where I was born and raised in Canmore—far removed from farm life.

This summer, I returned to Canmore for the first time in over two decades, relishing the majestic mountains and immersing myself in nature. We explored the trails and truly appreciated our surroundings. However, Canmore has changed significantly, now buzzing with tourists and the constant hum of traffic, which contrasts sharply with the peacefulness of the prairie.

About a month ago, we departed Canmore for the expansive flatlands of Alberta, and as we moved away from the mountains, I felt a wave of tranquility wash over me. We've spent the last two weeks on a 6,000-acre farm in Eastern Alberta, a place with which we have a long-standing connection that dates back around 30 years to Lafleche, Saskatchewan, where Chris grew up.

If you read my previous update, you might remember that Chris's high school sweetheart now lives nearby with her husband and three kids. Her husband's family has owned this farm for over a century. We initially set out to visit Chris's mom, who lives just an hour away, but upon realizing that Naomi was close by, Chris wanted to reconnect after 25 years of no contact.

While staying with his mom in Daysland, we took a day trip to visit Naomi and see her life on the farm. Upon arrival, we were greeted by an array of solar panels dotting the hillside, which piqued my interest even further. After a warm introduction, Naomi graciously offered to show us around the property, and as we entered the garden, I felt as if I had stepped into paradise.

Rows of vibrant produce welcomed us, including crisp romaine lettuce, towering corn stalks, and generous spinach leaves. The garden also boasted an impressive variety of vegetables like beets, carrots, and herbs, along with fruit trees bearing apples, plums, pears, and cherries.

Naomi’s mother-in-law, an expert in soil science, ensures their land remains healthy. They compost cow manure for a year before enriching the soil, supporting their goal of self-sufficiency, which they have nearly achieved. Their solar panels generate all the necessary electricity for the farm, with minimal reliance on external sources during the winter months.

With their own wells and well-maintained water levels, they raise cattle and have ample freezer space filled with meat, while the garden produces a cornucopia of vegetables.

It is truly a form of paradise.

During our tour, Naomi pointed out an extra house on the property that was unoccupied.

“This is for guests now,” she explained, noting previous tenants had caused issues. Recognizing the charm of this place, I felt we could easily spend time here.

“Chris and I often volunteer at similar places as we travel. We’re happy to help out in exchange for food and lodging,” I casually suggested, but I meant it wholeheartedly, enchanted by the serene atmosphere and the beautiful garden.

After a delightful visit, we returned to Chris’s mom’s place, awaiting news from a friend in Grande Prairie about our next adventure. Our plans had shifted from mid-August to September due to some unforeseen circumstances on her end.

A few days later, we received a message from Naomi.

> “If you have time and want to help out for 3 or 4 days, you’re welcome to stay at the house.”

Do we have time? Of course! We have all the time in the world.

What was meant to be a brief stay quickly turned into a desire to remain longer. We completed initial tasks like harvesting corn and tending to the cows, and once the chores were done, we were invited to freely enjoy the produce from the garden.

We began creating fruit leather from the surplus apples, plums, and rhubarb, while also storing vegetables for later use. It became apparent that we might have gathered more than we could consume!

As we contemplated extending our stay, we discussed how our combined skills could be beneficial on the farm. Naomi welcomed our presence, assuring us there would always be tasks for us to complete.

Now two weeks later, we have settled in comfortably, enjoying the clear blue skies and sunny fall days without any rush to leave.

The peacefulness here is indescribable. There is no constant noise of cars or crowds, only the hawks gliding overhead and the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees. The expansive land allows for deep breaths of fresh air.

But it’s not just the setting that brings tranquility; it’s the lifestyle.

Nothing compares to the joy of sourcing groceries from a garden just a stone's throw from our front door or knowing that the meat we consume comes from well-cared-for cattle.

The luxury of turning on the tap without worrying about depleting town resources, knowing the water is fresh and sourced from deep underground, adds to our comfort.

We appreciate the fact that our home runs on solar energy, not on the whims of a corporate entity. The ability to live self-sufficiently without needing to venture out gives us unparalleled freedom to savor life.

While we have explored some nearby towns, we find little reason to leave this idyllic setting for now.

Our time here has also led to the formation of lovely friendships, both with the family and their pets, who seem to have taken a liking to us as well.

Every necessity for happiness is just a short distance away, and we feel immense gratitude for this experience.

I anticipate that life will shift when winter arrives, but for now, we are completely immersed in this enchanting moment.

And we are relishing every minute of it.

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