Subsistence Farming at Emerald Gate Farm

I just got cancelled for the best part of the October “Leaf Season”.  Check my calendar and come vist at a discount for the rest of October.  My location and the towns of Waynesville and Maggie Valley are open and functioning as usual.  No more problems with gas, groceries ang most restaurants are open.  Easy access.

This location is elevated enough and steep enough to withstand the deluge associated with the most extreme weather events.  Helene left this farm unscathed.  Wind was not an issue with this storm.

We were without electricity for a couple days.  But it came back as well as the internet after a few days.

We have propane for heating and cooking.  Plenty of fire wood.  A small solar power system that let the guests watch DirecTV and keep a light on.  We have plenty of water.  And we have a generator that kept all the refrigerators and freezers going.  And a neighborhood that came together to help each other as needed.

So fortunately there is business as usual here on the farm.  Guests can get here and enjoy the amenities of the farm and the mountains.  As of now gas and groceries are somewhat limited.  And cash is king.  Please bring your own food and some extra gas if you come to stay a while.  Getting here from Tenn is a problem.  Route 40, the best route through the mountains, is blocked.  But other longer routes are open.  From the East it’s easy via Rt 26 to Rt 40 to exit 20.

If you head this way please bring some extra items to donate to the less fortunate folks impacted by the storm.  Stay tuned…

Farm news as of today there is 1 new pet pig named Gary. And 2 new Tom turkeys getting acclimated to their new home.

They will be joining all the free range yard birds in a few days.  There are 4 new guineas and too many new chikins to count.

There is one last brood enjoying the warm, safe  cage on my deck.  They are weeks from joining the barnyard.  The 2 new geese, 8 new ducks and all the rainbow trout are very happy in the first pond.  Thanks to Polly and Clyde II, the barnyard is safe from all the raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, fox, bears and hawks.  Plus they keep the deer away from the gardens.  Life is good on the farm.

Polly and Clyde II are 2 + years old now.   They have grown into their job description.  Brother and sister are so happy and active and are mingling with all the yard birds, cats and people.  They are friendly with all visiting dogs…for now anyway.  They entertain each other but are still a handful for me.  During the time of no protection I lost most of my chickens, all but 2 ducks and some guineas.  And I didn’t realize how important P&C were to the fish.  With no one guarding the ponds, a river otter came and feasted on all my fish.  He left before I knew what was happening.  Had to restock the ponds and put cameras around to watch for the otter to return. I caught the otter on my camera.  He got most of my new fish but I got him late one very cold night.  My new crew are now barking at hoodoos during the night.  And they patrol the ponds at night.  The predators are now hanging back.  P&Cll are close to 100% up to the task now.  I raised 2 new ducks.  They have bonded with the one old duck that survived.   But when I added 7 new baby ducks the older drakes would not leave the new females alone.  Way too rough and one was killed and several injured.  Had to eliminate the big drake.  Now the one surviving drake has bonded with all the newbies.  And my neighbor donated 2 baby geese to the mixture.  Now they are all bonded and living large in the first pond.  So nice to see how they all get along.  Plus the surviving chikins are making babies like crazy.  Already added a dozen to the yard birds and there are 2 more sitting on eggs.  Life is good on the farm!

My horse Hazel has gone to another farm to try to have a baby. 

The Covid Pandemic has made this farm a very popular place.

So many families want to get out of the house and escape to a safe place in the mountains.  Business has been very good.  Calendar nearly full.  I hope you can find time to visit.

Email is the best way to contact me.  [email protected]

Note:  The phone number here 828 926 3276 is a land line only and CANNOT RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES so please call.  I do have a new “Genius Phone” for texting so if you prefer to TEXT please use (828) 400 1873.  Still email is best.  [email protected]

With my calendar so filled up, you folks who cannot find your desired time open for Emerald Gate Farm please go directly to:

https://evolvevacationrental.com/  

These folks will find you another place for your vacation.  They have so many more places to choose from.

If you do find time on my calendar then: 

Please call 828 926 3276 or email [email protected] to create a visit with any special needs you might have.

The Pandemic has changed the normal seasonal schedules.  Kids are homeschooling now.  My excellent high speed wifi makes this the perfect place to bring the kids.  They can learn online and learn hands on while “playing outside” on the farm.

Check out this link to lots of pictures and videos to see what we are all about: 

 https://goo.gl/photos/kaeua6xmx31MteDa6   

This is a working subsistence mountain side farm. A great place to stay in the mountains and a destination as well.  Lots to do right here.  I stay in a small cabin by the barn close to the animals I care for.  And I do all other daily farm related chores.   If you want, you can share the farm activities with me.  Help harvest fresh eggs and care for the animals.  Lots of other activities here like fishing, outdoor cooking, foraging, hiking, shooting and more.  Rates vary according to how many in your party and the time of year and are very negotiable.  Don’t hesitate to inquire.   Last minute bookings are really appreciated.