This city girl never thought that she’d be getting paid, doing this…

Life is so funny, pulling and pushing in different directions. Sometimes all we can do is hold on, occasionally trying to steer this boat, but at the end of the day, the current will always take us on an adventure, towards somewhere you didn’t expect.

So now, Garrett and I found ourselves being pushed from the shore of South Korea, where technology was at its peak, connectivity left the rest of the world jealous, we had robot helpers at the Incheon airport, phone screens were folding before it was normal, and someone at Kaist University at one point was creating an artificial sun (crazy, right!)

As we float away from that life of white water, fast paced everything, the current is taking us on a peaceful and less frantic ride towards homesteading, self-sufficiency, and splitting wood.  

Old friend, the axe, we meet again!

The year was 2009, when Garrett and I got married and he first introduced me to the wildly beautiful state of Montana. Of course, The Hohns had to put me to work, probably testing what this skinny girl from Ukraine was made of. So we split some wood, making me realize that I’ll never make it through the winter in Montana.

 

14 years later, the current of life has brought lumberjacking back into our lives and we’re so thankful, because we found a way to monetize this old skill!

Scavenger Hunt at The Hohnstead

The Scavenger Hunt on our 100-acre property will take you on a 2-hour-long adventure through the forests and mountains of our property -The Hohnstead. 

Along the way, 6 active stations await you, such as splitting wood, panning for GOLD, using a slingshot, guessing riddles, identifying trees and wildlife, using a bow and arrows and more!


Covering around 3 miles of a mountainous and forested area, should give you a great workout, a memorable adventure and a chance to connect to nature.


We believe that the more time you spend in the forest, the better you feel, they don’t call it Forest Therapy (Shinrin Yoku) for nothing.

On the Scavenger Hunt, you will:

  • Learn to shoot bow and arrow with a guide (Garrett or Alla)
  • Learn to split wood with an axe or a maul with a guide
  • Hike through the woods for about 2.5 miles
  • Use a map and a score card to track your progress
  • Pan for gold in a stream, actually called Gold Creek
  • Take yourself to childhood while shooting slingshot in the woods
  • Get to identify local flora and fauna
  • Get to shoot arrows at a target in the woods
  • Search for beverages in the stream (one of the stations)
  • Hike up to a very beautiful and picturesque point, which people have called “It’s like your private National Park”

Here are some benefits of splitting wood outdoors:

🌳 Connect with Nature: Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of our wooded haven. Surrounded by towering trees, you’ll learn to appreciate the beauty of nature while honing your wood-splitting skills.

 💪 Unleash Your Strength: Feel the rush of adrenaline as you pick up the axe and tap into your inner strength. Our “Learn to Split Wood” activity is not just about acquiring a new skill; it’s a transformative experience that empowers you to conquer challenges with confidence.

🌞 Fun for All Ages: No matter your age or experience level, our activity welcomes everyone! Whether you’re a first-time wood splitter or looking to refine your technique, we will tailor the experience to suit your needs and ensure everyone has a blast.

🏕️ Perfect for Teambuilding: Searching for a unique team-building activity? Look no further! Our Scavanger Hunt Activity fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and mutual support. Watch as your team bonds over the shared pursuit of mastering this age-old craft.

🍂 Fall in Love with Outdoors: Whether its summer, fall or spring, you’ll create lasting memories in the great outdoors with the changes of colors, change of the atmosphere and the air. Fall at The Hohnstead is my most favorite with larches, starting to change to yellow hues and the rest of the forest slowly falling into a slower, winter pace.

Jen

"My son and I enjoyed an afternoon doing boy things on this adventure! We shot bows and arrows, carried and played with sling shots -- he was much better than me -- and enjoyed some fun hiking in some beautiful hills in the country. Thanks for a fun afternoon Alla and Garrett!"

Geoff

"Took my family and we really enjoyed ourselves. Owner gave us a tour of the property before tge scavenger hunt. My son got to shoot a bow for the first time and we had a fantastic hike for the scavenger hunt and saw a couple if deer."

Marion

You will not regret booking this Airbnb experience, it was an absolute delight. From the moment I arrived until the time I reluctantly departed, I was immersed in a world of adventure and natural beauty. The experience offered a perfect blend of hands-on activities and breathtaking hikes. I can confidently say that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish forever. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable hosts, who immediately made me feel at ease. Their passion for nature and love for the outdoors was infectious, and it set the tone for an amazing adventure ahead. The itinerary was well thought out, ensuring a balanced mix of exciting activities and tranquil moments of serenity. One of the highlights of the experience was the chance to split logs. Not only was it an exhilarating and physically engaging activity, but it also provided a sense of accomplishment as I learned the techniques and put them into practice. Shooting arrows in a serene forest clearing felt like stepping back in time, and the thrill of hitting the target was indescribable. Finally, I cannot emphasize enough the warmth and hospitality of the host. Their dedication to ensuring a memorable experience was evident in every aspect of the trip. They were patient, attentive, and genuinely passionate about sharing their love for their land. Their enthusiasm was contagious, making the entire experience truly exceptional. This Airbnb experience was an absolute gem. It combined adventure, education, and immersion in nature in the most perfect way. If you're looking for an unforgettable outing that will leave you with incredible memories and a deep appreciation for the natural world, I wholeheartedly recommend booking this experience. Prepare to be amazed, learn, and connect with the beauty of the great outdoors.

Here are a few other ideas that we personally monetized or are monetizing or want to monetize one day:

– Beer Brewing Skills

– Photography Skills

– Cursive writing and calligraphy 

– Kombucha Making

– Sourdough Baking

– 1:1 coaching in STR Hosting

– Airbnb Listings Photo Analysis

– Beer judging

– Origami

– Archery

– Budget Travel

– Frugal Living Tips

– Organizational Tips

– Tiny Living Tips

– Canva

– Website Design

– Working out for strength

– Yoga

 

What skills (old or new) could you monetize? Don’t be shy, brainstorm, its fun!

 

As teachers of over 14 years and now entrepreneurs, Garrett and I have definitely found an enjoyable way to get some exercise, while helping other folks experience and learn a new skill. Splitting wood is a great way to spend time in the outdoors, connect with each other, but let’s be honest, when it comes to splitting lots and lots of wood for those harsh Montana winters, we grab The Champion log splitter out of the garage 🙂

#SplitWoodAdventure #LumberjackExperience #EmbraceNature #WoodSplittingFun #MasterTheAxe #OutdoorSkills #TeamBuildingInNature #DiscoverYourStrength #NatureTherapy #LumberjackLife

Leave a Reply