So the latest update from Patrick Kelly, project manager up at the Finca:
"We finished the new out house, all the waterlines are in, road work is under way, we are getting a head start on erosion control before the rainy season comes, and the first platform tent is being built..." if you have any questions, please send Patrick an email at: patrickkelly@fincalasbrisas.org
Please click on the link at the end of this post which will take you to all of the wonderful photos of the happenings at the finca!

Behold, the new out-house!

Here is the link to all of Patrick's photos of these events:
http://picasaweb.google.com/fincalasbrisas0/2009022422309?feat=directlink#

Things are happening at the Finca!

Today, when I went for a hike with my new friends Eric and Daniele from France, we checked in on the progress with the water lines that have been going in. It looks like things are moving smoothly. We also found a bunch of trees that had fallen down due to those wild winds from last week. The waterfalls, however, were not damaged!

Above: one of the pipes that was recently put in for water access

Below: Daniele swimming at the waterfall

One of the trees blown down by the wind:

Eric and Daniele at the waterfall:

How about this photo from the top of the Finca?!

The internet has been very spotty the past couple days, so I haven't been able to update! Last week, there was a big wind storm that lasted for a couple days. It was so windy on the coast, but up in the mountains, there were 125 mile per hour winds. We better get some wind turbines up and running! We have to harness that wind power! There was a good amount of destruction around the coastal area, plenty of trees were knocked over, power lines down, and laundry strewn everywhere! I'm sure that if things were like that on the coast, who knows what could have happened up in the mountains!
We are going on another hike tomorrow morning down to the waterfalls. Who wants to join in?! The more the merrier!!!

Hilary's Op-Ed

Today, I emailed the son in law of Oscar Arias, the Costa Rican president. I hope he responds, because that would be so cool if we could get the president down to our project to see what we’re doing! Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world that is pledging to become a carbon neutral place in the next couple decades. The Finca is well on its way to helping achieve that goal.
I’m really proud of the project, where it’s headed and how hard everyone has worked to make the idea a reality. The earth is in dire crisis and in need of all the support it can get, no matter how small. It’s impossible to undo all of the harm that has been done to our planet, but we can certainly make a difference in the way future generations treat their planet. That’s what we’re working towards. I think that my generation is in a place poised to change the way people perceive sustainability and eco friendly living because we are the closest generation to have to deal with the issues that have been handed to us. If we can all make a conscious effort to reduce our carbon footprints, no matter how small the action, the after effects will be noticeable. For starters, buy some grocery bags that are made of bamboo or any other sustainable material so that you don’t have to use plastic bags at the store, which are horrible for the earth on many different levels. We need to all realize that we have been depending on consumption rather than production for our selves. We rely too much on other people to do things for us, things that are easy but we’re scared to do them all on our own. I admit, it’s easier to run down to the grocery store and buy a package of carrots than it is to plant a garden, wait for the carrots to grow, and then pick them. But, have you ever had a carrot directly from the earth? It’s incredible! We need to stop demanding, and start supplying for ourselves. We need to ask ourselves, “is this a need, or a want?” We are a nation of needy people, and a world so overpopulated that we can’t afford to be needy. We must change our ways, we must become self sufficient. It’s the only way to go, it’s not hard and it's worth the effort. I promise.

Blue Zones


Sunrise in the most beautiful place in any Blue Zone: Finca Las Brisas, Costa Rica

For those of you who don't know, we are a part of one of the Blue Zones in the world. Do you know what that is? Check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Zone

Oprah recently did a show all about Blue Zones, and the first place that she and author Dan Buettner, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest, mentioned, was the Nicoya Peninsula, where Finca Las Brisas happens to be located.
Find the slide show and pictures from the Blue Zone expedition on her website:
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081009_tows_bluezones/2

Also visit: http://www.bluezones.com for additional information about all of the Blue Zones of the world.

Coleman Benner: future farmer for the Finca

Hector opens a pipa for Wendy while Patrick looks on:

January, 2009 Eco-Tour/Update

Relentless…

While many developers and builders in Costa Rica have recently skipped town or stopped construction, Finca Las Brisas is as usual moving in the opposite direction – forward, in a big way. Majority Partner, Al Benner, his wife Deena and family just spent the better part of January in country, and activity at the finca has reached a new level. Al worked closely with Project Manager, Patrick Kelly during this period, and listed below are just a few of the many highlights and upcoming milestones taking place at the site:

But first… a campout !

Early in January, some of the lot buyers and partners had a cookout at the finca and then camped out in tents (Al Benner slept in the top of the ranchito and was kept company by some ripening hands of bananas). Music was provided by Vidal (playing a plastic cup), his son Rudolfo and Jose Antonio on guitars along with Hector and his brother Javier and our friend Alberto the school teacher joining in on vocals. We dined on coconut Thai-style lobster with fresh cilantro and lemongrass from our garden prepared by Project Manager and part time chef, Patrick Kelly. The meal was served on flame tempered banana leaves that performed surprisingly well as plates and bowls (a truly renewable/compostable resource that we will use regularly for sure). The stars were incredibly bright, and a pleasant breeze was blowing. The fire crackled and popped as Costa Rican folks songs lingered in the sweet air.

Architecture: Camping on the land was a terrific experience as it opened our eyes to a handful of design flaws in the plans for our community center structure and these were soon addressed with the help of Patrick’s dad and architect, Doug Kelly. Patrick, Doug, Al, and Al’s wife Deena spent several hours putting their ideas together, and several draft designs were considered. The end result is an incredibly practical and simple, yet elegant group of structures for the community area. A local, certified engineer now has these CAD files to finish the engineering work. Soon after we will have our building permit and begin construction. We expect to get construction under way during February.

Water: As this update is being drafted, our permanent 3 inch water distribution lines are being installed to all lots. A much larger water tank is replacing the current tank (this one will be re-located to the community center location and positioned under a deck out of sight). Solar powered booster pumps will move the water to all lots.

Work trailer: The attached outdoor work area has finally been covered with standing seam roofing material which will soon be covered with peel and stick solar panels. We will be taking down the existing and visually offensive solar panel frame on the “can” and re-locating it to the community center lot, placing it on concrete footers down below on the south slope in front of where the infinity pool will go so it is out of sight. We will also soon be adding a solar hot water system on that bank....syphon pressure will move water back up without power. We completed our outdoor shower stall - made from local teak, Madera negro (wood that last 100 years and was fallen on site) and fallen Espavel from down near the river....All espavel (wild cashew) was milled on site at the river with a chainsaw and the boards were trucked around and stored - plenty of nice wood for trim and rafters - looks like mahogany. A living fence/wall of passion fruit (for wine) and Chiote (a delicious green vegetable) will soon be planted to hide the container completely within a year.

The road: An additional large drain pipe is being added, and the public access road has been completely re-graded the entire length, and will soon have drainage ditches cleared. All exposed soil areas will be covered in gravel by the end of February. Our internal road is in great shape and will be touched up by Jorge, our local machine operator when he returns to finish covering all our new internal roads with fresh lastre (gravel).

Community interaction: We decided to make level the severely sloping soccer field at the nearby school, creating a much more desirable destination for futbol matches. In return we received several loads of soil for fixing wash outs caused over the years by over-grazing and for our earthbag and earthen plaster construction techniques that will reduce the amount of concrete needed. This leveling project was our official “ground breaking” ceremony... no gold plated shovels, just a win/win for the local community and the finca.

We also recently hired, Javier, the brother of Hector who works for us. Javier will ride his horse to work each day from Naranjal, bringing his 6 year old son to the school in Naranjalito adjacent to the finca. This will keep the school open, as it was slated to close since there were presently no children of school age set to attend the upcoming school year. It also keeps our friend Alberto his job. We are also getting a lot of local interest in our idea for the organic farmer’s market for the area – meetings and planning continue.

Wood: Project Manager Patrick Kelly is working w/ a local wood dealer who is sourcing farm raised teak and dead/fallen hardwood timbers and palm thatch for us from surrounding fincas. We will also be using some thatch and teak from the neighboring Morales farm and some thatch from palms that are out of sight lines on our own farm – cutting during the proper moon phase is critical to ensure a long lasting roof for our community area rancho. We also located several down/dead Madera negro trees for rancho posts on the finca (these can last 100 years). Patrick and Al even swam a large post across the swimhole from the falls and hoisted it out onto some rocks to dry. A hand winch is being purchased to pull these logs out from their resting places. The teak and Madera from the nearby Gomez farm will be pulled out by Oxen. The partners even purchased Patrick a hi-def. video camera so he can begin to capture all the action for a future documentary on how we created our self-sustaining tropical community.

Farm: Most all of the bamboo, heart of palm, coffee, and fruit trees that were planted are doing great...some really taking off now w/ compost. The workers and community members have been sharing LOTS of bananas - delicious for sure. A large veggie garden w/ sprinkler system and shade cloth has been established not far from the community center, and another site is earmarked on lot 23 for a sizeable garden as well. A chicken house, along with sheep and/or goats is planned in the coming months, as are fish and shrimp ponds in the not too distant future.

Trails: BIG improvements here. We have cut in a new main trail to the swim hole falls...it zig zags down the side of the mountain past a large Guanacaste tree....Lots of hardwood steps have been made from fallen logs and pinned w/ hardwood stakes or rebar. Some stone steps have been installed as well. The pre-existing trail to the upper falls has been completely re-done w/ lots of steps as well. Both trails are MUCH more enjoyable. We are also adding a connecting trail to the plunge pool, and eventually all river trails will connect. The corral area and old fruit trees have been cleaned up. Any visible old internal fence lines have been removed. Cows are all off the property, and lots of pioneer trees are starting to re-establish, but site lines are being preserved and lots are well groomed.

Accommodations: We have three locations picked out for platform tents....these will allow visitors to stay on site and in the future will eventually provide for student intern housing. We will start constructing the first platform down from the community center with an ocean view during February and March – it should be ready with beds and furnishings by April for visitors. (stop on down and check it out…we now have hot showers as well ☺).

Fuel: Our Toyota work truck is now converted to run on veggie oil, and about ten area restaurants are saving used oil for us. We are also working on separating oil from the fruit heads on the thousands of wild oil palms that dot the surrounding hillsides. Another sustainable trick – our muy intelligente work staff informed us that we were real Gringos for paying for chain bar oil for our newly acquired chain saw (purchased from our employee Antonio). Now we just pull up to the local mechanic shop and pick up jugs of used motor oil for free – it’s even better than new bar oil for this use. It also eliminates the need for the mechanic to dispose of the used oil.

Yet another Fiesta: A lamb roast put on by our Argentinian friends and restauranteurs, Fernando and Roxanna from El Colibri in Carrillo will took place at the finca on February 2nd. Many local people from the Carrillo, Samara, and mountain communities weree invited to tour the property and enjoy a traditional meal afterwards. We anxiously await pictures from our Project Managers, Patrick and Sarah Kelly who along with our friend Hilary Nelson hosted the event. To view these photos & regular updates regarding activities at the finca, sign up for our Las Brisas Facebook Group at: http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=120109975170

Beach House Available: The FLB partners have a 4 BR house rented in easy walking distance from the beach in Playa Carrillo now through April 2nd. We have some windows of time where the house will be vacant so if anyone is interested in staying right above perhaps the nicest beach in Costa Rica and 30 minutes from the finca, please let us know. The month of February is particularly open right now. March 8th – 20th will also find majority partner, Al Benner back on site again for those interested in a personalized guided tour.

We have just ten lots remaining with earnest interest in several of these…If you have been a fence sitter for a while regarding this project, you might want to get down to CR sooner than later. With construction starting this month, and several interested parties visiting soon, we don’t expect many of our remaining lots to be around a whole lot longer – particularly if the challenging times worldwide continue or intensify.

Nature Note: Two Gavilon Blancos (white hawks) have been spotted circling our river valley on more than one occasion – a rare and welcome site in this part of Costa Rica, and magical to watch from above…

Finally, we were just profiled on pretty prestigious site for ex-pats/gringos – read the story at
http://www.thecostaricagringo.com/2009/02/02/sustainable-community-in-costa-rica/

Pura Vida…

The Finca Partners

Meet the Finca Las Brisas partners!

I didn't realize that I hadn't introduced everyone to the head honchos of the project....
Behold, the FLB team!!

The primary FLB partners: (L to R) Keith Jeffrey, Ray Coker, Al Benner and Wayne McDonald

Al brought this fabulous article to my attention recently, it's all about the Finca, our mission and our vision for the project. It's worth a read, please check it out!

http://www.thecostaricagringo.com/2009/02/02/sustainable-community-in-costa-rica/