As we headed up the hills outside of Ithaca, the RV was chugging along at 35 mph…then barely 30…chug chug chug…those hills in New York are HUGE! Wow. Can you tell we started in Iowa? 
RV’s like roads that are really flat.
The rained had stopped and it was a gorgeous day. We followed a windy gravel road a couple miles outside of town…past an organic farm…and a few people walking. We came to a stop at the EcoVillage at Ithaca. This was a stop I was particularly looking forward to…because I have done so much research on intentional communities, co-housing groups, and things of that sort. When we arrived, we met Courtney and her partner Adam…and they directed us where to park. We chatted with them for quite awhile, and then we were on our own to talk with curious onlookers. It was a quiet day and we enjoyed the view from where we were parked. We could see for miles and miles! Bella enjoyed riding her bike around their basketball court which was located right behind our RV.
While we were there, Bella and I ventured around the property a bit. It’s a beautiful setting…with homes so close together, and a gravel walking path connecting the different neighborhoods and common buildings. The view from the homes is indescribable…so many colors and textures woven into the scene. The homes are all very unique and charming…most with gardens out front or in back. There was laundry hanging to dry, kittens running around, people out reading books, children chasing. We hung out at the central playground area for quite awhile and Bella got her fix of kids for the day. It was wonderful to see such a diverse, eco-minded community thriving and also teaching their children to live lightly on the earth. What a dramatic change from some neighborhoods I’ve seen where people rarely come outside to meet the neighbors! They have meals together several nights a week…and of course, there is much more going on there. Be sure to check out their website for more information!
Photo album here.
Hey! I live in NE Iowa and we have lots of hills! We actually live in a valley. Our town is Wadena, 250 people! I grew up in Oelwein, about 25 miles from Wadena. There is a sign about 10 miles from where I live that says Where Hills and Prairie Meet. Have a wonderful tour and God Bless!
Comment by Beth Aylsworth — October 12, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
Beth…ahhhh yes. I knew I’d get some Eastern Iowans all crazy about that flat comment. hee hee. I went to high school in Waverly…maybe I played you in sports?
Eastern Iowa IS beautiful…with rolling hills. Thanks for the reminder!
Comment by livelightly2 — October 12, 2007 @ 7:17 pm
Well I just had to comment since everyone thinks Iowa is only flat! When RAGRAI rides through they know different! hee hee. We did play Waverly in sports. What year were you? I graduated in 87′. I have a feeling you are a bit younger! I think it is great what you are doing and you really have me thinking. I am probably as far away from green as you could get. Planning to change that, where do I start?
Comment by Beth Aylsworth — October 12, 2007 @ 8:32 pm
that is RAGBRAI!
Comment by Beth Aylsworth — October 12, 2007 @ 8:33 pm
Beth…you can click here for some ideas:
http://livelightlytour.com/get-involved/ideas/
A great place to start is to “green” your cleaning products. It doesn’t require a huge change in lifestyle…just that your cleaning will be healthy instead of toxic! Check out the stuff we’re selling from Shaklee…their Get Clean line has a whole kit you can buy or you can just buy individual pieces as well.
Here is the link:
http://www.shaklee.net/livelightly/prodHou
Comment by livelightly2 — October 12, 2007 @ 8:36 pm