Hostile Valley Farm in Liberty
I might have cheated.
Before launching this project to visit every municipality in Maine, I created some self-imposed rules. Near the top of the list is, “No celebrities.” This blog is for “every day” Mainers — the kind that sometimes get forgotten about in a state with a strong tourism industry.
Here I am — six visits in — potentially guilty of “bending” my rule. This post features an up-and-coming celebrity in the homesteading circles. In December 2018, Kirsten Lie-Nielsen published her second book, “So You Want To Be a Modern Homesteader? All the Dirt on Living the Good Life.” She’s now appearing at libraries around Maine to give talks and sign books. I’m sure that soon she’ll be too famous to fit my criteria so she’s being included early in my adventure.
On a very windy April morning, I made my way to Hostile Valley in Liberty.
Don’t be nervous about the name. It’s taken from the road that leads to the formerly abandoned property. A history of the town written in 1927 explains:
A petty quarrel was going on in the valley and Bridges Sherman, locally famed for his apt sayings, was heard to remark, ‘There’s a war on in Hostile Valley.’ The name stuck.
Kirsten with goat, “Ginger.”
If you had the impression that “homesteading” faded away many generations ago, allow me to introduce Kirsten. She and her husband are hardcore, 21st century pioneers. They bought their Hostile Valley Farm over three years ago. Between then and now, they’ve poured their heart into a rural transformation, including major work on the barn and farmhouse which had been untouched for three decades. They’ve cleared fields, burned brush, and planted gardens, all while raising a variety of feathered and furry creatures.
What’s not to love about goats?
Note the sweet boss of the farm. No, not Kirsten, but Millie the cat!
Along the way, Kirsten has accumulated a tremendous wealth of knowledge which she is passing on to others. Check out her website, Hostile Valley Living, if you have questions about homesteading. Even if you’re not considering buying a farm or living off the land, follow the farm’s Instagram account for a steady supply of priceless goat (+) pictures.
Update: May 29, 2019…
I told you Kirsten would be famous soon! She’s going to be featured tonight on the local program, 207. Check it out on their website.
I’m on a mission to visit every town in Maine. Check here to see if I’ve featured yours yet: All The Visits. To learn more about this adventure, see the about page.
