View Full Version : Saving Money for Thru...
Alrighty, I'm curious. What's the craziest way you've ever earned money for your hike?
Personally, I think I'm going to start participating in clinical research studies...until I find a job :D
Hopefully the medical researchers have eliminated the brunt of the vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, infertility, vampirism, feline leukemia, and any other wildly unpleasant side effects...thank God for animal testing...
Chaco Taco
06-21-2007, 21:39
I donated plasma to save for some new gear
Programbo
06-21-2007, 21:58
Aside from making money and shopping for gear how are you doing with your family supporting a thru-hike?..Have you been going on day hikes and multi-day hikes to gain experience and see what is what?
fiddlehead
06-21-2007, 22:30
Busking............
soulrebel
06-21-2007, 22:36
pushed tiny buttons for hours
For my thru next year I am collecting cans and eating at other people's homes. Food costs too much. I eat at my parent's house fri, sat, and sun. Mon-thur I just call friends around 6pm to see "what's going on". If I can cut $20 off m weekly grocery bill then I will have almost an extra $700. Plus a couple hundred from the cans and I will have $1k extra that I wouldn't have otherwise. I am collecting cans, and everyone I know is saving them for me. I have good friends and family.
Aside from making money and shopping for gear how are you doing with your family supporting a thru-hike?..Have you been going on day hikes and multi-day hikes to gain experience and see what is what?
Still working on it...my dad tells me that it's a bad idea pretty much every day. Haven't done any short hikes yet b/c I was waiting on my MacCat tarp to come in, but now that it's here I'm thinking I will go on some soon. But not this weekend, because hopefully I will be participating in a clinical research study complete with compensation up to $1700. They don't tell you the minimum $$ you'll get. Hmmm...
Still working on it...my dad tells me that it's a bad idea pretty much every day. Haven't done any short hikes yet b/c I was waiting on my MacCat tarp to come in, but now that it's here I'm thinking I will go on some soon. But not this weekend, because hopefully I will be participating in a clinical research study complete with compensation up to $1700. They don't tell you the minimum $$ you'll get. Hmmm...
Wonder how much you have to suffer to get the full $1700?
The General
06-22-2007, 05:28
Sometimes the side effects are not to bad, I will look out for you on the trail you will be the one with two heads.
fiddlehead
06-22-2007, 06:41
Still working on it...my dad tells me that it's a bad idea pretty much every day..
Dad sounds like pretty much of a fool to me.
How much does he know about thru-hiking I wonder.
He should be glad his daughter (or son?) is into hiking rather than drugs, high speed cars, guns or crime.
Maybe he just needs to get out in the woods himself a bit more.
Programbo
06-22-2007, 07:39
Dad sounds like pretty much of a fool to me.
How much does he know about thru-hiking I wonder.
He should be glad his daughter (or son?) is into hiking rather than drugs, high speed cars, guns or crime.
Maybe he just needs to get out in the woods himself a bit more.
I don`t know about all that...I agree that someone with basically no hiking experience (Even some day hikes) attempting a thru-hike is a bad idea...That`s why I told her that if she went on some day hikes at first and he saw she survived those and then went on some overnighters with a group and he saw she still maintained her interest he might change his mind
Lone Wolf
06-22-2007, 08:08
Alrighty, I'm curious. What's the craziest way you've ever earned money for your hike?
Personally, I think I'm going to start participating in clinical research studies...until I find a job :D
Hopefully the medical researchers have eliminated the brunt of the vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, infertility, vampirism, feline leukemia, and any other wildly unpleasant side effects...thank God for animal testing...
i was a gigilo once in boca raton
sixhusbands
06-22-2007, 08:09
I pick up cans for 2 entire months and took that money to a local casino. I placed it all on red and doubled up. If told myself if I win I hike this year if I loose I hike another year. I left the casino, bought the gear I needed and hitched to Maine. SOBO 1994
But not this weekend, because hopefully I will be participating in a clinical research study complete with compensation up to $1700. They don't tell you the minimum $$ you'll get. Hmmm...
If I was your dad I would tell you to forget the clinical trials and just give you the $1700. That's because I don't trust the clinical trial thing. It might harm you in some way.
Panzer
Last year I had a beef and beer.....pain in the arse, but I raised $600
I've saved all my familys scrap copper (plumbers), picked up landscaping, contracting, catering gigs, second and third jobs....not to mention working along the trail.
rusty075
06-22-2007, 11:03
I sold my car. Got rid of a monthly payment, weekly gas charges, maintainence, and insurance all in one shot.
It also doubled as a training program...I had to walk or ride my bike everywhere.
I sold my car. Got rid of a monthly payment, weekly gas charges, maintainence, and insurance all in one shot.
It also doubled as a training program...I had to walk or ride my bike everywhere.
I did the exact same thing. From March of 2001 until this past January, I did not own a vehicle. Helped me save much $$$$.
It helps that I have very cool friends who would let me tag along on weekend outings and such for gas money (and buying the post-hike breakfast or burger/beer!)
Dad sounds like pretty much of a fool to me.
How much does he know about thru-hiking I wonder.
He should be glad his daughter (or son?) is into hiking rather than drugs, high speed cars, guns or crime.
Maybe he just needs to get out in the woods himself a bit more.
My dad is not against hiking in the least bit, he's just worried that I'm going to get murdered by a crazy person while I'm hiking alone with no gun.
i was a gigilo once in boca raton
I gather that was the year you didn't hike then??? ;) :D
My dad is not against hiking in the least bit, he's just worried that I'm going to get murdered by a crazy person while I'm hiking alone with no gun.
That was more or less what my Mom thought as well.
Parents, friends and other loved ones often project their fears upon you before you set out for a hike.
THEY afraid of getting cold, wet and hungy.
THEY are afraid of being alone.
THEY think they will need a gun.
Etc.
What can help is to involve the people with concerns into your hike. Show them a book such as THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL: CALLING ME BACK TO THE HILLS (http://www.amazon.com/Appalachian-Trail-Calling-Back-Hills/dp/156579382X/ref=sr_1_1/102-3169278-3944160?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182526290&sr=8-1)
Passing out copies of the map of the AT (https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?itemid=198&compid=1) also helps. You may also want to purchase a copy of the ALDHA companion or Wingfoot's guide. The map and a guide book lets them see where you are going, where you resupplying, etc. Helps make them part of the journey on some level.
Showing the beauty and camraderie of the people on the trail often makes parents feel better. When they know that you are not exactly bushwhacking in the Alaskan wilderness, the folks tend to feel better.
When they see pictures of sunrises, mountain vistas and wild flowers they will know why you not only want to hike the AT, but why you MUST hike the AT.
And when it is all said and done, they will be proud and happy for you.
If my very worry wart Mom (who is a master of Catholic guilt!) can support me for my hikes (and still shake her head and get scared), I'm sure your Dad will come around too.
It's your Dad's job to be scared for you. Wether you are 2, 22 or 102. But nothing says you can't do a few things to make him feel a little less scared. ;-)
Good luck!
Do everything you can to limit what you spend. If you can minimize expenses - including discretionary spending like bars and restaurants - you'll be amazed at how fast the cash piles up. Yes, this requires sacrifice and discipline. And that's just crazy!
Couldn't agree more with Mags - your Dad is supposed to worry about you; it's his purpose in life. Even my parents are worried about me and I've been around the block several times. I would think that after a few weeks on the trail (and some calls/emails/postcards), your confidence will rub off on them and they'll be very proud.
No no no... this is how to MAKE MONEY!
i was a gigilo once in boca raton
No no no - this is supposed to be on how to MAKE money.
Lone Wolf
06-22-2007, 13:08
No no no - this is supposed to be on how to MAKE money.
I MADE tons of dough off the old jewish gals.
I MADE tons of dough off the old jewish gals.
eeeee....
Now there are some still shots.
Chaco Taco
06-22-2007, 15:07
Still working on it...my dad tells me that it's a bad idea pretty much every day. Haven't done any short hikes yet b/c I was waiting on my MacCat tarp to come in, but now that it's here I'm thinking I will go on some soon. But not this weekend, because hopefully I will be participating in a clinical research study complete with compensation up to $1700. They don't tell you the minimum $$ you'll get. Hmmm...
When I did my first section solo, my pops was against me wandering into the woods alone. When he saw me again, he noticed the positive changes that hiking had done for me. The good thing about the AT is that you are never really alone. There is always some of us lurking within a mile or two.
I couldnt agree more with everyone else, go on some overnighters so you can establish a routine and stay away from Boca Raton. :banana
Lowspark, I don't think Miu's dad will be to pleased with the idea that people are "lurking" along the trail. Hiking yes, lurking, no. He has a daughter to worry about. As a parent, I can attest that from the time a baby is born, irrational thinking takes hold of us parents... forever.
Being a human guinea pig for money may have long term reprecussions. You didn't mention what you are currently doing to make money, but is there any opportunity for OT? It will make you appreciate the trail even more once you get away from doing 12+ hr. days.
taildragger
06-22-2007, 15:54
Hey, if it makes you feel any better my folks freaked out about the idea of me camping the Aldo Leopold wilderness with a friend (an Eagle scout) and they were convinced that I would die.
After a while of doing some camping again and getting back into shape they realized that they shouldn't be against my outing, but support me. That and they knew that I was going whether it was with their grace or not.
Also, originally hailing from Oklahoma, I totally understand the gun thing. I think that if I was to hike the AT I would find a 1911 .45 in my pack that would have been put there with a not that said "Love, Mom and Dad"
One way that you might really be able to help ease their mind is to find someone to do the trail with and let them meet your folks, if they know that you're not going to be alone, and its going to be with someone that they have met, it will most likely put their mind to ease.
Well, my human guinea pig days may be reserved for other days b/c I didn't qualify for tomorrow's study...they needed someone with acne on their face and back.
Right now I'm saving money by not going anywhere or doing anything. I'm out of a job for the time being since I moved away from Austin and have to take one last clase de espanol this summer.
Anyone know the going rate for human souls? :)
Well, my human guinea pig days may be reserved for other days b/c I didn't qualify for tomorrow's study...they needed someone with acne on their face and back.
Right now I'm saving money by not going anywhere or doing anything. I'm out of a job for the time being since I moved away from Austin and have to take one last clase de espanol this summer.
Anyone know the going rate for human souls? :)
You could learn to play the pan flute and hang out by the Alamo. :D
You could learn to play the pan flute and hang out by the Alamo. :D
Brilliant!
Chaco Taco
06-22-2007, 18:07
Lowspark, I don't think Miu's dad will be to pleased with the idea that people are "lurking" along the trail. Hiking yes, lurking, no. He has a daughter to worry about. As a parent, I can attest that from the time a baby is born, irrational thinking takes hold of us parents... forever.
Being a human guinea pig for money may have long term reprecussions. You didn't mention what you are currently doing to make money, but is there any opportunity for OT? It will make you appreciate the trail even more once you get away from doing 12+ hr. days.
It was just a figure of speech and just trying to make a little joke of the situation. Sorry you didnt really pick up on that with the flow of the thread.
Chaco Taco
06-22-2007, 18:09
You didn't mention what you are currently doing to make money, but is there any opportunity for OT? It will make you appreciate the trail even more once you get away from doing 12+ hr. days.
Right now I'm saving money by not going anywhere or doing anything. I'm out of a job for the time being since I moved away from Austin and have to take one last clase de espanol this summer.
Come on now:D
SoonerTex
06-22-2007, 23:17
You could learn to play the pan flute and hang out by the Alamo. :D
Or you could move back to Austin and get a cardboard sign and stand on the corner. Never mind, I don't think there are any vacant corners.
SoonerTex
06-22-2007, 23:20
Better yet you could go to the Guadalupe and sell beer to the tubers in New Braunfels.
Or you could move back to Austin and get a cardboard sign and stand on the corner. Never mind, I don't think there are any vacant corners.
Ain't that the truth!!
Wanderingson
06-22-2007, 23:48
For my thru next year I am collecting cans and eating at other people's homes. Food costs too much. I eat at my parent's house fri, sat, and sun. Mon-thur I just call friends around 6pm to see "what's going on". If I can cut $20 off m weekly grocery bill then I will have almost an extra $700. Plus a couple hundred from the cans and I will have $1k extra that I wouldn't have otherwise. I am collecting cans, and everyone I know is saving them for me. I have good friends and family.
Cerberus,
You have earned the Trail Name "Freeloader". Maybe when you are out there on the trail, you can roll into camp and say "what's going on"--that ought to save you a lot of money and un-needed weight to carry around.
Cerberus,
You have earned the Trail Name "Freeloader". Maybe when you are out there on the trail, you can roll into camp and say "what's going on"--that ought to save you a lot of money and un-needed weight to carry around.
That would save a lot of weight. Think someone would carry my water for me too? That stuff is the heaviest.
On a serious note, I don't feel bad about freeloading off my friends. They all owe me anyways. The one I freeload off the most I loaned $400 to a year ago without expectation of being repaid, built them a pool deck, taught them to drive, and helped them clean up from a cocain addiction early this year.
When they know that you are not exactly bushwhacking in the Alaskan wilderness, the folks tend to feel better.
What's wrong with bushwhacking in Alaska?
On our way up the Arctic Circle on Monday we picked up a hitchiker from Poland who was going off to hike in the Brooks Range over to the Gates of the Arctic and back. I hope to get a report from on how his trip went. If I could figure out the logistics (i.e. food resupply) I would like to hike the Brooks Range across the state sometime.
As far as the worrying parents thing. My parents came out and met me while I was doing the PCT. They did some trail-angeling and met a bunch of my hiking friends. I think it really helped them understand my addiction.
My mom was worried about my thru next year at first, and the best thing I did to help her relax was have her read this site. Every concern she could come up with is discussed somewhere on this site. Just reading what everyone says about the problems helped. Also just reading random threads gives her an idea of the types of people that are out there hiking.
My parents will probably be a little more apt to explore this newfangled invention called the Internet since they got rid of dial up 2 days ago in exchange for DSL...at the very least I'm more enthusiastic about browsing...
I ought to make whiteblaze.net their homepage, so every time they log on they are forced to look at it :)
Chaco Taco
06-23-2007, 01:23
Has anyone seen th epreviews for the movie Into the Woods about the guy going into the wilderness of Alaska to find himself? To me, this seems to define, a bit, the thru hiker mentality for some. I saw the trailer for the first time today and it really made me realize what being a hiker/searcher is all about. Even if the movie sucks, just seeing the trailer made me realize that I want to go off and find myself, even if its for a week or 6 months. I love hiking!!!!!!
Chaco Taco
06-23-2007, 01:31
My parents will probably be a little more apt to explore this newfangled invention called the Internet since they got rid of dial up 2 days ago in exchange for DSL...at the very least I'm more enthusiastic about browsing...
I ought to make whiteblaze.net their homepage, so every time they log on they are forced to look at it :)
You know, you are taking the best steps to make them understand what you are feeling. You, obviously, are hearing something from the AT call you. It is the same thing we all hear at some point in our lives. Its a very strong and passionate voice that calls us to walk. I guess for me, its a form of therapy. When I return from the AT, I feel rejuvenated, like i can take on anything. The AT for me is my therapy, my group session. Walking is the real deal. Hard or not! Even walking in my town is my church. Grounds me! Take refuge in your journey. This site make me realize how fortunate I am to have found the AT. I give thanks to WB, and its members, for helping me to realize how important "this" really is. Thanks everyone from WB! Im off the pulpit now. Go after you goal Miu, no matter what anyone thinks. If you feel it, go for it, even if its in sections! The Colonel has spoken.
I saw the trailer for the first time today and it really made me realize what being a hiker/searcher is all about. Even if the movie sucks, just seeing the trailer made me realize that I want to go off and find myself, even if its for a week or 6 months. I love hiking!!!!!!
I don't know I get tired of people wondering what I'm searching for or escaping from. I'm just out there because I love to be out hiking more than anything else I could be doing. I'm not searching for anything. I've already found it. McCandless certainly is an interesting story - as much for completely cutting himself off from his family and previous life as for his journey - and Krakhauer writes a good story even if sometimes he presents as fact aspects of a story that are in doubt. One of these days maybe I'll head down the Stampede trail and check the bus and area out. A bit of morbid curiousity I suppose, but the whole story is intriguing. We had a few Sean Penn sightings in Fairbanks last year when they were doing some filming. I'll definitely take in the movie.
smokymtnsteve
06-23-2007, 01:57
best time to head out to the bus is winter,,,fairly easy trip.
I living out on CHSR now.
Chaco Taco
06-23-2007, 02:00
I don't know I get tired of people wondering what I'm searching for or escaping from. I'm just out there because I love to be out hiking more than anything else I could be doing. I'm not searching for anything. I've already found it. McCandless certainly is an interesting story - as much for completely cutting himself off from his family and previous life as for his journey - and Krakhauer writes a good story even if sometimes he presents as fact aspects of a story that are in doubt. One of these days maybe I'll head down the Stampede trail and check the bus and area out. A bit of morbid curiousity I suppose, but the whole story is intriguing. We had a few Sean Penn sightings in Fairbanks last year when they were doing some filming. I'll definitely take in the movie.
Im so glad to hear this from you. Being out there just for the sake of being out there. Thats what it is all about. I just saw the previews for the first time tonite and it had just gotten me thinking about things with my hiking. The thing I have been thinking about is just going on a long walk! So pumped about my next section. Dont feel like its an escape but more so of a release! This is the best thing I have ever come across in all of my 31 years! :sun
best time to head out to the bus is winter,,,fairly easy trip.
I living out on CHSR now.
Hey Steve, I'm hanging out in downtown Fairbanks until next Feb. when I begin my next hiking adventure. I lived out at 17-mile CHSR road for awhile and manage to make it out to the Tors and Chena Dome every once in a great while. If you're interested in a hike sometime let me know.
smokymtnsteve
06-23-2007, 02:11
ah Two Rivers...I used to live in Two rivers.
Angel Rocks is a nice hike.
and I like it up around Cleary summit.
smokymtnsteve
06-23-2007, 02:19
ok I read some of your writing in the news-miner,
SoonerTex
06-23-2007, 11:16
Have you been going on day hikes and multi-day hikes to gain experience and see what is what?
Living in the Central Texas area has its limitations on hiking. Since most of the state is private property we do not have the access to long trails that alot of you do. I would venture to guess that the majority of or trails within a reasonable distance are only 3-5 miles long. Texas Parks and Wildlife does a good job with the parks, but they are small in size. This area is fairly flat by comparision to the AT. We have Enchanted Rock within a 1 1/2 hour drive, but you can only walk around it and up it so many times before the thrill is gone. We do have Big Bend. It is about a 8-10 hour drive and the expense of that cuts into the AT money pretty good. Any suggestions from others on training/hiking would be appreciated. I have also set the goal of a Thru. My only fear is when I go, I may just stay up there. Lived in Northern Virginia several years ago and loved it. If this question should be moved to another thread, just tell me how.
SoonerTex
Living in the Central Texas area has its limitations on hiking. Since most of the state is private property we do not have the access to long trails that alot of you do. I would venture to guess that the majority of or trails within a reasonable distance are only 3-5 miles long. Texas Parks and Wildlife does a good job with the parks, but they are small in size. This area is fairly flat by comparision to the AT. We have Enchanted Rock within a 1 1/2 hour drive, but you can only walk around it and up it so many times before the thrill is gone. We do have Big Bend. It is about a 8-10 hour drive and the expense of that cuts into the AT money pretty good. Any suggestions from others on training/hiking would be appreciated. I have also set the goal of a Thru. My only fear is when I go, I may just stay up there. Lived in Northern Virginia several years ago and loved it. If this question should be moved to another thread, just tell me how.
SoonerTex
I've heard that Lost Maples State Natural Area has some pretty good inclines, and if you hike all the trails there it adds up to around 10 miles....but that's about all that us Central Texans far from Big Bend have access to.
Jack Tarlin
06-23-2007, 13:55
Here are a few quick thoughts on how to save some trip money.
1) Immediately, and I mean TODAY, stop buying things you don't absolutely
need, such as new clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets, CD's, etc. Your
drawers, closets, and storage rooms are undoubtedly full of stuff you
bought once and never really used later, so declare a moratorium on
buying stuff you really don't need.
2) When you go shopping anywhere, especially the supermarket or Wal-Mart
or somewhere similar, MAKE A SHOPPING LIST. This will get you out of
the store faster and will cut down on impulse purchases you don't really
need.
3) Start patronizing your local library instead of buying books or magazines.
4) If you work, briung luch with you instead of going out to eat.
5) Don't take any vacations.....after all, you'll be heading out soon on a
180-day vacation!
6) Unless it's a must see, stop atttending movies. Go to the rental store
or join Netflix. Your savings will be immediate.
7) Stop buying stuff on credit. Pay cash for purchases whenever possible,
and pay your bills on time. Paying interest on credit debt is like throwing
money away.
8)Look for good deals On-Line for used gear, and if possible, consider a part-
time job at an Outfitter. You'll learn tons of useful stuff about equipment
and will save hundreds of dollars.
9) Consider getting a food dehydrator. You'll eat better and cheaper, and
you'll shop in supermarkets less while en route which will cut way down on
food expenses. Hikers spend as much in markets on "impulse" (i.e. un-
needed) items as they do on necessities.
10) If you drink or smoke (cigarettes or anything else) consider quitting or at
least cutting way back. Hikers with these habits spend a ton of money
on them. Lose or decrease the habit and you'll save a ton.
11) Learn how to food shop intelligently, i.e buy house brands; buy stuff
in bulk; take advantage of sales and Sunday coupons. Most people
spend way too much money in supermarkets simply because they don't
know how to shop. Shopping smart will save you cash evry time you
go food shopping, whicvh for most folks is at least a couple of times a
week.
12) For a couple of weeks, keep an accounting of EVERYTHING you spend
and then examine it......you'll be amazed at how much you probably
spend weekly on frivolous stuff, such as junk food, magazines, cosmetics
or perswonal care products; lottery tickets; over-priced foofy drinks in
designer coffee shops, etc. By re-adjusting your spending habits, most
folks can save 25-50 bucks a week just by not buying little things they
really don't need. Over the course of a year, this adds up to hundreds
and hundrds of dollars.
13) Use you care only when necessary. Walk short distances instead of
driving. Shop intelligently so you only have to go to the supermarket
once a week. Get a tune-up and keep your car running efficiently; a
well-operating car burns less fuel, oil, etc.
14) Examine monthly "fees" such as your cell phone, cable, Internet service,
etc. Shop around. If you can find a better deal, or even do without a
service, then do so. Savings will be immediate.
15) Lastly, start a separate savings account that is JUST for your trip, and
use it for deposits ONLY. Don't touch this money unless it's for something
absolutely connected to, and absolutley needed for your trip. Don't keep
money in a coffee can or in your regular savings or checking account; if
you do, you WILL spend it on other stuff. If it's in a "special" account,
you'll be much less likely to fritter it away.
16) Oh, one last fun idea. At the end of every day, empty your pockets of
any loose change you have and throw it a big jar. Don't touch it, ever.
At the end of the year, take it to the bank and have them throw it in a
separator machine. You'll end up with a couple hundred bucks at least.
Anyway, just a few ideas, other folks can add more.
fiddlehead
06-23-2007, 20:54
One more: keep your credit card in a bowl of water and place it in your freezer. When you want to use it, you must wait until it thaws out.
Programbo
06-23-2007, 21:15
Has anyone seen th epreviews for the movie Into the Woods about the guy going into the wilderness of Alaska to find himself?
I don`t know about a movie but "Into the Woods" was a great Broadway musical starring Bernadette Peters :p
Chaco Taco
06-23-2007, 23:36
I don`t know about a movie but "Into the Woods" was a great Broadway musical starring Bernadette Peters :p
I actually saw that one on Broadway when I was in the eight grade.
One more: keep your credit card in a bowl of water and place it in your freezer. When you want to use it, you must wait until it thaws out.
If you do that you are impulsive.
Don't use the microwave to thaw the ice, hot water from the tap should work.
SoonerTex
06-24-2007, 11:52
I've heard that Lost Maples State Natural Area has some pretty good inclines, and if you hike all the trails there it adds up to around 10 miles....but that's about all that us Central Texans far from Big Bend have access to.
Thanks. Never think about that one. May try to get out there in a couple of weeks.
I may go there this week...I'll have to report back.
mweinstone
06-24-2007, 19:30
marry me. amd we will walk into the sunset. with the fed chaseing me for their 100,000. bucks!
mweinstone
06-24-2007, 19:30
marry me. and we will walk into the sunset. with the fed chaseing me for their 100,000. bucks!
Programbo
06-24-2007, 21:33
Well, my human guinea pig days may be reserved for other days b/c I didn't qualify for tomorrow's study...they needed someone with acne on their face and back.
You need to live in a better area..In the local free newspaper here every week there are literally a dozen pages full of research volunteer things listed
smokymtnsteve
06-24-2007, 22:22
work a season,,(perhaps in AK ;) ) many places here for seasonal work supply good wages, long hours, Overtime, and room and board included, no state income tax,
no need for a car, no rent or utilities to pay and not much food to buy, so you can save most of what U make and then go take your hike,
this winter I'm sure Bettle's field and Coldfoot camp will be looking for folks for the winter. Chena Hot Springs Resort is ALWAYS looking for help. esp in the winter,
SoonerTex
06-25-2007, 16:33
I had a student that was not quite sure what they wanted to do,but knew that they liked the outdoors. I suggested something similiar to what smokeymtnsteve did. She found a place in northern California. Went for about 3 months and had ablast. What little time she wasn't working out on the trails she got to hike them. She made money and got to enjoy nature at the same time. Talking to her before and after you could hear the difference in her voice. This may not be for everyone, but something to think about.
Somehow Alaskan winter sounds pretty unpleasant to me--a person who has never seen more than an inch of fresh snow...