Tag Archives: Pacific Crest Trail

I Got A Job…. WHAT !????

By RonUlrich | Published April 3, 2013

Yeah.  It’s true.  I just started a job last week.  What to do next is driving me crazy.

I over think everything, so that’s really all this is…. Me Over Thinking!  But Publicly, so maybe I’ll work it out as I type.

Post PCT I moved to the Portland area and began the search for a job to get me through until the CDT.  I have known all along that the CDT may not happen in 2013 because of funds.  My job search was vast, and often way off track from what I used to do (industrial painting) because the work schedule can be rough and often include Saturdays.  I began REALLY missing my old job up near Spokane… So much so that I kept thinking of moving back just so I could get back to work.  I’ve learned to live very minimal – for the first time in my entire life! – but I still have bills to pay and my other half is so graciously letting me live rent free so I can funnel all funds into the CDT.

Two weeks ago I received a phone call from a company about a job I applied for and really thought might be a good fit.   The problem is, I sent my resume to them just before I committed to the CDT by purchasing $1000 in food   (If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll know the commitment all started with finding a ridiculously good deal on Oreos/Nutter Butters/Fig Newton Snack Packs at a gas station for 14 cents each).  I went to the interview and after hearing about the benefits they offer – MOST important to me – One Week of vacation offered after only Six Months and it accrues that way every six months.  Starting all over in a blue collar job market I never expected to find such a deal with vacation time…. VERY IMPORTANT to have vacation when you’re a backpacker ! (and when you have family that lives more than 2000 miles away.)

Well they offered me the job.  I started last week.  I figured two things – 1) I may not like the job or they might not like me so I could quit June 1 and go hiking.  2) I could beg forgiveness from the people who have donated to fund my CDT 2012 adventure and push it off until 2014.  I LIKE to work.  I like the stability it brings to my life because I don’t do well when left to manage my own time.  I have a great track record for working, and I NEEDED a job for many reasons beyond finances.  But I never expected to be back at work just before the hike.  The company has now purchased very expensive Red Wing Boots, Coveralls with my name on it will be here next week, they’re bugging me about turning in Insurance paperwork (that’s right, insurance ALREADY!!!) …. I’m giving them my all and showing them what I’ve got and they’re investing time and money in training/employing me, and here I am on the fence about what to do.  I WANT TO WORK HERE !!!  But I can’t NOT hike the CDT this year.  What happens if something goes wrong this year and I can never long distance hike again?

What happens if…. the answers are endless and unknown.

I just wish I didn’t like the job so much.  The longer I’m there the more I feel I’m deceiving them, and that is NOT what I want… That’s not who I am.

So why not stay, hike another year, send off my already packaged up food stash to hikers on the CDT and PCT …. It’s money lost but …. NO! I need to go hiking.  I NEED this more than I need a job right now.

*sigh*

So, here’s my ideal situation.  In a few weeks I go in and tell them I want to work there.  I tell them I feel I’m an asset (I work hard and if there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I have a great work ethic), and that I really like their company and would like to grow with them… But explain that there’s something I gotta do first.  At this point, they could fire me, but I’d love it if they kept me on until June 1, then I could go see my parents in Missouri (I haven’t seen them since they sent me off on the PCT a year ago Sat April 6 :-( – then I return to start a slow hike on the CDT  since I will have had little training (that’s OK, I didn’t train much for the PCT either)…. then hope they’ll have an opening to hire me when I return in November.

I want this job.

I want to hike more….

If something goes wrong – I’ll never regret not having a job the way I’ll regret not hiking the CDT.

SO…. that’s where I’m at…. what a mess.

Posted in April 2013, What's goin' on in my life-kinda stuff | Also tagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

March Calendar Photo – Dorothy Lake

By RonUlrich | Published March 26, 2013

It’s March 26th! What better day to tell you about the March photo on your hiking26.com calendar !
This is Dorothy Lake – June 21st, 2012 – Pacific Crest Trail Mile 998. One of the many memorable lakes along the PCT. Located in California near the PCT exit from Yosemite. Although I was VERY anxious to keep moving on, for our 1000 PCT mile mark laid just ahead, I couldn’t help but take advantage of this gorgeous view.

I’m standing on a sandy beach just off the trail. I had been hiking with ‘Memphis’ this day, King Knuttella, Nightengale, and Collector were just behind (soon to catch up at the 1000 mile marker). I wasn’t crazy about the angle of the camera vs. where I stood on the beach, but the wind was so much that I had to pick the most stable bush to secure the camera to. Then, once I set up the camera, I took off my shirt and was bombarded by mosquitoes. They hide behind you on a windy day, you can feel them slam into you…. They were pretty awful. So short and sweet, photo taken, bug bitten and on my way to celebrate 1000 miles of hiking….

Dorothy Lake PCT Photo video (small)

So now you know…

Oh…. And the gown – One of my favorites, a donation from Tracie Javanovic Pinet   –  Thanks Tracie !!!

Posted in March 2013 | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Figuring Finances

By RonUlrich | Published March 20, 2013

I have never been so tight with my money in all my life.  Saving every penny for the CDT has been an interesting experience for me.  While prepping for the PCT I would stop and buy sodas ever time I ran into town, lunch was a daily affair, mainly because, at least the last four months prior to hiking I was living in a barn and the kitchen was across the yard in the house.  I was so incredibly scatter-brained with donation collections, gown collections/fittings/alterations and getting ready for six months of living from my pack that I didn’t realize (probably as I never have) just how much money is wasted through all of these little purchases.  I also lived in a town of 2000, so bargain shopping was useless.

I finally bought every last bit of food I’ll be mailing to the CDT.  686,688 calories for $1062.33.  That’s 165 Days or 23 weeks of food.  I’m figuring shipping cost of $25 per food drop to the trail.  Flat rate boxes aren’t large enough for all the food I have.  This time around I see everything I want as the equivalent of a trail expense.  Dinner would cost a food ship, that soda would buy an entire box of Cheez-its if they’re on sale.  I wear the same few outfits as clothing, even from Good-will would be a purchase and therefore equated to less money for the trail…. I’m rather proud of myself, yet thankful for all that are helping me out.  I’m well taken care of at home, my expenses are pretty much non-existent as I prep.  I try not to think of the mass quantities of money I wasted prior and during the PCT hike, but my stress level was through the barn roof and I wasn’t able to prepare the way I can now.  Although this trail will be dramatically different, I’m reassured by my experience with all that is normally daunting to a new thru-hiker.  I’m can’t say I won’t miss the great food variety my family provided me last year, but this year, at least, I know it’s paid for.

As you can see, I started a fund raiser account through GoFundMe, which was a difficult decision.  I begged for so long on the PCT, and i just wanted to cover the cost of this hike on my own, but finding temporary work in a new city post PCT was more difficult than I expected.  I could have waited another year to hike, but the CDT is all I can think about.   I few people asked for an easy way to donate and this seems to be the way.  GoFundMe is easy although they keep a percentage, thus the reason I shot high with $3000 –   The funds raised through that site will cover costs of camping when I have to hitch 20+ miles into a town, need to shower and do laundry, buy cheese and tortillas, but can’t get a hitch back to the trail before dark.  Running into town is a very stressful event for me.  I love small towns and get distracted by all there is to see, but on an incredibly tight budget, even supplementing my calorie intake by eating a hearty meal, will have to go by the wayside.  Proper socks are insanely expensive at $15/pair or more, so fund raising pays for these things too.

The fact of the matter is, I feel guilty asking for money.  I should have taken a year off, but I just can’t mentally do it.  So once again, I’m at your mercy, and try to provide as much entertainment as possible for you to vicariously live through my hikes.  I thank you all so very much for contributing in every way possible…. from a message of encouragement, to a pat on the back, to a financial contribution… it all matters to me, and I’m incredibly thankful….

If you’re interested in helping out with my CDT hike, you can donate here, or contact me directly at northwesternadventurer@gmail.com

Thanks so much  !!!

Ron – Trail name ‘Train’

Posted in March 2013 | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Don’t fix what’s Not Broken

By RonUlrich | Published March 18, 2013

I had the opportunity to buy gear from Mountain Hardware for nearly half price.  Their friends and Family discount, the one I used to buy my shoes (Montrail – owned by the same company (Columbia)), is substantial, but what it caused me to do, was rethink my perfectly fine gear.  I decided I would try a down jacket instead of the synthetic Mountain Hardware Compressor Jacket that I love so much.  I also thought I might need a hood on the jacket.  I ended up purchasing the beautiful ‘ionized down’ – extremely water resistant Ghost Whisperer, but early in the season, they didn’t have this brand new version with a hood.  I was very excited about it, but found, late in the evening, that I was chilly while sitting outside with nothing but a T-shirt under the jacket.  This won’t do if i’m in extreme cold weather.

From the store, I purchased, also at half price, the synthetic Thermostatic, with a hood, but when it arrived, it was so thin, I don’t even want to give it a chance.  I spent $250 between the two jackets, which run $500 retail, but neither make me feel as comfortable as my compressor.  I purchased a balaclava – which will keep my neck and head warm, and returned the jackets.  It was the discount and thrill of possibly having a new jacket that swayed my decision when all along I knew what I had was sufficient.

It wasn’t until today that I thought of the bonus I have in taking my compressor on the CDT – It’s easily washable, whereas the down Ghost Whisperer would need special care while washing.  And considering the fact that nearly EVERY night on trail, even warm nights, I wore my jacket, the darn thing will NEED a good number of washings… So, a lot of time was wasted trying to improve that which didn’t need to be, but I’m glad no money was wasted in the long run.

 

 

 

 

Posted in March 2013 | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Bandon By the Sea….

By RonUlrich | Published February 26, 2013
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the wonderful little Oregon town known as ‘Bandon by the Sea’.  I could write a short story about the experience and beauty found there, not only in the scenery, but the wonderful people involved.  My great friend Helena,  known to many as my #1 fan, introduced me to her summer get-a-way where I met people that had heard of the wedding dress adventures for nearly two years now.  We danced in dresses in the salty ocean water, I made new friends, and was touched, once again, by how wonderful the people of this world can be….Sometimes the only way I can express myself is through long rambling messages.  But this moment in time can be wrapped up in an email I received from a wonderful couple that we literally met in passing and with a wave as Helena and I hauled our cold, wet wedding gown clad selves from the beach up the 150-some-odd stairs.  As I started to put on my gown, I looked up and saw the figure of a woman in a picture window staring down at me, so I waved…. Why not, right?  She’s about to see something strange, so let’s be friendly about it.   Helena mentioned there had been photographs taken, and we waved as we left the beach.  On the way up the stairs, we breezed past the man who writes this letter below, the husband of the woman in the window, as he commented there on the stairs about the fun we had on the beach.  A bit later, as I spread out the gowns to dry in the salty sea air, he passed by and asked what ‘that’ was all about.  A brief explanation, and he was on his way…  Once again, I was touched by the interest and kindness found in the brief encounters with people as I engage in this project, and I’m reminded that everyone has a story to tell….
“When we saw you, my wife and I were in a house we rented for the month of February.  We were just above you on the cliff.  At one point you looked up and waved at us.  We have come to Bandon for 25 years but due to our jobs and the responsibilities of children we came for only one week when we came.  We just retired and satisfied our dream of a long stay at a time when we could see the ocean in winter.  We were not disappointed.  
We admire your venture.  One of our sons did something similar but on a smaller scale by hiking throughout South America.  We have spent our 35 years of marriage believing in living life to the fullest as each day is never given back to us.  We had challenges of having to work full time while raising 5 children, but we still managed to squeeze in “adventures.” And in 1999, when they all left the nest, we used all disposable income and every vacation to visit all 50 states and 38 of the US National Parks.  We were teachers so we had many days off.  We have both turned 70 so the clock is ticking more quickly but we will continue to create as many adventures as we can within our new limitations (back problems, etc.)  Our motto is “As much as we can, as long as we can.”
And a bit of my reply….
“Hello again!

This is such a beautiful message to receive, Thank you.  I often feel awkward about not living life ‘responsibly’ by settling down, buying a house, and saving my money.  I tried this a decade ago, and when I left it behind my life changed dramatically.  I left the city, moved to a small town in Northeastern Washington State and (although it took a few years, still) the true explorer in me was born once i was free of the city distractions.  Now I’m back in a city but my view of it has all changed.  It’s so heart warming to hear of others that truly get out and enjoy all that nature and this country has to offer.  I know so many that are too busy with their unhappy lives that could use a good dose of travel and nature, but while the cure is right in front of them, they can’t seem to break away from what they feel they’re supposed to do.  
I used to dream of winning the lottery, not to have expensive things, but so that I could explore the United States.  Many people want to travel abroad, but I find so many interesting things just walking down my own street, that I could spend a lifetime happily discovering the beauty and history found in each little town found down a two-lane road. Bandon was such a whirlwind trip for us, that we didn’t get to explore much.  My ‘dream’ was to try to get dress photos on a beach, and Helena’s, I think, was to be a part of my wacky dressed up photo fun.  We were in Bandon less than 24 hours, but I hope to return again.  I understand there are very few people that visit that beach, and that’s the way I like it…If I might share, my friends and I mentioned you at breakfast the morning after we were on the beach.  While visiting with Helena’s friends, telling them about our fun time on the beach, I said that it was fun to have people curiously watching and that we’d waved up to you. (I, at the time, didn’t realize that the woman we’d waved to was with you.)  Then I spoke of the kind man that I met as we fled the beach cold and wet. “It looks like you were having fun down there” was such an unexpected comment.  It made me smile because that’s exactly what I want all of this to be.  There has never been a definition to what I’m doing, because with that, it might put limits on what people see in my photos and experiences.  I just want to have fun with it, and desperately hope that others feel the same.”
Thanks Bill & Ann for the support and heart warming email.  Here are a few photos that Bill took of Helena and I as we play around on the beach…
Posted in February 2013 | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment