I have two weeks to go. My last day at Yellowstone National Park is Saturday, August 30th. It has been a challenging summer for me. After not working for much of the winter, it took a month of adjustment to return to a 40 hour work week. This job requires a lot of verbal interaction, which I do not enjoy in a high-volume environment. (talking with 160 carloads of people in 3 hours) But the money was great, the rent was cheap, and I liked my new boss...so overall, a productive summer. Plus, I got what I consider the best schedule. A split schedule working from 12 - 3:30pm and then 7pm - 11pm. I returned to a 30 hour work week on July 19th which I enjoyed a lot more. My social life was almost non-existent compared to life in Asheville. (The last place I lived prior to moving here) But I went hiking at least one day per week, played cards one day per week, and did lots of strength training and running/walking. I would still like to see the Park Service run the parks a lot differently. I'm still remembering Ed Abbey's and John Muir's words.
My next stop will be Sacramento, California. I am driving straight from Yellowstone to Sacramento. I should arrive there around September 2nd. I have rented a room in a apartment with 2 other guys for $400 per month each including all utilities. It is in a good location. I will give more details on my new place when I arrive. Why Sacramento? I was planning on returning to either the Bay area or San Diego. But when I compared the cost of living between these areas and Sacramento, there was no contest...Sac is much cheaper. And if I want to continue working 30 hour weeks this winter for $10 per hour, I need to have my rent be $400 or less per month. I thought about returning to the Pacific Northwest (Seattle or Portland), but the thought of 6 months of winter rain did not interest me. Besides, there is a major airport in Sac, and it's in a great central location for the Western U.S., so I can fly to lots of different places for short trips. More later on road trips.
To sum up my summer at Yellowstone: A financially productive summer. Beautiful scenery. Interaction with other animals. Lots of solitude. Lots of phone calls to friends. My own apartment for $300 per month. Lots of exercise. Cheap living. Lots of podcast downloading. Card playing. 52 mile weekly Cody trips. The cost of gas. The frustration of visitors. The box. No more 40 hour work weeks. Moose at the gate. Reporting accidents. Playing policeman isn't always fun. Lots of power outages. No phone for weeks. 2 big fires. Our car-centered culture. The enjoyment of seeing other hikers. Motorcycle craziness. Thank you, Netflix. Losing an employee from the start. Avalanche Peak twice in a day. Very different from last summer. A fun manager. Closing shift. Planning my next "vacation." The unknown abyss awaits.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
It may be summer where you are, but...
I am still waiting for summer! Here is a quick update: Yellowstone had one of the wettest and coldest winters in over 10 years. As a result, there is still plenty of snow on the ground. This is very different from last winter, which was very dry. Traffic does seem slower so far this year...partly due to the weather and gas prices.
I have my own apartment this year...which does make things a little easier. I bought myself a 26 inch LCD television and a playstation 3 to help entertain myself during the lonely nights. I also joined Netflix with the 3 movies out at a time plan. All of my current co-workers are couples, and the two who are still to come are 50 something year old women. So this summer will be about saving money and not spending it. I am also applying for jobs in west coast cities on my days off.
The scenery is amazing. This will be my last summer at Yellowstone, so I will enjoy the benefits.
I have my own apartment this year...which does make things a little easier. I bought myself a 26 inch LCD television and a playstation 3 to help entertain myself during the lonely nights. I also joined Netflix with the 3 movies out at a time plan. All of my current co-workers are couples, and the two who are still to come are 50 something year old women. So this summer will be about saving money and not spending it. I am also applying for jobs in west coast cities on my days off.
The scenery is amazing. This will be my last summer at Yellowstone, so I will enjoy the benefits.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
2,000 Miles
Tomorrow morning I will leave on a 2,000 mile journey to Yellowstone National Park which should take me about 3 and 1/2 days by car. I plan to arrive on Saturday and my first day of work is on Sunday. I am thankful to have a job for this summer, however I am not looking forward to the isolated environment. It will be interesting to compare the coming season with the one from last year. I will be stationed at the East gate once again. I have a feeling that it will be an interesting summer.
I just spent the past week in Florida helping my Dad and Mom move furniture and other items from their condo to a house they just bought. I enjoyed my parents excitement over their new house which is located just off the 11th hole of a golf course. I also got to spend time with my Florida friends which was also good.
Once again, I enjoyed my visit to Asheville. I spent time with many good friends. I played volleyball, tennis and weight lifted every week. Went out to bars and restaurants about 4 days per week. Walked every day. Ran several days per week. Went to the movies on occasion. Went to a few house parties. Hit the Internet cafes. Went hiking and biking. A fun vacation overall! I did not work this time in Asheville.
This fall I am looking to settle down. (geographically speaking) I find that it is hard to maintain relationships when I am going back and forth from the East coast to the West coast. In the past year, I went from Portland, Oregon to Yellowstone N.P. to Asheville, North Carolina to Stuart, Florida. I would like to work this fall in one of the major West Coast cities: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles Area, or San Diego area. Please keep an eye open for jobs in any of the West coast cities. I would like to continue working for the government if possible, but I am open to any job that pays $12 per hour or more. I plan to spend the summer applying for jobs in these cities.
"To exist is to change; to change is to mature; to mature is to create oneself endlessly." -Henri Bergson
I just spent the past week in Florida helping my Dad and Mom move furniture and other items from their condo to a house they just bought. I enjoyed my parents excitement over their new house which is located just off the 11th hole of a golf course. I also got to spend time with my Florida friends which was also good.
Once again, I enjoyed my visit to Asheville. I spent time with many good friends. I played volleyball, tennis and weight lifted every week. Went out to bars and restaurants about 4 days per week. Walked every day. Ran several days per week. Went to the movies on occasion. Went to a few house parties. Hit the Internet cafes. Went hiking and biking. A fun vacation overall! I did not work this time in Asheville.
This fall I am looking to settle down. (geographically speaking) I find that it is hard to maintain relationships when I am going back and forth from the East coast to the West coast. In the past year, I went from Portland, Oregon to Yellowstone N.P. to Asheville, North Carolina to Stuart, Florida. I would like to work this fall in one of the major West Coast cities: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles Area, or San Diego area. Please keep an eye open for jobs in any of the West coast cities. I would like to continue working for the government if possible, but I am open to any job that pays $12 per hour or more. I plan to spend the summer applying for jobs in these cities.
"To exist is to change; to change is to mature; to mature is to create oneself endlessly." -Henri Bergson
Friday, March 28, 2008
Walking the Appalachian Trail
It’s three in the afternoon on day four of my walk. After waking at 8am from another restless chilly night in my tent, the falling rain from all day yesterday had transformed to snow this morning. I spent over an hour trying to get my frozen gear thawed out. The temperature dropped well below freezing and has stayed there most of the day. All I can think about is trudging through the snow towards the Low Gap shelter area, still several miles away, to set up camp and avoid dying of hypothermia.
My Appalachian Trail hike started on a 50 degree sunny day at Amacolola Falls State Park in Georgia. I didn’t know what was to come, but I was full of optimism and a sense of adventure. This quickly changed at 4am on day 3 when a violent thunderstorm moved in to my solo camp on top of a 3,200 foot mountain. This turned into a very wet weather system and I walked the next 11 miles in the pouring rain. I had made it to Neels Gap, about 39 miles from where I started. It is estimated that almost 1 in 4 people who intend to hike the entire 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail drop out by Neels Gap. When I first heard about that statistic, I thought it couldn't possibly be true. But now I see how people can have an idealistic view of walking the Appalachian Trail quickly shattered by an 11 mile day of cold, wet rain.
This was the first point in the trip where I briefly thought about dropping out myself. But, I quickly decided that I wasn’t quite ready to end my trip. Besides, in the words of one fellow AT hiker, if you make the decision to drop out, always do it on a bright, sunny day.
The next day, the rain turned to snow and I walked 11 miles to Low Gap shelter. I spent a very cold night in my tent. The temperature dropped into the teens.
On day 5, I walked 15 miles. Another cold night. I was finding that spending 12 hours in your tent was challenging for me. I would go to bed around 8 or 9pm because it was too cold to stay out of my bag, and I wouldn’t get up until after 8am because I wanted the sunlight and any warmth I could get in the morning. This was one of the most challenging parts of the trip for me...sleeping and the down time when not hiking.
On day 6, I walked about 11 miles to Hiawasee Gap. I met my first "trail angel" He gave me water, a snickers bar, an apple, an amazing growing towel tablet, and a cigarette. Plus a ride to my second hostel stay on the trail. (I stayed in a hostel before starting the trail) Trail Angels are people who volunteer and wait at the major roads that cross the AT. They give you free food, water, support, whatever...The hostels are like vacations from the trail. For many hikers, once they stop at a hostel, they find it very hard to go back to the trail. I would hear stories from the owners of grown adults literally crying when they were taken back to the trail to resume hiking.
Now you might be assuming that I am all alone out in the wilderness. Sometimes this is true, but often there are a lot of other people out there too. The hostels and shelters were usually full. I can’t begin to tell you how many people I met. There were a lot of interesting hikers along the trail with various goals and ideas about the experience.
Day 7, I walked about 13 miles. I am amazed by my immune system. After many days of rain, snow, cold weather, constant punishment, and limited food, I was still not sick. Many times, I felt that I was possibly coming down with a cold, only to find about 12 hours later, I was strong like an ox. I am made to walk in these mountains! Thank you, God.
More rain today and another cold night. (I probably noticed it more after spending last night in a warm hostel on a king sized mattress.) This night, I spent the night around a campfire with 3 hikers, including Traveler Dave. He was living on the trail more so than the rest of us. This was like his home. He made bamboo flutes using the fire...he cooked using a big iron pot on the open fire...he used old fashioned gear and techniques to get by.
On days, 10 and 11, I made the decision to end my hike walking in the rain. I finished at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains were just ahead and it was going to be tougher, colder, snowier, and rainier. I was done for now. A total of 144 miles in 11 days. An experience that I really can’t convey in words. It is one that you have to do yourself. This is the longest I have backpacked.
What I have learned:
I enjoy backpack trips of up to 3 days. I really enjoy being connected to the Internet. I am a fair weather hiker/backpacker. I don’t enjoy the cold, snowy, and rainy days. I would not be interested in hiking a long distance trail. I need a large social outlet of people to hang with on a regular basis. (I miss the city life) I don’t enjoy solitude for long periods of time. I really love the Western U.S. when it comes to the natural scenery. (Among other aspects)
I spent the night in my tent at the NOC along the Nantahala River. The next day, I hitchhiked in record time. From the moment I arrived on the side of the road, I waited about one minute for a ride straight to Asheville. (about 60 miles away) The driver was a nice, normal, guy in his early 30's. He wouldn't accept money, and he got me to Asheville safely and in good time, with good music and conversation. So, does this beat Greyhound? Free, safe, and with no wait times! I guess it depends on your ride.
Next topic - Life In Asheville
My Appalachian Trail hike started on a 50 degree sunny day at Amacolola Falls State Park in Georgia. I didn’t know what was to come, but I was full of optimism and a sense of adventure. This quickly changed at 4am on day 3 when a violent thunderstorm moved in to my solo camp on top of a 3,200 foot mountain. This turned into a very wet weather system and I walked the next 11 miles in the pouring rain. I had made it to Neels Gap, about 39 miles from where I started. It is estimated that almost 1 in 4 people who intend to hike the entire 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail drop out by Neels Gap. When I first heard about that statistic, I thought it couldn't possibly be true. But now I see how people can have an idealistic view of walking the Appalachian Trail quickly shattered by an 11 mile day of cold, wet rain.
This was the first point in the trip where I briefly thought about dropping out myself. But, I quickly decided that I wasn’t quite ready to end my trip. Besides, in the words of one fellow AT hiker, if you make the decision to drop out, always do it on a bright, sunny day.
The next day, the rain turned to snow and I walked 11 miles to Low Gap shelter. I spent a very cold night in my tent. The temperature dropped into the teens.
On day 5, I walked 15 miles. Another cold night. I was finding that spending 12 hours in your tent was challenging for me. I would go to bed around 8 or 9pm because it was too cold to stay out of my bag, and I wouldn’t get up until after 8am because I wanted the sunlight and any warmth I could get in the morning. This was one of the most challenging parts of the trip for me...sleeping and the down time when not hiking.
On day 6, I walked about 11 miles to Hiawasee Gap. I met my first "trail angel" He gave me water, a snickers bar, an apple, an amazing growing towel tablet, and a cigarette. Plus a ride to my second hostel stay on the trail. (I stayed in a hostel before starting the trail) Trail Angels are people who volunteer and wait at the major roads that cross the AT. They give you free food, water, support, whatever...The hostels are like vacations from the trail. For many hikers, once they stop at a hostel, they find it very hard to go back to the trail. I would hear stories from the owners of grown adults literally crying when they were taken back to the trail to resume hiking.
Now you might be assuming that I am all alone out in the wilderness. Sometimes this is true, but often there are a lot of other people out there too. The hostels and shelters were usually full. I can’t begin to tell you how many people I met. There were a lot of interesting hikers along the trail with various goals and ideas about the experience.
Day 7, I walked about 13 miles. I am amazed by my immune system. After many days of rain, snow, cold weather, constant punishment, and limited food, I was still not sick. Many times, I felt that I was possibly coming down with a cold, only to find about 12 hours later, I was strong like an ox. I am made to walk in these mountains! Thank you, God.
More rain today and another cold night. (I probably noticed it more after spending last night in a warm hostel on a king sized mattress.) This night, I spent the night around a campfire with 3 hikers, including Traveler Dave. He was living on the trail more so than the rest of us. This was like his home. He made bamboo flutes using the fire...he cooked using a big iron pot on the open fire...he used old fashioned gear and techniques to get by.
On days, 10 and 11, I made the decision to end my hike walking in the rain. I finished at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains were just ahead and it was going to be tougher, colder, snowier, and rainier. I was done for now. A total of 144 miles in 11 days. An experience that I really can’t convey in words. It is one that you have to do yourself. This is the longest I have backpacked.
What I have learned:
I enjoy backpack trips of up to 3 days. I really enjoy being connected to the Internet. I am a fair weather hiker/backpacker. I don’t enjoy the cold, snowy, and rainy days. I would not be interested in hiking a long distance trail. I need a large social outlet of people to hang with on a regular basis. (I miss the city life) I don’t enjoy solitude for long periods of time. I really love the Western U.S. when it comes to the natural scenery. (Among other aspects)
I spent the night in my tent at the NOC along the Nantahala River. The next day, I hitchhiked in record time. From the moment I arrived on the side of the road, I waited about one minute for a ride straight to Asheville. (about 60 miles away) The driver was a nice, normal, guy in his early 30's. He wouldn't accept money, and he got me to Asheville safely and in good time, with good music and conversation. So, does this beat Greyhound? Free, safe, and with no wait times! I guess it depends on your ride.
Next topic - Life In Asheville
Monday, March 3, 2008
Quick Update:
I am leaving Florida on a Greyhound in a couple hours. Next stop: Springer Mountain, Georgia. I intend to walk on the Appalachian Trail for a while. I'm not sure yet where the next stop will be...I am planning to walk to Hot Springs, North Carolina. After that, I might spend time in Asheville, NC? Oregon? California? Washington? Wyoming? Mexico? Vancouver, B.C. - A different reason for each place.
I will write more later.
I am leaving Florida on a Greyhound in a couple hours. Next stop: Springer Mountain, Georgia. I intend to walk on the Appalachian Trail for a while. I'm not sure yet where the next stop will be...I am planning to walk to Hot Springs, North Carolina. After that, I might spend time in Asheville, NC? Oregon? California? Washington? Wyoming? Mexico? Vancouver, B.C. - A different reason for each place.
I will write more later.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Asheville Experience
Hello,
I am currently writing to you from Stuart, Florida. I arrived here by bus on the 11th of December. It took about 19 hours to get from Asheville to Stuart. All for the low low price of $54 dollars. And the entertainment is free! I have ridden on Greyhound buses many times over the years, and usually it involves at least one interesting experience. The longer your trip, the more entertainment you will have. After listening to a baby scream for 2 hours straight on the first bus of this trip, and I'm not exagerating, I got onto another one with a guy who liked to make cat noises every now and then...along with an occasional blessing from the Lord. That bus driver was o.k. with it. However, when we boarded the next bus in Orlando, Florida, the driver, with a harsh New York accent, heard one of those cat noises and said, "Who brought a cat on board?! Everyone laughed, except for the driver, when he found out it was a guy making cat noises. The driver said, "I don't want to hear cat noises...real or imagined." Not a minute went by, when another cat noise was sounded. The driver quickly swerved the bus into the right lane of a major road and stopped...not on the shouler, but in the middle of the lane! He got out of his seat and walked back to cat man. He said, "If I hear another cat noise, the bus is going back to the station." I held my breath for the next 5 minutes wondering if this guy was going to test the waters again. My rides on Greyhound in the past have involved everything from Elvis impersonator bus drivers to several times where the police had to get involved! Like the company motto says, "Go Greyhound!" (as long as you don't mind the possible risk of death in your travels)
The weather here is warm...about 75 during the day and 55 at night. I sold my truck, and I happily don’t own a vehicle again. It will be interesting to see how long I can last this time. I have tried not owning a vehicle twice before, and I have ended up buying one again after a couple of years each time. I will not write much about Florida, since I just arrived.
I stayed in Asheville until December 10th. Thank you to Blake for letting me stay with him in his 1 bedroom apartment. I slept on the living room floor on my Thermarest. We got along great. After my roommate problems of the summer, it was great to see a positive perspective of having a roommate. I really enjoyed living with Blake.
I also got to see lots of friends that I had not seen in almost 2 years! That was also a great experience. We had many fun nights of food, drinks, conversation, and board games. I also enjoyed lots of hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains.. Thanks to all of my friends in Asheville. We had a great time together, and I will miss all of them; but I plan to visit again next fall...so I will see you soon.
I did landscape work for several friends in the area. I enjoyed the contrast from working as a Ranger at Yellowstone. Kind of nice not to have to talk with people for a change. I also did some odd jobs, such as dog/cat sitting. I don’t think I’ll do that one again. Now, I plan to spend until the end of March living in Florida visiting my parents, who live here during the winter, and my friends. I will live with my parents until the end of December. After that, I will move in to my friends place down here.
I wish everyone out there a Happy Holiday Season!
As always, tell me what you are up to.
Jason
I am currently writing to you from Stuart, Florida. I arrived here by bus on the 11th of December. It took about 19 hours to get from Asheville to Stuart. All for the low low price of $54 dollars. And the entertainment is free! I have ridden on Greyhound buses many times over the years, and usually it involves at least one interesting experience. The longer your trip, the more entertainment you will have. After listening to a baby scream for 2 hours straight on the first bus of this trip, and I'm not exagerating, I got onto another one with a guy who liked to make cat noises every now and then...along with an occasional blessing from the Lord. That bus driver was o.k. with it. However, when we boarded the next bus in Orlando, Florida, the driver, with a harsh New York accent, heard one of those cat noises and said, "Who brought a cat on board?! Everyone laughed, except for the driver, when he found out it was a guy making cat noises. The driver said, "I don't want to hear cat noises...real or imagined." Not a minute went by, when another cat noise was sounded. The driver quickly swerved the bus into the right lane of a major road and stopped...not on the shouler, but in the middle of the lane! He got out of his seat and walked back to cat man. He said, "If I hear another cat noise, the bus is going back to the station." I held my breath for the next 5 minutes wondering if this guy was going to test the waters again. My rides on Greyhound in the past have involved everything from Elvis impersonator bus drivers to several times where the police had to get involved! Like the company motto says, "Go Greyhound!" (as long as you don't mind the possible risk of death in your travels)
The weather here is warm...about 75 during the day and 55 at night. I sold my truck, and I happily don’t own a vehicle again. It will be interesting to see how long I can last this time. I have tried not owning a vehicle twice before, and I have ended up buying one again after a couple of years each time. I will not write much about Florida, since I just arrived.
I stayed in Asheville until December 10th. Thank you to Blake for letting me stay with him in his 1 bedroom apartment. I slept on the living room floor on my Thermarest. We got along great. After my roommate problems of the summer, it was great to see a positive perspective of having a roommate. I really enjoyed living with Blake.
I also got to see lots of friends that I had not seen in almost 2 years! That was also a great experience. We had many fun nights of food, drinks, conversation, and board games. I also enjoyed lots of hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains.. Thanks to all of my friends in Asheville. We had a great time together, and I will miss all of them; but I plan to visit again next fall...so I will see you soon.
I did landscape work for several friends in the area. I enjoyed the contrast from working as a Ranger at Yellowstone. Kind of nice not to have to talk with people for a change. I also did some odd jobs, such as dog/cat sitting. I don’t think I’ll do that one again. Now, I plan to spend until the end of March living in Florida visiting my parents, who live here during the winter, and my friends. I will live with my parents until the end of December. After that, I will move in to my friends place down here.
I wish everyone out there a Happy Holiday Season!
As always, tell me what you are up to.
Jason
Monday, November 5, 2007
My Stay In Asheville
Hello,
I finished my contract working for Yellowstone National Park on September 29th. It really didn’t start to slow down until mid-September...but at least I got a couple of slower weeks in to end my work there. Overall, I enjoyed my stay in Yellowstone, however, I could only do that type of work full-time for 4 months at a time. I saved up a lot of money from this summer, which is helping to fund my winter.
I left Yellowstone on October 1st. I drove my truck across the United States until I arrived at Asheville, North Carolina on October 4th. I took a week off and enjoyed social time. I spent most of the summer alone in my free time. In Asheville, I have spent almost all my free time in the company of friends. It has been quite a contrast. After the first week here, I took up a landscaping job working about 3 hours per day. I trim bushes, weed, and cut grass for 2 apartment complexes...among other various jobs. I have also found myself bartering with friends: I will help them do some work for a few hours in exchange for some food. I enjoy doing this also.
I am staying with a friend in his 1 bedroom apartment. I use the living room as my bedroom at night. During the day we share the place. So far it has been working out great... so I have not been sleeping in my tent lately.
I have continued to do lots of hiking and bike riding after arriving in Asheville. I am enjoying all of the fall colors and the slow changing of the seasons. My stay in Asheville has been great so far. I plan to leave for Florida on December 10th.
For now, I have decided not to own an automobile. I have spent about 4 years of my life (after 21 years old) not owning an auto and the rest of my life owning one. I have to say so far, that even though there are advantages to owning an auto, overall, I enjoy not owning one more. My truck is currently for sale.
Let me know what you have been up to.
Jason
I finished my contract working for Yellowstone National Park on September 29th. It really didn’t start to slow down until mid-September...but at least I got a couple of slower weeks in to end my work there. Overall, I enjoyed my stay in Yellowstone, however, I could only do that type of work full-time for 4 months at a time. I saved up a lot of money from this summer, which is helping to fund my winter.
I left Yellowstone on October 1st. I drove my truck across the United States until I arrived at Asheville, North Carolina on October 4th. I took a week off and enjoyed social time. I spent most of the summer alone in my free time. In Asheville, I have spent almost all my free time in the company of friends. It has been quite a contrast. After the first week here, I took up a landscaping job working about 3 hours per day. I trim bushes, weed, and cut grass for 2 apartment complexes...among other various jobs. I have also found myself bartering with friends: I will help them do some work for a few hours in exchange for some food. I enjoy doing this also.
I am staying with a friend in his 1 bedroom apartment. I use the living room as my bedroom at night. During the day we share the place. So far it has been working out great... so I have not been sleeping in my tent lately.
I have continued to do lots of hiking and bike riding after arriving in Asheville. I am enjoying all of the fall colors and the slow changing of the seasons. My stay in Asheville has been great so far. I plan to leave for Florida on December 10th.
For now, I have decided not to own an automobile. I have spent about 4 years of my life (after 21 years old) not owning an auto and the rest of my life owning one. I have to say so far, that even though there are advantages to owning an auto, overall, I enjoy not owning one more. My truck is currently for sale.
Let me know what you have been up to.
Jason
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