House/pet sitter exchange

imported
#1

I thought I would throw this out there to see if any hikers would be interested in starting a house/pet sitter exchange circle. The idea would be for those of us who just love long-distance hiking, but have a home or apartment and/or pets we can’t take along with us. One hiker or couple could hike a trail one year while the other hiker or couple house-sits or pet-sits. Then we could trade off the next year. That way you get people of like-mind and interest caring for your home for free while you hike, in exchange for staying at their home in another part of the country the following year for free. I think it would be fun and rewarding for all hikers involved. Anyone interested??

My husband and I would like to take another AT thruhike in 2009 and are looking for folks who would want to stay in our nice house in northern Wisconsin (lake country) and watch our two dogs and one cat for the time period. We would then agree to watch house and pets for our housesitter the following year. What do you all think?

Anne S

#2

That is a great idea… I have often wondered how on earth I would redo the AT now that I have so many obligations.
We wouldn’t be able to do that until 2012 though, due to my husband being an apprentice.

windex

#3

Hey Windex,
Be sure to keep our email handy, as we may be looking for something to do in 2012. If I’m not being too nosey, what state do you live in?

Anne S

#4

The Caretaker Gazette is a great resource for people looking for housesitters. We have used it several times. Their website is www.caretaker.org .

Smitty

#5

I live in Indiana… land of flat with some little bumps… no, it isn’t that bad really… our neighborhood makes it very tolerable.

windex

#6

That’s really pretty funny, Anne. I too live in Norhtern Wisconsin and have been thinking exactly the same thing. After doing the AT in '05, I’ve wanted to do nothing more than do it again. Unfortunately I bought 40 acres of woods with a trout stream going through it (flows into the Namekagon). There’s an old farmhouse (under renovation) and several out buildings. Hunting and fishing abound.

I think this has great merit and left my email in case anyone wants to talk with me.

Nimblefoot

#7

Nimblefoot,
Let me know if you don’t receive the direct message I just sent through TJ.

Anne S

#8

This is so strange, just this morning I started a post looking for a house/pet sitter, but deleted it before posting. When I saw this I thought Oh, **** I must have hit the wrong key!! LOL:lol

I think this is a great concept. Unfortunately this year I am only looking for someone to house/cat sit for 2 weeks while my husband and I are in Europe. Anyone want a fall vacation (Oct) in North FL. Your lodging would be free…:girl I’m half hour drive from the FL Trail for hiking or the Suwammee for paddling (I would supplu the yaks).:girl

Hammock Hanger

#9

I’m actually Thru Hiking this year and if anyone needs a house sitter for next year let me know. Many people have done favors for me in the past and I would love to house sit for anyone who needs it. I graduated college last year, I’m 27 and am now in a transition where i would love to just live “somewhere else” for a short period before I go into the professional world. I am great with all animals (grew up on farms) and I am very trustworthy. If you need references they are available. Good luck to all on the trail.

John

#10

I wonder if we should check with the Trail Journal guys if they would be willing to make a special forum just for folks looking for house and pet sitters. It would be a great way for hikers to connect and to help others live their dreams of doing long-distance trails without the worry of leaving their pets or homes behind.

Anne S