Seeking assistance

imported
#1

Howdy folks,I,m 42,I spent lots of time on the trail then I got sick.got sicker,went to hospital. Had pnumonia.Lungs collapsed.Diagnsed with AIDS.Almost died,That was 2 years ago this month.Since my release it’s been quite an uphill climb.I AM BACK.I am currently training and planning my 2005 C.D.T. trek.As that I am living on ssi.I do not have much left over after rent.I am seeking interested sponsors or even used gear that anyone would care to donate to my cause. The main reason for my trip is that I may never be able to in the future and also to try to raise awareness about the disease and its prevention.I NEVER THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME.I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A GAY OR DRUG THING.BUT IT DID.DONT MAKE MY MISTAKE!EDUCATE YOURSELF,PROTECT YOURSELF,CONDOMS DONT WEIGH VERY MUCH.INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR PACK! If you would like to write me or send me something my address is 325 BEAVER RD.INGRAM TEXAS 78025.Hope to hear from someone love SKOT. P.S. sign my guest book at my trail journal.

Skot Free

#2

Be sure to check out a copy of Ray Jardines book as he has plenty of ideas on how to make/find/create cheap gear. www.northernmountain.com currently has a few Gust GoLite packs for $59.00 which is a good deal for what is either the first or second most popular long distance pack out there. PCThiker.com has good plans for the PepsiCan stove which most long distance hikers use something similar to and it cost practically nothing to make. Sgt Rock has some interesting ideas at http://hikinghq.net/300_challenge.html on outfitting on the cheap.

Good luck and maybe see you out there.

calearn

#3

Most things you can make yourself if you have the time. I hiked with a guy who took a duffle bag he picked up in a thrift store for a dollar and added shoulder straps to it for his pack. I hike with a guy who made his own down sleeping bag/down jacket combination that was incredible and combined 2 necessary items for under 3 lbs. you can get a piece of sil nylon and sew edges around it and ties for a versatile tarp/tent. you can use running shoes that you can find in thrift stores for under $3. You can use an aluminum cooking pot (again from thrift stores) you can find most all of your gear in thrift stores. The idea that you must go out and buy all of the things mentioned in “Backpacker Magazine” is crazy. I believe you can totally outfit yourself for under $100. And you’ll probably be lighter weight than 90% of the hikers out there. I’m assuming you have a lot of experience so you should know what you need out there. If not, start with another trail and you’ll soon learn what’s important and what’s not. good luck.
if you need some inexpensive polypro long underwear, check out www.theunderwearguys.com and tell them you know fiddlehead and you’ll get an additional 20% off. fh

fiddlehead