Thursday, October 6, 2016
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Adios AK!
Adios Alaska!
Wow. The past week has flown by. I’m sitting at the airport
now; I got through TSA with no trouble. My bike was packaged in a box that I
saved for over a year, for reasons I don’t know, but it worked out perfectly.
It was hard to tear that thing apart and stuff it in a box. I packaged it as
best I could, but geez, I won’t breathe easy until its assembled in San Diego.
I ended up
getting a ride from Jen and Dillon Hales, some friends from Talkeetna. They
exchanged me for their grandma. What a deal! We made it in perfect time, as it
started raining about 10 minutes before the airport. I’m really glad my box
didn’t melt.
Sitting
here, the disbelief still hasn’t faded. I’m about to be on my own, in a new
environment, and it’s going to be a really hot one. I would describe my
feelings as: Anxious, excited, curious, and a bit rigid. I’m just preparing for
the worst, and hoping for the best.
I got a bit wrapped up in finishing a short
film I produced last night, and slightly neglected a few chores that needed to
be done before my departure. The result was a long day of rushing and some
frantic packing. In my haste to make the appointment for my ride to Anchorage,
I’m guessing that I forgot something. That’s usually how it goes, right? At
this point there’s nothing I can do about it.
Good news on the Charity front! I
had 3 cash donors in the past week. I haven’t looked at the Gofundme page
today, but last time I checked, it was at $480.With the donations that came in
this week, we’re now sitting at $910! Heck yes! That’s almost four bikes. The
goal of $2500 is really in sight now, and that’s really exciting.
I’m probably going to scale
down the promoting a bit this week. I really need to get my
bearings, as well as get in the routine of life on the road. This trip is not
just opportunity to raise money. It’s also a chance for me to relax. It’s been
a busy summer, and now it’s time for me to get my own mind right, look inward,
and reflect on who I’ve been and who I want to be.
I like to look back in my journals
and see what goals I’ve accomplished. I also think it’s important to set new
short term goals frequently, and re-evaluate the long-term ones. My life
changes by the month, as does my attitude, so there’s no reason to reach for a
goal I’m not passionate about anymore. Life’s too short to do things half-way,
without heart.
Well, I
have about 1.5 hours before my flight leaves. I’m going to get off this thing
and read a little bit of my new novel I just started, the classic sci-fi
masterpiece, Dune! Stay tuned for my next update in a few days. Hopefully I can
keep up with the Vlog. I’m predicting that I’ll be about three days to a week
behind. I have to shoot the video, edit it, and find wifi to upload each video,
so it’s going to be a logistic that I’m constantly dealing with. I’ll figure it
out though.
Florida or Bust!
Carter
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Scramble!
Greetings!
I've been busy lately. With the recent launch of the GOFUNDME campaign, my YouTube video, and EMS shifts, I haven't had much time for the blog. I've also been developing a media packet that I will present to local radio, TV, and newspapers along my trip. It turned out to be about 5 pages long!
When I first decided that I wanted to make riding for charity part of my trip, I had no idea it would be this much work! It's all good though. My multi-tasking skills have definitely been put to the test recently. My EMT-I recertification is coming up in January, so I've been rushing around trying to complete all the tasks associated with that.
If you're interested in working in emergency services, I caution you; it comes at a price. If you think you can just put in minimal effort here and there, and still be a quality responder, you are gravely mistaken. We spend countless hours in training are required to participate in a minimum number of shifts per quarter. Don't let this steer you away, but understand the commitment level before you get involved.
The Go fund me has taken off so far! It made over $400 in 2 days. I'm really excited to try and meet the goal, and spread the word on my trip. I did read an article before I set up the page, stating that most campaigns only make about $1,000 before "capping out". This is due to using up your "close friends and acquaintances." I guess the key is sharing. I really need to work hard to get as much exposure as possible if I want to meet my goal of $2500. I remain confident that the goal is attainable. But if you're reading this blog, PLEASE be my advocate and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
I've been riding a lot lately, when I can. It's been really cold in the mornings (30 degrees), so my feet have turned to ice on many occasions. I've told myself to think of the desert heat I'll be exposed to in the near future, and how much I will appreciate Alaska's cool weather when that time comes. It keeps me going. I've been putting in about 14-40 miles every other day. The panniers I purchased have already been getting quite a bit of use, as I have been biking to the station for my shifts (8 miles away). It's easy to fill up the panniers when you know you will be at the station for 24 hours straight. I've attached a picture of my "office bag" contents. Accompanying is also the "laundry bag," and the "cold weather/rain bag," and the "lunch and snack" bag. Oh, and the "sleeping" bag...
In other news, I've secured my first night in San Diego with a "warm showers host" named "Lu Lack" and his girlfriend. They live somewhere right across from the airport. They answered up to my call, looking for a place to crash on the first night. They seem nice. My contingency plan if that falls through for any reason, is to stay at the Ocean Beach hostel @ $30 a night. Not a bad price for such a good local. Upon arrival to the airport, I'll have to get my bike box and reassemble the bike right there in the airport. Once that is done, Ill head to the local bike shop to get all of the bolts torqued to the right spec. From there, I'll travel to Dicks Sporting Goods to pick up some fuel for my camp stove, then head for the pacific ocean 5 miles away. I want to touch my tires in the ocean before I leave so that when I arrived in St. Augustine in a few months, I can dip the same(hopefully) tires into the Atlantic; truly crossing the U.S. from sea to sea.
Well, I'd love to write some more, but I still need to finish my HAZMAT refresher for EMS, and who knows how long that is going to take.
Till next time,
Carter
I've been busy lately. With the recent launch of the GOFUNDME campaign, my YouTube video, and EMS shifts, I haven't had much time for the blog. I've also been developing a media packet that I will present to local radio, TV, and newspapers along my trip. It turned out to be about 5 pages long!
When I first decided that I wanted to make riding for charity part of my trip, I had no idea it would be this much work! It's all good though. My multi-tasking skills have definitely been put to the test recently. My EMT-I recertification is coming up in January, so I've been rushing around trying to complete all the tasks associated with that.
If you're interested in working in emergency services, I caution you; it comes at a price. If you think you can just put in minimal effort here and there, and still be a quality responder, you are gravely mistaken. We spend countless hours in training are required to participate in a minimum number of shifts per quarter. Don't let this steer you away, but understand the commitment level before you get involved.
The Go fund me has taken off so far! It made over $400 in 2 days. I'm really excited to try and meet the goal, and spread the word on my trip. I did read an article before I set up the page, stating that most campaigns only make about $1,000 before "capping out". This is due to using up your "close friends and acquaintances." I guess the key is sharing. I really need to work hard to get as much exposure as possible if I want to meet my goal of $2500. I remain confident that the goal is attainable. But if you're reading this blog, PLEASE be my advocate and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
I've been riding a lot lately, when I can. It's been really cold in the mornings (30 degrees), so my feet have turned to ice on many occasions. I've told myself to think of the desert heat I'll be exposed to in the near future, and how much I will appreciate Alaska's cool weather when that time comes. It keeps me going. I've been putting in about 14-40 miles every other day. The panniers I purchased have already been getting quite a bit of use, as I have been biking to the station for my shifts (8 miles away). It's easy to fill up the panniers when you know you will be at the station for 24 hours straight. I've attached a picture of my "office bag" contents. Accompanying is also the "laundry bag," and the "cold weather/rain bag," and the "lunch and snack" bag. Oh, and the "sleeping" bag...
In other news, I've secured my first night in San Diego with a "warm showers host" named "Lu Lack" and his girlfriend. They live somewhere right across from the airport. They answered up to my call, looking for a place to crash on the first night. They seem nice. My contingency plan if that falls through for any reason, is to stay at the Ocean Beach hostel @ $30 a night. Not a bad price for such a good local. Upon arrival to the airport, I'll have to get my bike box and reassemble the bike right there in the airport. Once that is done, Ill head to the local bike shop to get all of the bolts torqued to the right spec. From there, I'll travel to Dicks Sporting Goods to pick up some fuel for my camp stove, then head for the pacific ocean 5 miles away. I want to touch my tires in the ocean before I leave so that when I arrived in St. Augustine in a few months, I can dip the same(hopefully) tires into the Atlantic; truly crossing the U.S. from sea to sea.
Well, I'd love to write some more, but I still need to finish my HAZMAT refresher for EMS, and who knows how long that is going to take.
Till next time,
Carter
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Friday, September 16, 2016
Ebb & Flow
Hey folks,
I'm sitting at the Fire station on a 24hr shift. Seems like a good time to get a little practice at this blogging thing!
My last post was all about waiting around. I really want to start on my biking tangent, but I should probably fill in the pieces to the story before I proceed. This blog is titled, "My Life :)," right?
I ended up flying in to Redmond, Oregon, as a detailer on the Gannett Glacier Fire Crew. Once in Redmond, we drove to the Cayuse Mountain Fire in central Washington. This mountain range was approx. 2hrs from the Canadian border. We were on the fire doing mop-up work for about a week. It was a beautiful change of scenery from Alaska. I got to see many parts of the Spokane River, and couldn't help but image myself as a frontiersman on horseback, riding the dusty trails and looking outward for the next ridge top.
Once we closed down that fire, we got an order for the "Rail Fire," in NorthEastern Oregon, Near Prairie City. Another fire on its way out, this assignment seemed to drag on a bit. The crew was ready to either go home, or get some action. Fortunately, for the folks in the area, the rains came and that fire was also put to bed.
We ended up getting an R&R day in Bend, Oregon. It worked out perfectly for me, as I had already given my cousins a heads up that I would possibly be in the area. Kevin, Amy, Jordan, and Kealy picked me up at my hotel and took me out to dinner at the local "Brothers" restaurant. I had the recommended chili mac, and It was supreme! I really had a great time seeing all of them, and look forward to spending more time in their neck of the woods in the future. Thank you guys for all of your hospitality!
So, now for bike news. I've been putting a LOT of prep work into this trip since I returned. I've purchased my ticket, and am scheduled to begin in San Diego on October 2nd. I purchased almost everything I think I'll need, gear wise, and am waiting on most of it to arrive in the mail. I've been working on my Go Fund Me proposal, and should be done with it soon. This morning, I prepped my bike with my camera/computer/ overnight/ work clothes/ radios for work. I also installed my Odometer, which I've already logged over 35 miles on. Woot Woot!.
I knew I would need some footage for my Go Fund Me video, so I made extra time to try out some camera angles with the GoPro. I'll attach some short clips so you can get an idea of what some entries will look like. The only problem I encountered this morning was heat. I took off in my full uniform because it was chilly, and I didn't plan on riding fast. Well, it turns out freshly washed uniforms get really itchy when you ride bikes in them!
Ive really been thinking about my goals for this trip recently. I know I want to document the journey via this blog. I know I want to write some music. I think some serious meditation is going to take place inevitably, so I might as well make it a point to consciously take a little time to focus on just being quiet for a while.
While speaking to a co-worker here at the station, I started thinking, "What do I want to be the focal point of the Blog/Vlog?" She suggested maybe doing a food coverage. I'll be in the South, so why not do something like that? It seems as though I'm getting quite a few more views than I would have expected to, so I guess I'll take a poll from the folks who will be entertained the most from the blog....YOU! THE READERS/VIEWERS!!!
While I have a lot of my own goals in mind, I still want to "Give the people what they want." Please drop a comment with details on what kind of things you would like to see in the B/Vlog.
Thanks.
And...................GO!
I'm sitting at the Fire station on a 24hr shift. Seems like a good time to get a little practice at this blogging thing!
My last post was all about waiting around. I really want to start on my biking tangent, but I should probably fill in the pieces to the story before I proceed. This blog is titled, "My Life :)," right?
I ended up flying in to Redmond, Oregon, as a detailer on the Gannett Glacier Fire Crew. Once in Redmond, we drove to the Cayuse Mountain Fire in central Washington. This mountain range was approx. 2hrs from the Canadian border. We were on the fire doing mop-up work for about a week. It was a beautiful change of scenery from Alaska. I got to see many parts of the Spokane River, and couldn't help but image myself as a frontiersman on horseback, riding the dusty trails and looking outward for the next ridge top.
Once we closed down that fire, we got an order for the "Rail Fire," in NorthEastern Oregon, Near Prairie City. Another fire on its way out, this assignment seemed to drag on a bit. The crew was ready to either go home, or get some action. Fortunately, for the folks in the area, the rains came and that fire was also put to bed.
We ended up getting an R&R day in Bend, Oregon. It worked out perfectly for me, as I had already given my cousins a heads up that I would possibly be in the area. Kevin, Amy, Jordan, and Kealy picked me up at my hotel and took me out to dinner at the local "Brothers" restaurant. I had the recommended chili mac, and It was supreme! I really had a great time seeing all of them, and look forward to spending more time in their neck of the woods in the future. Thank you guys for all of your hospitality!
So, now for bike news. I've been putting a LOT of prep work into this trip since I returned. I've purchased my ticket, and am scheduled to begin in San Diego on October 2nd. I purchased almost everything I think I'll need, gear wise, and am waiting on most of it to arrive in the mail. I've been working on my Go Fund Me proposal, and should be done with it soon. This morning, I prepped my bike with my camera/computer/ overnight/ work clothes/ radios for work. I also installed my Odometer, which I've already logged over 35 miles on. Woot Woot!.
I knew I would need some footage for my Go Fund Me video, so I made extra time to try out some camera angles with the GoPro. I'll attach some short clips so you can get an idea of what some entries will look like. The only problem I encountered this morning was heat. I took off in my full uniform because it was chilly, and I didn't plan on riding fast. Well, it turns out freshly washed uniforms get really itchy when you ride bikes in them!
Ive really been thinking about my goals for this trip recently. I know I want to document the journey via this blog. I know I want to write some music. I think some serious meditation is going to take place inevitably, so I might as well make it a point to consciously take a little time to focus on just being quiet for a while.
While speaking to a co-worker here at the station, I started thinking, "What do I want to be the focal point of the Blog/Vlog?" She suggested maybe doing a food coverage. I'll be in the South, so why not do something like that? It seems as though I'm getting quite a few more views than I would have expected to, so I guess I'll take a poll from the folks who will be entertained the most from the blog....YOU! THE READERS/VIEWERS!!!
While I have a lot of my own goals in mind, I still want to "Give the people what they want." Please drop a comment with details on what kind of things you would like to see in the B/Vlog.
Thanks.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Hurry up and wait...
Yo,
I'm sitting at a Red Robin, waiting on my free appetizers tonight. I'm about to transition into fire mode. I have spent the past 2 days staying on the ready, gear in the truck, ready to mob out when the call came through. Today it did. I drove like hell trying to make it to the station in 2 hours, only to find there was no rush at all. After packing, getting my assignment as a Sawyer, and briefing, we were dismissed. I have a few hours to kill now, having g to be back at 3:45, flight leaves at 0600. I'm stoked! headed to Washington. I'll try and post an update if I get a chance.
I'm sitting at a Red Robin, waiting on my free appetizers tonight. I'm about to transition into fire mode. I have spent the past 2 days staying on the ready, gear in the truck, ready to mob out when the call came through. Today it did. I drove like hell trying to make it to the station in 2 hours, only to find there was no rush at all. After packing, getting my assignment as a Sawyer, and briefing, we were dismissed. I have a few hours to kill now, having g to be back at 3:45, flight leaves at 0600. I'm stoked! headed to Washington. I'll try and post an update if I get a chance.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
End of Trail Season
Hey all,
Just writing as I sit, waiting to get word of deployment on a wildfire. I guess I will share what my next big adventure is now... A cross country bike trip! Start and end dates are still TBA. Also, since I have no new bicycling news, I'll share a little about my summer up here in AK. Because the title of the blog is "My Life :)" and this is what I do.
I had a great trail season at Denali State Park! got a lot of work done and got to work with some great people. I've posted my favorite pics of the year.
Just writing as I sit, waiting to get word of deployment on a wildfire. I guess I will share what my next big adventure is now... A cross country bike trip! Start and end dates are still TBA. Also, since I have no new bicycling news, I'll share a little about my summer up here in AK. Because the title of the blog is "My Life :)" and this is what I do.
I had a great trail season at Denali State Park! got a lot of work done and got to work with some great people. I've posted my favorite pics of the year.
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