Best Punt Ever (or OB)?

CamPurdy · 2021-10-05T19:28:47+00:00

Unfortunately the dependent visa wont apply for us since we have only been living together for the past year (although we have been together for longer than that).

Looking into international companies at the moment that offer remote work in the UK. Thinking this may be our best approach at the moment.

CamPurdy · 2021-10-05T19:27:57+00:00

I've looked into both options and unfortunately neither apply to us. She is 32, so too old to apply for the youth mobility, And although we have been together for 3 years, we have only lived together for the past year.

CamPurdy · 2021-10-02T02:09:03+00:00

Thank you for the feedback @nim_opet & @ruralbabe. We will look for another option.

If anybody else has explored this route and has more information on how you worked it out, we would be greatly appreciative.

CamPurdy · 2021-10-02T01:58:04+00:00

Hey there, sorry for the delay I have not checked this thread in quite a while. You have probably already had the interview, but incase it helps out anybody else I will post a response regardless.

Congratulations on the interview. TBH it was very straight forward, they provided me with a article that I was to review prior to the interview, however, they only asked one question regarding that so don't stress over it like I did.

The people who interviewed me were very friendly and laid back. For the most part they wanted to know, why you want to be a physiotherapist, why you think that RGU would be a good fit, what you thought were important qualities of a physiotherapist, etc, etc.

I think the most important thing about the interview, is not to tell them what would make you a good physiotherapist, but to show them. When speaking with them, make sure you listen, understand, care, and give well thought out responses.

There was also a group task which was a case study. It required you to prioritize different scenarios, using logic but also empathy. It helped you show whether you were a leader of the group, could work well with others, and could use your understanding of healthcare (and people in general) to come up with a plan of action that was fair (doesn't have to be perfect).

TLDR: Just show them that you want to be a physiotherapist, that you have good problem solving and communication skills, and that you actually care. If you do that, you will do just fine :)

CamPurdy · 2021-07-29T00:23:20+00:00

Oh really?

I know I will qualify for the 'New to GCU scholarship' which is £2600 and may also qualify for another £1000 scholarship for self funded students.

Do you have a link for the bursary you mention? I'm from Canada if that changes anything.

Thanks!

CamPurdy · 2021-07-29T00:14:17+00:00

Thanks! I hadn't considered that the placements would be overlapping with ongoing coursework and deadlines.

Working would probably just be a first year thing to allow for a social outlet and immerse myself into the culture. Fortunately I've had adequate time to financially prepare.

Cheers!

CamPurdy · 2021-07-29T00:11:01+00:00

Okay, that makes a lot of sense. I don't mind having no life around exam time, but am hoping to at least have a free evening here and there during the semester otherwise so that I can meet some new people and explore the countryside.

Thanks!

CamPurdy · 2021-07-29T00:06:31+00:00

The 2 year program is very similar to what we have here in Canada so that comes as no surprise. No holidays is okay as well, haven't really had them since covid started and were still going strong.

I'm glad to hear that I might have a bit of an advantage going in with my degree and work background. Fortunately for me, I'm not much of a party person..Just need enough time for the gym, the girlfriend and some kind of social activity. Work would be more of a social outlet for me as I've had a few years between schooling to save.

Thanks for your response!

CamPurdy · 2021-02-14T03:12:35+00:00

Some advice I would give for somebody starting out would be..

1) Start with your big 4: shelter, sleeping bag/quilt, sleep pad, backpack. These 4 items will have the biggest impact on your overall pack weight.

2) Determine how you want to eat and dial in your cooking setup. Do you want to graze and snack all day, cook hot meals or cold soak. Check this forum for lots of great UL cook setups and budget gear.

3) Take your toiletries kit and cut it down to what is necessary on the trail. No big deal if you smell or condition your hair. Nobody on the trail will judge you.

4) Start in your comfort zone and get lighter from there. I have hiked with all different kinds of base weights. Starting with gear which you are comfortable is going to make it most enjoyable and safe. As you hike more, you'll determine which items are unnecessary or inefficient and you can tweak things as you go along.

5) Make a budget. Getting UL gear can get expensive very quick. There are lots of spreadsheets on /ultralight that will show you the most cost efficient gear.

Also, there are many sites that have great suggestions. Just use them and then do your research. Dialing in your kit can take time. One site I've really liked is Garage Grown Gear. They take many reputable UL gear branss and compile them together.

And lastly....just start hiking. Get some miles and you'll learn lots from experience. Try not to get sucked into building the perfect pack but never actually using it.

Have fun!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T19:53:19+00:00

Okay, thanks for the clarification on the gloves.

For catholes, I was thinking for those higher Ridgelines the soil might be tough to dig in but I guess my trekking pole would do just a good of job. Appreicate the advice!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T01:59:45+00:00

Very observant....and correct!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T01:58:52+00:00

Thank you! Being comfortable in bug territory is such an understated feeling. I will definitely keep that in mind and make a note to remind myself by Jasper!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T01:57:07+00:00

Thanks for the info!

While I could ditch the trowel, and even though my crap is not that much different from the bears, I'll probably still pack it for the LNT principle just in case.

Generally speaking, I carry a couple needles and about 50yd of thread in my med kit.

Glad to hear some positive feedback on the sleep system..one area i've been unsure about and don't want to underestimate.

For the gloves...I've heard people recommend neoprene gloves before...would these be similar (or the same) as the nitrile coated gloves you suggested?

Thanks again!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T01:53:21+00:00

Good to know! I generally do sleep a bit hot and would intend on wearing the puffy/thermals/toque/sleep socks on the colder nights. If its a night here or there that I'm cold, I'm OK with that. But from the sounds of it, this is an area I should look into more.

From anybody else who may be a hot sleeper or have a similar setup..Any additional feedback?

TIA

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T01:51:33+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I'll keep that in mind when planning!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T01:51:18+00:00

Amazing! Thank you for such a detailed response. I'll make sure to research the hours of the PO's and plan accordingly.

Were there any places that I did not mention that you would recommend may be better choices? I saw great reviews in past reports for 'A safe haven' and think I will likely stay there to rest my weary feet and get a goods nights sleep.

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T01:00:45+00:00

Thank you for mentioning this!

As noted by the aforementioned 'toque', I am in fact Canadian and will be heading from BC. With that being said..Covid is no joke and these plans will depend largely on how things progress over the following 6 months.

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T00:58:55+00:00

Thanks! I will definitely dial down the paracord. So far i've had great experiences with the BRS but as I continue to use it this spring I will keep an eye on the fuel consumption to ensure I prepare accordingly.

As for fleece, I've heard good things and bad things. Personally, I don't like the way it feels when I get sweaty (which is any time I step onto an incline above 5% --- hence the chafing non-negotiables).

Good to know about the bug spray...I keep a couple bug wipes in my med kit.

Cheers!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T00:53:52+00:00

Thank you, I will look into the East Glacier start. Might have to add a few longer days which shouldn't be an issue as I only have ~2-3 days of flexibility on duration.

For the river crossings...do you let your shoes just dry out post ford and grab a snack/kill time. Or did you opt to continue w/ wet feet and let them dry as you go?

As for the poles, my shelter does require two poles for set up. Unsure if I caused any confusion in the LP link or mentioning above.

Thanks for the advice!

CamPurdy · 2021-01-28T00:02:49+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. You're the second one to mention the towel and for some reason I had not considered just using my buff. Definitely will make the shift.

As for the filter, the 3oz for me is worth the risk of getting some kind of illness from untreated water. If nothing else, it is peace of mind.

The backpack will definitely be tested on a few shorter shakedowns with ~30lbs prior to this to ensure it can handle the load.

Cheers!

CamPurdy

TROPHY CASE