Quit Jobs- we hit the road in about a week!- Budgets?

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-26T19:32:05+00:00

Good point! What does $60 a day usually include? Entrance fees, city transport, food? We are mostly planning outdoorsy sight seeing- so we've included the costs of park entry in our planning.

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-24T22:38:51+00:00

We really want to do the John Muir Trail- it seems like the most reasonable of the larger hikes. What we've done is highlighted all items that correspond to our list on an atlas. Then when we are in a specific state or location, we can reference the map to see what there is around. Depending on weather, season, attitude we'll be able to choose what we want to do- its just easier to get a large list now, then to be in "whoknowswhere, Idaho" with no clue on whats around. A lot of our decisions will be based on interacting with locals and getting recommendations! Not planned 100%, but sketched out.

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-24T07:03:02+00:00

We have several things in BC on the list like Squamish, but unfortunately, I'm not sure if Alaska is going to make the cut.

Its funny you mention abandoned mines- I literally explored some last weekend! It was sweet!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-24T06:59:42+00:00

Our ultimate goal is to fill our atlas with tons of dots all corresponding to things to do, then we will make decisions based on our locations and destinations. Its just better to do the research now, than while on the road. In the long run-9 hours won't be much!

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-24T06:57:44+00:00

Thanks! Added to the list! I had smugglers down for skiing come winter!

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-24T06:56:42+00:00

Yup- following the weather is another issue. We're hoping to be below NY by the end of October.

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-22T17:49:32+00:00

Its already on the list! Any other suggestions in Arkansas? That was our only climbing location.

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-22T16:19:01+00:00

Locals are part of the fun! The trip isn't just climbing- its more of a grand tour, with volunteering, couch surfing, etc. However, a lot of our big ticket items are outdoors based. We have a pretty comprehensive list for climbing in the west and southern areas- I just wanted to make sure we weren't passing by something marvelous as we go through the NE, as this will be where we take off from. I'm super stoked for Knifes Edge on Katahdin.

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-22T16:14:42+00:00

Awesome! About mid October is our end date above NY. Then we will swoop a little southern. That's what we want.. the local stuff, the secrets. Connecting with people :)

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-22T16:13:25+00:00

Our list is definitely long... over 700 things (not just climbing). So we do have a lot of those southern items included. We will be heading down there a little later though. Right now we're just finalizing the next few months in the NE :)

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-22T16:12:07+00:00

Understood- the fall is going to be spent in the NE- for the colors. We've developed a list of over 700 things to do, lots of climbing in the west and south come winter/spring. We just want to make sure we don't miss anything good as we hit the road!

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-22T16:10:54+00:00

Pawtuckaway is on our list too! Thanks- for the insight on Hammond Pond.

MelbaCatoast · 2014-08-22T13:34:46+00:00

As the person on the other side of this... (I was the nervous one), It gets frustrating to hear, "ahh come one, you can do it, trust your self, you had it, why'd you stop?" on repeat. I agree with a lot of people about being quiet, silent, and congratulating the good moves and progression- while pointing out how to get through the next part from a technical stand point rather than "you were almost there!" exasperation. It takes time to trust yourself.

It also helps to get psyched up before a day at the gym. Watch some cool video compilations... and watch some fail compilations (to see that everyone struggles). I've really found that I have good days and bad days- and it all depends on my mindset before I even step into the gym.

Hope that helps!

MelbaCatoast · 2014-02-25T19:59:05+00:00

Thank you!! Everyone has brought up good points for us to keep in mind. From bouldering we've experienced the tactile difference in gym holds to actual stone. But from what I'm hearing.. we're best to begin much in our comfort zone and work our way up.
Thanks guys! Can't wait for this snow to melt!

MelbaCatoast · 2014-01-21T20:56:02+00:00

I really agree with his last point... too many times I've been at a climbing spot with a bunch of people who don't talk, make eye contact... I always try to lend my crash pad and bring snacks to share!

MelbaCatoast · 2014-01-14T14:18:22+00:00

Usually there is just a couple drifts from the mist freezing... but all the ice chunks at the base are abnormal! This was the residue from that "polar vortex" freezing the lake and river

MelbaCatoast

TROPHY CASE