I want to pass on some of the knowledge
I've gained through my adventures. Here I will list some of the most
helpful tips I use to make life work on limited resources.
The tips as I present them are
intrinsically case specific to me, and your mileage may vary. I will
try to point out the broader concepts of being a dirtbag as I
understand it, as well as illuminating some of the places I have been
and how to get around as I have.
View this as both instructional and
autobiographical.
Tip #1: Lower your standards. That's
right, forget about quilted toilet paper and big cozy beds. The fact
is, the modern American lives like a king compared to historical
living standards. But we're not all royalty and those luxuries we've
come to expect are not only unnecessary, but in some ways they keep
you from enjoying more simple pleasures.
Here are some things that have worked
for me: I love to sleep outside, so I don't cart a tent with me. I
have a bivvy sack that will weather a single day's storm, and I have
an army issued pancho that works as a tarp and my rain gear.
Tip #2: Minimize and multipurpose your
belongings. The less you have the better off you are on the road. I'm
very bad at this, but it only makes me see the light clearer, so to
speak. I'm not saying to make up uses for what you have, but instead,
try to find a way to use what you already have to do the things you
need done, instead of acquiring a new item for the purpose.
Basically, if you can figure out a way
to use something you already own to do something you need, then you
don't have to carry more stuff, or spend any money.
Tip #3: Find the clearance rack. We're
talking food, here. It is usually located in an unused corner of the
store. Most grocers and bakeries have a day-olds/manager's
special/dented or damaged/expired rack that is heavily discounted. If
you can't find it, ask an employee; it's worth your time.
If you're in Bishop, CA, then go to
Erick Schat's Bakkery (http://www.erickschatsbakery.com/)
and ask where the discount rack is. They have loaves of bread and
some other treats for as low as $0.35!
Tip #4: Dumpster dive! It's fun, and
you never know what you'll get, so it's a great way to add variety to
your standard diet.
Some of my finds: excellent fresh
produce, candy, cheese, and breakfast bars.
It helps to go with a salty dirtbag the
first couple times you dive in order to have them show you the ropes.
The basic take aways should be: be bold, get in there and don't leave
a bag unturned. Also if you don't look you'll miss a lot of
opportunities.
I checked a dumpster that had just one
black garbage back in it, and walked away thinking it was empty. One
of my friends pulled the bag out and found it full of unopened
(though expired) boxes of Little Debbie treats.
There are a few points of etiquette
when diving. First, only take what you can use. Secondly, when diving
in a group, it is generally expected that the spoils (no pun
intended) will be divided amongst the group. Lastly, try to leave the
dumpster in generally the same condition as you found it. That means
putting back anything you decide not to take, closing lids, and not
making a mess outside of the dumpster that someone else will have to
clean up later.
Tip #5: You can't afford to refuse
someone's generosity. You're poor. You're hungry. If someone offers
you food, a place to stay/shower, or a lift, just say “thank you”
and accept it graciously. But on the other hand, don't be greedy (see
tip #6). Only accept that which you can use or truly need. Call it
karma, or just economics, but reason would dictate that if you ration
your resources there will be more of them when you have a later need.
And remember, friends are a resource, don't use them up.
Tip #6: Don't be greedy.
Hi Curtis! I like this. I spent a week in Yosemite a couple of years ago and I probably walked 8 miles every day even though I arrived in terrible shape. There's just so much to see! Always something else around the corner. I'm curious. I could hardly get my phone to work. How do you get your puter charged up (or whatever you're using to write your blog). Do you stay close to the valley?
ReplyDeleteYou know, it's actually pretty easy here. There are numerous wifi hotspots throughout the park. There's also a lounge with plenty of outlets to keep everything charged up. Sometimes it gets a bit crowded, so I'll just hang out in an employee only area.
DeleteI'm staying inside the park. I don't pay for camping because I camp in the woods, instead of the campsites.