If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
You don't need your parents permission. You're twenty six years old. Enjoy your hike.
There will be other jobs. Motivated people with talent will always find work.
If my kids wanted to live with me when they are making $75k a year, I'd be happy. (currently, oldest is in freshman year in college, youngest is high school senior). Now, they'd still be responsible for chores, and rent/utilities, but why not stay with us? Save them a lot of money, which would better be saved than spent on rent. Not a bad thing to do until they've saved enough to put down on a house.
Time is but the stream I go afishin' in.
Thoreau
I lived with my with parents for three years after finishing college and paid my expenses and a small amount for rent while I saved around 75% of my income. The late 90s tech market was so hot that even people in their 20s could pull down $50+/hr doing software contract work. And I worked as many hours as I could. Three years later I put 20% down on a home. It depends on the family but if everyone is compatible and responsible, no reason not to get a head start on life that way. (But I was too focused on money... I gave up a chance to thru hike the JMT ... It was 15 years before I achieved that goal and got back into backpacking... So i say, go on the thru!)
Here is my 2 cents...Which wont be as harsh as normal because it is near the end of another long hard day at work and my brain hurts...
Work hard play hard. If you can be independent then go hike, otherwise, keep going to work like the rest of us
Last edited by Gambit McCrae; 12-08-2017 at 17:09.
Trail Miles: 5,125.9
AT Map 1: Completed 13-21'
Sheltowee Trace: Completed 20-23'
Pinhoti Trail: Completed 23-24'
GSMNP900: 134.7(16.8%)
Foothills Trail: 47.9
AT Map 2: 279.4
CDT: 210.9
BMT: 52.7
"He was a wise man who invented beer." Plato
My time in the Army is the reason why it took me so long to take up hiking. All those long miserable road marches turned me off of long distance walking. Its much more enjoyable when I’m not wearing a kevlar helmet, a 203 slung over my shoulder, an Alice pack full of MRE’s, ammo and explosives and can take a break when I want to, and sleep where I want to.
Funny how being self-directed shines a different light on what is basically the same activity.
I was nearly 18 when the first gulf war started and some friends enlisted but I went to community college. I've always regretted not serving. Young people who serve in the military are definitely following a higher calling than the trail - thank you to all who served or are serving.
Oohrah.
My dad fought in Korea and for a portion of the time was assigned as a liaison scout/sniper to K-Force. He thought that the Aussies were some of the toughest fighting men around. But, all of K-Force was made up of WWII ANZAC combat vets, so....
He was also impressed at the wages of the Australian soldier...
However, after many action ops his opinion that the finest combat soldier for all seasons was a Mormon. Seriously.
"He was a wise man who invented beer." Plato
A jar-head, a dog-face, a Tommy or whatever the Ozzies get called, we are all brothers.....
And I am looking forward to a long walk in the mountains. Get a chance to see if I can still do the long walks. (10 miles, so far, and I am good. 12 miles [without a break] and I feel it for a few days.])
LOL. No.
He appreciated the fact that the Mormons in his company were never hungover, late, rebellious, out of shape, gamblers, womanizers or cursed. He also appreciated the fact that all of the ones in his company were from Utah and were outdoorsmen who grew up working and living outside. They knew how to deal with the unrelenting cold and harsh terrain, were in great physical condition before enlisting, understood how to be on a team and were almost as good a shot as he was. They were the first to volunteer for the crap details. After being in action repeatedly, his first choice for his squad were always Utah Mormons...