As stated in a previous post I am in need of a sleeping bag that will survive day after day use. I found a Coleman bag on Amazon which retailed for $85.00 or so. It was on sale for $55.00, but when I went to order it, I found that it had dropped to $35.00!!! Holy cow! So, without hast I put in my order on a Monday and it arrived on Thursday! BTW, it was free shipping too. Wow! I am really impressed with that experience. I have yet to try the bag out, so the jury is still out on the bag's performance. I am hopeful it will do fine.
On a down note, the bag does not come with a stuff sack. I found a Coleman stuff sack on Amazon and ordered one. THEN I noticed the reviews on the stuff sack. They were less than favorable. Oh well, if the cheap stuff sack blows up, I will have to make my own out of house wrap material...aka Tyvek.
Perhaps the most important factor in a sleeping bag's performance over a long period of time is keeping it clean. It is best to wash a bag in a front loading large capacity washer and dry in low heat. This is usually accomplished by going down to the local "suds yur duds" laundry mat and placing the bag in Big Bertha. I found out that GT has not one, but two commercial front loaders at the yard which is used for the numerous rental sleeping bags and other laundries. This will definitely enable me to maintain a clean comfortable sleeping arrangement.
At this writing, there are only two more working days of the "old job." On the up side, it is very steady, on the down side it is highly micro managed and the pay is very, very little. I will be happy to leave it behind and move on to the next adventure. My first trip will be Yosemite, then my first working trip will be probably one that encompasses: Jackson Hole, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon...to name a few. This will make a dent on the bucket list for sure.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Good News Everyone!
Good News comes to those who wait, ask the right questions...or just trusts in the universe. I talked my current boss today. He asked a ton of questions about GT. He, much to my surprise, was very supportive, interested, and even seem excited about my move. I explained to him GT is a great way to travel to great places and meet cool people. Moreover, I stated the food is fresh and mostly vegetarian. He replied..."Well if you go on one of these trips you certainly are from Santa Cruz." I laugh and told him that I graduated from UCSC and I am a Slug. We both had a good chuckle.
I also explained that this was a short gig and, if all goes well, would turn into a longer gig next year. That said, I told him I might be begging to come back in Oct or so. He said..."no problem." WOW! I have been thinking about how I can generate some income during the winter months and this just might work! It pays to be a valued worker...ala proletariat ;)
Working on the paperwork packet and will send it back Sunday night.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Equipment
As a Driver/Host for GT I will be required to have some of my own equipment. I will be looking at an extensive tool kit at a later date. For now, I am concerned with what I will need to make my employment comfortable, enjoyable and enable me to be on my game to serve my clients the best I can.
I am accustomed to traveling and living out of a backpack, so I intend to use the one I have on hand. It should fit the bill as well as no lay out of any capital. If I find the backpack is not making it for me I will have to opt to get a large duffel bag. A tent is essential, for living on a bus with dozens will lend itself to the desire for a little space when available. Luckily, I have one of those. When sleeping on Mother Earth it is always necessary to insulate oneself from the ground. The bus has several pads which are suited for that very purpose...so hew... in that department. Actually, the pads are over engineered to act as passenger padding during the day, then as a insulated sleeping pad at night for either inside the coach or on the ground on a tarp...or inside a tent. ;)
Perhaps the highest concern at this point is securing a good quality sleeping bag. I would love to get a down bag. However, since neither weight or packing is an issue on a the coach I am leaning towards a poly fulled bag. They seem less sensitive to the elements and are easier to maintain. I have found a bag which probably fits my needs and was located on Amazon for about $60. I think it would keep me warm and comfy druing the summer cold nights and not too warm on the milder ones. Here is a photo of it:
It is rated to 30f. The reviews are mostly positive. Out of eleven reviews, nine rate it with five stars. So really in the equipment department I seem to be O.K. outside of the sleeping bag issue which is quite important since a good night's sleep sets the foundation for a better day.
I am accustomed to traveling and living out of a backpack, so I intend to use the one I have on hand. It should fit the bill as well as no lay out of any capital. If I find the backpack is not making it for me I will have to opt to get a large duffel bag. A tent is essential, for living on a bus with dozens will lend itself to the desire for a little space when available. Luckily, I have one of those. When sleeping on Mother Earth it is always necessary to insulate oneself from the ground. The bus has several pads which are suited for that very purpose...so hew... in that department. Actually, the pads are over engineered to act as passenger padding during the day, then as a insulated sleeping pad at night for either inside the coach or on the ground on a tarp...or inside a tent. ;)
Perhaps the highest concern at this point is securing a good quality sleeping bag. I would love to get a down bag. However, since neither weight or packing is an issue on a the coach I am leaning towards a poly fulled bag. They seem less sensitive to the elements and are easier to maintain. I have found a bag which probably fits my needs and was located on Amazon for about $60. I think it would keep me warm and comfy druing the summer cold nights and not too warm on the milder ones. Here is a photo of it:
It is rated to 30f. The reviews are mostly positive. Out of eleven reviews, nine rate it with five stars. So really in the equipment department I seem to be O.K. outside of the sleeping bag issue which is quite important since a good night's sleep sets the foundation for a better day.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Waiting Game
Now the waiting game begins. I will not start driving for GT (Green Tortoise) for a few weeks yet. More paperwork needs to filled out, turned in, and ultimately approved. This paperwork is for my background for the most part: no felonies, no drugs, nothing that would jeopardize a coach full of guests traveling over multi-state lines on a tour.
I gave my current employer the resignation letter today which states my last will be the 28th of June. Not knowing how they might react to such news on my part I prepared myself for the "worst" being let go before my date. And in a full reversal of impending doom and discovery of my credentials, they asked me if I could drive on of these:
I gave my current employer the resignation letter today which states my last will be the 28th of June. Not knowing how they might react to such news on my part I prepared myself for the "worst" being let go before my date. And in a full reversal of impending doom and discovery of my credentials, they asked me if I could drive on of these:
II replied, "COULD I?!" I can make this thing stand up and dance!
So there you have it, I thought they were going to be punks and can me...then I get to drive their biggest vehicle available the their fleet. It is a little diesel box truck. I was impressed with the cab for it had power windows, full AC, stereo, an adjustable comfy seat, and keyless entry. Moreover, it had real "gitty up" when you asked. I had a blast driving it.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Starting Over Part Three
So here I was trying to figure out how to make a living, not sell my soul, and not drive myself nuts. I attained the necessary licensing to drive a city bus, but I could tell instantly it was not going to be for me. For one, I would have passengers who not by choice in many cases were on a transit bus because it was their only choice. Two, it was impressed upon me the schedules of city buses were pretty exact. I am tend to be more of a flexible personality than to the minute kinds person. And three, one must look at the fruit on the tree to decide of that is what is one wants to become. Transit drivers (I love you guys if I know ya) tend to have issues with health. I did not want to be that kind of driver. While driving transit, I always got goose bumps when I saw one of those highway coaches making their way down the road. A little nerdy, but when you feel like that, you gotta go where you think you need to be. For some reason I was pining to drive something like this:
Instead of driving one of these:
Although, I have to respect the bike rack.
I discovered a travel company which embraces the same values as I do: travel, people, incredible places, healthy foods, and vagabonding. This company has years and years of successful experience servicing international as well as domestic travelers. I put in my application at the Green Tortoise Adventure Travel http://www.greentortoise.com/adventure.travel.html Much to my delight I received a call from the owner within days of my submission. After a few important questions on his part I was invited down to their bus yard to familiarize myself with the operations as well as have my driving skills evaluated. The job, as Driver, is not just that, it is driver, cook, leader, mechanic, guide, etc. As their website states regarding drivers, "(if you do) not have an open heart and mind will have a difficult time relating to a majority of the passengers. On the other hand if you have lots of energy, and a clear spirit you might surprise yourself with how well you do at the job!" This encompasses many of my attributes moreover at this juncture in life I am keenly aware I will have to attain some skills. I was honored to be able to drive one of their beautiful MCI buses named Isis, here she is:
And a photo of some of the inside:
During this training we took this 40' bus on roads one would hardly take your SUV on a crowed, narrow, Memorial Day, no shouldered road. This was a wonderful test not only to see how one handles this behemoth vehicle, but also determines how well the driver handles stressful situations. The company never takes their passengers on such roads...just tests.. and I do mean test potential drivers.
After several meetings and hours of driving I finally got the thumbs up from the boss...but not just yet. I still need to go on a trip as a passenger to see how the show unfolds. There is no pay involved nor do I have to pay for the trip. The title I will have for this trip is "cushion" meaning I will be a nonpaying seat warmer. In reality, it gives the potential driver the opportunity to work, pitch in without any of the responsibilities of being an employee.
The cushion will be on July 4th. A quick three day trip to Yosemite. Then, if all goes well I will be working till the cows come home.
I discovered a travel company which embraces the same values as I do: travel, people, incredible places, healthy foods, and vagabonding. This company has years and years of successful experience servicing international as well as domestic travelers. I put in my application at the Green Tortoise Adventure Travel http://www.greentortoise.com/adventure.travel.html Much to my delight I received a call from the owner within days of my submission. After a few important questions on his part I was invited down to their bus yard to familiarize myself with the operations as well as have my driving skills evaluated. The job, as Driver, is not just that, it is driver, cook, leader, mechanic, guide, etc. As their website states regarding drivers, "(if you do) not have an open heart and mind will have a difficult time relating to a majority of the passengers. On the other hand if you have lots of energy, and a clear spirit you might surprise yourself with how well you do at the job!" This encompasses many of my attributes moreover at this juncture in life I am keenly aware I will have to attain some skills. I was honored to be able to drive one of their beautiful MCI buses named Isis, here she is:
During this training we took this 40' bus on roads one would hardly take your SUV on a crowed, narrow, Memorial Day, no shouldered road. This was a wonderful test not only to see how one handles this behemoth vehicle, but also determines how well the driver handles stressful situations. The company never takes their passengers on such roads...just tests.. and I do mean test potential drivers.
After several meetings and hours of driving I finally got the thumbs up from the boss...but not just yet. I still need to go on a trip as a passenger to see how the show unfolds. There is no pay involved nor do I have to pay for the trip. The title I will have for this trip is "cushion" meaning I will be a nonpaying seat warmer. In reality, it gives the potential driver the opportunity to work, pitch in without any of the responsibilities of being an employee.
The cushion will be on July 4th. A quick three day trip to Yosemite. Then, if all goes well I will be working till the cows come home.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Starting Over Part Two
Most of my career has been in sales in one form or another. I am actually quite good at probably because I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. My lively hood was connected directly to the real estate and construction markets. It seemed that in Dec of 2007 it went all downhill from there. After much much much struggle and frustration I decided to retool myself. For most, this would entail going back to school to attain some kind of degree and or credential. For me, since it seemed I had too many credentials which the state was more than happy to take my money to keep them all up to date, I decided to revisit what makes me happy and what makes me tick.
What makes me tick is a sense of purpose. In the early days it seemed goals and attainment of the next level was easy and natural. Now as time has made itself known, it is more of a maintenance thing. At this writing, I am temped to explore with a "yes" intention a sales manager position with an up and coming solar company. That would be great and wonderful but money is only a tool and they would have to pay a ton to really consider such a proposition. It does not really address the issue of purpose...at least for me. Back to ticking.
Everyday one can basically do what one wishes. What really matters are the results at the, horrible cliche here, end of the day. If one chooses to do the same thing everyday the result will most likely be the same. Unless the result desired is the sum of the repeated behavior. Which is fine because in many minds the definition of success tends to by the accumulation of things. These things promise enrichment, but in reality lack depth and ultimately result in weighing one down and that is the exact antipode of Enlightenment.
With that said I decided to look into driving as a way to support myself. There are many positions available as a professional driver. When I drove the mobile CAT medical clinic that required a commercial driver's license. So it seemed natural to me that I should reattain my Class B. To get said license can be costly. My feeling is I could probably find a delivery driving position, but I wanted to get something that I could really use. I was on the internet everyday looking and looking. Eventually, I found a transit company who was looking for drivers who already had the appropriate licenses. Me being me emailed the hiring manager detailing my background and lack of the right license. Much to my surprise and delight I received a reply which requested me to show up for an interview. The universe works in wondrous ways for the interview to to really see if I was a real person, could type on a key board, could pass a drug test and criminal background, and to see if I could fog up a mirror if it were placed under my nose. The company was just looking for bodies. I was hired. The commute was horrible, the training was interesting, and the pay was rock bottom. The REAL goal was to get the license.
After getting licensed I was placed in a division which was not of my choice nor was it conducive for my development. When hired I was told that if I did not like where I was put...then no harm no fowl. I took that option. I looked around some more and found a driving gig which paid me and was very steady. Still, I was looking for that right niche.
I felt diving would satisfy my needs as well as challenge me. When looking back at driving, professional driving experience here, I held many positions: ambulance driver/attendant, backpacking guide (15 passenger full of hikers) Mobile CAT scanning clinic, emergency fire fighter driver, Maui Downhill driver, wine tour guide, and now onto something quite new for me.
What makes me tick is a sense of purpose. In the early days it seemed goals and attainment of the next level was easy and natural. Now as time has made itself known, it is more of a maintenance thing. At this writing, I am temped to explore with a "yes" intention a sales manager position with an up and coming solar company. That would be great and wonderful but money is only a tool and they would have to pay a ton to really consider such a proposition. It does not really address the issue of purpose...at least for me. Back to ticking.
Everyday one can basically do what one wishes. What really matters are the results at the, horrible cliche here, end of the day. If one chooses to do the same thing everyday the result will most likely be the same. Unless the result desired is the sum of the repeated behavior. Which is fine because in many minds the definition of success tends to by the accumulation of things. These things promise enrichment, but in reality lack depth and ultimately result in weighing one down and that is the exact antipode of Enlightenment.
With that said I decided to look into driving as a way to support myself. There are many positions available as a professional driver. When I drove the mobile CAT medical clinic that required a commercial driver's license. So it seemed natural to me that I should reattain my Class B. To get said license can be costly. My feeling is I could probably find a delivery driving position, but I wanted to get something that I could really use. I was on the internet everyday looking and looking. Eventually, I found a transit company who was looking for drivers who already had the appropriate licenses. Me being me emailed the hiring manager detailing my background and lack of the right license. Much to my surprise and delight I received a reply which requested me to show up for an interview. The universe works in wondrous ways for the interview to to really see if I was a real person, could type on a key board, could pass a drug test and criminal background, and to see if I could fog up a mirror if it were placed under my nose. The company was just looking for bodies. I was hired. The commute was horrible, the training was interesting, and the pay was rock bottom. The REAL goal was to get the license.
After getting licensed I was placed in a division which was not of my choice nor was it conducive for my development. When hired I was told that if I did not like where I was put...then no harm no fowl. I took that option. I looked around some more and found a driving gig which paid me and was very steady. Still, I was looking for that right niche.
I felt diving would satisfy my needs as well as challenge me. When looking back at driving, professional driving experience here, I held many positions: ambulance driver/attendant, backpacking guide (15 passenger full of hikers) Mobile CAT scanning clinic, emergency fire fighter driver, Maui Downhill driver, wine tour guide, and now onto something quite new for me.
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