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April, 2024

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I'm going to Walk 2,655 Miles from Mex to Canada.

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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
This is the Hike4Haiti project, were seeking 1 penny a mile or more donation to hike the PCT . All the money  is going directly to Architecture for humanity  ( Architectureforhumanity.org ) Check it out the blog, Hike4Haiti.blogspot.com or even better, find us on facebook!! Hey , what do you think? have you guys spent any time on the pacific crest trail or the Appalachian ?  This will be our official NS thread, so check back for updates and videos!  thanks    ns    
Feb 17 2010 1:37AM
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Ducky.
Posts: 5811 - Karma: 1,420
nice!

oh yah, and first! never done that before haha
Feb 17 2010 1:39AM
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dmc12380
Posts: 3545 - Karma: 792
hike the pct, at, and mct. get all 3 under your belt.

but for real thatd be fun i want to hike the pct
Feb 17 2010 1:43AM
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Caveman.
Posts: 9067 - Karma: 330
Why not use the time it would take to make the walk and go to Haiti and actually contribute to the effort or invest that time and get a job and donate all that money to Haiti?
Feb 17 2010 1:46AM
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bstuck1
Posts: 426 - Karma: 46
One summer I hiked that AT from WV through all of PA. It's a great thing to do, but it takes a large money investment to sustain yourself on the trail. You would need to make sure you get enough donations so that your endeavor is cash flow positive
Feb 17 2010 9:41AM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
......
Feb 17 2010 10:44AM
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.KYLE.
Posts: 1891 - Karma: 59
Hmmm.... so lets say you get paid 1 dollar a mile...

That means:
2655 x 1 = $2655.00

so lets say you walk for 12hr a day at 6 mph (almost surely wont happen but I'll be generous) that means you will go 72 miles a day. so...

2655 / 72 = about 37 days
So at 12 hours a day times the number of days...

12 x 37 = 444 total hours of walking

So assuming you will be walking at double the average speed of a person, you will pretty much be working for 444 hr's at the rate of 5.97 dollars an hour.

And thats not including money for supplies and equipment.

Or, you could get a job at a farm or something, for like 8 dollars an hour for 444 hr's and get $3552 without having to use your own money, or donated money to buy equipment, or supplies.
Feb 17 2010 11:41AM
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+[wall.e]+
Posts: 1928 - Karma: 18
That is taking into account that only 100 people would contribute the $.01 per mile.

I have a feeling that they will probably receive more donations than the equivalent that would add up to $1 per mile.

I think this is a good idea, but I do agree, it'll cost ya.
Feb 17 2010 11:44AM
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Lt.Dan
Posts: 87 - Karma: 11
^ What he said.  And say you get someone to contribute 5 cents a mile, that's only a little over $100 they will have to contribute.  A hundred dollars isn't that much for a charity hike from the north to south border of the U.S.  My guess is that you'll get well over 8 dollars an hour while doing something awesome and memorable.  Have fun man! I've always dreamed of doing a trip like this.
Feb 17 2010 12:18PM
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Steeze_Cake
Posts: 613 - Karma: 16
.
Feb 17 2010 12:19PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
I think we may raise a bit more than if i got a job , then gave it all away., A good suggestion though, i'm going to Haiti afterword . I will be volunteering my time to help build when A for H decided the project is ready to start .My endeavor is self /sponsor supported  AKA all my gear and food comes from myself or gear /food sponsers who make a donation to the fund as well , 100% of the  donated funds go directly to architecture for humanity, None of the raised funds comes into contact with me or my team.

My plan is to make this happen every summer but taking on different trail such as the AT and the continental divide. Sounds like a rewarding way to spend a summer dont you think?
Feb 17 2010 2:13PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
True, but first thing is i will average about 3.0 to 3.5 mph.  6.0 mph is a solid run,   It is also not considered work and it takes about twice as long as your estimate. Here an attempt to explain it, its a logistical nightmare. But im loving the questions and interest!


 
  Its not really something that you can put into words,, but ill try. I will travel different distances at different paces every day. I start on may 15th , i plan on ending no later than sept 15th.i will be walking between 20 and 25 miles a day with some longer days , and some shorter. IIs not really considered work, its definitely fun.I will have to get off the trail every so often to get food and change out some gear for different sections, which takes time. I haven completed the itenerary yet, but i will soon and that may help you visualize it.

And hey, i hope we get enough kind donators do help and maybe ill end up raising 5 bucks a mile, maybe 10 ! ive got till sept 15th to raise funds so who knows right?

Its something i have wanted to do for a long time, so since i have the time to do it, might as well make it benifit those who need it.

 Thanks for the questions, keep em comin

Feb 17 2010 2:25PM
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dmc12380
Posts: 3545 - Karma: 792
missing the whole point.

plus working on a farm is way hard work, much more strenuous than hiking
Feb 17 2010 2:25PM
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soulskier
Posts: 17805 - Karma: 3,821
that is a very cool idea
Feb 17 2010 2:26PM
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ScuffDUFF
Posts: 2027 - Karma: 143
I have hiked many different parts of the PCT but never all of it.   That sounds like it would be sick.  How many people are you doing it with?
Feb 17 2010 2:39PM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
question.

where does your money to live off come from? cause i know if i spent the ENTIRE summer hiking, there is no way i could afford to live. let alone pay for college, things of that nature.



ive never understood the notion that people will give me money to do something, eventhough i would probably do that something if they didnt give me money. but im rather cynical about some things.

not to mention paying for your transportation to the start location, and back to your home once you finish. my friend did a cross country bike trip one summer and before equipment it set him back about 8k. (then you throw in a bike that costs god knows what, and plane tickets to GA and from CA back to MN... 
Feb 17 2010 4:36PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
thats an awesome trip- I will defintetly conribute- however its not gonna be a shitload because I am a broke ass college student
Feb 17 2010 4:42PM
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McLeod
Posts: 1762 - Karma: 1,582
to all the naysayers, this is very similar to what a group of skiers did (pep and cody townsend i think were in on it) to bike the west coast to help raise money for riley poor and standstrongagain.org i believe. they could have just gone and worked jobs then donated the money, but noone hated on them for that.
Feb 17 2010 4:49PM
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B-Wald
Posts: 8113 - Karma: 96
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_marathon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relay_For_Life

is it really that weird to you guys for someone to do something like this? fuck, he's raising money to help in a disaster. i don't get the hate. people love tax write-offs anyway.
Feb 17 2010 5:18PM
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PagesHouse
Posts: 6024 - Karma: 104
It's great that when someone has the ambition to do something extremely interesting and for a good cause people find bad things to say about it. Regardless of the money, this will probably be one of the most memorable experiences of his life.

Right on, dude. This is a great idea.
Feb 17 2010 5:30PM
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Thenowhereman42
Posts: 5682 - Karma: 65
PCT is sweet I was hiking part of it a few days ago down at Vasquez Rocks.
Feb 17 2010 6:07PM
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T-Holt
Posts: 5020 - Karma: 639
Why do people only think about money? It'll be a great experience for him. Sick idea, I hope it goes well.
Feb 17 2010 6:12PM
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Click_Here
Posts: 1728 - Karma: 14
and im sure a haitian boy would do the same for you
Feb 17 2010 6:26PM
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LMPJibbin
Posts: 1607 - Karma: 17
completely useless. invest your time in a normal job and give all the money to haiti. hell, you could give SOME of the money you make and youd still give more than your walking idea
Feb 17 2010 7:11PM
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fratskier69
Posts: 1868 - Karma: 1,272
you are my hero, but you should do it walking backwards in true ns style
Feb 17 2010 7:14PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
no way u could walk 72 miles a day you will be lucky to do maybe 15 on a trail maybe 20+ elsewear on a regular basis
Feb 17 2010 7:22PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
AND I WOULD WALK 500 HUNDRED MILES, AND I WOULD WALK 500 MORE, JUST TO BE THE MAN TO WALK 5000 MILES SOMETHING SOMETHING SOMWTHING
Feb 17 2010 7:27PM
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rj.
Posts: 3323 - Karma: 28
thats awesome man!
Feb 17 2010 7:28PM
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iFlip
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 19,089
I hate to be a naysayer, and perhaps I'm not really being one, although this may come off as such. What are your parameters? Are you going to be self-supporting the hike, and any funds raised/donated will go to Haiti? Or, are you looking to get enough to cover your needs, and then donate the excess? The hike will not be cheap, although it won't be all that expensive either. Depending upon how you do it and your comfortable level of living, you will most likely spend between $2,000 and $3,500. This is after the purchase of gear. Is any donated money going to gear?

I thru-hiked the AT last year. While planning it I tossed around the idea of sponsorship. Then I realized that hundreds of people would be doing the same thing I was doing, and thousands would attempt it. I realized that I was not special, and that I was hiking it for only one reason - myself.

Don't get me wrong - it is an absolutely amazing thing to do. You will not regret it. Hike it for yourself though. If people want to donate to Haiti, there are much, much better ways to do so. Also don't think that your hike will be raising awareness for Haiti. Everyone already knows about Haiti, and understands that they should be donating. Additionally, you will not be interacting with all that many people along the way.

Lastly, what is your plan should you drop out? Return all donations/pledges? I know you don't intend to drop out, but the reality is that most people do. This can be through no fault of your own. Injuries happen to everyone. Please take this as constructive criticism, not an attack. Enjoy your hike!
Feb 17 2010 7:31PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,683
is this nick?
Feb 17 2010 8:07PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910

Good Question ! 
    I will not be in a lease this summer so I’m not paying for rent and utilities at all. That's a ton of money saved if you think about it.  I also have a ton of gear that i already use, plus I’ve been accumulating things for the last few months so I don’t take a hit all at once. Transportation is easy, I have a manager, team and family that will be helping me out when it comes to some supply drops and a drive down to the start. I plan on flying home.
  All i need to pay for is a few more things gear/clothes wise, a few permits and.. That’s about all I can think of at the moment. I’m sure there will be more.   Thanks!
When it comes to advertising to gain donations, we are relying on social media and NS, awesome!

 Check out our facebook page!    Hike4Haiti   , thanks NS

Feb 18 2010 2:53PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910

Your right, I see no nay saying in there, nothing but good advice. 

     Parameters work like this, 100% of all funds go directly to architectureforhumanity.org right away, $0 comes into contact with me or my team. I will be in charge of my own hike when it comes to gear, food and transportation. 

     Yeah, in a way it is for me, the hike is going to be sick! I’m so excited I can’t barely sleep, but why not at the same time try to help someone else out. The cool thing is, this is going to be a 4 month thing, and with technology and a good team I can keep people updated with video that is only delayed by a week or two. In a way, people can come with me, and see what I see via the internet and hopefully we can gain some more donations that way. 
    I have a allot of the main gear already such as  pack, pad, tarp, sleep bag and liners , stove, some clothes, First aid and more in my quiver. I won’t need much more, and if it can’t be donated in a gear sponsorship type of way, I’m going to buy it.
   The list of motivation is quite large for this trip, but you’re right, things can go wrong. I hope that even if I didn’t finish the donator will still be happy because there money still went to something good. We are not receiving donations in a pledge type of way, it’s a straight donation with no strings attached.
    But the only way I won’t finish is if I have a major lower body injury. I'm working out hard and will be hiking up to the point of my departure to harden my body to avoid injury as much as possible. But you know as well as I do, the only way to get in shape for the trail .. Is to hike it .
    Awesome post!  Thanks!

Feb 18 2010 3:12PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
yep
Feb 18 2010 3:13PM
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Big_Spence
Posts: 16177 - Karma: 4,352
my dad rode his bike from canada to mexico to raise money for my moms cancer foundation.
he ended up raising a little over $25k.

it really restored my faith in peoples good will.
and good luck to you sir, i really appreciate what you're doing.
Feb 18 2010 3:14PM
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rockyhockey11187
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 15
word, i rode my bike from virginia to san francisco and then down to LA this past summer/fall to raise money, there are so many good ppl out there. but to the guy walking for haiti, good luck, you are in for a grueling experience. on my bike trip this crazy motherfucker who had just finished hiking the pacific crest trail (all 2,800 miles) in 4 months, good luck again to you
Feb 18 2010 3:40PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
Awesome , that's pretty inspiring. I sure hope we can come up with something like that.
Feb 18 2010 5:38PM
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gmack24
Posts: 4636 - Karma: 31
Not to be a critic, because you have the right intentions...but this is the worse Idea I have ever heard. It's kind of selfish...you want to do something awesome for yourself (make this memorable hike) but in reality you are wasting so much valuable time for almost no money, therefore Haiti isn't really seeing much in return. You would be better off shaking a can for coins in front of a mall.

No offense dude I'm just saying, if you actually want to help Haiti, you could find way better ways to do so.
Feb 18 2010 5:54PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,683
have you ever heard of a run-a-thon it's kinda the same thing... but its more like a long-hike-a-thon.

it gives you incentive to keep going if you're getting funds to send to a great cause, such as the Haitian earthquake relief. Dont be so close minded about things like this dude.
Feb 18 2010 5:58PM
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EVAN_SKIS
Posts: 318 - Karma: 37
if you take your skis you could ski down the trails, i think there would be sumwhere along there but im not sure
Feb 18 2010 6:03PM
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messplay
Posts: 4483 - Karma: 1,065
i hiked on the pacific crest trail about 65 miles near mammoth but started somewhere else i forgot...it was about 6-7 years ago.

that sounds really tight and for a good cause too, good luck!
Feb 18 2010 6:12PM
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gmack24
Posts: 4636 - Karma: 31
I'm not closed minded and I have done cancer walks. But 1 penny is worthless...
Feb 18 2010 6:12PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,683
so give the man 10 bucks then?
Feb 18 2010 6:16PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
2655 X 1 penny is $26.55  , one penny is awesome, the more penny's a mile i get, the more money we raise that goes to Haitian Education. I forgot to get specific when i said Haiti, we are requesting it to be earmarked to rebuild schools in Haiti.
   I don't really understand how this is selfish? I'm paying for my own way ? Its not like im getting donations just so i can do this for free. I dont think you understand what this is all about.
Feb 18 2010 6:19PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,683
I dont get this misunderstanding either...
Feb 18 2010 6:46PM
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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
Ok Forrest Gump...
Feb 18 2010 6:48PM
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emopoppins
Posts: 3996 - Karma: 269
why haiti? there are plenty of homeless and impoverished americans who need your help too.
Feb 18 2010 7:07PM
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smooticus
Posts: 1798 - Karma: 27
He said a dollar donated per mile.
Feb 18 2010 7:10PM
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antwone
Posts: 1352 - Karma: 157
damn your gonna lose alot of weight dude
Feb 18 2010 7:11PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,683
Or, he's just going to be incredibly fit? and come back beastly strong with a manly beard?
Feb 18 2010 7:15PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
 Haiti because even before the quake they had a need for public schools. Without education , what can you do with your life? Here in the US schools are there, or the opportunity to go to school is there. Haitian children don't really have that opportunity, That's why i want to help with a small drop in the bucket for Haitian education. Especially after the EQ

 If you ask a question, ill answer it.
Feb 18 2010 7:19PM
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gmack24
Posts: 4636 - Karma: 31
thought it was a penny a mile lul
Feb 18 2010 8:37PM
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