The Postponement

This week I have come to the decision that it is in the best interest of me, and everyone associated with Ghetto Raft, to postpone the expedition until next spring.  I'll make this fast, and cut right to the chase.
Why are we delaying it?

• Rapids will be more challenging early in the season.  Go big or go home! 
• Lack of funds (*cough* the real reason most things are postponed)
• Lack of time.  I have a lot of things going on this summer, getting married being the main event.  I just want to spend this summer with my wife, uninterrupted by my questionably sane expeditions. Although, I'm taking her to the wilderness next week, which I'm pumped about!

Don't worry!  I'll have much more time to build up to Ghetto Raft now, and the postponement has opened up the opportunity for a winter expedition!  

Until then, stay adventurous my friends!

Sam

Help Me Out By Becoming A Microsponsor!

Hey guys! Want to help out for my next expedition?  Become a Microsponsor!
http://ghettoraft.com/microsponsor

Where I'll Be For A While

Hey guys!  Thanks for stopping by!  I can't say just how much I appreciate all of my viewers, so I'll leave it at a simple, thank you.

The cat's out of the bag.  On May 1st the speaker list for TedxYouth@Lincoln was announced and I was honored to find my name among the speakers!  The conference will take place on August 18th.  This gives me just a couple of months to plan, raise support, and take off on my next expedition, which I have decided to call Expedition Ghetto Raft!

To follow the expedition check out GhettoRaft.com!  It will be exciting to go through the process of building the raft, and floating it down the waters of the Verde River in central Arizona!  When I tie in the fact that I will be getting married at the end of May, I come to the conclusion that this is guaranteed to be the most life-changing, and challenging summer that I have lived thus far!

So if you're wondering where I am, or why I haven't updated my blog recently, I'm most likely hanging out at GhettoRaft.com, or doing important, married things!

I can't wait to see what this summer holds!

Tell It On The Mountain

Hey guys! I just finished previewing a new documentary that followed hikers as they took on the Pacific Crest Trail.  For those of you who don't know, the PCT is a hiking trail that runs from the Canadian border (or thereabout) to extreme southern California.  It's an incredible journey, and I was pumped to view the documentary.

Tell It On The Mountain shows the passion and perseverence of through-hikers in a very real way.  I was surprised to see so many of the hikers that the documentary followed actually finish the hike!  I would tell you more, but I wouldn't want to give it away.

Check out these great previews!  The first video gives you a great taste of the documentary, and the second is of my personal favorite hiker.  He's just awesome, and I'd love to run into him some day!

Check them out on FACEBOOK
and you can purchase the film on their website HERE

The Gila Expedition - Frame By Frame: Finding Refuge

700 years ago American Indians lived quite comfortable lives in the Gila.  They struggled, but they knew the land, and all of its intricacies.  As for me, I struggled to find comfort.  With just a fire, a tarp, and a cheap wool blanket I maintained a healthy respect for the Gila, especially when the temperatures dropped.  

The Gila Expedition - Frame by Frame: Fire Is Life

During the Gila Expedition I relied heavily on fire.  It was often the one thing keeping me alive when temperatures dipped below zero.  I can't honestly say how cold it was, but from experience I estimate that the lowest temperature I experienced was no greater than -10F.  

Every afternoon I would gather a stack of resinous wood from fallen apache pines.  The resin allowed the wood to sustain my fire.  I longed for an axe that would make the job of harvesting wood easier.  

You can also see a coffee can on the other side of the fire.  This was used to melt the snow that I had collected.  

Travelex Travel Insurance

Hey guys!  I've been getting a lot of emails lately asking about travel insurance for adventures.  I have to say that I would recommend it, especially if travelling abroad, or in a place where you may be more prone to accidents.  Here's a good site and a good offer to check out if you're looking for travel insurance.

http://www.travelexinsurance.com/travel-insurance/pak-upgrades

Here's one example of how it would benefit you.  Of course, you should visit their site or call their 800 number for more details if you're interested.   
Age: 
35 
Trip Cost: 
$2,000 
$115 + 49 + app fee 8 = $173 to cover all these things: 
Standard: 
Primary reimbursement with no deductibles 
21 day pre-existing condition exclusion waiver available 
Emergency Medical and Evacuation 
Kids under 21 covered at no additional cost (one per adult) 
Trip Cancellation insurance with trip delay of 50% of the trip 
24 Hour AD&D benefit included 
Trip interruption of 150% of trip cost

Adventure upgrade includes:
Increases Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense Benefi ts to a total of $75,000.
Reimburses for search and rescue services up to $10,000.
Waives policy exclusions for:
Participation in extreme sports such as skydiving, hang-gliding, parachuting, bungee cord jumping, mountain climbing and more.
Includes rental allowance for lost, stolen or damaged sporting equipment such as skis, clubs and boards, up to $600.
Provides 24 hour nurse help line services*
Includes Identity Theft services*