Board of Selectmen Meeting: Results

The fateful meeting has occurred; the debate has taken place; the votes have been cast. The local community television station broadcasts live from the town hall, and only about an hour after, the first person confronted me about why I wanted so much time off. Suddenly, I felt terribly violated (the meeting slipped my mind...and so did the television broadcast). I forgot that as a public employee, the public has access to quite a lot of information about me. I gave a quick explanation of what we wanted to do, and I got the very familiar disdainful look (as demonstrated by the cat on the left) followed by a quick cringe and some variation of the question, "are you serious?". After further defending my sanity, I asked if the board had reached a decision. He stated that they did, however, he did not remember what that decision was. I ended the conversation with a disdainful look (as demonstrated by the cat on the left). I had to wait until the next day.

Early in the morning, I got a call from work with the news. The first board member voted as predicted - an overwhelming yes. The possible "no" voter wanted to vote as such stating that he did not want me to set a precedent and do this every year. Also, since it was a non-traditional leave neither for sickness nor military service, he stated that the town should not grant this to me. However, the town, as it turns out, has no actual policy on leaves without pay for any reason - though employees have had them granted. Therefore he had no recourse to deny me and voted "yes" through a mildly clenched jaw and with a furrowed brow. The third member, being a chill guy, voted "yes" as well. I now have the official green light to leave though our hike will probably affect all future and current employees of this town because I feel a new policy coming.

This weekend, I had the privilege of accompanying Hannah with Amherst High School's Survival Living class two-night camp out. I was really impressed by the skills of the students! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I learned quite a lot from all the instructors who were very willing to share their knowledge and give advice. This weekend also gave me the chance to hike a short distance with a ~40lb pack and a ~50lb pack. I am happy to report that 40lbs is heavy, but seems manageable. Figuring out a gear list and purchasing the requisite (light) materials to come in just under that is further reinforcement that this whole undertaking is possible. The maps and guidebooks are on their way as well. Route planning will commence shortly, and our departure is only about 10 weeks away. (!)

Happy hiking,

Universal Application Funding

So, a couple months ago, when we first decided on the Long Hike, I had the semi-brilliant idea that maybe, since the hike was in large part inspired by my classes and independent studies, I could apply to the college's Universal Summer Funding Application to get some money to help with the expenses that go along with our expedition (At least $1,500 each, as far as I can tell, not counting the $5000 that I could have made in a summer and even more that AJ would have made... see: Homelessness, below).

My proposal started along the lines of, "I know that this is an unorthodox proposal, and I beg your patience and consideration." Today I got the news that (of course) I did not receive any form of funding.

On the unbright side, I don't get a check for $1,000.

On the bright side, though, I am officially accountable only to myself and AJ. This summer is now officially a retreat from the college and life into the wild world of self sufficiency. There is no contract that says I have to hike, there is no outsider to disappoint, there is just us.