“I would describe myself as a "budding adventurer." I've transitioned away from being a straight-up backpacker, but I think I need another trip or two to get the adventurer degree.” ThinkingNeedsTwoDegreesAdventurerStraight UpDescribe Myself Author:Andrew Skurka
“My first trip was the Appalachian Trail, and I was able to finish it despite having no skills and no experience when I started. In comparison, I can think of only a few individuals in the world who have the potential do complete the Alaska-Yukon Expedition.” ThinkingWorldFirstsI CanAbleIndividualSkillsDespiteComparisonTrailsAlaskaExpeditionsAppalachian TrailYukon Author:Andrew Skurka
“My pride and identity is wrapped up in my big trips. But I can't always be on one - I need to plan them and fund them, and I want some semblance of a normal life too.” WantNeedsI CanBigsPlansIdentityPrideNormalFundNormal LifeSemblance Author:Andrew Skurka
“The smaller trips are useful in between the big trips: they help me gain new skills and experiences, they solve a perpetual case of cabin fever, and they are accommodating to an ambitious public speaking schedule and to some private guiding.” HelpingBigsCasesSkillsGainsSolveHelp MeAmbitiousPerpetualSchedulesFeverPublic SpeakingCabinsNew Skills Author:Andrew Skurka
“I'm focused on doing what makes me happiest and on how I can make real improvements and contributions to my immediate niche, i.e. my family, friends, and local community.” I CanRealCommunityMy FamilyFocusedImprovementLocalsContributionNicheFamily FriendsLocal Community Author:Andrew Skurka
“Mobile communications have two functions: as a safety net, and as a marketing tool. I think it'd be foolish to not carry one for safety sake. Using one for marketing is an optional activity, and I've generally stayed away from extensively using one for this purpose because it's a distraction.” ThinkingTwoPurposeCommunicationActivityToolsFunctionSafetySakeMarketingFoolishDistractionMobileOptionalSafety Net Author:Andrew Skurka
“Buy your freedom. Work really hard when you're young, save every penny, make a lot of money, and retire at 40, or 30 if you get lucky.” IfsHardYoungLuckyRetiringLots Of MoneyPenniesYour Freedom Author:Andrew Skurka
“I think planning to be a "professional adventurer" is about as realistic as planning to be a basketball player, so I don't usually encourage it.” ThinkingPlayerBasketballPlanningRealisticBasketball PlayerAdventurer Author:Andrew Skurka
