When I started this project I counted on my summer reclamation job to fully fund the $20,000 needed for the All-In Trek.  However as of today, the Trek is only 25 % funded. This is due to the fact that the company that I work for has not been winning enough bids to to keep all of its employees busy.  I have been working 2 days a week if I am lucky for over a month now. I have been told that in past years, there has been “too much” work; requiring the crews to work  90+ days straight from sun up to sundown. We are all wishing that this year was the same. It would relieve me of a lot of stress!  The devastated Michigan economy and stiff competition is to blame for this lack of work. I do not blame my company at all.  We are on all the same team and are just trying to make money. I know the boss is working hard to get us all work. After all, the more we work, the more he makes.

That said.. My launch date of January 1st, is coming mighty quick. I have been sending sponsorship proposals to companies of all sorts. So far I have received one gear sponsor: ULA Equipment. I am super psyched about using their backpacks through out the journey. However this trek also requires actual cash for food and transportation expenses.  For now, my plan is to fill in the days I  am not working at my reclamation job with odd job carpentry work. I am taking advantage of every opportunity available to help achieve my goal next year. I am even selling everything I own: mountain bike, road bike, bmx bike, climbing gear, surf boards, wetsuits,  scuba gear and pick up truck. I’ll have you know, that  it is not ANY fun to sell my toys/hobbies but I know it will be worth it many times over when I’m done with the trek next year.

I knew that this wasn’t going to easy from the start and I feel that things will turn around soon.  If you have any work available of almost any sort or other funding ideas; please email me at samuel@theinitiativesite.com.