Couch surfing for Climbing variety

I'm wanting to travel this summer and live in about 2 or 3 states for a small amount time to explore climbing crags and climbing community but I don't really have any connections with others in different states. Has anyone else wanted to do something like this, work for housing, have free time to explore the climbing, and kinda dirtbag it for a while and found new connections through MP or craigslist? Tips, ideas, stories, suggestions, and offers.

P.S. if you could visit any state for the climbing, which one would it be?

Just joined, no personal info....hmmm
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Get a van, or rig up your vehicle for sleeping.

In the summer? Not Wyoming. Don't go there!
Anyways, don't forget couchsurfing.org as a good way to find yourself a place to crash. Lots of climbers on there

Matt Enlow wrote:In the summer? Not Wyoming. Don't go there!

Yep, Wyoming's only good for ice, stay away in the summer.

Matt Enlow wrote:In the summer? Not Wyoming. Don't go there! Anyways, don't forget couchsurfing.org as a good way to find yourself a place to crash. Lots of climbers on there

Yea, I wouldent hold your breath with couchsurfing. I have used it on climbing trips before. I have sent out about 40 requests and got back three approvals. If you dont have many references on CF, hosts dont bother. Even if you do have references, it's still easier said than done finding a place. It's kind of like a line of credit I guess, you cant get any until you have some. CF works for finding a shower once a week here and there, but certainly not for finding a place to crash daily for months at a time--no way.

Dirtbagging at people's homes in general is quite difficult unless you know someone. About 80% of the time I dirtbag with someone on a trip, it's someone I know. Finding enough strangers to let you crash at their places for a cumulative three months is going to be impossible unless you're a hot chick that climbs hard as hell or you are willing to give a green donation. I would get a vehicle and use that for your sleeping needs.

Elijah Luna wrote:I'm wanting to travel this summer and live in about 2 or 3 states for a small amount time to explore climbing crags and climbing community but I don't really have any connections with others in different states. Has anyone else wanted to do something like this, work for housing, have free time to explore the climbing, and kinda dirtbag it for a while and found new connections through MP or craigslist? Tips, ideas, stories, suggestions, and offers. P.S. if you could visit any state for the climbing, which one would it be?

Yeah....Live in your own car that you plan on getting around in the 2 or 3 states you're gonna kinda dirtbag it in for awhile.

If you're willing to work, check out help exchange... helpx.net. I've traveled the US and Peru using that site. It costs like 30 bucks but a membership last for 3 years and has locations worldwide. Remember, it is a help exchange, not just couch surfing

I would think the looking for homes to live out of would be difficult. Why someone would want to do that, I don't really get, but I suppose if one has never done the sleeping on the road thing before, it might seem hard to figure out at first.

But, it isn't. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You don't need a damned shower every morning. The reason people feel unclean if they skip their daily shower is because they have gotten used to that feeling. It's not good for your skin to constantly remove the natural oils. You will keep a youthful glow longer if you don't dry out your skin.

Most days, I splash (cold) water on my face and call it good. It has been this way for a few years now. One can do a "sponge bath" thing and be fine, for the res of one's life, in desired. But in summer, there will be creeks and lakes. Just don't kill the fish with gobs of shampoo and conditioner and other soaps.

Instead of a fabric cloth, use a loofa to scrub your skin. It will dry quickly and won't get gross smelling, and it will do a better job with any build up of dirt that does occur.

- You don't have to steal camping in a campground. That's...stealing. But if you do feel the need to camp in a campground, don't do it in a way so that when other people who were willing to pay for a site can't do so because you are squatting. Ie: arrive late and leave early and don't keep yer stuff in a site all day long. Yes, a PITA, but if you aren't paying for the ammennities(of a space to park a car/stake a tent/leave cook stuff out), that's the trade off.

There are plenty of places to sleep at night, camp for free. The camping for free is not going to be happening in some places, so...if you need a campsite, then go to places where you CAN camp for free. Especially in summer, there are plenty of places.

- Many Walmart lots either allow RV's overnight or at least don't seem to notice when you to bivy in a vehicle. 24 hour groceries don't seem to notice overnighters either, although some do. Live and learn.

Another option is to scout a residential area before it gets dark and find a suitable spot, and them come back to it once night has come. Things to look for - flat(surprising how many city streets aren't), space that is "in between" houses, so as not to be the strange car parked outside someones front window. Don't go for the poor neighborhoods. Go for just below the type of place that has electronic gated fences in front of homes(they will have no problem alerting police of a "suspicious" vehicle), as they tend to be quiet. IF you bivy in a neighborhood, don't be stupid about it. Sleep there only and get out. Don't camp out with cooking in the car or playing music.

- Parks are great places to make your coffee, breakfast and other meals. Some are better than others. They are also good places when you have some down time and want to play an instrument, work on crafts hang with your dog, organize. But of course, don't yard-sale your stuff for hours on end and not expect to get the stink eye.

- Libraries have internet access, usually available for free. McDonald's also, although of course they are gross and often don't have an outlet, and you would be expected to make a purchase. You can park outside and get the wifi in most of them.

If you do need a comfortable place to spend time online for work, "free wifi" at coffee shops will end up costing you more than just getting a mobile set up. Being the sort who plops into a seat at a Starbucks, stays for hours, and doesn't buy a coffee or something, especially when there are others who would like to have a seat, is rude.

- The TA and Pilot travel centers(truck stops) have good showers. They are located on many of the major interstates. So, when you need a shower, if you have $8-12 to spend, they are good choices. They have a separate room with sink, toilet and shower, and include towels. You don't have a time limit, like some campgrounds and other pay-for showers, and because they are in truck stops, they are cleaned between each user. Yes, $12 might be expensive for some. Consider it a luxury, and remember, showers are NOT a basic necessity of life. The myth that you will stink if you don't shower is just that - a myth. However if you find that you DO stink without a shower.....maybe it is the food you are eating, or maybe it is due to using crap like baby wipes and cosmetic toiletries.

Visit Red River Gorge, stay at Miguel's - $2 per night, $1.5 shower.

Friend of mine spent 3 months in europe using coach surfing website. She had fun but for climbing you really need a partner.