Donation protected
Nearing 80, I’m looking back and forward. One consistent passion for me the last 70(!) years has been fishing, more specifically fly fishing, with a current interest in a Japanese style called Tenkara. I am asking for funds to supplement our Social Security income (and the wonderful help from our family for some expenses) and to (perhaps) invest in my hope to build a modest income stream to accomplish a few goals, without relying on my generous family.
I have started to make videos about fly fishing and Tenkara, and my philosophy of fishing (see the YouTube links* below), but my first goal is to capture and share interviews with other anglers in answer to the basic question “Why do I fish?” These interviews (conversations) may be held online or, ideally, in person. Some subjects might be famous (in fishing circles), some would not. But I believe there are aspects of this passion we all share, and I want to get to the bottom of it.
My immediate challenge is transportation. My 2017 vehicle is completely out of service, and it was what I used for getting to fishing waters and camping. So, my second goal is to purchase an older van that I can equip as Mobile Camping Vehicle. (And this is where the “FundMe” part of this proposal comes in.) I would then use that vehicle to create more fishing-specific videos in locations around the West, and — importantly — to capture interview conversations on fishing and fly fishing.
I also propose (goal #3) to create how-to videos on purchasing and outfitting an older mini-van and building out a totally functional (and inexpensive) Mobile Camping Vehicle. I would cover every aspect of the process from the very first steps, out to being on the road, and I have no doubt that I will be constantly learning new things, so expect to update regularly.
Knowing that my resources are quite limited(!), I’ve been researching this for a few months, and I am focusing on a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey from the 2000s. They are affordable and capable, with good records for reliability, comfort and functionality. My starting goal of $5,000 should make it able to purchase one with reasonably low mileage (ca. 150k) and do whatever repairs are needed to get it to the best place possible.
The camping gear I already have will work nicely with this setup. Additional gear that I would consider adding as I get into this would be a plug-in cooler for extended travel (<$250) and a back-up battery (<$500) to power cooler, phones, cameras, and my laptop (for editing and sharing videos to YouTube).
Beyond that first step, other expenses that I will have to cover are the usual – gas and maintenance, insurance, registration, campground fees, etc. And, of course, a back-up fund for on-the-road repairs. I am hoping ongoing funding (above the initial $5,000) will help with that.
I have always taken pride in being as self-sufficient as possible, but these last few years I have realized how important our communities are to our personal health. I have been pretty fortunate in most aspects of my life, though no one I know has not been touched by set-backs. I am able to ask for your help because I am also committed to producing something of value, not just for myself but for our community and family. If you see value in that, know that I deeply appreciate your gesture. And even if you don’t see value in that, I will still be deeply grateful for your donation, of any size.
And – if you fish, and are willing to engage in a conversation, let me know. Please!
*YouTube video links:
Why I Fish (at the top of this page) -- https://youtu.be/9T8Jsst45hU
Also check out:
Are You a Purist? -- https://youtu.be/S2mXYLd7EeQ
Selecting Your Tenkara Rod -- https://youtu.be/v1ehsvIt5Tk
Casting Basics -- https://youtu.be/9YOrP36zmiM
These video are on my “10KaraColors” YouTube page
Organiser
William Burden
Organiser
Penn Valley, CA