Tomorrow I will begin an adventure of a lifetime hitchhiking from my hometown of Elkhorn, WI, to Alaska. I have been met with obstacles and criticism at times, but the overwhelming support and positive feedback has been unimaginable. I want to thank everyone who helped make this trip a reality whether it was the Kickstarter project, those who donated or helped out in someway other than the Kickstarter, the people who have followed me on Facebook and Twitter, the encouraging messages and support from complete strangers, and also the support  my friends and family and professors at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

I have been told by many that I can’t do it, that the trip is just plain dumb, and that it’s been done many times before. I know I will not be the first person to hitchhike to Alaska, and I sure hope I’m not the last, but one thing I am sure of is that this trip will be different from any others and I am going to capture every second of it. Thank you again for everything and keep following me while I head to Alaska with my ThumbsOut!

Ryan Kedzie

Thank you to everyone who helped make a pledge to my Kickstarter, liked my Facebook page, followed my Twitter or who has liked or followed my blog. The Kickstarter was a huge success and I couldn’t have done it without you. It has been an actual eye opener to see friends, family, and complete strangers that want to see this adventure happen and I want to thank each and everyone of you in person if I could. If there is anything more you want from me on this trip please don’t hesitate to ask.

I have decided to make a final decision on the departure date and I have chosen Friday, June 1st. My starting point will be outside my house on Hwy 12 just outside of Elkhorn, WI.

This next week I will be  finishing prepping for the trip such as final equipment purchases, route planning, contacting media outlets that I will be passing in different states, and mailing my first food cache. Now I am looking for people to really start following so share this story with everyone and follow me on
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ThumbsOutAlaska

Twitter
https://twitter.com/#!/Thumbs_Out

First I would like to say THANK YOU to all of my backers and support so far for ThumbsOut! You guys are great and I can’t wait to interact with you guys during the course of my trip.

Over the past few days I have had many people as why I am needing money to hitchhike to Alaska. I do understand why there is this question and I am going to break down the supplies that I am going to need in order to make my documentary. I’ve even provided links to give an idea of expected costs.

Digital single-lens reflex camera, for the main filming of the project and will also include battery, lens, and accessory costs.

Multiple memory cards

Tripod

External hardrive

GoPro mountable camera

A new one man tent

International data plan for uploading along my way

Costs for fulfilling the rewards to my kickstarter backers

Shipping costs of prepared food caches being mailed to myself in Canada

Solar powered batter charger

I do understand why it could be confusing why I needed this money, but I do want to assure you that any extra money left over will be used to upgrade to a better camera. None of this money will be used for my own personal expenses such as food, clothing, or entertainment.

ThumbsOut Kickstarter Trailer from ThumbsOut on Vimeo.

Just got word from Save Bristol Bay they are sending me a stack of their No Pebble Mine stickers to put up along my entire trip to Alaska. Ill be placing, photographing and posting them, and they are going to be sharing it on their Facebook page. If you haven’t heard about the Save Bristol Bay group then check them out here!
http://www.facebook.com/SaveBristolBay