Getting There: Tax-Deductible Trekking

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Issue # 078 - November/December 1982

Those of you who dream of venturing forth on a scientific expedition—perhaps tracking rhinos in the wilds of Africa, or helping to study and interpret the antics of whales, or finding and actually holding in your hand an ancient artifact that has lain untouched for thousands of years—may well want to investigate Earthwatch (Dept. TMEN, Box 127, Belmont, Massachusetts 02178).

In 1982, this nonprofit organization sponsored more than 80 expeditions to 20 states and 30 countries . . . involving such varied areas of study as archaeology, anthropology, ornithology, marine biology, ecology, and animal behavior. They succeeded in this endeavor by matching up interested lay people with scholars from some 50 universities who needed help in accomplishing their field research.

You don't have to be a scientist to take part, because everyday talents can almost always be put to unexpectedly good use. On one trip, for example, a grandmother's tea-cup-mending ability was found to be perfectly suited for artifact reconstruction . . . in another case a rock group's soundman recorded the calls of dolphins . . . and during a journey to Kenya a physician was called upon to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a hyena. More important than academic training, says Earthwatch, are curiosity, a flair for adventure, and an abiding sense of humor!

The organization divides long expeditions into two- and three-week segments, because most people can help out only during their vacation periods. Costs to volunteers range from $500 to $1,500, plus airfare and travel expenses to the staging area . . , but you'll find that most of the amount you pay is taxdeductible. Keep in mind, though, that the teams are small and sometimes oversubscribed . . . so you might not be chosen for the expedition of your first choice.

Write to Earthwatch for more specific information.

ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA

Queensland, which comprises about one-fourth of the entire continent of Australia, has long been a favorite winter vacation area for down-under residents, as well as for foreign visitors . . . hence it's often referred to as "the Sunshine State" or "the Holiday State". Among the many attractions of this northeast region are the coastal and island resorts along the Great Barrier Reef: a unique, 1,200-mile underwater garden approximately the size of the British Isles. Unfortunately, the district's popularity has resulted in high prices . . . but as MOTHER-reader and Queensland native Connie Dalglish writes, "There is just so much to see here, such pleasant weather, and so many opportunities for people with a bit of go in them that it seems senseless to stay at home just because you have no money."

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