[BC] Tower killing

[donroden at hiwaay.net]

Last of the Gypsies

I have in the past talked to young 20ish tower climbers and asked them  
why they decided to get into the business. Most--- not all graduated  
high school and a few had at least a taste of college ( according to  
them ).

Some, I've talked with .... I've concluded didn't get past high school  
or was just pushed out on the street with a piece of paper.

Most all say that they were attracted by the $50+ per hour rates, but  
when I ask them how much money they bring home after a few days of  
eating and sleeping on the road, they all say maybe a couple of  
hundred dollars a week .

"I'm my own boss" is also a recurring theme.

Living in a crew-cab truck with three other smelly guys with equally  
poor hygiene just wouldn't have sounded very attractive to me as a kid.

True story...... One kid told me that he was picked up the day before  
at an Army recruitment center and today was going to be his first time  
up a 600 foot tower. I told him that he should be hitch-hiking back to  
that center.... and before he made the climb.

I use bonded and insured crews, but I always fear the worst every time  
I have to get a crew in to replace a bulb or whatever.

Don R