In the U.S., there is a rich tradition of "hoboing." Famed folk singer Utah Phillips wrote many a song about his years hopping trains. In the 1970s, ski bumming became a way of life for many avid skiers who wanted nothing more out of life than the next powder day. Some would camp in tents on public land and work odd jobs to support the life. The case of Charlie Toups shows that it may be more complicated than it used to be.
Toups has been living the ski bum life for over 30 years now. He's 63,
and has averaged over a 100 days per ski season, living in campgrounds
or out of his camper during the winter, working odd jobs here and there
shoveling snow while skiing at places like Mt. Hood, Mammoth, Aspen
Highlands, Loveland, and Arapahoe Basin.
Toups' streak may be
coming to an end. He is currently in jail in Georgetown, and has been held there without bail since November, charged with
illegal camping, possession of marijuana, and resisting arrest.
On November 14, a Forest Service cop, Jill Wick, and a Sheriff's deputy, arrested Toups while he was skiing. He had previously been mailed summonses, which he had never received, given that he lives out of his car.
Wick later claimed to suffer a "post traumatic condition," even though Toups never got violent when he was arrested.
There is currently a Facebook page and an online petition in support of Toups, who faces up to two years in jail and $250,000 in fines. Toups could escape with time served if he admits his guilt, but so far has refused to do so.
Regardless of how you view Toups' lifestyle, it would seem the government is being rather draconian about the issue, and surely has better things to deal with.
