Ballpark Estimate: $200 to $2,000 Looking for a new hobby that uses cutting edge technology; a hobby that can be fun, rewarding, and challenging, all at the same time? Join the world of Ham radio, where people with the same interest in communications, in many countries, and of all ages and backgrounds, are waiting to say hello and to talk with you about their interests, … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $7,000 to $10,000+ (Standard); $5,000 to $7,200 (Accelerated) One of the most exasperating limitations of having an unrated private pilot’s license is that if it’s a cloudy day or if dusk is setting in - you’re grounded! The options you have are to wait until the weather clears, postpone your flight until the next clear day, or enroll in an instrument … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $150 to $400 There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of ways to catch fish. But none of them are as exciting as luring and hooking a sport fish on a fly that was tied by your own hands. In fly fishing terminology “flies” are artificial lures utilized primarily by fly fisherman for attracting or “baiting” of all varieties of fresh and salt water fish. Tying them … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $3,000 to $8,000 for a horse; $1,000 per month food, care, and boarding Some of the best things in life are free, while others can certainly come at a hefty cost. Few can deny the magnificent beauty and power of a horse, but fewer still can actually afford to call one their own. Horse ownership can bring you much enjoyment, but it also requires a large … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $100 to $150 for a starter kit; $250+ from Scratch Maybe the only home brewed beer you’ve ever had was made by your college roommate in your dorm room. If so, you probably have memories of a flat, bad tasting beer that you only drank once out of politeness. It is possible, however, to brew a great tasting beer at home if you have patience and are … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $800 to $1,300 (plus $100 a month for lessons) Admit it- we all have done it. You’re driving in the car and “In the Air Tonight” comes on the radio and you get to that drum fill. You break out the air sticks and bang away on your steering wheel and for that few seconds you’re a rock star drummer! Perhaps your child comes up to you after watching their … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000 The early 1860s was a time unparalleled in U.S. history. Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency, the South seceded from the Union, and before long the country was at war with itself, the North against the South, kin against kin, brother against brother. The North called it the War of the Rebellion. To the South it was the War … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $1,000 to $1,400 Building a kayak is less a matter of money and more one of time. The biggest payoff is that there’s no route to fine boat ownership that is more satisfying and more economical than paddling a kayak you built yourself. Workspace for Building To start, you’ll need a workroom: a basement, garage or carport, or even a spare bedroom. Measure … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $6,000 to $12,000 If you’ve ever flown in a small aircraft, you’ve probably experienced that rush of excitement that comes from being one with nature with just a slim piece of metal to separate you from the sky. The feeling that goes along with flying is one that many people insist just can’t be duplicated through any other hobby. If you share that … [Read more...]