I am feeling a wee bit foolish right now. Having watched a few YouTube videos on how hard the young Welsh explorer Ash Dykes trained makes me really question my training plan: At least a couple of beers a week, the odd 30km tramp in the New Zealand bush and getting the odd notion to go for a run every now and again after work. OH! And don't forget my change to a standing desk . . . Not really convincing huh? The word pitifull comes to mind...
Another reason for my doubt is my realisation I love gadgets, and I feel I have been buying every fandagled contraption I can find believing that I " need " it to complete my trip. I received a really supportive and helpful email from the master of budget travel and simplicity when it comes to adventures - Charlie Walker. He kindly gave me a rundown on his gear list, and I'm ashamed to say that I would bring more if I was going to town for the day, nevermind tramping* No gadgets, no gizmos, not even a flaming tent! I think its a beautiful way to travel but it terrifies the bejaysus out of me! Am I just too used to my creature comforts, so used to the media hype in the outdoor shops that I start to believe that my trip could hang on a knife edge if I don't have the latest Gps, pack rain cover or Bear Grylls spork.
Charlies advice has also really made me question the direction I have chosen. With the rising temperatures and often a northerly blowing, why don't I start in Ulaanbaatar?
I will go to sleep with a lot of open questions. Maybe I just need to take a leaf out of Charlies book and say " Feck it , she'll be grand" and just go with the flow.
*Tramping is the Kiwi word for trekking or hiking.
Another reason for my doubt is my realisation I love gadgets, and I feel I have been buying every fandagled contraption I can find believing that I " need " it to complete my trip. I received a really supportive and helpful email from the master of budget travel and simplicity when it comes to adventures - Charlie Walker. He kindly gave me a rundown on his gear list, and I'm ashamed to say that I would bring more if I was going to town for the day, nevermind tramping* No gadgets, no gizmos, not even a flaming tent! I think its a beautiful way to travel but it terrifies the bejaysus out of me! Am I just too used to my creature comforts, so used to the media hype in the outdoor shops that I start to believe that my trip could hang on a knife edge if I don't have the latest Gps, pack rain cover or Bear Grylls spork.
Charlies advice has also really made me question the direction I have chosen. With the rising temperatures and often a northerly blowing, why don't I start in Ulaanbaatar?
I will go to sleep with a lot of open questions. Maybe I just need to take a leaf out of Charlies book and say " Feck it , she'll be grand" and just go with the flow.
*Tramping is the Kiwi word for trekking or hiking.