Things I have learned while preparing to Hike Canada's Great Trail
As I head back to Ontario to pick up
the extra gear I need to start my #Hike4Birds in St. John’s Newfoundland along
The Great Trail I got to thinking about the past few years of preparations for
this trek.
Lessons preparing for the Trans Canada Trail :
In the end here are the 12
things I have learned in a year of getting ready to hike across Canada:
(1) Preparing for a hike is like another job
(2)
Preparing applications for
sponsorship and grants are like two other jobs (I have a huge amount of respect for those whose
job it is to apply for these and for those who have to sort through all the
applications they receive.)
(3)
Preparing physically to hike might actually be like two other
jobs as well
(4)
Preparing to hike can lead to headaches, arguments,
and frustration but it also gives you a heck of a lot of inner strength, faith in yourself, and a greater appreciation for nature!
(5)
Lighter supplies and a lighter bag
are essential to your success and happiness! Yes
your quest for the “right” materials can feel endless in terms of research, lead
to endless returning and repurchasing and endless debating....but, at one point
you have just got to let go and get going.
You soon realize that you need less than you realize, that it is best to
keep things simple and recognize that you can’t prepare for everything.
(6)
Listen to those more experienced
than you: adapt, improvise and move forward with your plans.
(7)
Listen to those who disagree with
your plans! Where important make sure to
learn, adapt, and improvise from them.
(8)
Realize that haters are going to
hate. No matter your plans, your intentions, your
goals, someone is going to create an arbitrary line to judge you by. You are going to be judged, critiqued...and
at times there will be no end to the negativity. But there is also no end to the support,
positivity, and amazing times you will have online and on the trail. Listen to all the messages, and hold on to
those that support your dreams! Be
respectful even when you disagree – hold yourself to a higher standard.
(9)
Time moves quickly! Three years to prepare, one year to sell my house, gather sponsors and
promote the #Hike4Birds – and it has all passed in a blink of an eye. The message being, get out an explore the
world while you can, because before you know it the moment may well have passed
by.
(10)Have your own goals. And stick to them.
(11)Stay calm, spend time
in nature, explore the world, and love the adventure!
(12)Be humble, be strong,
and what you don’t know nature will teach you soon enough. Sometimes the
answers have always been there, we just have to stop an listen from time to
time.
Extra : No matter the challenges you
face, you will find The Way and everything will work out.....
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