BY TRAIL. BY ROAD. ALL BY FOOT
There is one aspect of walking alone for a few months that I enjoy the most: no distractions and little to do in the evening, except journal writing and reading. Unfortunately, I cannot read those 700 page hardcover masterpieces, however, there are plenty of 200-300 page soft cover books that fit nicely into my pack … Continue reading Books For A Walk
The evocation of emotion or past events by a breeze and mixture of smells from the fathoms of a personal sea is endless. It never ceases to amaze me what memories come alive at a moment’s notice, but how does one describe and relive the rich interplay between a freshwater lake and the autobiographical memories … Continue reading Daydreaming
I understand that not everyone can walk away from a job, especially if you have a family, mortgage, responsibilities and promises to keep. My situation and circumstance have allowed me to undertake this walk, adventure and dream, which I am thankful for. My Walk: Barrie, ON to Anchorage, AK by foot. I once worked within … Continue reading My Walk
It was one of those late-night awakenings when your heart is in your throat and you either snap into a defensive state or you fight with everything you got. There was no place for me to go. The only barrier between me and whatever was on the other side of the tent – a ground … Continue reading Sleeping with the Bears
Photo by Greg Gulik. We entered the tent and swept our hands across the ribbons of smoke as our diminutive waiter calmly motioned us forward with his leather booklet in hand. And into the unknown we plunged. His delicate dance between the rows of people was masterfully performed, for how could he see further than … Continue reading Arabian Sands Dinner
This is a fictitious story-- for now, but maybe one day it will be true; my sense of direction is notoriously bad, so you never know. Would never of thought I would be able to undertake a solo and unsupported walk from Barrie, ON to Anchorage, AK, however, on June 1st, 2019 I will begin … Continue reading Lost In Amazonia
I don't make a habit of visiting campgrounds, but this year is an all time record for me. By coincidence and where this year's route has taken me, I find myself strolling into some low budget campgrounds; often they are filled with trailers and not a 'camper' is to be found milling about, however, I … Continue reading Where Are All The Campfires?
Now that I am well over the halfway kilometer mark of My Walk, I realize that with all the struggles, hardships, sacrifices, mishaps, and monotony of walking each day, this way of life will soon be gone and become a memory -- a colorful memory, but it isn't over just yet. After a little reflection … Continue reading The Best Parts are the Middles and the Interruptions
Walking solo and unsupported puts one in the most vulnerable of states: you're at the mercy of whatever weather, person, animal, situation, or vehicle comes at you. At the end of the day, my tent is the only place that I feel comfortable and safe -- for the most part. Although only a couple square … Continue reading An Exercise to Exercise The Writing Demons: My Nylon Inn and Euphoria
Sir Wilfred Thesiger commented that his living with the Bedu during the crossing of Arabia's Empty Quarter changed him: "no man can live this life and remain unchanged." His crossing of the Arabian peninsula was the first by a Westerner, but this was also a life changing exploration across, undoubtedly, the most unforgiving of regions … Continue reading Thoughts About My Walk: It’s the People.
