A few times today I’ve mentioned Colin’s new adventure in relation to him giving up his place on the TGO Challenge (to me of course!) However, the real story is Colin’s adventure and so I thought I should devote a bit more time to this. I’m hoping — over the next few weeks — Colin will be able to come and hear and write some guest posts, about his planning and preparation. There will also — of course — be a podcast interview at some point.
Colin is a lucky fellow. He’s also very modest. Colin’s employer (for good reasons) has realised that there is nothing for Colin to do for some time and so — knowing of Colin’s fondness for trekking— suggested to him that he might like to take 8 weeks in which to trek. I shan’t comment on that except to say that Colin may or may not choose to elaborate on this. But anyhow he has a wonderful opportunity.
A few days ago excited text messages began to appear. If you had eight weeks, starting inApril, where would you choose to go? This is not really that easy. For example, most high mountain ranges in Europe are not open then. we swapped ideas about the SW Coastal Path and other home-grown option. But then it occurred to me that Colin might be able to tackle the Arizona Trail in this time. The only person I know who has done this is Chris Townsend — and he wrote a very good book about it! Quick as a flash Colin was on to Chris who set to work encouraging Colin. And before we knew it Colin had booked the flights was entering planning phase.
I must admit to being very jealous. This looks like a wonderful trail to take. It is a bit more developed than when Chris tackled it, but not much. Big chunks of it are not yet finished!
Needless to say, Colin is very excited by it all. I shall be giving him blog access here in the hope that he can capture some of the excitement of the planning phase. However, I shall strive to relay some of the planning excitement here over the coming weeks.
This is a long trek in quite challenging weather; Colin will be tackling this later in the year than Chris, so it will be hotter and more hostile. Will Colin be going lightweight? Of course he will! He has already designed a heavy load version of the skins backpack, knocked up a prototype last weekend and will be testing this weekend. Most nights he will be sleeping under open skies in his bivy and when he needs a shelter he will be taking his home made 2010 tarp.
Did I say Colin was a lucky chap? Anyhow, here are some resources to get into the groove so that we can all send out good vibes to Colin in his planning phase.
I talked to Chris Townsend about his Arizona trip a couple of years ago. This was produced as an Outdoor Station Podcast but it does have all kinds of music on it, so I have made a clean version available here. This is Chris and I talking about the book the Arizona Trail as well as the journey. It was conducted over the phone lines which is never really that satisfactory and it takes us a while to get going — but it is well worth a listen.
The blog review of Crossing Arizona, by Chris Townsend is here.
The Arizona Trail Association website is here.
And the audio interview can be heard (or downloaded) here:
UK residents of a certain age will remember Blue Peter. The programme used to specialise on reports that allowed us to follow major expeditions. Perhaps, we can capture some of this here? We’ll see if Colin can talk to us a little about preparation. And maybe, we can get the odd report back while he is on the trail.
It will be a great trip. Have a mentioned that I am very jealous?
You and me both.
I did weight up just how much I wanted to remain in employment when Colin told me what he was doing. It’s a superb choice, I’m already reading Chris’s book to see what Colin’s got ahead of him.
That’s two new copies. Wish I was on commission:-)
Have just looked at the access stats for the audio interview — my word people must be bored this evening!
3 new copies…
Very exciting. Look forward to reading and hearing all about it. Chris’s book is one of my faves.