25 years ago, I had a dream. I dreamed of walking through wilderness for endless months. I dreamed of cycling around the world. I dreamed of floating down the longest rivers. I dreamed of travel. I dreamed of doing all this while I was still young. But most of all, I just wanted to live life. I told all who would listen about my dreams. They nodded politely but I could see the disbelief in their eyes. That dream is close now, but even with only 17 months to go there are the nonbelievers, doubters and cynics. I didn’t mind. I knew differently. My dreams could come true. I wanted that dream. I would get that dream.
The first question I’m always asked is how can you fund such a dream. Are you rich? Have you a sponsor? No and no, but I’m open to sponsorship! I will be pushing 40 when my dream begins so I’m well below the normal retirement age, but that’s exactly what I will do. There are occupations out there that will pay a pension from that age. They involve some sacrifice, but who said living your dream was going to be easy. I did what I had to do and signed up for 22 years of military service, a decision I’ve never regretted. Adventures are positively encouraged and during my time, I’ve been allowed to get a real taste of what it’s all about. The dream has only matured and never wavered. The pension is modest but so are my needs. As a boost I’m setting up Tramplite.com, which will manufacture specialist ultralight outdoor kit when I’m in the UK. That business will be small and never affect my dream. I wouldn’t let it.
The second comment is that others could never follow their dreams because of commitments. That is partially true. You might have to wait a little longer than me to start you adventure if you go down the family route, but it can still be done. I remember reading a book titled ‘The Sea On Our left’ about a couple in their 50’s who walked around the coast of the UK. They had jobs, family, and a house, but put all that on hold to fulfill their dream. Houses can be rented, you can probably get another job, and children can eventually look after themselves. It comes down to your life choices and your desires and determination. I chose not to have a family and even relationships can be a problem unless the individual shares your dream, which is highly unlikely. Some sacrifices will have to be made. Everybody’s dream is different. Family, career and a big house might be yours. It doesn’t matter what it is, grasp it now with both hands and never let go until you have lived it. All dreams are achievable.
My dream begins in October 2012, with a thru-hike of the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand. I love New Zealand. The variety of landscape and climate is unmatched. After returning in early 2013 there is just enough time to prepare for the PCT or CDT. After that, who knows? My list is long and one lifetime certainly isn’t enough. I won’t forget my roots in the UK though and will hike around the coastline at some point and yes, I want to cram in some more TGO Challenges! Maybe my dream will change with time. If it does, then so will I.
Live life.
Living the dream, New Zealand, 2006. Live yours.
What a great post Colin! Something much bigger than the latest gear… I’m going to reread and reread and try to keep that fire going! Thanks!
Hamish Brown was 39 when he did his Munro walk. He wrote:
“The young aren’t on to it and the old aren’t up to it.”
which makes you the perfect age to go for this dream.
NZ is fantastic. Strangely, the strongest memories of my 11 months tramping there are of Stewart Island. If Te Araroa doesn’t go that far, you should extend the route.
Great post, Colin! Not at all bad for a guest blogger who doesn’t really enjoy writing all that much
I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more – either philosophy, or additional details of your plans and current activities.
In a word: Inspirational.
Great plan Colin and well done on the service you have given your country. All the best in the future.
Thanks for the kind comments. Next post will probably be kit related!
Good for you Colin and thanks for the inspirational post. I really admire people who have the guts to “opt out” as some might say, although I see it as opting “in”.. I remember seeing the Wilderness Walks episode featuring Ray and Jenny Jardine who as you probably all know, go on extensive travels. Cameron McNeish suggested to Ray that maybe that lifestyle is not available to the vast majority of people, and Ray countered that it is available to all of us – it just depends on what our priorities are ie. nice car, big house etc. just as Colin said.
Millican Dalton springs to mind, as does a musician friend of mine who bought a tiny, tiny house in the country so he could clear off his mortgage early, fill his small living room with his beautiful grand piano and “opt out (in)” by spending as much time as he wishes composing.
That is his journey. Looking forward to hearing about yours Colin as well as gear related stuff in future.
Inspiring post. My dream is to hike the PCT and I’ll be doing it next year. I hope to return either very motivated to get back to my IT job, or as a hippie.
There is nothing better than retiring early I can assure you!!
Good for you Colin,soon you will live that dream and still have more active years ahead than you had during your service life.
We are on this planet just once, a wonderful planet too once away from bricks and mortar. Enjoy while life lasts.
Enjoy your 2012 trip to New Zealand and your planned trip to the U.S.A.Do it whilst you can.
Best wishes,
Rob
I’m 30, and my partner is about to have our first child, so family life is looming large for me now. However, I turned 30 whilst in India last year, living out a dream of mine to hike across the Himalayas. I fitted it into a day job and an already busy life – so yes, these things can be done.
Not that that means the end to planning new goals to achieve… There’s plenty that can still be done even as the kid(s) grow up – and who knows… when I’m fifty, maybe they’ll be accompanying me on another grand adventure!
Thanks for the inspirational post Colin, it’s helped me keep in mind there are still exciting times ahead for all of us if we choose to grasp them – even those of us with families!