Final Preparations... and Nerves!
Vaughan writes:
We're getting close to the start date, and the closer we get, the more nervous both of us are getting.
I know this is probably very common for through-hikers* to say, but we are **not** as prepared as we think we should be! Between Covid-related lockdowns of Auckland, work, and general laziness/procrastination, we have definitely not put in the training kilometers, nor the time in boots, that would prepare our feet and legs for this journey. Worse, we even stopped doing our strength and conditioning workouts which somewhat replaced hiking during lockdown restrictions.
This, in combination with the uncertainty a new challenge creates, means we have both been having doubts and dealing with low-level anxiety. Of course, there are moments of excitement in between. The things which have helped are;
1. the peer pressure which comes from having told everyone
2. having booked flights and transport to the start line
3. packing and re-packing our packs a few times to ensure we have all the gear
4. making last minute purchases today
5. knowing that lots of people have done this before us, and will be doing it at the same time
6. Going over the detailed itinerary I've prepared for the South Island.
Please feel free to leave encouraging messages because they help.
Also in not-preparation for the trip, we stayed in our big tent for the last few nights, to make room for more family inside the house. Smaug expressed some interest, and then disdain, for the whole camping thing. (Note, this is very much NOT the tent we are taking with us, but the sleeping bags are.)
*Through-hikers are people who attempt long-distance trails in one go, rather than in sections, i.e., section-hikers.
** The words hiker/hiking seem to have been adopted in NZ for long distance trails. Rather than the more common phrase 'tramper/tramping'.
I am extremely excited about, and jealous of, your hike! I'm sure once you're on the trail you'll start wishing it was longer.
ReplyDeleteYou both got this, and when you don’t, you have each other! If things get really rough, just make it to the next town and have a luxury couple nights at the local pub/inn, the peer pressure is on the whole trip, not speed or the technicality of one go. 😉 We’re all rooting for youse!!! Happy cheese rolling, which you’re allowed to have lots of on account of the calories you’ll be burning along your way.
ReplyDeleteYou both are amazing! Be encouraged that you can do it! There's no hurry on a trip like this, the point is to enjoy the journey. I am living vicariously through you because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Love and hugs to you both!
ReplyDeleteEach day will get easier, so don't set high expectations for the first day. Do you know how many of us are living vicariously through you? Hugs & kisses to you both!
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