People long-distance hike ("thru-hike") for a variety of reasons. I first began contemplating the idea when I became aware of my increasing level of lethargy and lack of physical fitness. I am a couch potato and house-body by nature, but ironically I also love the outdoors. The trouble for me is initiating activity--once I start I have a blast...but starting is my stumbling block. It's so much easier to just sit and watch TV! This tendency didn't really matter for several years as I had a job that kept me fairly active, particularly over the summer months, however over the past two years a job and location change has seen my activity levels fall to near sessility. I have always hated exercise for the sake of exercise--I had a brief membership at a gym, which I enjoyed, but only because I went with a friend and was able to get a lift to and from each workout (consequently there was no additional effort on my part). See what I mean? Couch potato, bordering on downright lazy. So one day I thought to myself, 'what is a form of exercise I enjoy?' The simple answer was tramping. I love being out in the bush, drinking in natural surroundings, and having nothing to worry or concern yourself with except to keep putting one foot in front of another (preferably in the right direction). With a 20 kg pack and variable terrain prolonged tramping is definitely demanding physical exercise whilst at the same time being one of the most mentally stress-free pursuits I know.
So why not do one or more short tramps ("section-hikes")? Why take on 3000 km all in one go?! The simple answer is the amount of organisation (i.e. hassle) that goes into organising a long hike is not much more than for a short one, and for a longer hike it seems so much more worth while. The concept of thru-hiking has also recently captured the imagination of the general public and the exposure only helped cement the idea in my head (without really trying I've managed to stumble across Wild, A Walk In The Woods and AWOL On The Appalachian Trail). Certainly the idea of doing a thru-hike has a certain romance about it, in spite of inclement weather, potential food and water shortages, and the almost guaranteed shedding of blackened toenails. There's something alluring about something so obviously challenging that is at the same time perfectly simple--no matter what, all you have to do is just keep walking. Also, strangely, doing a short hike solo feels to me like a much lonelier prospect than taking on a several month-long odyssey. I'm a bit of a social introvert and most often won't talk to strangers unless I'm "in the mood" or it becomes really necessary. So I'd probably complete a short hike without ever really making the effort to get to know my fellow hikers, but also wouldn't be out there in the wilderness long enough to sink into the solitary introspection that I guess I hope I'll encounter at some point on Te Araroa (and which may help me decide what on earth I want to do when I get back, or even perhaps, with my 'life'!).
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| Ok, so this is more relevant to North America...but I think it's still going to prove pretty accurate! |
Of course, committing several months to nothing but walking in the wilderness requires both opportunity and significant personal and professional flexibility. The second question most people have asked me when I tell them I'm going to attempt Te Araroa is: "but what about work?" (the first question being: "why on earth do you want to do that?"). I've come to realise just how fortunate I am to not have any financial commitments that require me to maintain a steady income. The flip side of this of course is that I have no dependent family and no assets, but that doesn't really bother me (well, not yet anyway). I was never one who ever planned on having 2.5 children and a dog by the time I was 30 (well at least not the children...I've always had a dog!) and I firmly believe I will get more out of life through experiences rather than accumulating material possessions. Like most Kiwis I dream of one day owning my own house and all that (and I'm as guilty as the next person at hoarding certain creature comforts), but I'm not prepared to pursue such things at the expense of everything else.
The decision to leave work (and life) and attempt Te Araroa was made a lot easier by a massive slow down in the minerals sector in the past couple of years. There's not much work about for geologists at the moment, and though I still had job (and a good job at that), right here, right now, it isn't what I want to be doing. While most of my fellow geos would probably think I'm insane to have willingly given up gainful geological employment (my boss made the comment that I must be the one in five million geologists to have left their employment voluntarily!) life is too short not to pursue dreams and make the most of opportunities. Traditionally during an industry downturn geologists go back to university to pursue higher degrees and up-skill, and while this isn't a bad option, it would mean more time spent riding a desk (not to mention the almost impossible task of choosing a project). Much simpler to skive off and go for a walk! Hopefully in doing so I'll get to know a lot more of New Zealand my home, be able to shed some weight and get at least a little fitter, and possibly even have one of those personal growth experiences that can only come from doing something so completely out of my ordinary.
So, Te Araroa...here I come!
