Hey there! Hm, how to introduce myself... I'm a late 20s guy in Manchester. Single, live with my parents, underpaid unsatisfying desk job, no clue what my passion is in life, lonely, blah blah.
I've held a dream in my head for years now ever since I first heard of it - of an AT thru hike, but I know I'll never be able to afford to go. The adventure, the sights, the community, the challenge, and of course escape from real life - temporary as it may be, tugs at me constantly.
Even if I could afford to do the AT I still wouldn't be able, I'm just not a loner. I'd need a partner. I'm not the best at being social and I'm generally considered odder than most, even so - I don't get enjoyment from doing things on my own. Going to the cinema, on holiday, or for a hike, all seem empty and pointless without somebody to share the experience with. I just feel awkward and uncomfortable doing things on my own.
So even when I found out about long distance hikes in the UK, specifically the lake district C2C routes, I was excited by the prospect, did research, and then waited. I know very few people, even fewer are my friends. None of them would have wanted to come on such an adventure. While I dream of excitement, adventure, and really wild things...they have mortgages and weddings and babies. I'll never understand their world.. But, I digress.
So, recently my best friend returned from a several year stay in Japan. Just before Christmas I laid out my plan, and asked if he'd be interested in being my trip partner in June. He said that unless something significant happened between now and then to scupper things, he'd absolutely love to come. So here's hoping he doesn't get offered another overseas job
That's why I'm here now! I have 6 months to prepare physically, and to gather the knowledge and skills to undertake the 11 day hike from Ravenglass to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. I've already asked you lovely folks for some routes I can train on and got some great advice, so I'll be starting on that as soon as I'm properly recovered from this flu!
I'm going to hang around here and read, ask questions and try to engage with the community. It's been years since I've tried to take part in a forum community, ha.
Anyway, so that's me. Happy new year folks, here's hoping this year's finally the year things turn round for the better!