Friday 9 December 2011

Welcome all

Welcome to my blog.


I started this to keep an account of my experiences during my attempted London - Land's End walk. I will try and update it as often as I can. I took another detailed look at the map today and would just like to share with you the overall plan.


Stage 1: Mapping out
             The first section is what I call city to city to city.... and I think it might be the less preferred leg of the walk. It runs from Morden, south London and passes through 4 major cities (of which I think Southampton is the largest) before ending up in Bournemouth. I am not a big fan of the city so I’ll be attempting to get through this concrete maze section of the walk as quickly as possible. Though I’ll be walking pass The South Downs National Park, it’s the town of Lyndhurst I’ll be most looking forward to visiting on this section of the walk. The town is just outside of Southampton and sits on the edge of the New Forest National Park, attractions include; deer sanctuary and reptile centre.
The second section is woods and wwoofing, where I’ll be spending the most time. I will be doing some volunteer work on various eco projects. This section ends in Dartmoor National Park where I plan to re-visit the site where I did my Permaculture training and hopefully do some wwoofing. From Bournemouth I’ll be heading towards Dorchester then on to Monkton Wyld Court near Bridport. From there its then off to Honiton, pass Exeter and cross into the Dartmoor woods and moorlands.
The third leg of the walk will start out from Tavistock to Liskeard then heads west towards a place called Indian Queens, the name alone is reason enough to investigate further. From there I’ll be heading to the Coastal city of St. Agnes then south to Penzance. From Penzance is about 10miles to Land’s End (final destination) so I was thinking I might visit a few of the bird sanctuaries along the way.
Well that's the summery of the 306mile walk from South London to Land’s End. I have given myself just under two months to complete the walk. This route is not set in stone and I’m quite sure that minor alterations will be made to it during the course of the walk. Click here to view the route.

Stage 2: Hardening off
            For the last 9 months I have been gradually conditioning my body to outdoor living. I have been sleeping in a tent, going on 2 hour walks and reading up on wild food and money free lifestyles. Sleeping in a tent is fine it’s trying to conduct activities inside a tent that’s the hard part. The coldest temperature I have endured in the tent was -1°C and I was still quite cosy. During my hardening off stage I went on a few wild camping sessions in Brighton, Rusper and a few sites in Wales. I have experience rain, wind, mist and frost so I hope that has prepared me enough for the coming winter. I have also become a very efficient fire starter and have picked up some very useful techniques for living comfortably while on the move.
I have learnt a bit about wild food and foraging and have managed to get a hold of some really useful survival books. I have also been, slowly, adjusting my eating habits and have also been looking up on what foods would provide me with the most vitamins and minerals without being too bulky. So all in all I think I’ll be ready when the time comes to set off.
I have been through sleeping in a wet, cold and windy conditions, nursing injuries, recovering from exhaustion, being lost, hunger pains but still carrying on. “I remember reading somewhere that how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong, to measure yourself at least once. “ - Christopher McCandless (Into the Wild).      

12 comments:

  1. Love it Love you travel well Brother :)

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  2. Found 14 Slugs tonight, seem to like the Green Manure & Cabbage the most, how you doing ?

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  3. Hey Bro - Imainging you walking meking me tired !:) Walk off some of the Ham and Turkey I eating for me today ! Guidance !!!

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  4. MERRY CHRISTMAS SENDING A HAM AND TURKEY.....HOW FAR ALONG ARE U?

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  5. Merry Christmas uncle Randy,have fun,I got soooooo many gifts including a key board so I am playing for Grandma and aunty radee,stay safe I miss you lots.
    Aria Rose

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  6. I forgot to tell you I love you very much.
    Aria Rose

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  7. Are you doc umentting with photos too? when is your expected end date? I am truly in awe! God's speed and all success in this endeavour- may it only lead to great things Stay well! LOVING the blog! X
    L

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  8. Randy, you should try and link this page to some environmental gropus and set up an account by paypal or such for donations/ sponsorships! Can you do this?? that would be great! stay warm!
    XL

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  9. Earl 'Ole George' Daniel30 December 2011 at 10:19

    Hi Randy! I am so happy to read of your expidition. It is soo important to measure yourself and to discover whats powerful about you, both mind and body. That in itself its a feelig only those who have doe it can describe. You have my blessings! When walking, remember that he NEXT step you make is the all important one.
    Earl 'Ole george' Daniel

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  10. Hi Randy, Congratulation on your venture and I wish you the very best. I would like you to contact The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International office and they will be interested in your project. Keep it up. Cheers-Solade

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  11. Hey Brother - where are thou? Thinking of you as you embark on this adventure - and sending much love ! I have told you over and over - but I will say it again - you are an awesome guy ! Keep on keeping on ! Guidance. Aria Rose sends love and wants to go on a walk too :) Pure Niceness :) Rachel !

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  12. Well Happy New Year to you my dear son,wonder where you are at this time????????? however,wherever you are just remember my spirit is with you,lets pray this New Year will bring you all your heart's desire and stay safe....God's guidance
    Mommy

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