I was born and raised in Victoria, BC. I moved from the Island to Alberta in 2010. I’m still trying to adjust to life here. I’m used to having the ocean, lakes and rivers right there for stress release; walks in the forest and along the beach. Here… well…. It’s vastly different. I’m still searching for a way to find that inner ‘zen’ state in the wilds of Alberta.
Why did you decide to take part in this project?
It’s time I experienced life firsthand, while I’m still able to. Not too mention combining my love of writing and my love of adventure and nature. I’m looking forward to being able to explore other countries, their cultures, foods and everything they have to offer.
What sort of past experience do you have in hiking/walking?I used to go hiking all the time on the Island. When I was younger I did the West Coast Trail, and I hiked Mount Finlayson more than once as a kid. I walked everywhere, and I enjoyed it.
What is the biggest challenge/limitation facing you with this project?
My health, I think. I’ve had my knee opened up 8 different times starting from way back in grade 7. I think they actually managed to fix it the last time with a Fulkerson’s osteotomy, it was getting hard to walk when my leg would bend backwards without any warning. Amusing for friends and family, but…
I’m also dealing with my Epilepsy. Sure, it’s been a decade or more since I’ve had a seizure, and with luck medication will keep me under control, but I don’t count on luck. Every moment of my life could be that moment when another strikes. At one point I let Epilepsy hold me captive, I became agoraphobic; I’ve come a long way since then. It’s a daily fear that is just a part of life for me, and anyone else who has Epilepsy. So there’s a mental aspect involved, as well. For the most part, I don’t even think about it, though, other than to make sure I’ve got what I need on hand if I should have a seizure in the wilderness.
Add in the IBS and now a dreaded diagnosis of Osteoarthritis in my back and that pretty much sums up my physical challenges.
What do you hope to get out of the journey?
I hope to push far beyond my present limitations to become fitter, and gain more confidence within myself. I also hope to see new wonders and experience them firsthand. Forge a new lifestyle, perhaps. To inspire others to look beyond their own limitations and work to overcome them, show them that they really are so much more than the chains they’ve let bind them.
I’m terrified of being at the mercy of the elements, yet thrilled by it at the same time. I am excited about being able to be ‘one’ with Mother Nature and all the new experiences she’ll share. (Yeah, there’s a bit of ‘tree-hugging hippie’ in this adventurer!)
What inspires you?
At the moment, Emilio Estevez! Honestly, I happened to catch ‘The Way’ one night and it made an impact. When he turns to his father and says - "You don't choose your life, you experience it." A chord was struck deep within. I could even feel my Dad’s approval and happiness as I came to a decision – I want to hike the Camino de Santiago right thru to Finis Terre. That’s what started all of this…
On a scale of 1 to 10 how do you rate your fitness level?
(1 being that puttering around the house exhausts you and 10 being that you could go out and run a marathon with ease tomorrow)
In all honesty, a 3 or 4. I can walk endlessly, but I am not in good shape whatsoever. My cardio sucks! Now with arthritis trying to get a grip on me (osteo and non), it’s going to be harder. But the stronger the muscles are, the better off I am.
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