Posted by Fabio on Jul 31, 2009 in
Advenure,
Cronicle,
Milestones Finally here we are. In few hours I’ll be on my way for Phase 1 of the Father & Son project. For 2009 the journey has changed a lot, the original spirit has remained the same and was the driver of all the changes. The journey is divided in two phases.
The plan is to divide the journey in 2 phases:
Phase 1 will involve me and my lovely dog sky walk along 120 odd kilometers of the decided route. During this phase I’m looking for key stop areas as well as places where I can leave the horse food along the way.
Phase 2 will involve Matthew riding cara and me walking the whole 120 km route again.
- The route I’m planning to follow will see us leave from Manor Hamilton along the Leitrim Way up to Doo Lough at 371 M and down to Drumkeeran for a total of 35 KM.
- Day 2 will see us embrace the miners way and reach Ballyfarnon 25 km away.
- On day 3 wil start alon the Historical trail for a short 15 km to Castel Baldwing, there are a lot beautiful areas that I’m planning to explore on the way so I kept the total day mileage short.
- Day 4 will keep on the Historical Trail for 19 km till we reach Boyle.
- Day 5 will start along Lough key with the plan to return to Ballyfarnon and close the Historical trail Loop . the Option here is to deviate onto the Miners way to close the loop to Seltannaskeag.
By the end of the journey Matthew and Cara will have walked over 120 Km. And I would probably be close to 240.
I will not bring with me the computer so I will not be able to keep a day to day up to date of the journey. But I will have a 2 days between Phase 1 and Phase 2, I will make an effort to publish a short update then.
Tags: father, Journey, project, son
Posted by Fabio on Jul 15, 2009 in
Cronicle,
Planning The last 2 weeks I’ve been quite busy, a lot of the equipment for the journey have arrived and I’m now testing weight distribution and what to bring along with me. The last very important component that is remaining to figure out is the kind of food to bring along. There will be a good opportunity to do buy food in local shops, fruit and vegetables still I’m wold be more conformable knowing that I do have a certain amount of high energy food.
At the moment I’m exploring a number of whole grains bars and packaged Miso soups they are all very light in weight and will provide a a ready available energy in a compact size.
A certain sense of excitement is surfacing and all of a sudden it feels like I don’ t have enough time to be ready at all. Well I guess this is the feeling of adventure I always been seeking for.
I still have not made up my mind fully on the path to take. There are a number of consideration to be made about rigorously journeying along the dismantled North Western railway. At time it takes very long winded deviations away from a more attractive direct route. I guess I will have to make the decision were it is possible to follow smaller roads and walkways. It is all part of the unknown. and in some way I’m glad I’m going ahead surveying the ground It will make it easier when Matthew will join.
Tags: Adventure, Journey, west
Posted by Fabio on Jul 1, 2009 in
Cronicle,
Planning Wow!! it has been so long since my last update, Irish summer is really amazing, I know many people might not agree with me on this. Just think about it we have such long bright days that span from 4:30 in the morning to 11 in the evening, the temperature is swinging between 16 and 24 degrees at best and the more than occasional light rain keeps the country green and luscious. It is great to be out, and the time goes by so quickly…
I’m just back from Italy, my little brother finally got married, and in the few days I was there I got torrid sticky heat with daily thunderstorms that made the air heavy and stuffy, we almost got caught by one of them, and the boys were so surprised by the water downpour that you swear they never saw rain before.
Every time I go back to Italy I’m punctually reminded why I love Ireland so much…
Aside from the weather let me update you on the project status.
This has been the more tortuous project I’ve ever had to face, but I can certainly say I’ve got what I asked for. So the goal has changed a bit, the Journey will be only about a week, so I’m about to nail down where to start and finish, and my gut say that I should start at Malin Head none the less and wind down to Sligo.
Seen that I will not need that much free time for the journey I decided that while Matthew is enjoying his well deserved holiday in Italy I will go and survey the path on foot to start with so that when it come down to ride it we will know exactly where to go.
I’m prepping for this little hike, walking will also allow me to time how far we can go in a week. Going solo with my dog Sky a rucksack and a tent will somewhat appease my thirst for adventure. I guess is a way for me to lead the way in the best way I know, just do it !!
Tags: Adventure, Cronicle, Journey, Planning, project
