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Facing new and old Ghosts

Posted by Fabio on Aug 17, 2009 in Cronicle, Journey, Reflections

The say goes that the journey is more important than the destination. Well if that is the case, this project fits really well. In fact well into day two, we decided to call it a day.

As I say this, I’m doing my best to hold on to what this short journey represented to me personally.

It has been a great exercise facing new and old personal ghosts.

Just few months ago I set out to prepare for this journey with the intention of sharing an adventure with Matthew, my soon to be teenage son. The surprise was that along I found the teenager still lingering in me.

On the first evening of phase 2 we pitched the tent in a proper campsite at Lock Key lake resort. There Matthew and I set down our reasons and objectives. Strong of the lessons learned the previous week I gave him the opportunity to call the shots.

I explained to him what my reasons are for keep moving forward on this journey even without the horses. And I explained to him that I was happy to stop there and enjoy few days in the resort making friends with the other campers, if he choose to do so (in all truth my right knee have been troubling me again in last few days and I was ready to face the next four days walking with an elastic knee support, kind of foolish really 😕 I know better and I was kind of hoping for a bit of rest).

Right then I understood that Matthew wanted to keep going more for me than for the desire of adventure, the horses represented his motivation and not having Cara along with us was a real let down (On a different note is probably for the better the kind of terrain I’ve been enduring the previous week is more suitable to cobs and Connemara than Thoroughbred/Swedish warm-bloods like Cara). I have to bow to Matthew and I am really proud of his bravery to hold fast on my account.

So the day after we packed up our stuff and set out on our way. In my mind I know that Matthew is capable to overcome a lot of difficulties with just a gentle push. I also know how hard and uncomfortable is to carry a backpack that does not fit well and his pack was not the best fit at all. We tried a number of different permutations, using wool socks as padding for the shoulders. The bigger problem was the back frame. It did not hold the shape and continuously bent outward pressing on Matthew’s mid back.

After moving along most of the day we arrived to a point not far from Keadew where I had to give Matthew an out. I explained to him that he could still decide to stop there and that we could do other things together. He didn’t have to hold fast in account of my thirst for adventure, after all I already had my share the week before(Sure I got so addicted to it that I was becoming foolish enough to walk along with a busted knee).

Eventually I was convincing enough and we decided to call Mummy to rescue.

[singlepic id=48 w=320 h=240 float=left]There is were the Ghosts started to surface. I knew they were there waiting for the right moment, they had been lingering for the past few days biting at my new found confidence. We arrived home Matthew went to his friend to tell the story, Rachel went to tend Cara at the stables and the Ghosts of past, present and future started to show up one at the time just like in Ebenezer Scrooge’s story…. 😯 (to be continued)

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The show must go on..

Posted by Fabio on Aug 10, 2009 in Advenure, Cronicle, Journey, Planning

Phase one of the Father & Son Project has been a true adventure of exploration. Few kilometers into the journey I discovered that no horse could have gone trough it. The main problems I found have been simple obstacles that go from crossing over some sort of fixed fencing to ground so bogy that would not hold my weight let alone the weight of a horse.

I’m in the process of adding a detailed account of the journey including difficulties to expect and gear to bring along if you decide to walk the trails.

Despite all these obstacles, I also learned what roads a horse can trade without the risk of intense traffic or the problematic barrier of land boundaries. I also learned that there are a lot of very kind people are ready to help if I find the courage to ask. In many ways as they say is not so much the destination that counts as the journey to get there.

To add to that Cara has been lame for the past week and while she is now on the way of recovery, is not wise to bring her along for phase two. By now I learned not to despair, like I did the first time I found an obstacle on the way, or the day I reached Drumkeeran soaked to the bone and no place or strength to pitch a tent. Problem will always be there weather or not is an adventure or everyday life. Along this journey I discovered that is all about discovering how what I see is a problem and recognise the alternatives available to move forward, wherever forward is.

This project was not about horses, even if the idea of travelling on horse back is still very much alive for both of us. I asked Matthew how he felt about continuing the journey on foot and maybe complete the full round from where I started.

He agreed and we decided that we will start exactly from where I left it on Wednesday, Boyle. From there we will follow the Historical Trail around Lough Key to Keadew, then deviate on to the Miners Way till it joins back with the Leitrim Way to reach Drumshambo. On day 3 we will walk all the way along the other side of Lough Allen till we reach Dowra. From Dowra we will close the Sli Leitrim loop and re-join the path that bring us back to Manor Hamilton.

In this way we will both face a completely new trail and with it a new set of challenges. We will not have horses with us but we still share a great adventure.

Before I close this post I also want to thank everyone that contributed so generously to Goal the latest count was at 770 Euro, far beyond what I had imagined and I hope it will keep rising in the next few days :-).

Thank you all very much.

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Ireland seen on foot…

Posted by Fabio on Aug 9, 2009 in Advenure, Cronicle, Milestones, Reflections

When I see Ireland Post cards I always wonder where such wonderful places are. Only now, after this short journey, I realised that to see the real beauty of Ireland you need to leave the main roads and venture along the most impervious bog-lands Sli (ways). Here some of the picture that I feel best represents the places I’ve walked trough.

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What would you do if this stands in your path?…

Posted by Fabio on Aug 6, 2009 in Advenure, Cronicle, Journey, Milestones

[singlepic id=9 w=320 h=240 mode=watermark float=left]Beyond those step is the last boggy field before the final 2 km stretch of walk to Boyle. Behind me 3 km of squashy and soggy moss, overgrown bramble bushes and dark forest trails. After 4 days of facing such kind of dilemmas, I stopped getting worried about it and made a quick assessment.

I stepped on the top of the ladder I could se no bull; but I know how deceiving this high fields can be, it is probably grazing bang on in front of the exit point. There is no visible post to guide the correct direction, with 12 kg on my shoulder in such tricky boggy ground, going downhill and with my dog sky along I don’t stand many chances to outrun a bull.

There was no way I was going to walk back this trail. I looked at the map to take my bearing a road should be just down the hill on my left. I followed the boundary and eventually found the exit, to the road and back few minutes after I was back on the trail with the Bull treat on my back.

It has been and incredible 4 days and I’ve just realized that I will have to do some work to tell the story on this blog so hang on you will hear all about it and see the fantastic landscapes of Ireland in the next few days.

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Last few preparations for the Journey

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.

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Lead the way…

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 !!

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Testing Edges…

Posted by Fabio on May 19, 2009 in Cronicle, Milestones, Reflections

[singlepic id=8 w=320 h=240 float=left]It has now been a couple of weeks that I haven’t posted any update here. It is now time to face reality. A while back Rachel asked me to reconsider the journey for a number of reasons, my reaction was somewhat  that of disappointed, I was really looking forward to the adventure. And I was really counting on everyone in the family being bought into the idea. Adventure is all about crossing over into the unknown and experience discovery. Planning is a very small part of it too much planning for me would kill the entire experience. But when Matthew expressed that maybe it would be better to start with something smaller this year maybe a week treck just to see what it would feel like it.That took me aback. I literally frozen, at first I felt betrayed, then I started to realize that really the whole project was for the both of us to share a sense of partnership. I had considered the possibility not to complete the journey, that is a prerogative of the unknown, and I was prepare to keep my mind open and avoid being stubborn. I did not conteplate the possibility the journey wouldn’t even start. I really jearn that feeling of adventure.

It is now two weeks since then and I can’t still describe accurately what is going on inside me. Yes I for me is all about understand emotions, is the critical foundation of who I am. this journey for me is a mixture between my yearning for adventure, sharing a meaningfull experience with Matthew, and yes in part was also a way to get the attention I crave.

So today is time to take stock of that eat a little humble pie and admit that to myself. Yes because is not all there. After I sort of accepted the change in program something else started to surface. How am I going to deal with the fact I have been talking to everyone about this? what would they think of me? They will all believe that I’m backing out of this… and bla bla bla!!!

It is quite an irony to think that I was going to show my son what adventure is all about. really he showed me what purity of spirit is all about. two days ago while I was still grovelling about writing this post I heard him talking to my parents over skype and just plainly and unreservedly say : “by the way you know we are not going to do the full journey but just a week!”. what stroke me was his matter of fact attitude to it. I’m still worrying about it but he just accepted the situation as it is.

I’m so proud of Matthew, he showed me how to be honest with myself and simply accept that is ok to change your mind. Thank you Matt

To recall the words of Dewitt Jones “its on the edges that we find the winds that take us higher” this week Matthew helped me test my own internal edge face the truth I so often hide under excuses and justifications and admit to myself that I migth not be afraid of danger but I’m surely, still afraid of judgment.

Where to now? when I superimposed Westrack 2009 over the logo, I asked myself  “do you men would there be a 2010? “And why not, maybe that is exactly what is all supposed to be. Maybe this is a never ending journey looking for a new edge to test in search for the currents that take us higher 🙂

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A journey of the mind

Posted by Fabio on May 5, 2009 in Cronicle, Reflections

[singlepic id=3 w=320 h=240 float=left]As the progress of the journey have come to a very slow pace, I started wondering what can I do in the mean while to build a connection with both boys. So I thought that maybe small little adventures in the discovery of Ireland would be a good way to start. The past week end we travelled to the Giant Causeways, it was a slow start but we eventually got there and it was phenomenal the energy and enthusiasm they developed as they discovered this new place full of unusual rock formations. Both Matt and Rory are very fond of rocks and at some stage I was expecting them to want to bring back a memento, like a full hexagonal rock. I got away with a couple of collector crystals from the souvenir shops. It was a great day we had fun we took lots of interesting pictures, it was a mini adventure maybe not a unique one but still important. After that I started wandering who I’m really doing this journey for. The answer come strait out, yes west track is really for me and that is ok. I know that Matthew looks forward to it too so that makes it even better.

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Questions…

Posted by Fabio on Mar 26, 2009 in Reflections

At time it is difficoult to find the right words to explain what is at work inside. In the last few weeks a number of emotion have been surfacing some very new for me. I’m looking for the right words and as these are new emotions  the search is an adventure in itself.

So let me see if I can paint a picture of it. It feels like there is a wonderful green field in front of me very inviting, it represent the freedom that is so important to me and the only thing I have to do is step into  it and run and jump and breathe in the fresh crystal air.

Yet as I try to do so it feels like there is some thing pulling back almost like a giant rubber band, it feels like it. What I found difficult is to see where it is attached to me and how come I cannot get free from it.

It doesn’t feel strong at all and I’m sure that if I pull hard enough it will give, yet I’m wondering if it will also pull something along with it.

So here there are the words, I’ve been going trough this emotional up and down for a while now, is this project a great idea or it is just a whim? I have been looking outside for signs that would tell me “yes Fabio go for it!”, and I found a lot of them all very encouraging, then I started to look also for signs that would tell me the opposite “Fabio what is this all about?”, and I didn’t really found many, and the few I did found where very weak (well I didn’t say anything to mum about this yet, I’m sure she will provide a good few ones anyway). So I started looking for sign against the project  inside, there I found something really interesting.

I keep asking myself the same question why am I doing this for? I mean really why am I doing this for?

And the more I come up with rational answers the more I found myself questioning them. So I’m at a point where my curiosity is driving the whole project; I really want to know why am I doing this for. (and a new question surface at the same time : ” is this the kernel of my motivation? Curiosity?”)

And as ask myself this question I’m wondering what is Matthew thinking about it. I guess I’ll have ask him 🙂

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The Stuff of Legends…

Posted by Fabio on Mar 15, 2009 in Planning

sir-ruaidhriWow time is flowing at an incredible pace I’ve been dedicating the last few evening researching equipment and learning about web site building and only now realized that is already almost a week since my last post.

It’s amazing to see how technology is progressing so fast. I was looking for a tent for the journey. The key is to keep the weight down to a minimum. Without pack horse all we carry with us will have to be accommodated between the two horses we will be riding. I understand that for such a lengthy journey the maximum a horse can carry is around 1/5 of its weight that means that that we will probably have less than 20 kilos each to carry.

I found a wonderous Terra Nova Laser tent that packed wights at 1.24 Kg. that is impressive, just what I need the downside is that with the weight reducing the price seems increasing. The same goes for all the rest of the equipment. so I’m starting now a shopping list to check out costs. Maybe if I found everything at a single store there is a chance I can ask for a discount.

I’m also considering hydration backpacks with 2 litres each per day. I’m a bit conscious about the weight on the shoulders but the practicality is undoubtedly there –  no need to pack bottles or anything like it.

The next thing I’m pricing is the horse first aid kit, there again there a whole new world to learn. Rachel is giving me lessons about what to do and what not to do with horses from basic grooming to understanding the intricate patterns of horse communication. Is not really that different from human communication if nothing else the words don’t get in the way. Is all about body language, ears moving direction twitching of muscles on the withers, it is all fascinating and at the same time it makes perfect sense.

I’m become more aware of each horse personality and this makes it easy now I think I know what it means to choose the right horse, there is a combination of fitness, suitability to the project but more than everything a sort of chemistry.

This reminds me what this journey is all about …. It is about Partnership, sharing a journey and working together to make it happen. just last week I had the privilege to hear Alexander Dunlop who is a management consultant that uses the patterns of mythology and storytelling to help organizations identify their image and branding. What struck me what his idea of the adventure, the initial reluctance, reaching the commitment, finding the guide all the way to facing the dragon and eventually the return. I can certainly see myself in the first few steps. When I had the idea there has been a long period of uncertainty between the want it to go and the hope the idea would disappear. Then building the website represented my commitment. I guess when Marianne responded to my e-mail so quickly I found my guide, she has been really supportive since then and she certainly is a very inspiring guide…. I’m just wondering when will I face my dragon, I think I can feel it approaching fast. 🙂

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