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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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People Kindness…

Posted by Fabio on Aug 6, 2009 in Cronicle, Journey, Kindness

There are few people I really would like to thanks: First of all Paddy Walsh, for  being the first person stopping by and talking to me while I was resting at the little Church over the Arigna River.[singlepic id=13 w=240 h=160 float=right]

I want to thanks the Lorna Gralton of Ballyfarnon House for interceding with her neighbour Joe to let me pitch my tent in his garden, and of course thanks goes also to Joe a very kind old man.

[singlepic id=12 w=240 h=160 float=left]A special tanks goes to Anthony and Mauruna Healy, not only for giving me the opportunity to pitch my tent in the most beautiful spot I could ever imagine, but also for sharing a pleasant evening and a very welcomed cup of strong Irish tea :-).[singlepic id=11 w=240 h=160 float=right]

Thanks you all very much for your kindness.

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D-day

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.

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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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The boys are back in town

Posted by Fabio on Apr 17, 2009 in Reflections

In a couple of days the boys will be back from Italy, I know they enjoyed their holiday very much. I don’t think I ever missed so much like these two weeks,Especially last week. Being in Leitrim without them, messing around was quite unusual. It was a pity there were a lot of kids around for easter I’m sure they would have had a great time .

Yesterday evening I took part to JCI meeting, it was quite by chance really and I had a great privilege to listen to Lisa O’Shea, the daughter of the founder of Goal. It is so reassuring to know that there are such wonderful people like Lisa and Marianne in the world, they are blessed with a unique view the world and a wonderful power to inspire others. I’m struggling to describe the quality that makes them so, it is a blend of relentless optimism, coupled with an assertive intolerance for ignorance (the kind of ignorance that mistakes abundance for greed).

I often wonder if there is a switch somewhere in our soul that can turn us in the extraordinary creature we can be. I often wonder where is mine in any case, but I guess that is the reason I’m on this hearth. To find that switch… 😉

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The new site

Posted by Fabio on Mar 31, 2009 in Cronicle, Reflections

I’ve been working on building the site so that is all included in one single place and has the same look and feel, I’m really enjoying working in wordpress is so easy and intuitive. More than anything I’m enjoying learning about working with the web. It is kind of amazing to think that I worked for IBM for more than 9 years and I never felt the motivation to put up my web site :-). And now it is hard to get away from playing around with it.

Well I guess there is a time for everything…

In the last few days there have been a lot of developments, the quest for a site has almost turned into a purchase of 20 acres land, still a work in progress. Some prospective option for our horses companion have been also surfacing, nothing certain yet, just possibilities.

I’ve got back to my rowing machine, and I’m planning to be doing some Yoga too, I know that body flexibility will be of essence. Rachel gave me some lessons on Cara, while lounging her, only half an hour, my legs remained stiff for 3 days I couldn’t even cross them ;-0.

The whole project entered a into a steady pace mode. It is ticking one day at the time….

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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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Following the flow…

Posted by Fabio on Mar 10, 2009 in Reflections

Is a few days that I’m resisting the temptation to write in this blog, I’m not quite sure of the real reason, I guess is that lingering fear this might be too big a project.

At the week end I followed Oriana suggestion and I checked out the Long Riders Guild. It is indeed an incredible resource, I contacted the founder and I got immediate reply and support. I’m sure that despite my journey is not up to the Guilds standards they will be a significant source of information and help.

I began reading some of the incredible stories of riders around the world that accomplished incredible adventures and for a moment I allowed myself to dream what an exciting life style that can be. “One journey at the time Fabio” I keep telling myself, but hey dreams are for free. Turning them into reality is great fun 🙂

In the last couple of weeks I have been noticing a significant change in Matthew’s mood and manner of interaction with others. A very positive one, he is much more approachable and open to others than ever before. It is great to see him like that 🙂 I have great hopes for our journey and I have the impression that he is starting to get involved.

I’ve been receiving a lot of very useful suggestion and advice from a lot of colleagues and friends and I’m starting to keep a record of things I have to put into action.

Maybe I also identified a possible suitable horse, but I will need to ask its owner if they will be willing to let me use it.

A piece of the Puzzle at the time and I’m sure the big picture will take shape… 😉

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Hello world!

Posted by Fabio on Mar 4, 2009 in Cronicle

This is my new blog site to keep you all up to date on my adventure across Ireland with my son Matthew.

I made this change to make it easier for anyone to follow this journey and contributing by adding their Random Acts of Kindness.

I’ll look forward to read about you.

Ciao for now, Fabio

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