September 11th, 2015
The Liminal Space - I am in the liminal space of transition. This is where transformation occurs. I find myself in a sort of time shift. I am simultaneously looking back, inward and into the future. What shall I shed along the way? What is important to keep? What will I gain? Different aspects of me are emerging and requesting something. One moment I am remorseful of the hurts I have caused to others; then I am elated at this chance to recreate a new version of myself. Old forgotten pieces are floating to the surface. What a magical carpet ride and I’m only in the prep stage!
Soy peregrina!
How did this all come about? As most thing, it happened in spurts. There was the visit of a cousin. He recently retired and was cycling across North America alone. It was inspiring to talk with him of his adventure. Then there was the question: what shall we do for our 30th wedding anniversary? And finally, a discussion with our financial planner revealed that we had options, it came down to making decisions of simplified lifestyle and mobilizing some of our finances.
The concept began to form. We would plan to take a year off. We would search for the blissful state we experienced in Corsica. We love research, looking into all manner of life and travel. Some ideas came and went very fast, but others brewed slowly into our elixir. We would do a thru-hike and a road trip.
A thru-hike is a (very) long distance hike. It requires self-sufficiency, planning, orienteering, and of course fitness. Perfect! The AZT, Arizona Scenic Trail, revealed itself as a well-resourced option. The trail system is well maintained and managed by a board of hiking enthusiasts. It would entail a 3 month hike from the Mexican border up through many national and state parks, through 5 or 6 communities, up and down the Grand Canyon and up to the border of Utah. Some 1800 Km would be walked. How to prepare for this? Lots of training, and maybe another ‘smaller’ walk would be required to test out equipment, and our somewhat older bodies.
A friend suggested the Camino de Santiago. This 800 Km walk across Northern Spain is a historical walk for pilgrims looking to answer spiritual questions through the arduous task of walking. It has become quite popular and some 200 thousand people attempt it every year. For us the challenges would include the social aspect of this journey. Staying in hostels and eating group meals with other pilgrims from all over the world would be a new experience; we typically stay in our tent and seek independence.
So here we are. We are divesting ourselves of much of our possessions, leaving work and our birds have been adopted by good families. We are becoming nomads. It is this dramatic change that brings me to the liminal space. I hope you come along on our journey as we discover what truths we may find along the way.
Julie
The Liminal Space - I am in the liminal space of transition. This is where transformation occurs. I find myself in a sort of time shift. I am simultaneously looking back, inward and into the future. What shall I shed along the way? What is important to keep? What will I gain? Different aspects of me are emerging and requesting something. One moment I am remorseful of the hurts I have caused to others; then I am elated at this chance to recreate a new version of myself. Old forgotten pieces are floating to the surface. What a magical carpet ride and I’m only in the prep stage!
Soy peregrina!
How did this all come about? As most thing, it happened in spurts. There was the visit of a cousin. He recently retired and was cycling across North America alone. It was inspiring to talk with him of his adventure. Then there was the question: what shall we do for our 30th wedding anniversary? And finally, a discussion with our financial planner revealed that we had options, it came down to making decisions of simplified lifestyle and mobilizing some of our finances.
The concept began to form. We would plan to take a year off. We would search for the blissful state we experienced in Corsica. We love research, looking into all manner of life and travel. Some ideas came and went very fast, but others brewed slowly into our elixir. We would do a thru-hike and a road trip.
A thru-hike is a (very) long distance hike. It requires self-sufficiency, planning, orienteering, and of course fitness. Perfect! The AZT, Arizona Scenic Trail, revealed itself as a well-resourced option. The trail system is well maintained and managed by a board of hiking enthusiasts. It would entail a 3 month hike from the Mexican border up through many national and state parks, through 5 or 6 communities, up and down the Grand Canyon and up to the border of Utah. Some 1800 Km would be walked. How to prepare for this? Lots of training, and maybe another ‘smaller’ walk would be required to test out equipment, and our somewhat older bodies.
A friend suggested the Camino de Santiago. This 800 Km walk across Northern Spain is a historical walk for pilgrims looking to answer spiritual questions through the arduous task of walking. It has become quite popular and some 200 thousand people attempt it every year. For us the challenges would include the social aspect of this journey. Staying in hostels and eating group meals with other pilgrims from all over the world would be a new experience; we typically stay in our tent and seek independence.
So here we are. We are divesting ourselves of much of our possessions, leaving work and our birds have been adopted by good families. We are becoming nomads. It is this dramatic change that brings me to the liminal space. I hope you come along on our journey as we discover what truths we may find along the way.
Julie
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September 11th, 2015
Planning 'Big Picture' - Finances, possessions, location, preparation, equipment, workplace, food… it can get overwhelming because everyone knows that ‘the devil is in the detail’. Thirty five years of management and mountaineering thought Julie and I to trust our instincts, just like a rock climbing line or a mountaineering route, small planned steps will get us there. Also, friends of ours who retired in their 60’s keep reminding Julie and I that if they had to do it again, they would take time off earlier. So - we are healthy and ready! Do we commit to jumping off the cliff? Yes, this is a journey of a lifetime! Here is the high level plan: |
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Well than, as a first step we need to finalize the trip(s) and look at the timing & logistics. As mentioned in Julie's post, the Arizona Trail is an 1,700+ km recreation trail from Mexico to Utah that connects mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail systems, points of interest, communities, and people. More about the AZT in later blogs. This trail can only be done in early Spring or in the Fall for weather reasons - as the central piece we decided on Spring 2016.
The decision on the Camino de Santiago was both for logistical reasons and the desire to do the journey. The logistics were simple - it needed to be done before the AZT and not during the winter - mid-fall became the obvious place for it. The Camino de Santiago (Santiago de Compostela) is an 800+ km recreating the journey taken by early pilgrims on their way to bury the remains of St James. In recent days many take up this route as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth.
Finally to wrap-up the year and to my amazement, Julie suggested that we take a motorcycle trip across North America.
Somewhat reminiscent of the offer she made to me over 30 years ago and 7.5 hours after we met in Edmonton – I said yes! The plans for that motorcycle trip are still in the development stage but a few items are surfacing, such as; icebergs off the Newfoundland coast, a lengthy visit with friends and family around Ottawa, etc.
OK – I won’t let you hang any longer… for those who don’t know the story about our first meeting in Edmonton – I was shift supervisor, she was a new employee. Julie was suppose to start on the other shift but because they couldn’t reach the other supervisor, the boss asked Julie to join my evening shift. We were photogrammetrists (map makers) and worked shift work. To keep this story short and PG rated, at the end of the first shift I asked Julie if she wanted to be escorted to her hotel and once at her hotel she proceeded to ask me if I wanted a massage. That ‘yes’ on April 15th 1985 made me a very happy man - in many different ways!
The decision on the Camino de Santiago was both for logistical reasons and the desire to do the journey. The logistics were simple - it needed to be done before the AZT and not during the winter - mid-fall became the obvious place for it. The Camino de Santiago (Santiago de Compostela) is an 800+ km recreating the journey taken by early pilgrims on their way to bury the remains of St James. In recent days many take up this route as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth.
Finally to wrap-up the year and to my amazement, Julie suggested that we take a motorcycle trip across North America.
Somewhat reminiscent of the offer she made to me over 30 years ago and 7.5 hours after we met in Edmonton – I said yes! The plans for that motorcycle trip are still in the development stage but a few items are surfacing, such as; icebergs off the Newfoundland coast, a lengthy visit with friends and family around Ottawa, etc.
OK – I won’t let you hang any longer… for those who don’t know the story about our first meeting in Edmonton – I was shift supervisor, she was a new employee. Julie was suppose to start on the other shift but because they couldn’t reach the other supervisor, the boss asked Julie to join my evening shift. We were photogrammetrists (map makers) and worked shift work. To keep this story short and PG rated, at the end of the first shift I asked Julie if she wanted to be escorted to her hotel and once at her hotel she proceeded to ask me if I wanted a massage. That ‘yes’ on April 15th 1985 made me a very happy man - in many different ways!
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BTW - Julie and I went to the same school in Ottawa in the 70s and although I knew her brother and I dated a friend of hers, we never met until that star filled evening in 1985...
Simon |
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September 19th, 2015
Our departure date is fast approaching for the Camino de Santiago. If you are interested in this walk, there are many good web-sites, videos and books available. The movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen is pretty good for those less likely to read… Serious training started some time ago. I have been using a fitness studio called Vibes. They use vibratory platforms on which one does plyometric, core, free weights, and Poly-neuromuscular facilitation movements to produce a full body work-out. The vibration engages those support muscles along the joints. It has made such a difference for my aching knees. I had worries that I would not be able to hike any longer; but because of Vibes my knees are pain free and I can squat! Thanks Gina and Trudy. |
Lunging in Beacon Hill Park
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As well, walking and hiking with a weighted vest is a must to get the legs use to their obligatory load. We have been doing city and trail walks any time we can. No errand is too far to walk these days. Just a word of warning regarding the weight vests, they do look like bomb vests so don’t wear them during event day’s downtown. Yes we have been stopped by the police to check the vests on some occasions. Just use care, when and where you use them.
Our guide book also recommends prepping our insides. What are we looking for? What will we leave on the trail? This is more nebulous. For me, I have some mourning that is lingering. My mother died three years ago and I know I have some more tears to shed for her loss. There is always a bit of baggage from my past-pre Simon, of course. So I look forward to being sad, grouchy, and all emotions along the way. We have made a pact to just feel the feelings and support each other with lightness and humour. What I also hope is for a bit of bliss. I am confident that this will occur as it usually does when hiking. That ‘brain calm’ where no thought lingers for more than a few seconds, is my favorite place to hang out. You feel the connection with your surroundings, there is no worry or strife. Ah bliss.
There is also the exercise of gratitude. The pilgrim is provided with a bed, a meal and help when needed. No plans or reservations are made. You have to trust that what you need will be provided, and receive it with gratitude.
What are we bringing? Well, as little as possible. We are sleeping in the Albergues (hostels) so we don’t need a tent. Food will be purchased at mercatos (shops) along the way, and there are fuentes (fountain) for water and wine!
Our guide book also recommends prepping our insides. What are we looking for? What will we leave on the trail? This is more nebulous. For me, I have some mourning that is lingering. My mother died three years ago and I know I have some more tears to shed for her loss. There is always a bit of baggage from my past-pre Simon, of course. So I look forward to being sad, grouchy, and all emotions along the way. We have made a pact to just feel the feelings and support each other with lightness and humour. What I also hope is for a bit of bliss. I am confident that this will occur as it usually does when hiking. That ‘brain calm’ where no thought lingers for more than a few seconds, is my favorite place to hang out. You feel the connection with your surroundings, there is no worry or strife. Ah bliss.
There is also the exercise of gratitude. The pilgrim is provided with a bed, a meal and help when needed. No plans or reservations are made. You have to trust that what you need will be provided, and receive it with gratitude.
What are we bringing? Well, as little as possible. We are sleeping in the Albergues (hostels) so we don’t need a tent. Food will be purchased at mercatos (shops) along the way, and there are fuentes (fountain) for water and wine!
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So we have: 2 outfits, sleeping bag, slip cover (silk to discourage bed bugs from hitching a ride), backpack, poncho, hiking boots, street shoes, sun hat, glasses, hiking poles, first aid kit, toiletries, our paper diary, card game (of course there will be the sabbatical card games challenge-keep you posted on who is winning), pilgrim passports and our phones which will be our cameras and connection to the outside world (please don’t phone us-e-mail is best-thanks). This weighs about 18lbs. Water for the day will be 6-8lbs and then food for the day 1-2lbs. Not bad. Somos listos vamos! Julie |
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September 30th, 2015
This is a bit of an emotional blog for me… I’ve just had my last ride until June 2016! I will store the bike in two days. :o)) (sigh)
But seriously, the work life is done (for now), I walked away last week and it felt oddly good. Not good because I wanted to leave but good because we’ve been planning and preparing this for over a year. Those who know Julie and I, well… let's move!
Not to dwell on planning further but the goals and the plans made this year of adventure possible and a reality. We originally planned this sabbatical to start March 2017 but when your plan is ready the rest falls in place.
This is a bit of an emotional blog for me… I’ve just had my last ride until June 2016! I will store the bike in two days. :o)) (sigh)
But seriously, the work life is done (for now), I walked away last week and it felt oddly good. Not good because I wanted to leave but good because we’ve been planning and preparing this for over a year. Those who know Julie and I, well… let's move!
Not to dwell on planning further but the goals and the plans made this year of adventure possible and a reality. We originally planned this sabbatical to start March 2017 but when your plan is ready the rest falls in place.
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This is my last week of preparation and I've come to realize that I have very little to do. So… I had two or three motorcycle rides and I’m reading a bit! Mostly reading about the things I want to ponder during the next year; simplifying, minimizing - transitioning from ‘having’ to ‘having less and doing more’ - from possessions to experiences and so on. Julie and I have done our fair share of experiencing through the years but taking time to reflect and re-prioritize is always a good idea. I think it comes down to removing clutter and not just the material kind!
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BTW - I was reminded by someone very wise that I should stop looking at this sabbatical as an upcoming event – and think of it as a process already in motion. Dreaming about doing, thinking of doing, planning on doing, preparing to do and doing are all parts of the one process. The key is not to stop partway!
Our next blog… is likely going to be from France - A bientot!
Simon
Our next blog… is likely going to be from France - A bientot!
Simon