LeJog 2006 - Land's End to John O'Groats

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my story - Justin

For over ten years I have known I would walk from Lands End to John O’Groats, cross-country. This is not something to be undertaken lightly but when the chance came for a sabbatical from work the planning really began.

At that time Dan Hawkes joined the party, which provided the possibility of sharing the load of the communal items as well as companionship (i.e. someone to blame when it all goes wrong) and a much needed safety net in case one of us suffers an injury.

We will leave on Saturday 1st July 2006 to start the 70 day, 1100 mile walk and will be carrying a pack weighing approximately 23 kilos containing essential lightweight kit. I will be avoiding all built up areas and using tracks and bridleways at all possible times.

Water will be replenished by using natural sources and water purifier. Food will be selected to meet out 5000 calories per day need and picked up at village post offices at three to four day intervals.

The route and equipment planning is immense which is on top of the physical training readying for walking 16 miles everyday for ten weeks carrying a fully loaded pack.

Currently I am employed as a Joint Managing Director and am hoping to use the business relations to raise approximately £6000 and use the trip as a fundraiser as well as a personal challenge. If you would like to sponsor us please visit our fund raising page.

Dan is employed by Pfizer who also list the Kent Air Ambulance (our chosen charity) as one of their chosen charities.

If all goes well we should be in John O’Groats on the 9th September 2006 for a much welcome bath and beer.

Justin

am i mad - Dan

This is the question poised by most of the people who I've told about our cross-country assault on Land's End to John O'Groats.

To some the question has been lead by thoughts of long days of laden hiking, uncomfortable nights camping and 'functional' cuisine with only one other person to share the trials with. To the others that know Justin, there's a possibility the question has a double meaning! On both fronts I'll only be able to answer once we return.

I've known Justin for a number of years now as we've been house sharing since 1999 and I hope its fair to say that, although this has been his plan for many years, we're equally committed to and excited by the project.

To many the journey is one beset with discomfort and hardship, but this is only a question of perspective. While the majority endure the daily grind of work, dreaming of package holidays abroad; we'll be out exploring Britain and imbibing the character of the island.

In this case comfort is only taking the things we need and everything we'll need will either be firmly on or back or a few days away at a replenishment point. Everyday we will have a wonderful new view from our bedroom window - rain and shine!

For me the drive for this is adventure and exploration. Yes, I'm sure people will have done the journey quicker and quite possibly followed our route before us. But we haven't and, although there is a feeling of trepidation, what true adventure would be without the hazards to counterpoint the rewards and make the entirety worthwhile?

Dan