Hi everyone,
I've just seen the latest comments in this thread, and wanted to respond, hopefully answering some of the questions and criticisms on here, so here goes...
Firstly, on that first day, I got to the section between Poverty Point Bridge and Fingerboard Spur, that was when I realised the ridiculousness of my pack weight(s), and that at the level of fitness I had, such as it was, I wouldn't be able to complete the trail. I also realised I wouldn't make it to O'Sheas before sunset, having set off from Walhalla several hours later than I'd have liked. I found a clearing that was
just big enough to pitch my tent, and camped there, weighing up my options...
I quickly realised that pushing on wasn't an option, mainly because going further along takes one further away from civilisation, and I couldn't see myself getting further than maybe Stronachs Camp at the most before burning out entirely. This left walking back into Walhalla as the only alternative.
Regarding my tent, I can assure you this was not jettisoned. From what I can gather about where it was found and when I definitely saw it last, I was taking a break on my way back to Walhalla, and leaned against a rock (the tent was strapped on the outside of my pack), and I'm guessing this is where it slipped out without me noticing.
Regarding my pack weight, it was truly insane. Excess items included 5 tops, fleece and fleeced raincoat, thick hooded sweater, and hardback & paperback books, on top of food choices that were bulkier than necessary, I agree this was wholly inappropriate, yet it didn't trigger a red flag at the time. Looking back now with 20/20 hindsight, I don't know whether to laugh or cry at my naivety.
Regarding the food drops, posts on this thread criticising the fact I didn't stay in the country long enough to collect and dispose of them are very fair, I hold my hands up to this, it was irresponsible and I apologise for this. The only thing I would say about this though, is that it wasn't for not caring, but emotionally I was all over the place at the time, not thinking clearly etc, and it just hadn't occurred to me how much of an issue this would be until I was on my way back to the UK, and was a major facepalm moment when it was pointed out.
I'd like to thank Sandbars for contacting me and collecting the food drops, and also for donating the food, I really appreciate it!
Regarding my training, I do think that saying it consisted of 'an occasional stroll in the park' is overly harsh. It certainly wasn't ideal, although maybe I made it sound like less than it was. In all honesty I don't recall any conversations or threads about this.
Dinna89, I don't quite understand your comment about this disregarding the charity? Yes, I had my own reasons for attempting the AAWT, which I was always upfront about, but your post seemed to imply I was disrespecting the charity and/or making it a sponsored walk out of some ulterior motive.
I simply wanted to do some good for a cause that I'm passionate about (HIV awareness, treatment and prevention). Do correct me if I'm wrong on that though.
I also owe a
huge thank you to Wildlight. It was a pleasure to meet you, and the advice you gave me on the journey to Walhalla was spot on. I really appreciated your offer to help me arrange some shorter walks, and again (with 20/20 hindsight), should have taken you up on that.
Some of you have wondered if I'll attempt the AAWT in future. The answer to that is yes, I'm planning on November 2017, although that's not yet confirmed. I want to assure everyone though that I'm taking on board my lessons learnt from last years' attempt. For starters, I've teamed up with an experienced hiker who'll be walking with me. (That's another oversight from last year, attempting the AAWT solo). We'll most likely hike SOBO, and I can't tell you how ruthless I'll be about my pack weight. I've been on several multi-day walks in the last few months, and while the lack of mountains in London is a problem, I'm planning on trips to climb Snowdon and Ben Nevis over the coming year and a bit. Hiking and camping is fast becoming a serious hobby of mine, I find it a wonderful relief from the stresses of urban life.
I also won't be nearly so active on social media in the months leading up to it though, I was putting too much pressure on myself.
My goal with this post has been to explain all this from my perspective, and how I've learned from such a spectacular failure. Writing the post that I'd abandoned the AAWT was one of the most embarrassing things to have to do, especially so early on.
By the way, GregR, if and when next years' attempt at this goes ahead, I owe you a beer for losing that bet!