“Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is just one more good idea”.
Jim Rohn
One day, an idea pops into your mind and in a few seconds, the course of your life is changed.
The idea might be vague, somewhat rusty, perhaps an amalgamation of desires. Or it could immediately be the finished article, crystal clear in your sights.
Either way, it comes alive, grows inside you and begins to blossom like the awaited attraction of white and pink buds on a magnolia tree in spring.
Arriving at the concept for The Van Heldens Hike was a process; a blend of impulse, passion, desire, curiosity and hunger.
Over the course of eighteen months, the plans were shuffled, the structure remodelled and the configuration altered. However, the foundations remained the same; family, adventure, nature, travel and challenge.
The initial discussions spoke of travelling in a campervan with freedom, independence, comfort and the ability to see the world. The reality was that the purchase of such a machine would swallow the budget leaving only crumbs to explore.
The campervan idea was downgraded to bicycles. However, this would restrict the children to sitting stationary for long periods of time, with little freedom or autonomy to satisfy their curiosities, explore their physical capabilities and use all of their senses to probe the natural environment around them.
Travelling in a campervan or on bikes also seemed to accelerate the journey. The potential speed felt too fast and there was a deep desire to slow things down.
What was the most leisurely means of travel that would provide connection with nature in real time?
How could the children best be free to roam, climb and explore?
The vision to move on foot beamed forward like the bronzed golden of the late afternoon sun. It was the perfect fit.
Travelling on foot is the most aboriginal form of human movement. It is passive, quiet and gradual. Slowing down, magnifies the present moment, which is both a challenge and an opportunity.
The hope is to scale these challenges and walk with the opportunities.
Enjoy the journey, the walk, the rythm of the walk, the nature…. the time together,
Can’t wait to read more and hopefully to meet you all on your journey
Hi Beatrice, thank you so much for your beautiful wishes and lovely support. After a considerable time talking, planning and organising this trip, it feels so good to be at the start line. It would be great to meet you on route! Much love Laura x