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I thoroughly enjoyed my 1st TGO challenge.   There were many challenges along the way for us to face.   The worst by far were Lynn’s blisters which caused her immense pain on many days.   Compared to this, my challenge was a walk in the park – big kudos to Lynn for working through it.

In reflecting back over our route and gear choices, there are a few things that worked and several things that didn’t.   I’d originally written our a long winded list and then decided it was pretty pointless – it comes down to three things:

1. Get your footwear right – Lynn had horrible blisters caused by wet feet and lots of road walking.   In future, she’ll be taking boots plus light weight running shoes.   This was the year of the foot challenge; so many of the folks we talked with had horrible blisters caused by the wet conditions.
2. Take care with long road walking days
   Days 3 – 6 covered almost 90km of hard road/military road walking.  This was brutal on our feet and totally exhausting.  In retrospect continuing on past Cougie lodge on Day 2 would have made this easier.
3. Get creative with food – our food was boringly similar each day (it didn’t help that I screwed up the packing).   Still, think about variety and consider picking up more stuff “on the go” as you hike through.

All in all, a great experience and one I would like to repeat.   Yes, even Lynn said she’s do it again too :-)   One thing that doesn’t come out in my trip report is the sheer camaraderie of Challengers.  They are a fun bunch, very friendly and always eager to offer a hand. I really enjoyed the social aspects alongside the solitariness of many of our “solo couple” days.

In the end, the hiking was great, the personal challenge wonderful but the friendship on the trial is priceless.   

Photos can’t do the event justice but sit back and enjoy a slideshow of our trip.

Happy trails,
Nigel.

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