This is advertised as the hardest trek in the world, that’s quite a boast and probably not true. It is though a trek which is relentless in character, it never surprised us with an easy day. As it comes to a close I have mixed feelings. Looking forward to speaking to Carolynn, a pint of beer, hot shower and steak & chips. But for 23 days we have lived without many of the modern day trappings and for most of the final 10 days mobile reception was non existent, try explaining that to a 14 year old! So instead of mindlessly updating Instagram or Facebook, I’ve walked and reflected on many things. I’ve realised how lucky I am with a loving wife, two wonderful children and their partners and, of course six Grandchildren and it goes without saying that they are the most gorgeous Grandchildren that there has ever been (I know every Grandparent would, of course say the same thing). One of them I haven’t seen yet as he was born in Ireland just days before I flew out to Bhutan, I seem to have a habit of doing that as I missed Aoife’s birth because I was in Greenland. As I’ve said so many times, whilst on these trips my thoughts often go back to my Father and his love of the mountains that’s been passed on to me and I hope I’ve managed to pass it onto my children. I know that when I walk with either James or Matthew, Dad’s looking down smiling. Mother’s, of course, always worry, no matter how old their children are and I’m never sure that she understands why I do what I do, but she always seems very proud! After saying all of that I am very much looking forward to speaking to Carolynn, a shower, a clean hotel bed and all those modern day trappings you pretend you don’t miss!
Bhutan, from what I’ve seen is a unique country. I would say that the lifestyle is simple, but that would be far from the truth, there is nothing simple about the lifestyle they live. The terrain is extreme, with most of the country in the foothills and high Himalaya, making a living is not easy. Only the lower towns have roads and the villages in the Himalaya are sometimes many days walk from other civilisation. It is a credit that they manage to both live and promote their culture. Slowly but surely modern day conveniences are being introduced, hopefully these will be brought in, in sympathy with their ways and their culture. How would I describe Bhutan, Rocks, Mud and Shit, that’s true but unfair. The forests are pristine many of the high mountains are still unclimbed and the people are genuine. Is there a change coming? The Snowman Run an ultra marathon, 300km over five days, is due to take place next October. I can see that bringing a change to the tranquility of the region…for some reason Red Bull, springs mind!
Stephen invited me on this Trek as a memorial to his sister Brita, who tragically died in a kayaking accident nearly a year ago. They were very close and spent many holidays trekking all over the world. Our final pass was a very emotional moment for both of us, but far more so for Stephen and I hope this trip helps him put Brita to rest.
I think I’ve described Stephen as paradoxical in his outlook, in a previous blog. He curses like a trooper, but although I don’t think he’d ever admit it, he is a deeply religious man. He’s walked a number of the Cameos and readily admits that he’s always in floods of tears when he enters Santiago and the Cathedral, so a sensitive man as well. Most of all though, he’s a very determined man, far more than I am. He came out here knowing he wasn’t at full strength and after a shaky start has ploughed on through all 23 days of this gruelling trek. As I explained above there was a specific reason for us doing this trek and I believe that this has very much helped him complete what is one of the hardest treks in the world.
