Discovering The Way

"It's always a struggle to let somebody go..." ~ Fantastic Place (S.Hogarth)
These lyrics are relevant to me in the context of why I'm doing a sponsored walk, and also in light of the subject matter of this blog.

Here's what some critics said about the movie, 'The Way'...
"moving and incredibly uplifting". ~ Mail on Sunday.
"a soulful and cinematic journey". ~ Empire.

Whenever I find myself in need of some inspiration, specifically when it comes to forcing myself to go out training, I sit down and watch Emilio Estevez's lovely and charming film entitled 'The Way'.
The movie stars his real life father, Martin Sheen, who embarks on 'The Camino de Santiago' in Spain; a spiritual walk originally started by his son, but who was unable to complete the journey himself due to his tragic and untimely death. So the father has his son cremated, and then embarks on the walk 'together' with his son as he scatters his ashes along the way. Rather than appearing as a morbid tale, it is in fact a very heartwarming little story. It's an inspiring film which challenges the real meaning of your life, and makes you realise that you should always strive to achieve what you set out to do; to smell the roses along the way; and to understand that life is indeed far too short.

My parents watched the film when it came out on dvd recently, and I think it helped them both understand me a bit better. I also think that maybe it also helped them relate to my decision to walk away from work for a while, and fulfill a personal ambition of mine to go travelling around New Zealand a few years ago.
Additionally, I don't think they ever really understood my strength, faith and belief in trying to forge a relationship with my ex-girlfriend, and it's only now after we've split up and the full details of her condition became apparent, that they realise why I had remained so commited and supportive towards her despite the fact that I was continually receiving anguish, heartbreak, and countless setbacks.

If the pilgrims of 'The Camino' can trek over 800 km's then I'm sure I can handle the 100 miles ahead for my charity walk along The South Downs Way in April for Cancer Research UK!
Who knows, if this event is a success then maybe I can think about walking this sacred road myself next year, or maybe I could 'tramp' around one of the magnificent National Parks in New Zealand, as I'm always looking for a reason to return to NZ...and what could be better than raising funds for a worthwhile cause?
I've trekked for single days along certain tracks, especially around The Abel Tasman National Park, but maybe I should seriously consider the possibility of embarking on a longer adventure?
Anyway, it would be a great excuse to catch up with my great friend, Ange in Christchurch if nothing else!
In fact at the time of writing this blog, it appears that she may even found a way for me to return to NZ?
More details to follow...I hope, or maybe it was the 'giggle juice' talking, eh TWL?

Whether or not Curph, Chappers, Jon & myself will enjoy similar adventures along 'Our Way'' covering The South Downs remains to be seen, but I'm sure we'll all have some stories to tell afterwards!
Yesterday marked the inaugural meeting where the four of us had the chance to discuss our plans and the various logistics involved surrounding the event. Some great ideas and suggestions resulted from this meeting and again, more details will follow shortly regarding the charity walk...so please watch this space!

Thanks for all your love & support ~ take care & be safe :)

Ramblin' Steve