The Backpacking Hiker is a website I put together to provide information on the many hikes that I have done in the past 5 years, to help others. These hikes have given me lots of time to explore options in my head, “The What if’s”, the “What next”.
Some of these hikes I have shared with very close friends and relatives, people who’s opinions I value very much. They also used the time to reflect on “Where they were in life”, “What it is that they really wanted” and “How could they make the changes”.
Are you someone who likes adventures that challenge you mentally and physically?
If you are interested, would you consider joining me either as an individual or in a small group on a hiking and camping trip in which you to challenge yourself, gain awareness of what it is that you want in life, where you are in life and what is it you can change in your life.
New hikes that are planned for 2023
- June – Via Dinarica Stage 27 to Stage 41. Bosnia & Herzegovina to Montenegro. Approximately 550kms.
- June/July – GR20, Corsica, France. Touted as Europe’s toughest hike 180kms.
- July/August – The High Route Pyrennes, France/Spain. Approximately 800kms.
- August/September – Fisherman’s Trail, Southern Portugal coast. Approximately 230kms.
If this would interest you, please send me a message, telling me what interests you about it and how you feel it could help you. globallifecoaching1@yahoo.com
This is what fellow travelers have said about their experiences on the trail with me.
“I hiked with my brother Shaun through the Peaks of the Balkans in the summer of 2019. A lifelong memory that I revisit in my mind and photos regularly.
Throughout this 2 week hike Shaun consistently exhibited patience, calm and an enviable stamina. Also, extreme resourcefulness having been a Boy Scout, ex-Army and a prolific traveler. He didn’t see barriers, just opportunities and goals to be reached.
For myself, it was the hardest physical and mental thing I had done in my life to that point – endless mountains, an 18kg backpack, mangled toes, uncomfortable nights and uncomfortable feelings as my expectations of myself were vigorously challenged. Yet I came out of it physically and mentally stronger, fitter (and slimmer), excited, with life long memories of a journey taken on foot through 3 countries (sunsets, wild fruits and flowers, mountain peaks and perspective, and simplicity). A significant goal reached to be proud of.
Today, thousands of miles from all that, curtailed by COVID, I find myself eyeing my backpack yearning for that freedom, self sufficiency, adventure and challenge again”
Juanita, Psychologist, New Zealand
Hi my name is Virginia, I am from Argentina. I met Shaun through a friend we have in common. On that day I was taught rock climbing by Shaun and Mo in Wimmis, Switzerland. Automatically, I could see the confidence that my friend had in Shaun, while he secured her and she climbed many meters up the rock face. They then taught me how to do it and helped me feel safe.
I was on vacation in Switzerland, and I said to Shaun that I really wanted to explore the mountains….. Hiking the Via Alpina
Virginia B, Argentina
How we hiked the Lycian Way in Turkey.
I should have read the fine print! Taking note of things like hills. On several occasions. A day and a half to walk from sea level to +/- 1700m Rocks, lots and lots of rocks. The toughest physical challenge I have ever taken on. 10-15 Km every day.
One afternoon we forced marched 10km in a little over two hours. Shaun showed great leadership. And not wanting to be a burden on him, kept me going when everything else was telling me to stop.
Sleeping in a bivy bag was a little uncomfortable at first. However as the trek progressed we became very efficient at selecting and preparing a good camp site each night.
The sense of history is amazing. walking on trails that were built 2,3,4000 years ago. The ancient structures that survive to this day.
And the people. Very open, friendly. Even with the language barrier we enjoyed the company.
I take this opportunity to once again thank Shaun, for getting me out of my comfort zone and getting me to the end.
Graeme S, New Zealand
Freedom 