Let The Planning Begin

After a week of reading websites, google mapping and drinking coffee the outcome is that this trip is possible. Its not dangerous, it is difficult, its not overly expensive but it will take longer than normal to complete.

The distance to get to get to and from the TMT is painful. 70% of the mileage will be just making it happen. There are opportunities to reduce some of the miles for me by taking the Spanish ferry and not driving through France. Ali is looking into a ferry from Barcelona to Nador near to the start of the TMT to reduce the Spanish mileage. The time aspect remains the same but at least we will be travelling while sleeping.

Yesterday I went into full project planning mode as my list of lists started to grow. My experience from Scandinavia trip is dont underestimate, dont under think, its not a week in France or Spain. Its easy to look foolish and turn this into a trip to Mongolia but I would rather consider it and dismiss it than to have not considered it.

30 days on the trails, plenty of heat, plenty of opportunity for mechanical issues to derail the whole adventure.  Prussian Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke said “No plan survives contact with the enemy” and despite a year of planning of planning for Scandinavia I found that to be totally correct as I sat in a three day blizzard considering turning back.

At this early stage its all about contingencies and options, its about having escape routes for problems and realistic solutions when things do deviate from the carefully crafted plan. As much as spontaneity and adventure drives the concept of overland travel there is nothing wrong with creating a few signposts to guide your way.