Hey Reader.

What I really wanted to share with you all this week is a story of my very first time on the TA.

(Don't worry, this isn't directly related to my TA 101 series which is currently being broadcasted).

It doesn't matter if it's the TA, or the latest Great Walk I've decided to tackle, or an overnight solo trip which is a bit more than what I'm used to. I feel like I need to remind you that I was a newbie once, too (and I'm still learning every day).

I was on a TA coaching call a week or so ago (bookings still open until the end of the month!) and my student was utterly astounded at how to go about a mammoth adventure like the TA completely solo.

As I was answering the question, I could hear the confidence in my voice. It was a distinct switch from any historical tendencies I had to spread caution and accurate information about the trail (which, although all things I wish I knew before I started, can often be construed as fearmongering) to an overriding desire to help and educate made all the more easy by spreading positive notions of confidence and courage.

All of which made me think back to how I felt back in October 2019, five long years ago now, as I was only weeks away from starting the trail.

I was so scared.

Every single night when I closed my eyes and my head hit the pillow, the only thing I could see were dark, dingy campsites and bottomless long-drops filled with goblins.

I've always had a hyper-active imagination, and it was my downfall in these weeks and months before my planned start date. Because I'd never done anything like this before, I had no memories for point of reference, and so the darkest recesses of my subconscious took over and managed to pile all my worst fears into one horrific recurring nightmare.

People trying to get into my tent at night.

Things crawling out of and/or pulling me down into the long drop.

Losing my way and ending up freezing cold, starving and/or dead.

Getting carried away by a river... the list was endless.

My point is, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into.

My only point of reference were a handful of other young women like myself whom I'd seen do something similar on other trails around the world.

But I didn't know Te Araroa. I had no idea what was awaiting me.

It was a set of mindsets that could so easily have stopped me from ever boarding that bus to the Cape.

In fact, when I spoke to Mum on day three, part-way down Ninety Mile Beach, she told me in no uncertain terms that she was almost convinced I'd turn around and come home before I ever took the first step.

But (and this is really important) I kept going.

First, I walked those 12 kilometres to Twilight Beach. Then I pitched my tent. Then I got through my first night on the trail. Eventually, I walked the entire damn beach.

Of course we all know that it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows. In fact, the first handful of episodes from Series 1 on my YouTube channel stands testament to the fact that I was a whinging, whining, moaning Minnie for at least the first month of my adventure.

And quite frankly, had it not been for Julia and the other brave, courageous and inspiring souls I met during those first couple of weeks, I would definitely never have made it as far as I did.

I'll never be able to express my gratitude to those people enough.

Because now? Now, I barely even think twice before heading out on a major adventure.

When I finally got myself into a position to tramp the St James Walkway earlier this year, I had very few (if any) sleepless nights beforehand.

No visions of nightmarish long drops, or fears of getting lost.

In fact, ironically it was only when I was actually out on the track that I had a little wobble. But by day two that also had passed, and I had a whale of a time, far surpassing any expectations I had of the track and myself.

Now, I'm heading into what I hope will be a jam-packed summer full of some things which have been a long time coming... (cryptic?? I'll be divulging my summer plans to VIPs before the end of the month so make sure you're signed up as I won't be sharing these with anyone else until I'm ready to go).

And I want to help you achieve your tramping & thru hiking dreams too.

So if you're a newbie like I was, or perhaps you're getting ready to head out on the TA this season (or next)... please hit reply and let me know the single biggest fear you have right now that's holding you back. I'd like to help you take the first step towards facing it.

Talk soon.

Happy Tramping! 🥾
Michelle xx
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