Lifestyle: Adventure withdrawal

Max Mason, former Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive, tramps the length of the Appalachian Train in the US.

Something in the stars is telling me it's time for an adventure.

I have interviewed several people recently about extreme physical challenges and been inspired by their tales.

Over three fascinating hours, former Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason told me about his epic 3500km, six-month walk along North America's Appalachian Trail.

Max's story of overcoming physical and mental hardship and gaining insights into life, nature and spirituality was utterly compelling. "Through adversity we can learn a lot about ourselves and become better people," he said.

Earlier, Metro Marketing's Michelle Whitmore shared her goal to run a marathon on every continent. She has already done three, including one in an African safari park, and wants to go to Asia next year and finish with the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

Both interviews are on our website, bayofplentytimes.co.nz, and by coincidence, I interviewed Max two days after watching a documentary called Walking the Camino.

It is the story of six people walking the 790km Santiago de Camino in Spain, equally uplifting and heartbreaking.

The Camino was already on my bucket list, inspired by a friend who walked a section of the ancient pilgrimage when we were living in France.

I remember well the day she stopped at our house wearing ragged thermals, hair a mess and feet a mass of blisters. She had a wild grin and was euphoric, talking excitedly about the scenery and people.

After watching Walking the Camino, I texted to tell her she had to see the film.
She messaged back and said she was in Santiago. Two years on, she had finished her journey.

It has made me realise that somehow, sometime soon, I need my own adventure.

Juliet Rowan is a Bay of Plenty Times Weekend reporter writing about lifestyle for indulge.