Jeeez. I originally posted on this thread in July 2005 with the intention to being in South America in Sept 06

My goal was unrealistic being £7K in debt and in a £10K a year job with scaling bills. A pyschotic girlfriend then screwed me out of another 2K and I was totally screwed with my dream floating futher and further away into the distance.

Iv had to really bite down hard and give myself a goal and decided that I was going to do the whole Pan America and then hopefully Australia right after. I wasnt going to let this consumer driven pointless 9-5 world take away my soul.

Its been 18 months after my first post on this thread im now "practically" debt free from saving, selling everything and being a total hermit. Iv had a 50% payrise working in a job I despise and living at home with mother and sister (god help me). Its total hell but now now im well on track for an 08 departure. I could go earlier but im determined to take a wedge of cash with me as im hell bent on not owing money to demonoid credit card companies and interest grabbing loan companies.

Iv got myself a 2003 XT600E and fully prepped it ready to go. Iv got all my gear and kit sorted and im now saving £500 a month and halfway through my Spanish A-level. Im holding back till Summer 08 so ill have £7 grand just for travelling. 18 months ago, I would of laughed if i could see how far iv come and how much debt iv cleared from sheer determination.

My point is (yes there is one) , it can be really really tough to find a way to follow your dreams and at times it seems totally hopless. 18 months ago I was really low and felt that I was actually moving backwards with no chance to escape and live out my dreams. Its now happening and its getting easier and easier as I tear up another credit card and im living for the day that I tell my boss to go screw himself.

My intention is to leave the UK with no debts, no girlfriend, no house and no ties. My new life starts in Summer 2008 and by god its been a long time coming

For all those "umming" & "ahhhing" about not having the means or money.. JUST DO IT... If you really want something, you can and will have it.

Ok, thats my little rant over. Get back to your s.

Ed

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

I'm in the middle of my trip. Country 36, continent 6, 57,000 miles.

I was extremely lucky.

My father died having failed dismally to spend my inheritance. Two months mater my boyfriend dumped me (he's still my best friend). Six months after that I was made redundant. I have 'gerall pension to come back to, and who the hell will employ me? My big brother (retired bank manager) thinks I'm barking.

I was nearly 50. Never have the chance again. Rented out the house (the rent doesn't cover the mortgage), put everything in storage (except bikes and the Landy which are with friends) and went.

I'll be far broker when I return than when I went, but what the hell. Spent my 50th birthday in Bangkok, 51st in La Paz (Bolivia) and 52nd in Port Aransas, Texas. Cruised to Antarctica. Sailed a racing trimaran from Port Aransas to Cancun and was then stranded on a Caribbean island over Xmas and New Year without a passport (long story), spent three months living with a family in southern Patagonia while I and my beloved (a 1985 R80G/S) mended, can't tell you.

When I'm in that Old People's Home I'll be a complete bore. But I won't ever say "I wish I'd done that when I had the chance". And I did my dream.

Only one continent to go. Has to be done. Be rude not to.

Maybe it's my age.

Just do it, and sod the rest of them.

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Cynthia
BMW R80G/S RTW 2004 - today
Now in Canada (country 37)

Ted,
my sincere congratulations for posting this thread and then doing a check on yourself and still keeping the dream. I guess it is not just the journey but the preparation too that can really count.
I earn far more than you, but have only a fraction of your determined zeal to stash away the $ for my dream trip. But i'll continue to strengthen myself. It felt great to zero out two of my credit cards in the past 2 months.

Thank you all for the inspiration.

I'm just making a note so this thread is visible again as there's some priceless info on it and very relevant to another current thread....
Lorraine

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Rallying for A Wild Life — THE FILM!
http://igg.me/at/AWildLife

www.LorraineChittock.com
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