by DirtyBacon04 » Tue Aug 04, 2015 9:00 pm
Well, I've been absent for a while due to other situations occurring in life.
Don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds.
I posted on FB a few weeks ago when I made the decision, but I'll post it here for the ORTB world to see.
Mission: Expedition has been effectively canceled. Several reasons factored into this very difficult decision.
A) I took a week off work, worked 2 days, then took another week off. Going that long without working drove me nuts and I realized how much I love this job and the guys I work with.
B) While the transmission failure on the way back from TECORE was a blow to my ego, confidence, funds, and motivation, it did not really play a major factor in this decision. What I wasn't expecting is how exhausted I was returning from TECORE. Setting up camp every day, packing it up every morning, hundred miles of trails, etc was rather taxing. I know that my plan was to remain in a site for several days, but still it got me thinking.
C) As much fun as I had on TECORE and how much I enjoy some of the difficulties I encounter, the main thing I was afraid of was getting burnt out on this hobby. It would be crippling to me if I made all the sacrifices to embark on this journey, only to get burnt out and resentful within a month or 2.
D) The loneliness. I love being alone, especially in wilderness. But the prospect of 24/7 isolation for weeks at a time seem like enough to drive a man insane.
Sure the original plan would have been quite the experience, but I'm very happy overall with this decision. By no means is this the end of my off-road career or the end of Dirty Bacon. I've rested/recuperated since TECORE/Xmsn failure and am ready to hit the trails again. One surprising thing is that at no point was I in fear of funding. I know it would've be tight at times, but MikeKey said something that resounded with me which was there's nothing more motivating/exciting/terrifying than not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from. That had me excited more than anything.
I've since modified the plans for Mission: Expedition to encompass 2-3 big trips (2 weeks) per year. I'll still be maintaining the YouTube channel, Facebook Page, and potential sponsors. And Alaska is still high on my To-Do list, but that will require special permission from my Sheriff to take off a month. Plus to be honest, I could use the smaller trips as practice because I know I don't possess the experience, skills, or modifications necessary for Alaska.
So why label this trip as Cancelled if the plans are only being modified? For ease of posting, mostly. Easier to list individual threads than add them all to this one. Perhaps I'll just name the trips as M:E Episode 1 - Ocala N.F. (Example). So now I'll be looking for suggestions on where to go next. Maybe I'll let the audience decide. So many possibilities.
I am very grateful for the support I've received from this community for M:E, and I hope it continues as we all pursue our love for exploration. Thank you, and happy trails.
Trans-Continental Trailblazer - 5th Award
Current Count of Transmission Rebuilds: 5.5
***The more you know, the less you need.***
USMC '07-'12
Dirty Bacon's Build