It’s been a while coming, but since completing the first stage of the journey to Japan I have managed to pull myself from financial ruin and set my focus again to life on the road. I’m now working on final preparations for leg 2 of this expedition. I have a lot to look forward to, an entire planet to travel, but I’ve forgotten just how much work is involved in undertaking this journey.
Pre-expedition preparation is not something I relish—a complex study on geography, climate, equipment, and a multitude of other issues. Gone are the joys of following lines across the pages of gigantic library atlases. This game of international journeying, of crossing numerous countries back to back, is one of complicated logistics, managing stifling bureaucracies, and impossible time constraints. Obstacles arise at every bend. At times I would appreciate having a partner to help navigate through this madness, but for now I can only dig deep and hope that the crucial tasks over the next few weeks are achievable without excessive difficulty.
In October November 2011, I will begin the second stage of the expedition, travelling through the Russian Far East, back into China, over the Tibetan Plateau, and through Central Asia en route to Europe. I will journey through extreme cold climate and high altitude environments. Preparation is crucial to the success of this stage.
I have set up my new charity page for the World Land Trust, an international conservation organisation that acts directly to save rainforest and other wilderness habitats. Over 400,000 acres have been saved for permanent wildlife reserves. I look forward to visiting some of their conservation projects during the corse of my journey. I would really appreciate any contributions made to this cause no matter the amount. Make a donation to the World Land Trust.
I thank the following companies for their generous support in supplying essential expedition equipment:
Canon XA10 professional camcorder
RØDE NTG-1 condenser shotgun microphone, Lavalier microphone
LaCie Rugged Triple USB 3.0 hard drive
Suunto Core All Black watch, M-3 Global compass
CamelBak Better Bottle™ Stainless Insulated water bottles
Wilderness Wear 100% Australian made socks and thermal underwear
Keen outdoor adventure footwear
Surly chromoly steel touring racks
Earth Odyssey Expedition 
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