Have some bittersweet news to share with everyone. While I was able to fight through Cyprus, I have decided that I need to put my health first and stop walking.
When I fell in Hungary some time ago, I did some damage to my hip. Despite the rest during the Christmas and New Year period, the problem has not gone away. In fact, it has progressively worsened during my time in Hungary and Cyprus. I was limping on that leg quite heavily at times, which caused a host of other issues, like sore knees, flaring plantar fasciitis, and foot blisters due to the change in gait. Strangely, the pain has been the worst when lying in bed. I have slept very poorly for the entire trip across Cyprus, only getting 1-2 hours of sleep on most nights. It becomes difficult to go 30+ kilometers every day when operating on almost no sleep.
It has all caught up to me, and I cannot push on through it. I have a very high pain tolerance, and the pain has become too much for me to handle. I’m concerned that I have done permanent damage to my hip, and need to have it examined by a doctor.
I have been trying to write+post the recaps of Hungary and Cyprus, but have been too exhausted. I’ll have to post those when I get to Australia.
This was a difficult but clear decision for me to reach. The fire to continue still burns, but the vehicle that makes it possible is breaking down. I want to finish the journey at some point in the future, perhaps with Sabine, but I need to leave it for now. It’s bittersweet because I have to put my dream on hold, but I also get to see Sabine again and I’m thankful for that. I have also proven to myself that I can do it, and hopefully that motivates someone out there to try something difficult.
I have forgotten what it’s like to be pain free, and I look forward to reaching that destination. I have walked roughly 6517km (4049mi). That’s a lot of steps.
Stay tuned for the Hungary and Cyprus recaps and other updates, and thanks again for your continued support!
GROUNDWERK 
Bravo for your efforts! This is no failure. Glad to hear you’re putting your health first. Congrats on a journey well done and best wishes as you head home to recover. I’m interested to read your thoughts on Australia, too. I grew up in California but have lived many places and have thought about hitting up Australia someday… Anyway, cheers!
Thanks Jessica! Having some treatments done now, so hopefully that will aid recovery.
Hi Heath,
Having hiked with you for only a few hours at the Tegernsee, i can feel how difficult this decision was for you … yet is was the right one.
Wish you a fast recovery!
Ludwig
Thanks! Good to hear from you. It was a bit emotional, but thinking about how miserable it would have felt to continue, I’ve come to terms with it.
Sad to hear you had to stop your trip but it is better not to gamble with one’s health. Take some (deserved) rest.
Thanks! I have to look for a job now I guess. 🙂
Good Luck with the Hip. I certainly hope returning to the land down under helps.
Thanks KJ!
I hope your pain eases and you are back to 100% quickly, Heath. You are a hero and a fighter. Love the positive attitude that you are merely putting your dream on hold. What is in Australia? Are you eventually coming back to California?
Thanks for all of the support! I’m a citizen of both countries, and love living in Australia. It’s possible that we could live in California again, but probably not anytime soon. Melbourne is a great city with great people and, without being overly political about it, Australia provides a better quality of life than the U.S.
Wages are fairer, Medicare for all, employer funded retirement, parental leave, etc, which are all things that the U.S. should provide to its citizens, but does not. I’m not blasting the U.S., just stating the facts.
You are preaching to the choir, Heath. I try not to think about the current political situation because it makes my blood boil. A singular lust for power and greed does not a good public figure make.
I’ve enjoyed following your journey and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Cheers!