Who to go Wayfaring with?
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Wayfaring solo or in a group?
The easiest person to organise is usually yourself. But motivation is a different story. Sometimes having other people involved can help bring a Wayfaring journey into reality, and can make a single-minded affair into a far more diverse experience.
This is a brief exploration of some of the pros & cons of Wayfaring solo or in a group.
Going Solo
A Wayfaring journey is classically rewarding as a solo practitioner. You will be able to follow your own rhythms, to wake and sleep, rest and get going, at your own speed. Solo Wayfaring is efficient in terms of covering ground easily. Your pace is wholly to your own suiting.
Meeting other people is a mixed bag. Sometimes walking solo will help you enjoy more social interactions, sometimes fewer. There is obviously a increased risk as a solo Wayfarer, but this is also mitigated by the increased sense of self-responsibility you gain from walking alone. Not expecting someone else to do something means you’ll probably do it yourself. And judging risks for yourself means you won’t be encouraged to go beyond your own sense of safety.
I like how often I stop when walking solo. If I want to wild-nap under a holly-tree, I do so. If I want to sing with sheep or do some handstands, it’s not going to impact anyone else’s progress.
But if you are walking solo, you will have to carry everything you need, even items that could be shared, like a cookpot, stove, water filter or tarp shelter.
Wayfaring as a Pair
Two is good fun. You co-create the journey, and reflect on what you find together. Expect quite intense engagement, as there is no-one else to talk to. Also expect to know each other quite well by the end. This is definitely best with someone you like and trust, someone reliable in the ways that count. You will be reflecting each other, so make sure you’re walking with someone who’s reflection you actually want!
Walking in a pair can lead to ego clashes, if you have different ideas about which way to go, or how to get something done. Be sure you are equipped to communicate with each other. Don’t bottle annoyances up. Speak your mind. It may be good to agree responsibilities before setting out, such as who is navigating, how you will share cooking, any shared financial involvement, and who carries what shared kit.
Walking as a pair, you can always give each other a half mile’s break, and meet up at lunchtime or by a special tree etc. It is not required to bind yourselves to each other. Take short absences to maintain fondness.
For accommodation, if you are taking Hospitality as a pair you will be able to rent a B&B or hotel room for half the price! This makes staying somewhere nice much more affordable. If you are claiming Sanctuary, two is usually fine (but cosy) for church porch sleeping. For Coldharbouring, you have the option to share a tent/tarp, but this can become intensive. If you have separate setups, perhaps vary how near to each other you sleep. And don’t compete over the best spots. If one sleep-spot is clearly the best, try to share it, or agree to take turns with first choice. You could even choose for each other!
To solve disagreements over route, you can use your staff as a Wayfinder - throw it spinning up in the air, and agree to go the way it points…
Three Wayfarers
Three is a band. You rove as a three. It means having twice as many other people with you! The group dynamic is louder, quicker and stronger. Three is the largest group I have walked in happily (that might just be me). Three enjoys many of the advantages of two, but in terms of sharing equipment you may not be able to share a single tarp or cookpot anymore. Jobs also can be split, but there is more to do. You’ll have more space, as the other pair can engage between themselves sometimes, leading to fewer annoyances.
In terms of the dynamic, three is political, as you’ll all have to accept majority decisions even if you disagree. Again, communication is key for any successful Wayfaring band. As with a group of two, you can always have small holidays from each other.
Expect a more sociable time as a group of three. If you are singing together, you’ll enjoy more beautiful harmonies. If you are Coldharbouring together, you’ll make more noise, and be more confident, so try to remember not to be a disturbance. Go gently in your gang of three.
Four or more
Groups of four or more are hard work to keep together. You need clearly defined roles of who is doing what. The larger the group, the greater the variance of pace between fastest and slowest. Keep an eye on the front and the back, and agree set meeting points along the way. In larger groups a buddy system can be useful, where each Wayfarer is responsible for making sure one other particular person is not left behind.
Make sure everyone in the group can navigate if they get separated, that everyone has the route and a map. Keep each others’ phone numbers handy.
Large groups should orchestrate how they enter places, whether community venues or holy places. In sheer volume of numbers, you can have quite an impact. If you are Wayfaring for political reasons (like a protest march) noise and impact are a benefit. Otherwise, they can be overwhelming, and cause natural social immunity systems to respond negatively.
Groups need feedback systems, so if some people are talking lots when others want silence, this can be made clear, understood and arranged. Factor in regular times for group engagement. I find that calling a ‘Staff-meeting’ can be a good forum for this.Staff-meeting
Wayfaring with a dog
Dogs love wayfaring, but it can be hard on them if they are not used to it (like humans). Don’t start by walking a very long way, but begin slowly.
You have the question of dog food, which can be bought along the way, but it’s often not very good quality. If you are not making a very long journey, you can carry dog food with you. If you are Wayfaring a long distance with a dog, you might want to consider a harness system that allows your dog to carry their own food.
Ruffwear Palisade - 840g - 17.5L - £150
You’ll also need to bring a collapsible bowl for them, and carry sufficient water for your dog as well as yourself, especially overnight. You’ll also need some kind of bed. I use a cut up piece of a foam roll-mat, which is waterproof, with a small wool blanket on top. In winter, you might want an insulated jacket for night time.
If you are sleeping under a tarp, your dog can usually sleep at the side of your feet. If you are in a tent, you need to be sure there is a side compartment big enough to house them. You don’t want a wet dog soaking your sleeping gear. Carry a small towel to dry your dog too.
Disposing of dog poo is also important on a long journey. Burial, as with human poo, is the best option. Use dog poo-bags for when this is not feasible.
Dogs help you make friends on a Wayfaring journey, but make sure your dog is solid, and won’t chase wildlife or farm animals. Some farmers do shoot dogs caught chasing their animals. And some wildlife bites back. Also, be very careful with your dog crossing roads.
If you are Coldharbouring, you’ll sleep feeling safer with a dog. But it can be harder to claim Sanctuary or find Hospitality with a dog.
Wayfaring with your family
It can be wonderfully satisfying to go Wayfaring in a family group. There is deep tradition in this.
You will need to adjust distance and pace to suit the slowest. And take many breaks, with much re-fuelling and fun.
Coldharbour might be harder to manage, and a good campsite may be your best bet, but that’s up to you.
It is very healthy to teach children that they possess the essential freedom to move over the earth like the animals do. What is important is that they have a good time, and you are able to hold the group well, without leaving anyone feeling unhappy, so that this introduction to freedom is not counter-productive. Feedback is always important, but it can be tough in a family. Regular staff meetings help, and letting everyone know they have the right to call them!
In terms of baggage, the strongest will need to carry for the weakest. Kit will have to be shared as much as possible, but it is also important that everyone does their part. Try to have jobs for everyone as you walk - like looking out for certain plants, or navigating, or finding kindling, or being in charge of snacks. The simplicity of Wayfaring does not mean there is not a lot to do. There is. But it’s all functional life stuff, the good old basics. So share this about, and your team will gain cohesion.
