I didn't like his approach. I am not crazy about people begging for money to do tours. I thought that asking for donations to cover a $4500 camera and a sat phone were especially bad. He did at least tone that down by removing that list from the site. I am inclined to cut him some slack maybe just because he seems like a young idealistic guy. If he turns out to not have the gumption to complete the trip, oh well he won't be the first to abort a trip and most never even attempt something that ambitious. I will give him some credit for trying. If he winds up being a complete phony, then I will be disappointed, but oh well.

That said you guys were harder on him that I would have felt comfortable being. It is your call though.

As far as still asking for donations after he left... Why would he no longer need help? He may have left broke after buying his gear. Maybe he bought the stuff on credit. He needs to eat, he may need colder weather gear as he goes, he may need a hotel stop or at least some campsite fees. If you accept that he needed donations to start with then there is no reason the need magically stops when he leaves.

I really do wonder about the fact that he is in his 5th day without a peep since his departure on day one. This suggests several possible scenarios. Maybe the whole thing is a big flim flam. Maybe he is broke and the guy maintaining the web site hasn't been paid. Maybe he is dead by the side of the road. Maybe he bailed already and is hiding out. Maybe he is so tired that he doesn't have time or energy to call home. Maybe he is milking it for drama. Maybe he is pulling a Rosie Ruiz and doesn't want to be too closely tracked,

Whatever it turns out to be we will probably find out eventually. I hope he is doing OK and actually is able to finish the trip.