In November, Esther and Dan had just gotten exciting news of some excellent upcoming PR...with pieces in the Spanish paper and BBC about to feature them, their dogs, and their adventurous lifestyle. I don’t think these two cared about such publicity from the point of view of ego, but my guess is that they had started seeking out media coverage so that they could find a way to continue to finance their adventures through their books.
Knowing that this publicity was coming, one would think it was most important in this time period to keep their social media fresh, entertaining and “on brand”.... as more and more people might look them up and start to follow them. They would need to build on that PR coverage IMO. This would fall to Esther since in that time period, she is the only one of the two having “adventures.”
Up until she meets the kind stranger on Nov 19, she does this very well, chronicling with pictures and dialogue what amazing things she has seen and done each day. But after the 19th...whatever she’s doing, there are no posts concerning her treks. Why is she suddenly mysterious about her ‘adventures of the day?” Why suddenly not “ sharing the joy?”
She or maybe Dan, instead post marketing pitches to sell the books. IMO, that looks like “filler” because she was no longer cooperating. It looks like at least the second one was posted by Dan, since he asks people to contact him for the sale as that will “help out.” Esther was not in a position to be taking sales calls.
I don’t have Instagram but I think the two selfies on the 21st and 22nd are her only social media contribution after the 19th. The bare minimum...after from 6-40 photos a day were more her norm in prior posts.
Suddenly, she’s telling Dan she has no cell service for over 26 hours...she’s vague about where she is going. She’s not posting photos.
Esther has changed.
Has she decided not to cooperate with Dan’s efforts to merchandise their lifestyle or is she distracted by someone new and interesting that she’s hiking with? I agree that this does not need to be a romantic connection. But IMO she may be enjoying the company and a bit tired of what might feel like Dan’s micromanaging. Instead, she wants to plan with her new hiking partner and so she placates Dan with love talk but keeps their interactions brief. Example...first thing she tells him on the Pic...
15:31 – “Not much signal in this area sorry”
“I’m on a col/peak so can’t stop for too long but wanted you to know. Can’t wait to read all your messages. Thank you *advertiser censored*.
But she DID stop for over 40 minutes and there was plenty of signal.