Travel Play Live Issue #11

Travel Play Live

AU $12.95

ISSUE #11 2018

The Women’s Adventure Lifestyle Magazine

AU $12.95 ISSUE 11 ISSN 2206 - 4117

ADVENTURE

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EMPOWER

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INSPIRE

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DREAM

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CHANGE

The Travel Play Live Women's Adventure Summit - Immerse yourself in weekend of Adventure held in the stunning Great Lakes on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

30TH AUGUST - 2ND SEPTEMBER 2018

CONNECT UNLEASH EQUIP and Surprise Yourself Tickets Include: All Activites & Workshops Speakers & Coaches All Meals & Accomodation Newcastle Airport Transfer Glamping Upgrade Available

TIX ON SALE

www.travelplaylive.com.au/womens-adventure-summit

ISSUE #11

Letter from the Editor What a stunning start to 2018. The weather has been divine and lots of adventures have already been had.

Our awesome Director of Adventure Kerryann affectionately known to all as Kez celebrated her 50th in February and has dedicated 2018 to #50adventuresfor50. To kick off the celebrations, a group of us headed out with Horseabout Tours from the Great Lakes to do a sunrise beach ride, and what a ride it was. We once again got to appreciate the glorious landscape we have right on our own doorstep and experience our local beach like never before.

We headed out with some of our friends for a weekend of content creation – unfortunately due to rain, we didn’t get to sleep under the stars, but part of the adventure is being flexible with your plans right?

I don’t think true adventure is possible without being flexible. You always have to be prepared to check and reassess your course, change your plans at short notice due to unforseen circumstances, and be ready to say yes when new exciting opportunities arise. How else will we discover our True North?

And on that note, it is with mixed emotions of gratitude, anticipation and just a little sadness, that I announce this will be my last issue as Chief Editor of Travel Play Live. So as I set my sails for a whole new adventure, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing men and women who have supported and helped me get to this Summit. The mentors, the cheerleaders, the wine bringers and the tissue box carriers. You have all given so generously above and beyond what I could ever have hoped for - thank you.

New seasons bring new challenges and I am so proud of everything that the Travel Play Live community has achieved and stands for and I look forward to cheering you all on and watching the legacy continue to echo for generations to come.

Make sure that you head over to our website and keep an eye on announcements from the Grant plus all our other news and updates.

See you out there.

CONNECT WITH US

www.travelplaylive.com.au @travelplaylivemagazine FOUNDER + CHIEF EDITOR.

Amy Heague amy@travelplaylive.com.au FOUNDER + DIRECTOR OF ADVENTURE.

Kerryann Hayes kez@travelplaylive.com.au NEW COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS AND ADVERTISING.

Lindsay Reed lindsay@themediahut.com.au + 61 431 956 645 KEY WRITERS.

Lucy Stone, Alice King CREATIVE.

Joey Dable Two Minds Creative TPL PHOTOGRAPHY

Ben Cirulis www.fotografija.com.au SUSBSCRIPTIONS.

subscriptions@travelplaylive.com.au +61 2 8227 6486 THANKS TO THE TPL TEAM.

Copyright TPL Publishing PTY LTD 2015. No part of this publication may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publishers. DISCLAIMER: A large portion of original material is created by TPL Publishing and its contributors, including text, fonts, photography, and art work - content used from public domain like social media sites we agree are not the property of TPL Publishing, and in all cases media permission has been sought via electronic or verbal agreement.

The content and views expressed in this magazine by individuals and TPL Publishing are provided in good faith as information only.

No guarantee is made of the accuracy of the information provided. We have done our best to credit all photographers. In some instances photos have been provided to us by those who appear editorially and we have their permission to use the images. We apologise if anything appears incorrectly. It will be a genuine mistake, let us know and we will ensure to mention it in the next issue.

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Monique Bortoli, Sue Goodison, Kristie Stark

This Issues

CONTRIBUTORS.

Leah Gilbert

Hanny Allston

Michelle Lawford

Sputnik

Jen Brown

Alice King

Ben Cirulis

Kate Turner

Jane Grover

Kate Duncan

Michelle Ryan

Would you like to write for Travel Play Live? Perhaps you have a story to share?

We are looking to partner with writers and bloggers across a variety of adventure and travel disciplines. Contact us with your details and a sample of your work and we will get back to you if we feel there is a good fit. hello@travelplaylive.com.au

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BECOME A

PIONEERING ADVENTURESS

JOIN THE ADVENTURE There is no telling what kind of misadventures you might get up to while trying to get your hands on copies of Travel Play Live Magazine, so head over to our website to grab your copy today - there are even back issues still available so you catch up on all the best stories from Australian Women's Adventures. Plus sign up for our newsletter and check out our website for additional stories, content, events and more.

Head to our website www.travelplaylive.com.au/subscribe If you have any questions about your Subscription, call our subscription team on +61 2 82276486 or email them subscriptions@travelplaylive.com.au *International Options Available

Travel Play Live magazine www.travelplaylive.com.au

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c ontents 10

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LEADING THE WAY

MEMORIES OF THAT AWESOME TIME YOU NEVER HAD

THE MUDDY AVENUE TO SELF DEVELOPMENT

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THE SUMMER HOME

LESSONS ON FEAR AND SELF-DOUBT

I am greeted by the unmistakable voice of Katni Wati; filled with all the warmth and enthusiasm I have come to associate her with – ‘Hello Bonita Grima!’

23 ADVENTURE FILM MAKING 101 Some intel on what makes a film stand out amongst the crowd

Hard to believe such a small space can hold so many memories.

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THE RELUCTANT LEADER

REDISCOVERING MY JOY

CHICKS WHO RIDE BIKES

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THE LIFE OF A FULL-TIME TRAVELLER

MONGOLIA INSPIRING SIMPLICITY

I never wanted to lead. I'm quite comfortable in the background, thank you very much.

37 YOUR GUIDE TO BRAS FOR ADVENTURE Brassiere, over the shoulder boulder holder, the unmentionables, doublebarrelled slingshot.

I spend a lot of time thinking about what I want to be when I grow up, and I'm talking a lot of time.

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66 CONQUERING THE INCAS I've been fascinated with the Inca civilisation as long as I can remember.

Albert Einstein once said, "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle."

THE MOTHER OF ALL GUILT It's that sinking feeling you get in the pit of your stomach which usually hits you during an activity that serves you and you alone.

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MOUNTAIN SAFETY

LIVING THE DREAM

WIM HOF METHOD Early morning and my hands and my feet were screaming in pain as the blood vessels in each digit tied themselves into the tightest of tiny knots.

80 THE ART OF ADVENTURE

in Austria’s gnarly terrain

READ MORE Head over to our website to for bonus content and previous articles www.travelplaylive.com.au

STAY CONNECTED We love to hear from you, so be sure to tell us all about your travels and adventures.

Contact us at hello@travelplaylive.com.au Share your photos with us on Instagram by using #travelplaylive for your chance to feature.

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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

H E L E N

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K E L L E R

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Leading

Way THE

I enter the number again. I am trying to contact the founder of trekking company, Rinjani Women Adventure in Lombok. This time the phone rings and when I get through, I am greeted by the unmistakable voice of Katni Wati; filled with all the warmth and enthusiasm I have come to associate her with – ‘Hello Bonita Grima!’

WRITTEN BY BONITA GRIMA

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the future?

cast my mind back to when I first met Katni, on a trip to the Bayan district of northern Lombok…

Near the border of Mt Rinjani National Park, the 37-year-old mother of four is leading us through village gardens; past plantations of tobacco, coffee, cotton and spice; beneath shady groves of bamboo; up into foothills that allow spectacular views over rice terraces and palms and finally on through dense, humid rainforest to our destination – the Sendang Gile waterfall, whose cooling waters are believed to have special healing powers.

Along the way, Katni stops to point out wildlife and various plants, sharing with us her knowledge and their uses within the surrounding villages. She also shares her hopes for providing a better future for the people of these villages.

In her village of Senaru, the Sasak people still live and work in the traditional manner. Receiving a complete education and being financially independent is not common for women in these parts, with most Sasak girls only completing junior high before marrying or helping support the family through work in the plantations.

Passionate about empowering the girls and women of the area, Katni has found a way to bring about positive change not only to the lives of women here but also to the community as a whole.

In 1995 at just 15 years old, Katni became the first female mountain guide to take visitors to the summit of Mt Rinjani, 3726m above sea level. Since then she has trained up to 60 young women to do the same and today, her company, Rinjani Women Adventure, employs both men and women, with trekking tours of Mt Rinjani and surrounding areas as well as cultural tours that allow a glimpse into local life.

‘In December, I was invited for another talk in Surabaya, but I couldn't go because a film crew from Australia was in the village to make a documentary about ‘kidnapping for marriage’ and they needed me to translate and explain our culture, also they want to know about the guiding’.

I think back to our arrival in the village of Senaru where a young woman named Sari showed us inside one of the typical houses made of mud brick, bamboo and thatched rattan. Inside, Sari told us the houses were occupied by families of up to fifteen people. As my eyes adjusted to the limited light, I had tried to imagine what it must be like to live with so many others in such a small space with no dividing walls.

Someone had asked why there were no windows to let light in and we had been shocked to learn the reason for their absence was for the prevention of kidnapping of girls for marriage. Later we discovered that ‘kidnapping’ was really more an elopement, agreed upon by future bride and groom and still an essential part of the traditional marriage practice among Sasak people today.

" My big plan this year is to build a library in the village. I want kids to have a place to come to read after school.

But we need more used books. Also, I want to bring in bamboo and weaving experts to train women in handicraft work."

‘My big plan this year is to build a library in the village. I want kids to have a place to come to read after school.

But we need more used books. Also, I want to bring in bamboo and weaving experts to train women in handicraft work.’

Local environmental issues are also a concern to Katni. Waste generated from trekking activities over the years has prompted her to implement a program called ‘Keep Rinjani Green and Clean', and she asks each climber to follow the program and complete a checklist of garbage before each trip.

‘I want to educate local people too, about the damage to our environment through rubbish and hope to start a recycling program in our village.'

Talking on the phone now, Katni reiterates what she told me when I visited her village last year.

When our conversation draws to a close, I’m happy to hear the good work is continuing and feel reassured that there are inspiring women in the world such as Katni, committed to improving the lives of those around them. Having seen the effect that her work has had and the confidence and joy in the faces of her female guiding team, I feel optimistic for these young women and their ability to provide a path for a brighter future.

‘I love my culture, but women here are second level. I wanted to change that and make them independent and valuable. It’s not about being more than men; it's about being equal’.

Katni tells me the average daily wage for females in the villages of northern Lombok is just 25,000 rupiah (AUD 2.50), but by working as a guide in her company, they can earn up to 200,000 rupiah (AUD 20).

For more information about Rinjani Women Adventure www.rinjaniwomenadventure.com

‘Through guide work, women can support the family as well as the men financially, and it means children can go to school longer’, she says. ‘Already we see more girls graduate from high school with hopes of university. Education means girls now have options.’

The difference Katni has made to her community is inspiring. Her company has won awards for eco-tourism, and in 2015 the Indonesian government invited her to visit some of the islands, including Flores, where she gave talks in the hope of inspiring local people to follow in her footsteps.

I ask Katni what she has been doing recently and what her plans are for

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Bonita has a background in television and radio production in Australia and the United Kingdom and is also a freelance travel writer, based in Perth, Western Australia. Bonita believes travel is not only about exploring the destination but also about exploring and discovering new things about ourselves. She believes it to be a powerful tool that can challenge, inspire, educate and encourage empathy by allowing us a window into the world of others. www.bonitasojourns.com Instagram: bonitamaygrima

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awesome Memories of that

you never had.

The 80's were a particularly wild and fun time for me, and Boy George was, and still is, one of my all-time idols, so I’m not even going to pretend for one second, I’ve never worn a dress before.

What I’ve never done, however, is wear one hiking. Until the other day, that is.

WRITTEN BY SPUTNIK

B

ecause if Instagram is to be believed (and why wouldn’t you believe what you see on social media?) there’s a whole new generation of women giving the practical hiking gear a miss, and opting instead for pretty floral dresses out on the trails. Especially on top of mountains and at the bottom of waterfalls. So I thought I’d get on board and give it a whirl. Literally.

Now before you say anything, I know damn well it’s not my place to be the fashion police.

You don’t tell me not to wear my ridiculous, 30 years too late, mid-life-crisis 80's bondage pants, and I won’t tell you not to wear your floral dress while summiting Everest in the quest for, presumably, more outdoor cred. Or Instagram followers. Deal? Cool.

To be fair, as someone with a background in marketing, I’ve dealt in aesthetics and lies for longer than most of these social media ‘influencers’ have been alive, so I’m not really in a position to talk about the problem with bullshit imagery either. And there’s no doubt seeing people in the outdoors in their long, flowy, colourful dresses is a lovely aesthetic.

I am a little concerned about the message it sends though.

You see, for some reason, us blokes don't feel the need to whack on a suit when we’re in the outdoors. Unless I missed the memo, for the most part, we just get to be adventurers.

Throw on our practical hiking gear, and we’re good to go. This idea that some people, women included, seem to think women still need to be eye candy in the outdoors kind of shits me. Not as much as it shits me that I only have 2,000 Instagram followers while they and their floral dresses have 100,000+, but it still shits me quite a bit.

Does their value as adventure lovers really hinge on how good they look in a dress they’d never actually wear on an adventure in the outdoors? Are they genuinely hiking somewhere, presumably with their dress in a pack, then putting it on purely for the shoot? Are their photos representative of an adventure they actually had or is it more like an ad campaign for some overpriced luxury fragrance

that doesn’t exist? So. Many. Questions.

People like me have been creating bullshit images like this for decades for various brands, so I suppose it could be considered empowering for people to be doing it themselves. Taking control of their lives and their wardrobes, and taking their own completely fake images and using them to build an audience and make a living. Like I said, who am I to tell someone what they should or shouldn’t wear, or the kinds of images they should or shouldn’t take and share?

But the other day at some rice terraces in Bali I watched a woman in a floppy hat and beautiful red dress angrily shout instructions at her InstaBoyfriend, (who was clearly about as capable of harvesting all that rice by hand as he was at taking the perfect Instagram shot for her), before turning on her happiest #blessed smile for the camera. It made me wonder: what will that image mean to her?

Will she look at it and be reminded of how her InstaClueless boyfriend couldn’t take a great Instagram shot if his life depended on it? Or would she imagine the same, picture-perfect life she was hoping everyone else would when they saw it on social media with the perfectly curated collection of hashtags later that day?

And that slow shutter speed surreal waterfall shot with the guy and the girl holding hands in the foreground? Again, picture perfect. Just the way #Love and #RelationshipGoals should be, unless you consider the fact that standing perfectly still for 10 seconds so that the waterfalls blur nicely in the background is kind of contrived and not at all real life. You know, unless you’re shooting the latest campaign for that luxury handbag place.

So are people, adventurers or otherwise, defined by their clothes? Of course not. At least, they shouldn’t be. Except we all are at times, aren’t we? Are some of these people creating pictures of moments that never happened more artist than adventurer? Possibly. And as I hope I’ve made clear, it’s not for me to judge who is and isn’t a worthy adventurer. I just hope this doesn’t create a whole new level of expectation for women in the outdoors.

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About what they should wear - especially if it’s a long flowy dress. Surely just being out there adventuring, and taking photo of a moment that actually happened, should be enough?

It used to be we were merely worried about filters and would proudly proclaim #NoFilter if we happened to take a half decent shot that wasn’t retouched up the wazoo. Now that picture on social media is just as likely of something that never even happened. At best a re-creation of something we didn’t quite get a shot of the first time. At worst, a complete fabrication of a moment that happened nowhere other than in our imaginations, for the purpose of sharing it with the world, in an effort to tell a story of pure fiction. That moment we never spent standing still at the bottom of that waterfall. That time we didn’t stare off meaningfully into the distance over that mountain range. That magical day we didn’t frolic through the rice fields together.

And make no mistake, I’m personally guilty of all these cliche creations and more. (Now you can add ‘wearing a completely impractical dress while doing it’ to the list as well. Guilty.

As. Charged.)

And yeah, OK, I confess, perhaps I’m also a little jealous. Guys don’t have to worry about the glass ceiling, fighting for equal pay, being sexually harassed by a US President, or what to wear in the outdoors. But it’s really difficult getting free stuff by being a social media influencer unless you can get the floral dress, or I’m told, maybe the bikini yoga thing, going on. (And yeah, I tried bikini yoga as well, but it didn’t quite fire for me.) But hey, count me in on the whole dress thing. I’m not sure if it’ll make me InstaFamous anytime soon, but it’s kind of liberating. And the cool breeze down below is rather lovely too. Who knows, in an age of non-binary gender neutrality, perhaps we’ll all be wearing dresses soon enough anyway. In the meantime, don’t hate me for trying to get in on the action. Fair’s fair.

Equality and all that. And do feel free to follow me on Instagram to see more of my beautiful shots of perfect moments that never actually happened. Just look for @TheSwashbuckler I’m the dude in the dress.

The Travel Play Live

ADVENTURE G R A N T. Supporting Epic Women and their Adventures

Did you know?

This grant has been made possible because of a few key business supporters & a Crowdfunding campaign?

That's right women and men just like you who believe in the power of adventure and supporting women in the field, put their hands up to support this initiative, so it would be great if you have an opportunity to support them in return.

Not only do we share the stories of Australia’s amazing women, Travel Play Live actively supports Australian women of all ages within the adventure and travel space, helping turn their dreams with a passion for adventure, change, exploration and expedition into a reality. We had an overwhelming response to this grant, with 253 applicants, which made the job of shortlisting EXTREMELY difficult.

We were so impressed and inspired by all applications and honestly wish we could fund every one of your adventurous projects as we saw them all speaking our language.

Adventure really is a catalyst for positive change! So without further ado (drum roll) here is the Shortlisted Recipients.

F O U N D I N G PA R T N E R S .

Short listed recipients for Expeditions for Change are: Nicole Nash, Jessica Thomas, Debbie Bower, Zoe Collins, Julie Melrose, Kimberley Delavere, SezzaJai Sykes, Michelle Lee, Carmen Andriske, Isabella N Brown, Deborah Alison Johnston, Laura Summer Stampa, Jennifer Sanger, Catherine Nielsen, Rhianna Knight, Lucy Mills, Lisa Edmonds / Helen Smith, Janine watson, Lucy Graham, Melanie Chatfield, JennahLouise Salkeld, Stephanie Venables, Clemence Jane Wotherspoon, Michelle Doolan, Alison Gaffney, Sarah Davis

Fully Rad Adventures

Fully Rad Adventures is Australia’s newest adventure event company. We love the outdoors, adventures, exploring, racing, pushing boundaries and new experiences. Join us on our crusade to get more people outside, creating adventure and having fun. www.wildsideadventurerace.com.au

Short listed recipients for Women Over 50 are: Kristy Madill, Heather Shearer, Sharon Tiemans, Sandra Northey, Linda Rose, Karen Martin, Alison Pritchard, Amanda Cleife, Blaise van Hecke, Liz Shevill, Elizabeth Walton, Jacinta Worland

Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour

Short listed recipients for Girls Under 18's are: Phoebe Anderton, Mya Armah, Hayley Finch, Rhiannon Prentice, Kaiya Ocean Ivett, Leah Jeffries, Eve Dowley, Emma Davidson, Millie Chalker

Our aim at the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour is to connect like-minded women and build a community of supportive adventurous women.

By showcasing and celebrating the female adventurous spirit we hope to make women in the outdoors more visible. gutsygirlsadventurefilmtour.com.au

Short listed recipients for Adventure Film/Photography are: Olivia Page, Natasha Mulhall, Andrea Huglin (check is is Australian), Vivienne Smith, Cassie de Colling, Carly Lorente, Samantha Taylor, Jessica Lovett-Murray, Cat McKay, Rachel Vazey

M AJOR PARTNER

M AJOR SUPPO R T ER S

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FO U N DI N G PA R T N ER S

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MEDI A SU PPO R T ER

Rays M A J O R PA R T N E R

At Rays, we think getting ‘out there’ is even better together. From climbing mountains, to exploring the bush or floating in the ocean, you'll find adventure gear that's specifically designed for Australian conditions, and expert team to help you get out and about with a minimum of fuss.

At Rays you will find equipment and accessories for camping and hiking, as well as kayaking and stand up paddle boarding plus a fantastic range clothing and footwear made for exploring. Rays is Australia's best outdoor leisure retailer, with 15 stores nationally.

We've been inspiring Australians to get outdoors for more than fifty years and we continue to range some of the biggest names in the outdoors industry including; Engel, Waeco, Weber, Coleman, Marmot, Patagonia and The North Face as well as bringing in great new products like Yeti, Outrak and Jack Wolfskin. www.rays.com.au

The Aging Revolution MAJOR SUPPORTER.

Jack Wolfskin MAJOR GEAR SUPPORTER.

We are at home outdoors. There’s nowhere we’d rather be. The vastness attracts us, time sustains us. We are on a quest for experiences, not peak performance. We are guided by our passion to develop exceptional products, and driven by new ideas.

We are fully committed to functionality. Our products are designed to protect, keep you warm and dry, whilst being comfortable and reliable and lasting for many years.

No detail is too small for us to improve upon. We respect the diversity of nature and all living things. Our earth is simply the most beautiful place in the universe and we only have this one. We do everything we can to protect it and we want to experience it and share it with others. www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk

The Ageing Revolution is a ProfitFor-Purpose company. Our aim is to Listen, Connect and Inspire. We want to help create sustainable, resilient businesses and not-forprofits that can deliver and improve the process of ageing so everyone grows! Our approach brings to life the stories that each of us hold, and gives power to everyone to make change. At the same time, we create solutions that are strategic and innovative, unlocking the economic power of ageing for your organisation. Ageing well is vital for each and every one of us. theageingrevolution.com

P I O N EERIN G SUPPORT ERS O F OUR POZIBLE C ROWDFUNDING C AM PAIGN

M. Hollingsworth, F. Claire Sims, M. Tycehurst, S. Hunt, R. Marshallsay, S. Clements, K. Duncan, J. Holth, H. Porter, J. Robinson, Monique, L. Mercanti, L. Antill, H. Bryan, K.Jackson, N. Drake-Brockman, H. Talbot, K. Merkel, M.t Sky, J. Breault-Hood, C. Pemberton, K. Burgin, S. Clench, T. Roam, A. Mullarky, R. Coffey, C. Fisher, M. Sengers, L.Murphy, K. Bortoli-Frerk, S. Mizrahi. Thanks also to our anonymous supporters.

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The Travel Play Live

ADVENTURE G R A N T. Without the support of the following businesses and individuals, our Crowdfunding Campaign wouldn't have reached it's target. A huge thank you in particular goes out to the following brands and businesses

PLATINUM SUP PORTERS

T H E N O R T H FAC E

We are named for the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain. We have helped explorers reach the most unfathomable heights of the Himalayas. But The North Face® legend begins, ironically, on a beach. More precisely, San Francisco's North Beach neighbourhood, at an altitude of only 150 feet above sea level. It was here in 1966 that two hiking enthusiasts resolved to follow their passions and founded a small mountaineering retail store. From the beginning, the brand committed to serving all those who desired to explore and to serving our natural wild lands by helping to conserve them. At our core, we believe exploration creates an indelible bond with the outdoors, inspiring people to protect our land and pass these beliefs down to the next generation.

Soon thereafter, that little shop became known as The North Face, a retailer of high-performance climbing and backpacking equipment.

Through the 1960s, The North Face brand cherished a following amongst avid outdoor athletes and began sponsoring expeditions to some of the most far-flung, still largely untouched corners of the globe. This launched a proud tradition which continues in full force today and constantly reinforces The North Face mantra, Never Stop Exploring™.

Now, more than 50 years after its humble grand opening, The North Face delivers an extensive line of performance apparel, equipment, and footwear. We push the boundaries of innovation so that you can push the boundaries of exploration. thenorthface.com Note: Head to our Travel Play Live website to read more about how The North Face is helping support women in Adventure.

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The Trail Beyond ‘The Trail Beyond’ recognises that women can experience significant barriers to reaching their goals through all stages of life. These can range from juggling work and family life, being the primary child-carer, lack of self-belief and focus, and limited support or no moral or financial support.

However, at ‘The Trail Beyond’ we also have experienced the power that can be harnessed by strategies geared at breaking down these barriers, including hearing other women’s inspiring stories and the provision of moral and financial support from organisations and female mentors.

“The Trail Beyond – 4 Women, 4 Ultra marathons, 4 Months” Documentary is the story of 4 Australian women who strive to complete 4 of the toughest ultra-marathons in the Asia-Pacific region in just 4 months.

Through capturing their life-changing journey, the group aim to inspire and empower women to achieve their goals and strive for more than they believe is possible. The project was founded by Donna Urquhart, a Melbourne scientist/ physiotherapist and mother. The idea originated when Donna was touched by tragedy; a friend suddenly passed away at the age of 31 and a friend/colleague was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Donna was shocked and her realisation that “life is not a dress rehearsal” sparked her drive to instigate The Trail Beyond.

The beauty of this story is that these women are not professional athletes.

They are real people who are working to overcome personal and individual challenges and push their bodies to the limit. Even though they do not know each other prior to The Trail Beyond project, they form an incredible emotional support and sisterhood over the course of the project. www.thetrailbeyond.org

Travel Play Live

GOLD SUPPORTERS.

ADVENTURE JUNKY Adventure Junky is an Australian start-up, founded by Fuchsia Sims and Nigel Malone. Adventure Junky believes in the power of adventure. Adventure empowers us to grow and develop as individuals. It’s the best way learn about the world and people around us. It can heal the greatest lows, and inspire us to the greatest heights. But be careful - adventure is addictive! The Adventure Junky App is streamlining the traveller’s journey from the ‘high’ of one amazing adventure to the next – one App to dream, plan, connect with friends, book and share. www.adventurejunky.com S I LV E R S U P P O R T E R S .

JANE GROVER

JANE GROVER

ES UNA

AWESOME ADVENTURE CHICK

Jane Grover is a chef, cookbook author and dynamic presenter of LIVE Cooking Shows.

Jane’s delightful nature, love of people and knowledge of food, will leave you inspired and empowered to source your food locally, eat well for your body and ultimately live a healthier lifestyle. She loves the outdoors, the ocean and a new adventure. www.janegrover.net

Es Una is more than a new wave of swimwear, it’s a lifestyle - taking the ordinary idea of a rash vest and making it into beachwear for everybody.

Inspired by real women, for real women. Australian designed and made, Es Una’s range complements aspects of your body you love. esuna.com.au

We’re all about the stuff that makes your life, and your adventures, more awesome.

So celebrate your awesomeness with an Awesome Adventure Chick top. Or other thing. We’ve got awesome stuff to do, wear, drink out of, and other random awesome stuff. Purchases support OneGirl and Kiva. www.AwesomeAdventureChick.com

SHE WENT WILD

CARO RYAN

She Went Wild journey started in an effort to overcome the barriers faced by women who want to spend more time out and about. Our active community of women who love fresh air and adventure started in 2016.

Every day, we help women build up the confidence they need to start their own adventures and showcase those in the world who already do so. www.shewentwild.com

TV Producer by trade, bushwalker and Search and Rescue volunteer by passion, Caro Ryan started LotsaFreshAir. com to encourage, inspire and teach people to get into hiking and the outdoors safely. She has built an engaged online community, delivering hiking how-to’s, ideas and inspiration in a supportive and friendly style. lotsafreshair.com

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The Travel Play Live

ADVENTURE G R A N T. Supporting Epic Women and their Adventures When we initially launched the Women’s Adventure Grant we had no idea just how much of a chord it was going to strike with Aussie Women. We had over 253 applications with more than half of those arriving in the final 48 hours.

A HUGE thank you go to our judges from Rays, The Ageing Revolution, The Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour, Terra Roam and Hanny Allston for all your help in shortlisting the applicants. We will be announcing our winners in May on our website, but to give you a small taste of the kind of adventures that were put forward by over 253 Aussie women, we have selected some highlights. We can’t wait to bring you all the stories in the coming months.

O V E R 5 0 ' S C AT E G O RY “My Adventure Project consists of completing a number of BASE jumps from a bridge in Croatia and cliff tops in Italy and Lauterbrunnen Switzerland. Also completing my first wing suit BASE jump.

Basically Paragliding and BASE jumping throughout Europe and participating in a wing suit camp in the Netherlands in June 2018”.

"I will be riding the iconic Canning Stock Route in Western Australia in July 2018 with a small group of cyclists on FatBikes. Once completed, I will be the first woman over 50 years of age to do so, and the second woman ever to have completed the journey on wheels".

"My adventure project is to capture the amazing evidence of some of the last of the remaining Aboriginal sites across North Queensland.

As an archaeologist, I have been privileged to access some cultural landscapes that are completely isolated and along with my world-renowned Aboriginal Photographer, will endeavour to provide a respectful and inclusive photographic record of these places. I see it as a step towards providing a bridge of understanding and a way to afford all of us greater opportunities to participate in, share and strengthen our cultural identity through re-connection to the past".

U N D E R 1 8 ' S C AT E G O RY "I'm applying for the grant as I would like to attend skills training to help me become a marine conservation volunteer once I am old enough. I would like to work mainly in shark conservation, so I will need to have my PADI open water certificate".

"My proposed plan is to ride the length of the south island of New Zealand. This ride will incorporate mountain bike trails, roads and dirt tracks making up a total of approximately 3000km.

The reason why I have chosen cycling the length of the south island of New Zealand is because it is just such a beautiful country, and I've decided I don't want a classic 'schoolies' to celebrate 13 years of schooling, and with my love of adventure I'd love to do something much more worthwhile"

Adventures FOR CHANGE.

People have walked the Camino for over 1000 years, traditionally motivated by religion. However, modernday pilgrims like ourselves embark on such an adventure to immerse ourselves in nature and reflect upon, and appreciate, the simplicity of life.

Of course, for two women that use wheelchairs, tackling the Camino de Santiago will present its own challenges: we will be travelling solo through remote and rural places along tracks that are not considered accessible by standard definitions. We will have to adapt our travel to match weather conditions and local terrain and come up with innovative ways to overcome barriers.

We want to challenge ourselves and push our mental and physical stamina beyond and above to demonstrate the power of passion and determination in making absolutely anything possible.

The Women in the Tree Tops project will feature a team of adventurous women exploring the canopy of one of the world’s tallest trees. We will produce engaging and unique photographs and videos of female tree climbers and scientists on an epic adventure to educate the world about the importance of the world's forests.

Film & Photography My project goal is to travel 16,800kms from Singapore to St. Petersburg overland on public transport and film a documentary about my journey to highlight women's issues in the countries I visit en route.

The visual premise of the film will be to highlight the beauty of each country alongside the everyday existence of the women that live and work there. To guide and film an intrepid all-female rock climbing team deep into the steep and remote north of Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. To hike in on foot with all supplies, climbing gear and camera equipment. To explore unclimbed mountain peaks, navigating glaciers, crevasses, sheer cliffs, rivers and lakes. To attempt to make a mixture of first ascents and mountain peak traverses. To document the triumphs and tribulations of the expedition.

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M U D D Y

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SELF DEVELOPMENT WRITTEN BY HANNY ALLSTON

Mud between my toes. Mud etched into the lines of my hands. Mud spots on my cheeks, both facial and I am sure, other. Mud masking the scratches across my legs, the downside of this dense south-west Tasmanian scrub. I have pain in my lower back, jarred from all the ducking beneath and leaping over the maze of toppled trees. When I am not buried in this confusion of fallen limbs, I am vaulting from button grass to mud bank, trying to avoid the deepest holes. I can hear Dale behind me. Deep breaths expired, the squelch of his shoes and the occasional humorous remark at our predicament as he flings himself across, and sometimes into, each muddy void.

Just four hours earlier I had lain, clean and cosy beside my husband listening to the rain beating onto the metal roof of our van.

Surrounded by absolute darkness, the only indication of our remote location was the sounds of wind in the ancient Gondwanan forests and the swollen, rushing river. Into this dark night I had whispered, ‘I am scared’.

Despite the knot of anxiety in my stomach, I had clambered out of the down parlour, the beam from my head torch highlighting the breadth of the growing puddles. As I had tugged on long scrub socks, shoes and raincoat, set a match to my stove and prepared my teapot, I went through a mental checklist: • Do I have the right gear for these conditions? – ‘Yes’ • Do I adequately know the route? – ‘Yes’ • Have I prepared beyond all reasonable doubt? – ‘Yes’ • Do I have the skills for this adventure? – ‘Yes’ • Do I trust myself? – ‘I think so.'

As I poured the boiling water onto the tea leaves and finished preparing my vest pack, I knew that the only failure in this adventure would be not leaving the comfort of this van.

Fear should never be the barrier to our dreams.

In May 2017, I took a giant step back from competitive sport. Ready for a change

in attention, I was forced to address the questions, ‘Who is Hanny and what does success really mean for her going forward?’

My new normal became playfulness and silly adventures, most notably in the wilder environments of Tasmania. It was here that I slowly came to a fundamental realisation - success is not about reaching summits, winning medals or hitting business targets.

Instead, it is a willingness to walk to, and along, the edge of discomfort. To be willing to be uncomfortable in the pursuit of the meaningful.

By the time I had hugged my husband one last time, with rain beating down and my watch reading 4:30 am, I was utterly committed. I followed Dale into the dense, saturated undergrowth, our torches dancing together. While the summit of Federation Peak was our aim, 22km along this overgrown hiking route, I knew that I had already succeeded by being 120% engaged in this adventure.

Now, four hours into the mission, I feel nervous. Dale and I are ‘running’ towards the base of Moss Ridge, the notorious 1000m climb onto the plateau that marks the start of the final precarious ascent to the summit of Federation Peak. We can see the clouds boiling above us, the summit’s sheer beauty obscured by their wet contents. I have noticed the temperature has dropped again and I find myself needing to stop to pull on more layers. I am soaked to my skin, my shoes filled with the fine silt from the mud and every time I bend over my back is jarring. Deep down I can distinguish that my emotion is not so much fear, but rather vulnerability in the face of the challenge ahead.

To help remain positive, Dale and I begin to break the adventure down into smaller moments. We encourage one another to keep fueled, warm, and to continue for another short period of time before we decide on the feasibility of a summit attempt.

We cut through the tension with laughter for what else can you do when you are soaked

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to your undies, muddier than a hippo and running like a wombat? As it happened, this was the exact moment in this adventure where success occurred. Our willingness to persevere and laugh in the face of our discomfort created a positive spiral that soon after had us whooping and huffing, puffing and clambering all the way to the plateau.

From there we had gingerly scuttled up and then down steep scree-filled gullies, teetered our way around narrower ledges and then, with frozen fingers, pulled our way up the final rock faces towards the summit where cold and dangerous conditions had us hightailing downwards before even a happy-snap could be taken. Not once, in those uphill endeavors, did we consider turning back. Success at the base of the mountain had helped us to realise our dream of summiting.

High on the adrenalin of accomplishment, we giggled, found tranquil silence, experienced peacefulness in our deepest selves. After 11.5hours and 43km, we popped back out of the undergrowth to the welcome sight of the van. The sun was shining.

Every element of that adventure to Federation Peak should have been miserable and yet, when I reflect on it, all I can find is joy. I am so proud that we overcame the temptation of comfort to embrace the conditions, that we found delight in the discomforts, and that we didn’t turn around in the face of fear or vulnerability. It just makes me even more empowered to share what I know about success – that it is not the outcome. It is about your willingness to walk to the edge of discomfort, and then remain there.

Adventure can truly be your avenue to self-development. It can strengthen you in moments of weakness and showcase what you truly love. Adventure can highlight where you have room to grow, and where you have already grown. It requires patience and perseverance, preparation and planning, humility and humour. And if the stars align, you will walk away many memories richer.

BRISBANE SYDNEY PERTH MELBOURNE

100KM AND 55KM | 22-24 JUNE 2018 MOUNT GLORIOUS TO MOUNT COOT-THA

100KM AND 50KM | 24-26 AUG 2018 HAWKESBURY TO THE HARBOUR

100KM AND 50KM | 5-7 OCT 2018 THE PERTH HILLS 100KM AND 50KM | 2019 DETAILS COMING SOON

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Photo: Jason Malouin/ Oxfam AUS

e r o m d n i f e h t t s u than j . e n i l h s fini

THINGS WE ARE LOVING

THIS SEASON Here at Travel Play Live, we are passionate about small independent businesses, going out of their way to make a difference in the world of adventure. So, we decided to share with you some of our favourite new bands, making waves, carving trails and having fun with their adventure gear.

AWESOME ADVENTURE Chick

Jazzy BIKE PANTS

Awesome Adventure Chick is about living wild and free. It’s about love and adventure for all. And it’s about having fun and doing good.

That’s why every single product they sell, is linked to a very specific women’s cause or project around the world. No, the idea isn’t new.

But yes, it’s important. Imagine if every single business out there did it? There’d be a lot more awesome in the world for everyone, right? www.awesomeadventurechick.com

Jazzy is anyone who loves to move, dance, run, cycle, hike, squat, lunge, cartwheel, downward dog, eat, sip and party. Jazzy’s mission is to bring comfortable, form-flattering bike shorts to urban movers, globally. No butt padding required! Jazzy believes your natural assets are perfect enough.

Jazzy Bike Pants (JBPs) are made for fun. The brand is initially launching with a range that promotes freedom of movement, celebrates individual bodies and shies away from being too serious.

Jazzy is for people who love getting active, in any way, while looking great at the same time. We supported their Crowdfunding Campaign, and can’t wait for our pair of Jazzy’s to arrive!! jazzybikepants.com

Elemental Adventures Check out this new range of gear from small independent crew Elemental Adventures. Their debut collection is now complete. Their pieces are designed with the Adventurer in mind. Funky, fun, functional and affordable. They are created to let the adventurer run wild. Elemental Adventures are passionate about life, love and adventure, family and exploring, running amok and creating a life they are passionate about.

Plus it is run by two awesome women who are big supporters of Travel Play Live, so go and check them out. elemental-adventures.myshopify.com/

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ANGIE MOVES MOUNTAINS

ANGIE SCARTH-JOHNSON, STUDENT/CLIMBER/ANIMAL WHISPERER SEE HER STORY AT THENORTHFACE.COM.AU/MOVE-MOUNTAINS. PHOTOS: SIMON CARTER

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NEVER STOP EXPLORING

TM

Gutsy Girls A DV E N T U R E

A UNIQUE SELECTION OF SHORT INSPIRATIONAL FILMS FEATURING ADVENTUROUS WOMEN ADELAIDE Capri Theatre: 11 August ALICE SPRINGS Araluen Arts Centre: 14 July AVOCA BEACH Picture Theatre: 6 July BRISBANE Cineplex Southbank: 25 July CAIRNS: TBC CANBERRA NFSA: 28 July DARWIN BCC Cinemas Darwin City: 12 July GOLD COAST Home of the Arts: 17 July HAMILTON ISLAND: 22 June HOBART Friends School: 21 July

KATOOMBA United Cinemas: 8 August LAUNCESTON The Tramsheds: 20 July MELBOURNE Astor Theatre: 2 August NEWCASTLE Tower Cinemas: 7 July NOOSA The J: 11 August PERTH: TBC SYDNEY Randwick Ritz Cinema: 11 July SYDNEY Hayden Orpheum: 4 July TOWNSVILLE Riverway Arts Centre: 21 July WOLLONGONG Anita’s Theatre: 28 July

TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.GutsyGirlsAdventureFilmTour.com.au Image: © Krystle Wright

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

The Women’s Adventure Lifestyle

Magazine

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AN EVENT BY:

101 adventure FILMMAKING

WRITTEN BY JEMIMA ROBINSON DIRECTOR OF ADVENTURE REELS

Want your film to be one of 8 selected from over 300 entries? When the competition is that stiff, it pays to have some inside intel on what makes a film standout amongst the crowd.

Conducting the film selection for the Banff Mountain Film Festival Australian Tour for over ten years, and having launched the Ocean Film Festival World Tour and the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour means that I’ve seen it all when it comes to adventure cinematography; the good, the bad and everything in between. The toughest part of critically assessing films is knowing that most of the time these productions come straight from the heart, and each one has endless time, blood, sweat and tears poured into them. Despite the evident love that goes into these films I have learnt, there are some critical components that come together to make a good film. Here are a few tips that I’ve picked up over the years:

CONTENT IS KING A good film is like a good book, it draws you in, leaves you wanting more, weaves a story that captures you and presents characters that you love and want to succeed. Adventure films that have an engaging story that unfolds in a captivating way are sure-fire winners. As Joanna Croston, the programming director from Banff Film Festival says “The difference between a great film and an award-winning film might be entertainment versus a film that speaks to your soul. Adventure films can be very moving with people reaching the pinnacle of human achievement, not all adventure films can convey that message easily but the best ones will.”

The viewer wants to go on a journey with you, be sure to capture the ups and the downs of your adventure. A straight A to B story in a linear fashion gets a bit dull.

Adventure film director Krystle Wright says

“It always comes back to story. It's easy to get caught up in beautiful cinematography, but ultimately the story is king and will always be the greatest tool in resonating with audiences.“

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL Let's get into the not-so-adventurous aspect of adventure filmmaking - planning! As much as a good story can make a movie, lack of planning can equally hinder it. No matter how heart-wrenching your story is, if the execution and final product are average, you’re not going to score points. Get the right equipment (which is now surprisingly cheap and readily available) before you head to the hills. It will make editing at the end a whole lot easier and give you a better finished film. Joanna Croston agrees “Many of the films that get entered into our competition for consideration for our program are rush jobs. The filmmakers are scrambling to make the competition deadline and not giving the film the time it truly needs and deserves".

Things like audio or a finer edit may seem like luxuries in post-production, but "getting the footage is only half of the work, so do yourself a favour and invest your time and energy into proper post-production editing to polish your film".

HUMOUR Everyone likes a laugh and all too often adventure films and adventurers take themselves just a bit too seriously. Yes, adventuring can have serious consequences, but those films that marry the seriousness of an adventure with the fun derived from it definitely stand out. Lauren Hills Pear Shaped from the 2017 Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour falls into this category.

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SAME OLD SAME OLD It can be intimidating bringing something new to the table and cultivate originality when there is such a broad field of existing productions. But the truth is that the movies we love the most aren’t necessarily the ones with the most breathtaking footage or the most thrill-seeking adventure. Films that allow you to travel through their narrative, or are conducive to introspective questioning are those that stand out. Having watched hundreds of mountain biking films that all take the same well-worn path, it takes a film like Dream Ride by Lacy Kemp to stand out. Its stunning production values, varied locations, an original concept, a whimsical narration and a pace that build are the ingredients that give a new spin on a well-worn topic.

Similarly, Krystle Wright didn’t expect to go viral with her female-only short film ‘Where The Wild Things Play’ but she owes its success to exploring a fresh outlook on gendered media representation. She says “It doesn’t fall under ideals that I think others may want me to communicate. I felt there was something missing in the adventure film circuit and gave it a try at making a film and having fun with it. It's [female representation in adventure] been such a serious topic at many film festivals, and it has been an amazing opportunity to instigate great conversations. I had grown tired of talking and wanted to try and contribute something more.”

Just like no two adventures are exactly the same, no two adventure films are identical but remember if all hell breaks loose, pull the camera out and capture it!

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Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.

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WRITTEN BY ALICE KING PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN CIRULIS LOCATION NORTHLAND NEW ZEALAND

This summer we cleared out the old family cabin. No multi-roomed holiday house, this, but rather a tiny wood and metal box nestled amongst long grass and native trees. Inside, it’s standing room only for parents, my brothers and me. Hard to believe such a small space can hold so many memories.

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s we sort each item into boxes, recollections and stories began to flow. The store of mismatched linen, shared out each night between children in tents and my parents in the cabin, all falling asleep to the murmurs of wild turkeys in the big pine tree.

The two burner gas stove, starting the day early with the scent of porridge cooking, the fields still blanketed with mist outside. A trip to the long drop toilet was a journey into the unknown, wading barefoot through the long wet grass as birdsong echoed out of the whiteness.

The small treasures - lumps of golden kauri gum, birds nests and feathers - collected during long sunny days exploring the paddocks and thickets of our farmland kingdom, borne proudly home to mum.

The chunky raincoats for days filled with interminable drizzle, holding staples for dad to hammer into fence posts, followed by a welcome return to the warmth and dryness of the cabin.

The big torch used flounder fish spearing at dusk, filling a sack full of silver for dinner as the light leaked out of the world.

The matches kept high up out of reach of little fingers, a small red box with the power

to set huge bonfires of cleared wood alight.

Us children dancing like demons around the flames under the night sky. All this in four walls, a door and a single window. Funny how little – and how much – it takes to make a home.

Our humble cabin saw four children grow and ten years pass before it came time to sell the land. Luckily our bohemian neighbours loved the idea of rehoming it in a quiet corner of their property.

Over the next ten years, children turned into teenagers and started making their own pilgrimages to the cabin, friends - and later partners - in tow.

Another ten years and we are all adults now, living busy, separate lives. Largely left to its own devices, the cabin is overshadowed by branches and starting to crumble at the edges, slowly being reclaimed by the land. But come summer, we still pack up our cars or get on an aeroplane, and meet here together to make more memories.

This is the last trip to the cabin. Our bighearted host has passed away, and the land has been sold. We finish packing the boxes, piling the cars up high and sweeping the shelves and floor of debris. Then we bump slowly down the gravel road to the beach, for one final swim. The ocean is flat grey today, melding into a bruised purple horizon as the

rain moves in.

But despite the rain, it’s summer, and there’s still a family holiday to be had. This time, we head further north to Whangerei Heads.

We’ve booked a Department of Conservation Hut for a few nights, perched above a remote beach accessible only by boat or foot.

My brothers catch fresh fish for dinner. Dad helps them clean it, while I explore the rocky shore. Mum cooks the fish with coconut milk and spices, assisted by my husband. Just as we sit down to eat, my youngest brother arrives with a friend, flushed from the hike in. (We all try to avoid doing the dishes!)

The treetops glow gold in the last light of the day before the sun sinks into the sea. Night is ushered in on a Morepork owl’s wings, mournful calls echoing through the branches.

Our time at the cabin might be over, but its legacy remains. Coming together, family and friends, in the outdoors. Separate and united, the land giving us space as well as connection.

A gift that lives on in each of us, from which we can form new traditions, whatever they might be.

Postscript As for the cabin itself, it will make one last journey, finding a final resting place on my aunt’s block in the Coromandel, a home for visiting travellers and family

This is the last trip to the cabin. Our big-hearted host has passed away, and the land has been sold. We finish packing the boxes, piling the cars up high and sweeping the shelves and floor of debris.

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...We are all adults now, living busy, separate lives. Largely left to its own devices, the cabin is overshadowed by branches and starting to crumble at the edges, slowly being reclaimed by the land. But come summer, we still pack up our cars or get on an aeroplane, and meet here together to make more memories.

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Lessons on

F E A R A N D

self-doubt From Podcasting

BY JEN BROWN FROM SPARTACHICKS.COM

I can't pinpoint when I decided to launch a podcast. I first mentioned it on the Sparta Chicks Facebook page 11 months before I launched it. I was thinking about it for months - perhaps even years - before that.

I struggled with lots of fear and self-doubt before I finally gathered the courage to press ‘publish' and launch a podcast dedicated to asking other women about their fear and self-doubt. Oh, the irony!

The lessons I've learnt from the experience could fill the pages of a book. Looking back after 60 interviews, there have been several common themes that run through most, if not all, of the conversations I've shared: LEARN TO QUIETEN YOUR INNER CRITIC That voice inside your head that says you aren't good/fast/fit/strong/skinny/rich enough. That's your Inner Critic. I've got one too. Her job is to keep us safe.

After 60 interviews, I've realised the most successful and happy people are those who can quieten the voice of their Inner Critic.

They don't try to silence it, but rather turn the volume down. Many guests use their past achievements to reassure their Inner Critic "it's ok - I've done that, I can do this". So find a strategy that helps you turn down the volume of your Inner Critic.

SELF-DOUBT FOLLOWS A PATTERN; FIND YOURS. Base jumper Heather Swan shared that she could ‘cut and paste' her diary entries from one major jump to the next. Her fear and self-doubt about whether she was ‘good enough' or whether she had reached her potential was identical every time.

You have patterns like this too. Is there a particular situation, conversation or event that sends you into a spiral of self-doubt?

Once you recognise it, put strategies in place to help you navigate through the situation the next time around.

No-one feels special, but we all have a story to share.

Many guests have said they don't feel their story is "anything special" or particularly "inspiring". I've said the same thing too!

Regardless of what you've achieved, your story is unique. You have insights and experience others don't. And there is power in sharing it. And by ‘story', I don't mean your training splits or heavily-filtered Instagram pics. I mean the ups and downs, highs and lows, the struggles and the success.

Sharing your story helps others realise they aren't alone. Plus you make space in which they can give themselves permission to chase their goals and dreams too. As we say here at Travel Play Live, "she can't be what she can't see".

EVERYONE FEELS LIKE A FRAUD. Ever felt like a fraud and that everyone is going to find out you have no freaking idea what you're doing and that you don't deserve the results or success you've had?

That is the Imposter Complex, and you are not alone in feeling that way. Every single guest has, on the podcast or in private, confessed to experiencing it at some stage in their life.

The Imposter Complex wins when you slip into inaction, downgrade your goals, overthink or over-analyse. So know what you're feeling is entirely normal - and then keep chasing your goals anyway!

WE ALL FEAR THE SAME THINGS. It's easy to assume we don't have anything in common with Gold medalists, World Record holders or other elite athletes.

However, after 60 interviews, I've realised we all fear the same things; what other people think of us, of failing (especially in public), of being embarrassed and sometimes even success.

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It's not that elites athletes and high performers don't experience these feelings.

Instead, they manage their thoughts and feelings so they can keep doing the training and chasing their dreams, in spite of those feelings.

OWN YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS, AS A GIFT TO OTHERS. We were taught as kids (in my generation!) that "nobody likes a show-off". Sadly, decades later, many of us are still quick to diminish our achievements.

However one of the most powerful things you can do is to own your achievements.

Why? Because it gives others permission to do the same.

Avoid using words like ‘just', ‘only' and ‘but' to downplay them. Inspired by the podcast, we started a "No Buts' challenge inside the Sparta Chicks Arena. I'm pretty conscious of the language I use — and I was shocked at how often I do it. Try it - you might be surprised too!

My biggest takeaway from the podcast?

It's that confidence is overrated. Instead, achievement, success and happiness are built on thousands of small decisions and actions daily, often in the face of fear and selfdoubt. So what action will you take in the face of your fear and self-doubt today?

Jen Brown is the host of Sparta Chicks Radio and founder of Sparta Chicks. Jen is hosting Sparta Chicks Unleashed, a one-day event in the Blue Mountains in September 2018, that will bring the podcast to life.

reluctant THE

LEADER

STORY BY SHERYLL FISHER

I never wanted to lead. I'm quite comfortable in the background, thank you very much. Until recently, I had left that 'leading' business to extroverted, charismatic, story-telling, entertaining 'others'. Very happy to quietly work away behind the scenes and just get on with it. Nothing to see here. Move along.

T

hen something strange happened. One day, out of the blue, someone told me I was 'leading', which came as quite a shock to me. "But how can that be? I'm not a leader..." I heard myself say.

After noticing their bewildered look, I rallied, laughed it off and gave myself a good internal rap on the knuckles. What was I thinking? I'm running a leadership training organisation for heaven's sake.

After thinking about this shocking revelation - and I did spend quite a lot of time thinking about it - I realised the problem was not that I was leading; the problem was that I didn't identify with leadership: Female.

Introvert. 5'2". Middle-aged. Non-drinker. Me. Let me explain what I mean: I was brought up in a strict army household. Dad is a Vietnam Veteran (2 tours), and mum just got on with living the way women do with a VV and trying to raise her kids in a 'minefield' with the minimum of trauma. So my entire life up until the age of 18 centred around a male-dominated lifestyle; army camps, regimented home life and the Sergeant's Mess as our only regular social outing once a month on a Saturday night. (read: sit with the other kids, quietly, and wait till the dads stopped drinking and hoped that nothing bad happened). Sometimes the Mess showed movies such as Rambo and The Deer Hunter.

At home, on Sunday afternoons we watched Westerns, predominantly John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. You get the picture.

So my idea of leadership was based on what I saw and what I heard. And what I saw and heard was male, military-based leadership. Storming the beaches kind of leadership.

This is difficult to admit, but up until 4 years ago, if I closed my eyes and imagined a 'leader', I could only see some nameless, faceless man in a uniform, storming a beach (possibly on a horse) invariably pointing and shouting at the huddled masses waiting for his command that would save their lives...or not. This was what I was exposed to. And that was stuck in my head somewhere deep and unknown, quietly paralysing me without my knowledge or consent.

It didn't matter that I had been working with men and women who were becoming, or who already were, exceptional leaders. It was not how I saw others; it was how I saw myself.

They could lead, but I could not. And although life was a continual series of beaches that needed storming, I was not that person - I had no uniform. I had no horse. I certainly wasn’t charismatic….

There are so few female role models out there that I could see, but the few that I could, I didn’t identify with them. They were usually university educated (I was a drop out), came from stable family backgrounds (see earlier comments about minefield) and doors seemed to open for them without much resistance (or perceived resistance). They weren’t dropped into leadership positions - they looked for them.

Again… not me.

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So when the epiphany hit me, like a train as they do, I honestly couldn't believe I had been so blind to my paradigm. I had identified 'The Thing' that was holding me back without me even knowing it; it was rooted in childhood experience and reinforced by almost every movie I've ever seen (not many movies based on successful female leaders back in the day... or now come to think of it).

I suppose I'm writing this because I'm sure I'm not the only person out there who doesn't or can't see that they're really leading. They don't recognise their style of quietly achieving as leadership. There are no movies glorifying the introverted leader who would rather go in with a well thought out plan, thorough risk assessment and perhaps a sandwich (first aid kit, sat phone and backup plan as well).

To them, I would say: 'Check your head. Root out that malignant, unhelpful paradigm which may be holding you back. There are so many styles and ways to lead; find the one you're comfortable with and that works for you and your team - remain authentic to your nature. If it's working (and check that it is) - keep doing what you're doing."

As for me: four years on from the epiphany I'm still not entirely comfortable with the term 'Leader', but I've accepted it (I did write I'm learning to accept it, but it occurred to me just then that I have actually accepted it).

I am still a work in progress, however I now 'own' the beach.

IS IT POSSIBLE for professional WHAT DO I GET FOR MY DO INVESTMENT? IS ITdevelopment POSSIBLE fortoprofessional WHAT I GET FOR be hands-on, development to be and hands-on, results-driven, life-changing? MY INVESTMENT? PROGRAM DELIVERABLES results-driven, and life-changing?

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100%

At Outback Initiatives, we care about giving you a Leadership changes how you see yourself engage that with others, Experiential Leadership CourseProgram Book challenging but stimulating learningand experience personally and professionally. changes how you see yourself and engage with others, Work Session: Difficult Conversations Leadership Course Book personally and professionally.

Session: Influence & Negotiation WorkWork Session: Difficult Conversations Outback Initiatives is an international human resources consultancy in Perth, Western Australia.

For the TeamInfluence Feedback&Session Work360 Session: Negotiation Outback Initiativesbased is an international human resources past 20 years, we have been successfully delivering consultancy based in Perth, Western Australia. For the Personal ActionSession Plan 360 Team Feedback high impact building and leadership development past 20 years, we team have been successfully delivering Personal Action Plan programs to building clients from over the development world. high impact team and all leadership

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programs to clients fromprovides all over the world.

Outback Initiatives outcomes-based consulting, custom corporate and government training, Outback Initiatives provides outcomes-based and personal development programs designed for consulting, custom corporate and government training, executives, women, youth, rural communities.

IS IT POSSIBLE forand professional and personal development programs designed for

PHYSICAL GROUP ACTIVITIES PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES HikingGROUP or Trekking Abseiling Hiking or Trekking WHAT DO I GET FOR Caving Abseiling MY INVESTMENT?

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Outback Initiatives provides outcomes-based PHYSICAL GROUP ACTIVITIES Build an instant personal and professional network with leaders from around the world. Do it all while consulting, custom corporate and government training, WHAT CAN I EXPECT? trekking, caving and abseiling Hiking in the majestic Kimberley region, home to magnificent gorges, caves or Trekking and personal development programs designed for waterfalls 2 billion years in the making.

WHAT I and EXPECT? executives, women, youth, and CAN rural communities.

Abseiling You will be participating in a group of You will participate in debriefs about For the adventure seeker and lifelong learner in you, our experiential learning programs increase self14-24 people and divided into smaller leadership models, best practices, Caving You will be participating a group ofbehaviours, compressing You will participate debriefs We are an award-winning small business with over awareness andin change learned major gains inin a short periodabout of time to help teams of 5-8 for the majority of and critical management skills, as 14-24 people and divided into smaller leadership models, best practices, Kayaking or Canoeing 35 experienced facilitators and staff, with a proven you achieve your goals.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

You will be participating in a group of 1300 LEADERSHIP info@outbackin.com.au po box 238people Hillarysand Western Australia 6923 14-24 divided into smaller 1300 532 337 1300 LEADERSHIP info@outbackin.com.au teams of 5-8 for the majority of

6220 7530 po box 238 Hillarys Western Australia 6923 1300+61 532 8337 the program +61 outbackin 8 6220 7530outbackinOZ outback initiatives You will be provided with a behavioural OutbackinOZ outback initiativesprofile assessment to help you outback initiatives outbackin outbackinOZ outbackin.com.au/individual understand your strengths, weaknesses OutbackinOZ outback initiatives Travel Play Live 035 outbackin.com.au/individual and how you perform under pressure outbackin.com.au Through facilitated team activities

You will participate in debriefs about leadership models, best practices, and critical management skills, as well create a personal action plan and receive feedback from your team We encourage participation in all physical everything BUILDINGactivities, LEADERS • though TRANSFORMING LIVES is “challenge by choice.”

BUILDING LEADERS • TRANSFORMING LIVES Arrangements can be made to

REDISCOVERING

MY JOY WRITTEN BY KATE DUNCAN

The water in my stainless steel pot began to bubble and pop, the liquid making intricate shapes as it rose. I reached into a bag of pasta, its plastic edges crackling, and grabbed a fist full of shells. I dropped them into the rolling boil and watched as the water settled down. I added two more fists (it had been a big day of surfing) then swirled them in a circle with the end of my knife.

I adjusted the knob on the single burner camp stove, increasing the heat until the water began to bubble once more. I chopped zucchini, sliced off a hearty chunk of salted butter, then poured a glass of Barossa Valley Shiraz. I sat in the back of my van, atop the cosy bed I’d already made up for later, and listened to the ocean roar.

No doubt, the waves were still cranking, though the last surfer had left this parking lot some time ago.

Now it was just my little white van, my giant yellow Labrador Bobo, and that one kangaroo munching on a patch of grass further up the street.

I petted Bobo’s ears softly while I sipped on my wine and heaved a huge happy sigh. I tried to think of the last time we had gone away on a road trip like this, but my memory came up blank. This was our third night of camping in a row, and I felt a joy that in my heart (that I had forgotten I could feel) for the first time in over a year.

I drained the water from my pasta and added the butter, the chopped zucchini and a healthy dose of salt.

Like most things out here on the road, dinner was a simple fare.

Eventually, the euphoria passing, I sat back down to watch the first few stars appear.

As my mind quieted, I looked back over the last year and acknowledged how difficult it had been. Filled with grief from the ending of my paramedic career, with re-education, and with all of the isolation, striving and financial stress that comes from living the new entrepreneur's life.

Then came the injury I sustained mid-year while surfing in Indonesia, the wave so powerful it tore my MCL near off the bone. At first, I was glad to have more time to spend in my little studio writing and working, but somewhere along the way, even once my knee healed, I’d lost the part of myself that knew what it loved.

There I was, dancing on the beach, remembering my love for life and the earth, with such intensity that tears ran down my cheeks. In one trip away, everything I thought I’d lost had been returned: my joy, my lightness, my gratitude for life.

“C’mon Bobo," I said, nudging his warm body with my toes. He looked at me, his eyelids drooping, and began the slow process of getting up. He was growing old now, but he still knew what to do. We’d spent most of the twelve years of his life out in the wilderness, camping and adventuring, and he dragged his failing hips behind him now with as much enthusiasm as ever.

With the whole saucepan in one hand and my wine in the other, we took the steps down to the beach. I sat in the cool sand, Bobo sniffing the nearby seagrass, and let the spray fill my lungs. I ate one slow spoonful at a time. When the pot was empty and my belly full, I looked down both ends of the long beach.

When I was sure that no one was watching, I got up and danced in the sand. My arms wide, my chin lifted skyward, I moved to the tune of the ocean and the beat of my heart. I began to sing, softly at first, and then gaining courage, I let my vocal cords be free to the wind.

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For reasons I still don’t fully understand, last year was determined to be about grieving, difficulty and loss. I couldn’t find that happy, bubbly version of me.

I searched as best I could: looking for her in meditation, in life coaches, in a psychologist, and in the words of many supportive family and friends.

When nothing worked, I reasoned that perhaps all processes (even ones that feel unpleasant and uncomfortable) are meant to be honoured.

But by the end of the year, I had grown tired. “Something’s not right," I found myself saying to my sister, “something has to give”. And give it did, in the form of one last straw to break the camels back: a relationship break up.

Which, to my good fortune, inspired the first solo surf trip I had taken in almost a year.

There I was, dancing on the beach, remembering my love for life and the earth, with such intensity that tears ran down my cheeks. In one trip away, everything I thought I’d lost had been returned: my joy, my lightness, my gratitude for life.

Bobo nudged the side of my body and began to bark, something he always did if I sat too long. I realised it was almost dark, and time to head back to our makeshift camp. I wiped the last few tears from my face and stood up. I took my hands to my heart and bowed toward the ocean. I whispered, as if it were our little secret “Thank you, I love you, thank you”.

Bobo’s heavy breathing followed me up the stairs. The dusk air was chilly, but I was warm all over, my face a giant grin of thankfulness.

I somehow knew the darkness had passed, that I was ready to embrace the adventure again.

Nothing is ever lost, only forgotten.

The earth, and all her beauty waits for our return.

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ride bikes who

YOUR GUIDE TO WHO WHAT & HOW

BY THE CREW FROM CHICKSWHORIDEBIKES.COM

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Albert Einstein once said, "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle." At Chicks Who Ride Bikes, we couldn't agree more. In an instant, cycling can transport you back to your childhood. The warmth of the sun on your skin, the sounds of your neighbourhood all around you, and the wind sweeping across your face (if you feel the wind in your hair, you've most likely forgotten your helmet).

You can change up what you do on the weekend, exploring your local area with friends or your partner and, of course, crackers, cheese and wine in tow. You can plan a solo adventure abroad, taking in the scenery and cuisine on the Amalfi Coast or get to know the locals. If you’re really short on time, you can even just use your bike to get to work and arrive feeling energised instead of drained. Keen to get started? We here at Chicks Who Ride Bikes have put together a taste of some of what is out there just for you!

Road Cycling.

An environmentally and financially savvy way of getting around. Whether commuting to work or enjoying the freedom that riding on the open road has to offer, road cycling is great. It's good for fitness and when done in a group of friends can be an excellent social activity. Enjoy a coffee on a Sunday morning, or an ice-cold beer at the end of an afternoon ride. Road cycling is gaining popularity here in Australia, and our cities are becoming more cycle friendly.

MOUNTAIN BIKING (MTB) Down-hill enthusiast? Weekend trail warrior? Nervous but excited? Whether you want the rush of your life or just a great way to explore some of the beautiful backyard we have here in Australia, mountain biking is for you! Mountain biking allows you to experience a variety of terrain and it's up to you how challenging you want the experience to be (fitness wise and technically). There are many options within mountain biking – • Cross country • Trail riding • All mountain (Enduro) • Downhill • Freeride and • Dirt jumping All of these offer different types of thrills. Pick your favourite or do them all and alternate!

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BMX Now BMX might not be the first thing that comes to mind when women consider taking up cycling or looking for a new type of cycling to try, but BMX isn't just a load of 10-year olds hanging around in a skate park. BMX can be a great way to improve your bike handling and control.

You can improve (or learn) to jump and do drop-offs, and BMX racing tracks can be great for perfecting steep berm (a ridge or embankment) turns. There are also the pump tracks where you can improve your body position and keep the bike moving without peddling.

2 0 1 6 N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N LEANNA CURTIS - BMX AUSTRALIA

CYCLO-CROSS Cyclo-cross or CX is thought to have initially started as a way for road cyclists to train and remain fit over winter. They would race each other from town to town cutting across local farms. Long gone are those days! This sport is popular amongst North Americans and Europeans but is great fun and can be done right here in Australia. Riders typically conduct multiple laps of a short course where the terrain will vary between paved, wooded trails, sand and grass. There are also very steep sections and obstacles such as stairs thrown in – which require the rider to dismount and carry their bikes.

Track Cycling.

When you picture track cycling, you probably envision the Olympics right?

The steep-sided velodromes, the teardrop-shaped helmets, the solid disc wheels? Well, you would be correct.

That is track cycling. However, like other types of cycling, you don't have to start at an Olympic level, and there are easy ways to get into this sport. Head down to your local velodrome, and they can show you how it’s done!

S T E P H A N I E M O R TO N - AU S T R A L I A N C YC L E T E A M

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HOW TO CONNECT WITH OTHER RIDERS. Social media is a great start. There are bound to be cycling groups on Facebook in your neck of the woods. Go to Chicks Who Ride Bikes on Facebook if you are struggling and we can put you in touch with riders in your area.

TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Thought about coaching? Whether you ride the trails and are looking to graduate into jumping, or want to improve your road technique for your upcoming Ironman? Coaching can be a valuable tool. As a beginner, it can save you a lot of pain, and as an experienced rider, it can fine-tune the epic skills you already possess. You can also sign up for skills workshops and find others to learn alongside!

Events.

Events are not just for those lining up for a spot on the Olympic team. There are different grades, and you can still compete as a beginner in all disciplines of cycling!

Events are a great way to improve your confidence and test your skills. Women only events are becoming more popular with Rapha Women's 100, Chicks in the Sticks and Fox on the Rocks gaining popularity every year. Events are also a great way to meet other riders of your level in your area that you can ride with later on.

RIDE FOR A CAUSE An achievement for you, and money for the good cause of your choice.

There are 200km rides for Cancer, 20-80km rides for Heart Disease, 1200km rides for kids - and everything in between. Just a quick search for your favourite cause will likely find a bike ride to raise money for it. Check out humacharitychallenge.com and select the charity of your choice. Alternatively, go to your state cycling website and search for charity rides there.

Designed for women For any women who are looking for an introduction to cycling. Here in Australia, Cycling Australia (CA) have a program called She Rides. She Rides is for women, delivered by women so you can feel at ease as you get to know your bike and meet women looking for an adventure – just like you!

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Travelling or

bike packing

Travelling, or bike packing is a great way to see not only your own backyard but even interstate or international. More and more women are choosing to adventure abroad and are using bicycles to do it! We asked Richelle Olsen a cycle tourer, and the founder of the body positive adventure organisation, Escaping Your Comfort Zone to share her top tips.

For many people, the thought of bike touring, even just an overnighter, seems both exciting, but super daunting. There's so much to think about, and equipment to consider. But the message I want to get across to women is that it need not be daunting. Yes, there's tons of planning that goes into a long distance bike tour, but let's start with just an overnighter, somewhere local, where, if a piece of equipment isn't ideal, it's just for one night! Here are my go to tips.

Use the bike you have.

Almost any bike is perfect for an overnight bike tour. Now this may seem obvious, but the number of people who tell me they would love to do an overnighter, but they don't have the "right" bike. But you know what, the "right" bike is the one you have! Especially if it's just for a night or a couple of nights, you don't need a specialist touring bike. Ideally, the bike should be able to have a pannier rack attached, but, if not, no worries, there's a range of pannier racks available for bikes that don't have the particular attachments. At a stretch, you can use a backpack.

Let go of the big kilometres It's so easy to get wrapped up in how many kilometres you can smash out in a day to feel

like it's worthwhile for an overnight trip, But you know what? There are no rules! Before you set a route of 150kms, think about something shorter, and taking the time to stop and appreciate the sights along the way. Take time for a picnic and photo stops. I once did 20kms in one day through the Italian Alps, by the time I had four gelato stops, and a pizza stop, I'd taken all day! A marvellous day it was too!

if you are the type that brings a camp stove to cook dinner, bring pre-dinner snacks, you know, the food you shovel in while you set up camp, and get dinner started. While we are on the subject of dinner, don't feel the need to take everything to cook up a storm. When I'm on an overnighter, I don't even bother taking a stove; I eat food that doesn't need to be cooked.

Take a chair.

Now I'm all about minimalist travelling. Afterall, everything you take is weight that makes each pedal stroke that little bit harder. So I'm a firm believer in taking only the essentials. But when you have spent the day on a bike seat, the last thing you feel like doing is setting up camp, and sitting on a hard, sharp rock, or even worse, sitting in the dirt. After doing that for my five-month tour from Canada to Mexico in 2015, I splurged, and, for my solo Europe tour, I took my new fave piece of kit, my mini camp chair. Realistically, it only weighs 900g and doesn't take up much space, but it's worth more than it's weight in gold.

Switch Off for a while The last overnighter I did was out the back of Warburton. I was out there alone and did not see a soul for the whole ride until the next morning when I returned to civilisation.

I had forgotten my external charger for my phone, so I had to conserve my battery in case of emergency - which meant switching my phone off and just being. No photos, no internet, just me, out there in the wilderness.

Yes, it felt weird, but noticing the sounds, the smells, and a general appreciation of where I was made me feel like I had been out there for way longer than just a night. Give it a go.

Afterall, we could all do with switching off now and then.

Don't skimp on the food I don't know about you, but for me, there's nothing like the outdoors to build a cracking appetite. So take some of your fave foods. And

So what's stopping you? Grab your bike, and find yourself an adventure!

This article isn't exhaustive. There are categories within each of the cycling types mentioned above. Get in touch with us if you want to know more! If you are new to cycling (or even if you haven’t got a bike yet!), try joining a local women’s cycling group for beginners online and asking questions before you get started. Look forward to seeing you out there! Chicks Who Ride Bikes (CWRB) 043

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Get

outside Cooler weather doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself away inside for months on end. With the right gear, combination of layers and some good friends, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and have yourself some fun.

We have scouted some of Australia’s top brands and found a great selection of items, that aren't just practical, they are fashionable too - with many of them are designed and made right here in Oz; ready to inspire your next adventure.

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Photo Credit Jim Zirn

This Page: Outrak Women's Insulated Longline Jacket.

Shop now www.raysoutdoors.com.au

CHECK IT OUT

Outrak Ninox Sleeping Bag. Shop now www.raysoutdoors.com.au

Wild & Free Beanie from Awesome Adventure Chick Shop now awesomeadventurechick.com

iOmerino Summit Zip Hoodie Shop now iomerino.com

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iOmerino Altitude Zip Base Layer. This thermal layer takes natural temperature regulation to a whole new level. Sleeves up, zip down when it’s mild and sleeves down, zip up and thumb loops on when the temperature drops. Simple.

Shop now iomerino.com

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CAMP OUT W I T H

R AYS

&

YO U C A M P

Travel Play Live headed out for a family camping weekend with Rays and Youcamp over Easter and got to test out some great new gear all available from Rays at one of our local Youcamp sites.

Youcamp is where you outside into a whole new world of private land adventures. Whether you want to camp or kayak, take your caravan, climb a mountain or catch a fish, stay in a luxury glamping tent or a romantic bush eco cabin, this is a great way to explore out there.

Outrak

KIDS' GROW WITH ME SLEEPING BAG This super cozy kid’s grow with me sleeping bag will be an instant hit with the kids on your next camping trip. It is super lightweight, durable and has the added bonus of being able to close off the end, essentially shortening the bag’s length so little feet stay warm. This also means that as your child grows, the bag does too to accommodate longer legs. It easily stuffs into the bag, so packing up will be a breeze, even for little hands.

EAGLE NEST OUTFITTERS

Double Hammock

Ok, so I never thought that I could be in love with a piece of outdoor equipment, but I might actually be in love with these hammocks – seriously.

I have one that permanently lives in our car, ready to be used whenever moment the calls for lazing between two trees to sway in the cool breeze and savour the great out doors (which happens quite regularly). This is also the one piece of kit that when we set it up using the tree friendly Atlas Straps (sold separately) we get asked about ALL THE TIME. The makers of these hammocks also make additional dry fly rain tarps and mosquito nets, meaning that if the inclination takes you, and you can find two appropriately spaced trees, you could even camp out in these babies and trust me I’ve thought about it.

Wacaco Minipresso Lets just say, this little coffee maker, may just be the difference between getting my hubby camping or not – now they just need to make one with wi-fi (joking!) The versatile minipresso is perfect for your next adventure or simply for every day use. With it's compact and lightweight design it is easy to fit in your pack and take with you.

This minipresso gives you the option to use the ground coffee of your choice and with the help of the semi-automatic piston you will have an amazing espresso with a generous crema in no time!

YOUCAMP At Youcamp simplicity is the new luxury. Youcamp are committed to opening up unique frontiers of the Australian outdoors, providing people with access to the best and most exciting, interesting places to stay. They are the first and biggest land-sharing website in Australia, with hundreds of properties to discover... and hosts to meet. Every day more and more local hosts open up their properties to provide incredible outdoor experiences, many of which have never before been accessible to the public. www.youcamp.com Head to our website to read about some of the gear we road tested www.travelplaylive.com.au

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Embrace the chill as the season changes.

Rug up and look good in all-new jackets and clothing from leading brands like Patagonia, Columbia and Jack Wolfskin.

1

Columbia Heavenly Hooded Jacket Get complete protection from the elements with added warmth from thermal-reflective lining that directs your own body heat back at you. $299.99

Nano Puff Jacket 2 Patagonia Warm, windproof, water-

resistant! This lightweight jacket is eco-friendly as well – with a 100% recycled polyester shell and filled with PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco: a 55% recycled polyester. $269.95

Wolfskin 3 Jack Liberty Cargo

Pant With stretch comfort construction and basic weather protection these pants are ideal for hiking, travelling and everyday wear. $159.95

Columbia Bugaboo 4 3-in-1 Jacket Three jackets in one!

Both the outer shell and the zip-in fleece liner work as a layer on their own, or wear them together when you need maximum weather protection. $349.99

Eventyr Buff Casual Boot 5 Merrell Perfect for winter, these leather

lace-up boots feature a rugged style for any adventure along with breathable mesh lining for added comfort. $279.99

Chateau Hybrid 7 OUTRAK Jacket This versatile jacket

6

OUTRAK Down Puffer Jacket With 550 loft ethically sourced down filling to keep you feeling super cosy, and packaway stash pocket for packable easy travel storage. $199.99

* Range, styles & colours vary store to store.

While stocks last. Not all products available in all stores.

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features water resistant and breathable outer fabric with insulation to keep you warm and dry. Personalise it with the detachable snow skirt and hood with detachable faux fur trim. $249.99

rays.com.au

This Page: Outrak Chicago Jacket.

Shop now www.raysoutdoors.com.au

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Outrak Instant 2 Person Tent Outrak Ninox Sleeping Bag Outrak Reversible Puffer Jacket www.rays.com.au

Eagle Nest Outfitters Double Hammock available from Rays Outrak Women's Insulated Longline Jacket.

Shop now www.raysoutdoors.com.au

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FUEL THE DAY'S ADVENTURE WITH A

Nutritious

C A M P S I D E

BREAKFAST We all know the health benefits of getting outside into the great outdoors, and what better way of fuelling the day's adventure than with wholesome, nutritious and delicious food.

We recently headed out for a micro adventure weekend in the beautiful MidCoast region of NSW and stayed at one of the many You Camp sites on offer in the area – Stoney Creek Permaculture & Healing Farm.

Because we were only heading out for the night, we were able to pack lots of fresh food, but even if you are heading out for longer, it doesn’t mean you have to resort to packet and canned food. Depending on where you are camping, it is a great opportunity to get out and explore the local region and see if you can discover a farmers market or farm gate producer to add to your menu. Our YouCamp site was also a permaculture farm, so we got to sample some beautiful seasonal fresh fruits. We also found some locally made organic buffalo milk yoghurt from Burraduc Farm - Yum! We also added to our camp side breakfast lots of seasonal fresh fruit and nuts, boiled eggs, some hot cross buns, and freshly brewed espresso coffee made with the exceptional little Wacaco minipresso machine (we don’t leave home without it!)

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Your camp breakfast doesn’t need to be plain or boring, with a little bit of thought and planning, your camp meals can be wholesome, nutritious and delicious, and this Bircher Muesli was a hit with our campers. This easy and delicious meal can be prepared in advance by mixing all your dry ingredients in sealed in a jar, then the night before you are ready to eat it, mix in your liquids and leave overnight soak.

SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS

1 organic apple grated (option: ½

50g Buckwheat groats (or

cup of applesauce – add it in with

organic oats)

the wet ingredients)

1/2 tsp of ground turmeric and

1 can of coconut milk OR your

ginger

choice of milk OR organic apple

(option: 1 tsp of the grated fresh

juice

equivalent – add it in with the wet

TO SERVE

ingredients)

Serve with a selection of fresh

½ tsp of cinnamon

seasonal fruit and a dollop of your

1 tbsp of chia seed

choice of yoghurt. We used fresh

1 tbsp of hemp seed (optional)

figs, raspberries, strawberries,

40g of almonds (or walnuts,

kiwi berries and dragon fruit.

pecans, macadamias) METHOD In a bowl combine the Buckwheat

your preferred liquid.

groats, chia seeds, hemp seeds

Shake or mix well to ensure all

and spices.

your ingredients are covered with

You can add the nuts here or

liquid, seal the jar and store in a

reserve them until you are ready

cool place overnight. (If you are

to serve, so they retain their

looking for an amazing cool box

crunch.

option, check out the Yeti range

Once your dry ingredients are

of coolers at

well combined, transfer them

www.rays.com.au/brands/yeti)

to a jar big enough to hold your SPECIAL THANKS

When you are ready to eat,

additional wet ingredients.

sprinkle with the nuts, and top

Thanks to Lydia Irving BHSc Nutritionist from Internal Instinct www.internal-instinct.com for sharing this adventure and delicious and super nutritious recipe with us.

The night before you are ready to

with lots of fresh seasonal fruit and

eat, add the grated apple, fresh

a good dollop of your favourite

spices if using, and cover with

yoghurt.

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BRAS adventure YOUR GUIDE TO

F O R

S T ORY BY M IC H E L L E RYA N F ROM W W W.WA L K I NGT WOBY T WO.C OM

Brassiere, over the shoulder boulder holder, the unmentionables, double-barrelled slingshot. I have heard a lot of different names for what we know as the Bra. It doesn't matter what it is called, all I know is that sometimes these things are painful - especially when you are hiking with a full backpack.

FABRICS

The good, the bad and the stinky

Wool / Merino Straps digging into your skin, sweat is caught up with nowhere to run, and oh the chaffing! You simply can't win when it comes to bras and hiking, or can you? Not too long ago I had posted an article I wrote on “Underwear for hiking”, and a reader asked me what bra would I recommend. When I do my research on a product I always make sure I have tried and really road-tested the product myself. On this occasion, however, I am relying on a large group of experienced hiking women to help me as this is a item that needs thorough research, from a wide range of women of varying sizes as we are all so different. The responses I got from these ladies were pure and honest, and there were some excellent suggestions as well on great bra options.

FA B R I C O F C H O I C E

As with your hiking clothes, merino gives the best results for moisture wicking and breathability, though the bras on offer made from Merino often lack the necessary support for larger busted women. Merino is know for: • Moisture wicking - keeping the body dry and cool • Antimicrobial - reduce the tendencies for a buildup of odour.

• Luxuriously soft next to skin • Breathable and temperature regulating • Quick drying

Nylon/Elastane

G E N E R A L LY O F F E R S M O R E S U P P O R T

The best hiking/sports bra is one that is going to give us girls the following: • Comfortable while providing great support • Will wick away moisture • Is breathable • Doesn’t stink • Dries quickly The Ultimate Design should include: • Wide comfortable band around your torso that doesn’t dig in.

Preferably in a mesh and fabric that is breathable and dries quickly.

• Shoulder straps that are wide as

well as slightly padded to protect your shoulders from the backpack straps • Support for the breast from the bounce but not too much that your breasts are squished against your body.

• Material in the cup made of a breathable fabric that helps with moisture wicking and dries very fast.

• Fastener at the front or back.

Tank styles don’t seem to work well especially for the larger women as trying to get them off can prove to be quite difficult especially when they are wet.

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The bras that are made with Nylon/elastane fabrics are going to give larger busted women far better support, though suffer in terms of sweating and breathability.

Cotton

NO GO

Cotton came up as a big No for hiking. Just like your clothes it isn’t conducive to hiking, doesn’t breathe, takes forever to dry and stinks. ‘My cotton crop top sports bra soaks up everything and is either like a soggy mess when I take it off or it makes me feel cold when I stop for a break. Can’t quite get away with going braless but tempting’.

SOME RECOMMENDED BRANDS BY HIKING WOMEN

Berlei Sports Bras Berlei offer a huge range of sizes and styles.

The fabric is mostly a blend of Polyester/Nylon/ Elastane, so it’s breathable, and some do have mesh on the torso band, this helps as well.

Dries reasonably quickly and will give you a few days without the sink.

Note: Hestia Sports Bras were also recommended for their range of sizes.

Style Suggestion: Bereli Full Support Non-Padded Sports Bra - $79.95 • Ventilation zones and use of breathable fabric delivers cool comfort.

• Comfortable shaped and padded straps convert to crossback to provide additional support, while reinforced cup side panels support and shape the bust.

• Berlei Support Factor 2 - Medium Impact.

Reduces breast bounce by up to 45-50%.

‘Berlei sports bra has always worked ok for me. I'm a 14 D so quite large. I do find the underwire to break free and dig in after a while, and as they do have cotton in the fabric I don't feel they breathe terribly well, making them sink after a few days but all up they are ok’.

Bravissimo

iOMerino

Here is a brand for the larger busted girls! The styles are quite varied and sizing generous with some styles going up to H Cup! The fabric is mostly a blend of Polyamide/Polyester/Cotton/Elastane, so the support is there. Pricing around $70 AU and they do ship.

STYLE SUGGESTION:

PANACHE Wired Sports Bra This award-winning sports bra has gel wire-casing to give really firm support, leaving you free to get active without worrying about the bounce factor! It gives a smooth shape under your sports top and the straps can be left as they are or converted to racerback. D-J Cups, Padded and partially adjustable straps.

“The back is snug but not restrictive, and the lining fabric is soft and comfortable. Super supportive, comfortable wide straps and in tons of colours. It doesn't look like the traditional parachute plus extra straps of most sports bras, and my ladies are supported rather than squashed together. No uniboob here!”

Limited range to choose from and sizing is listed as Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, which may be an issue for cup sizing. The plus-side is they a lightweight 170gsm single jersey MicroMerino®, knitted using 18.5 micron 96% full-fleece Australian Merino wool knitted and 4% elastane, so the breathability is there. On further research, if you are larger than a ‘C' Cup or a size 14, then this may not be the bra for you. Also, only comes in a ‘Tank' style.

If you are a smaller breasted girl, this may be good for you.

Note: Other brands recommended that use Merino were Icebreaker & Ibex.

Style Suggestion: Zodiac Crop Tom - $50.00 • Extremely comfortable razor back and body hugging shape ensures no neck strain or pulling • Flexible and soft elasticated bottom band that offers support and keeps the top from riding up • Tag free and anti-chafe flat-lock seams • Superior 18.5 micro soft and lightweight Micromerino® provides a luxurious next to skin feel

‘I have a wool sports bra for backpacking. It has some support but also wicks very well and gives you a few extra days of NO STINK if you are on a long hike. I have not found it to be itchy; it's a pullover, not my favourite, but there aren't many options out there yet in wool. The material is the most important thing for me, and I just wore it for a 40day thru-hike on the Colorado Trail’.

THE AUTHOR

Thanks to all who have shared their bra wisdom and I hope that this article will shed some light on an issue that affects all women in the hiking community. For me my conclusion is that size does matter here in the choices you make, and if you can get a wool bra with the support, then you will be one Happy Hiker Girl.

Michelle Ryan is a 47-year-old West Australian longdistance hiker, wife, mother of three and artist. She’s also a free-lance travel writer, and also has a hiking site www.walkingtwobytwo.com

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Immerse yourself in local cultures, experiences and discover the joy of adventure in these carefully crafted ‘women only’ group tours you will remember for a lifetime. Don’t let your age, size, fitness level or skill stop you from discovering the power of travel. We aim to bring you unique travelling experiences with a touch of Travel Play Live sparkle.

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Travel Play Live magazine www.travelplaylive.com.au

2018-2019

CALENDAR {Travel Play Live}

S E P T E M B E R

S E P T E M B E R

PERU

ICELAND.

HOSTED BY OUR EDITOR AMY HEAGUE.

2ND SEP –13TH SEP 2018

8TH SEP – 22ND SEP 2018 ( & 1 7 T H M AY - 3 1 M AY 2 0 1 9 )

Activity: Trekking & Adventure Touring Grade: Introductory Price: $8990.00 *AUD Duration: 11 Days Join our Key Writer Alice King: 'With its magical night skies and ice strewn beaches, Iceland is an otherworldly realm that I simply have to discover for myself. And this is the kind of adventure itinerary that dreams are made of! I hope you can join me for the journey.' On this extraordinary adventure to Iceland you will hike through one of the most breathtaking volcanic landscapes on planet earth, traverse vibrant yellow rhyolite mountains, and walk over black sand deserts and past majestic canyons to lush green valleys. You’ll bathe in geothermal baths, ice trek on glaciers, snorkel between two continental plates, explore a lava cave, meet the locals and learn about Iceland’s unique history. With a chance to explore Reykjavik, as well as have an opportunity to soak in the famous geothermal pools at the Blue Lagoon.

A U G U S T

Larapinta, Australia.

Activity: Trekking & Adventure Touring Grade: Introductory Price: $4890.00 *AUD Duration: 14 Days Join our Chief Editor Amy Heague on this amazing journey through Peru. This trip has been on Amy's bucket list since she was a kid.

This comprehensive journey through Peru immerses us in rich Andean culture and landscapes. We’ll meet, shop and prepare traditional dishes with the local women in the Sacred Valley, learn the art of chocolate making, spend a night with the women of Huilloq and Marcacocha and do some traditional hands on weaving and take a thrilling zipline and via ferrata to get the heart pumping and the adrenaline going! We’ll then undertake the best short trek alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Our Salcantay Trek follows an ancient Inca trail located in the same region as the Inca Trail where dramatic mountain scenery is complemented with lush sub tropical jungle. We’ll then discover the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. Our final days see us traverse the high altiplano to Puno where we’ll explore the floating islands on Lake Titicaca and spend a night with a local family.

2ND AUG - 8TH AUG 2018

Activity: Trekking Grade: Moderate (Active Walker) Price: $2890.00* AUD Duration: 7 Days The Larapinta Trail is one of the top 5 walks in Australia. Walking the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges gain a rare perspective of vast flood plains, the razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land. This itinerary will appeal to the active walker.

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2018-2019

CALENDAR {Travel Play Live}

M A R C H

A U G U S T

Yukon, Canada.

4TH AUG – 14TH AUG 2018

Activity: Canoeing, Day walking Grade: Introductory Price: $4990.00* AUD Duration: 11 Days Join our friend Jemimah Robinson from Adventure Reels on this once in a lifetime trip to the iconic Canadian wilderness. You’ll paddle the Yukon River, as well as undertake some incredible day hikes in the majestic Kluane National Park. All sorts of wildlife may be spotted along the way including the iconic Canadian beaver, otters, muskrats, and arctic grayling as well as wolves, moose, and bears.

We’ll camp on the banks of the river each night and experience a true Canadian adventure. Following our hike we head to Canada’s Yukon Kluane National Park which houses the largest non‐arctic icefield in the world with the glacial valleys crowned by Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. From our base in Haine’s Junction, we’ll undertake day walks and experience the beauty of Kluane’s breathtaking mountain world N O V E M B E R / M A R C H

Nepal.

3RD NOV - 17TH NOV 2018 & 30TH MAR - 13TH APR 2019

Activity: Trekking Grade: Moderate Price: $3490.00* AUD Duration: 14 Days This fantastic trek in the Annapurna region offers incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Gain a sense of serenity as we make our way through small settlements, dense forests and incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Opportunities for sunrise wake ups to see the glow of the rising sun catching the impressive peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna is sure to be a highlight. Our route really does offer a broad experience of the Annapurnas today, as we pass through small yet prosperous villages, traverse grassy ridges, pass through old growth Rhododendron forests and camp underneath some of the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery on earth. We hope you can join us on this exciting journey.

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2 0 1 9

Patagonia

23RD MARCH - 30TH MARCH 2019

Activity: Nature Walks, Cycling, Horseback Riding, Yoga Grade: Introductory Price: $5790.00* AUD Duration: 8 Days Join our Director of Adventure Kerryann Hayes on this phenomenal once in a lifetime journey. Torres del Paine is one of the world’s most beautiful wilderness areas. An unrivalled landscape of craggy granite peaks that pierce the skyline, impossibly blue lakes, cascading waterfalls and lush valleys carved by ancient glaciers.

This unique adventure takes you through Torres del Paine’s highlights and lets you enjoy the best of the park’s flora and fauna on nature walks, treks, horseback riding and cycling excursions with your local expert guide. You’ll discover the vast pampas and forests, home to herds of Guanaco and hopefully spot Andean Condors circling near the base of the dramatic granite ‘Towers of Paine’. After each exhilarating day we return our unique EcoCamp with its comfortable dome tents modelled on the traditional Kawesqar hut, perfectly immersed in the park’s wilderness.

Every day you will also have the opportunity to start the day stretching and preparing your body for a day of exploring with the hour long morning yoga class or relax and unwind in the afternoon sessions. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, with the Torres rising in the background and the landscape spread out before you, you’ll feel connected with yourself and nature in no time.

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The Life of a

FULL-TIME T R A V E L L E R WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE TURNER

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I spend a lot of time thinking about what I want to be when I grow up, and I'm talking a lot of time. I've toyed with a lot of different ideas; Scientist, astronaut, writer, teacher, ranger, an officer in the Army, policewoman, engineer, florist, a geologist... the list goes on. How do people actually do it? Figure out what they want to be and go for it? I've figured out how to decide what I'm not going to be.

we wanted to do. We moved back home, and three years and

I usually cross things off the list because I don't think I'm intelligent enough, creative enough, young enough, inspiring enough. Any list of things really where I decide I'm not good enough. Am I too old to figure it out now, did I leave it too long?

I’ll be 30 this year. Ouch. Occasionally I give myself a break from trying to figure it out though and try to convince myself that maybe what I'm doing now counts as something. Perhaps I'm already doing the thing I'll do when I grow up. I'm not earning an income, I'm not hitting any career milestones or goals, I haven't bought a house or a car, but I am learning a lot about the world. I'm travelling.

countless hurdles later, we sold everything, quit our jobs, and ran away together. We don't have an endless supply of money in our banks, and to be honest, it has been exhausting, but so far, it's been nine months, five different countries and a whole collection of amazing experiences. We set off with no concrete plans, a few ideas and open minds.

We knew for sure we wanted to explore Japan. It's been a dream of us both since we were kids.

We also knew we wanted to

If you haven't heard of it, WWOOF stands for World Wide Organisation of Organic Farms.

You can WWOOF all over the world.

Essentially, familyrun farms apply to the organisation and need to fulfil specific criteria; then volunteers apply to help them.

Ever since I can remember I've wanted to travel. It's like it's in my blood. When I was a kid, I'd spend hours contemplating world globes and Atlases, and I loved watching random travel documentaries and shows like Getaway. I had created my world-wide bucket list before I even knew what a bucket list was. Little did I know how long it would take before I actually started travelling, independently anyway. Almost every weekend and school holidays Mum and Dad would be packing the car. They'd throw me and my brother in the back seat, chuck on a John Williamson or The Commitments tape and we'd drive for hours exploring Western Australia. I don't think I appreciated how unique my own backyard was until I left it. I feel so grateful for those long car rides now. When I left school, I had one thing in mind, one goal, and that was to see the world. I had no idea how I was going to do it, and I guess that's why it took so long. I went on small holidays and getaways overseas, but nothing hit the spot or scratched my itch. I wanted more. Finally, in 2012 after a few long months slugging it out housekeeping in the mines, I applied for a Canadian Working Holiday Visa and jetted off.

Canada was where I met my partner and adventure buddy, Chantell. We spent two years exploring the Rockies, the U.S and snowboarding together and it was as though the cogs of our calling started clicking over and working as one. I had finally begun to scratch my itch, and we both knew that this is what

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dust off our snowboards and give another winter season a go. Japan gets impressive dumps of powder each year, so it was an easy decision to apply for a Japanese Working Holiday Visa. The process was simple, we filled in some forms, talked a bit about ourselves, got our photos taken, our passports stamped, and we were ready to go. We are now living and working in Hakuba, at the Happo-one ski resort. We live in a cold old caravan behind a lodge and restaurant where we work in the evenings. The owners are Japanese, which is a rarity in these parts as the whole place is swimming with Aussies.

It's been amazing so far; we've

been learning a lot of the culture, eating a lot of delicious food, learning bits of the language, and have been snowboarding almost every day. How lucky are we!? Our bucket list for this amazing country is pretty long, so we plan to be here for at least another five months.

Working Holiday Visas are a perfect way to explore the world.

What better way is there to completely immerse yourself in a different culture than by living and working there? When applying for Working Holiday Visas there are a few restrictions like age, so I'd recommend doing some research first. There are, however, so many different countries to choose from, so along with Japan, we also applied for a Visa in Sweden.

Heading to Sweden we weren't counting on finding a paid job as we don't speak the language. However, we did purchase a WWOOF Sweden membership and went on our merry

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ADVENTURES FOR MOUNTAIN LOVERS We’ll take you to places where you can find yourself ... and no one else

worldexpeditions.com speak to our experts • 1300 720 000

Cho La Pass, Nepal | Marcelle Barnett

Cho La Pass, Himalayas, Nepal | Marcelle Barnett

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ATAS NO. A10684

As a volunteer, in return for your hard work, the farm will provide you with food and accommodation.

Travelling like this allowed us to explore extensively through Sweden without spending too much money.

way. If you haven't heard of it, WWOOF stands for World Wide Organisation of Organic Farms.

You can WWOOF all over the world. Essentially, family-run farms apply to the organisation and need to fulfil specific criteria; then volunteers apply to help them.

We worked on several different farms all over Sweden. We created permaculture gardens, nursed orphaned baby goats, looked after 24 Alaskan Huskies and learnt so much in the process. We were also super lucky to gain paid employment for a few months on one of the farms too.

Highlands with the most handsome Flat-Coat Retriever x German Waterdog. We hang out with the pets and explore the area while the owners travel the world knowing their fur babies are safe at home. What an awesome deal. With housesitting, there are no limits in where we could end up next.

As a volunteer, in return for your hard work, the farm will provide you with food and accommodation. Travelling like this allowed us to explore extensively through Sweden without spending too much money. For us, WWOOFing was an invaluable experience, and plan to WWOOF elsewhere around the world in the future.

I often have to take a step back and pinch myself and come back to reality; it's hard when the biggest decision we have to make on a daily basis is whether or not we will go out snowboarding or where the best place is to laze about and read a book. I've gained so many great friends, learnt so much about the world and myself and had some invaluable experiences. I know for a long time I put limitations on myself on where I could go and where I might end up.

I didn't think I was enough. I was waiting for the right time to start travelling or the perfect amount of savings in my account. But the truth is, there is no right time, and there is no ideal amount of money.

Chantell and I both love animals and have pets we have of course had to leave at home. We miss them lots but have been able to get our K9/ feline fix while travelling through housesitting. So far, we’ve looked after a Bengal in London, two of the most ridiculous and adorable Chihuahuas in Stockholm and explored the Scottish

I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, what I do know is if you want to travel too, you can, and there's more than one way to do it. My best piece of advice, though I'm not sure I'm qualified to give any, will always be that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Mine certainly did.

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I know for a long time I put limitations on myself on where I could go and where I might end up.

I didn't think I was enough. I was waiting for the right time to start travelling or the perfect amount of savings in my account. But the truth is, there is no right time, and there is no ideal amount of money.

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MONGOLIA Inspiring S I M P L I C I T Y

BY JESSICA THOMAS

From what I have seen, Mongolia is a country of traditional people who are exposed to the western concept of development yet choose to continue to live in their own (finelytuned, sustainable) way. Modernity is only evident in mobiles and a few televisions, the handful of English speakers and old cars parked contrastingly next to gers. Apart from that, simplicity abounds in the countryside.

My best friend and I are from the south coast of Australia, and we flew into the capital Ulan Bator, home to over a third of Mongolia's three million inhabitants. We spent a fortnight galloping across the Mongolian steppe with hair coming loose and smile holding on tight, graciously sipping on fermented dairy welcome drinks, hiking through a truly intrepid landscape, sleeping on yak hides by the fire and plunging naked into icy lakes and rivers.

Unmatched hospitality is key to survival across the vast and sparsely populated steppe. Wealth is determined by the ownership of the fifty-five million head of livestock across the plains. Gers are moved to greener grass several times in the summer. The sun determines when you sleep. The snow determines when you relax. Pine nuts are picked in summer, children give a helping hand, tea is on tap, and the cycle goes on through the seasons.

I remember - waking up from a nap in our first traditional ger to a little boy drinking from my water bottle, balancing on slats in basic outhouses, wild Przwelski horses in Hustai national park. Lamb with every meal, lamb leg coming in the car with us on an uncovered plate, swaying on camels through a semi-desert, herding sheep with the locals, carcasses with heads still on. Running down sand dunes, making dumplings with the women, wild children with dangerous sticks, milking the horses every two hours, beautiful felt gers with comfortable beds, packs of horses with a lion-maned stallion leading the way amongst the rocky mountains and green steppe.

Tightly bound white yurts across the countryside with flocks of sheep never straying too far. A satellite dish out the front and teenage sons herding with a stick in one hand and a mobile phone in the other. Kites and eagles ruffling patterned feathers resting on poles, no fences for animals, mixed villages of rainbow houses and traditional gers. Knee high scrub and spiny grass, fuschia and yellow wildflowers, shadows of clouds giving another dimension to the land. Rapidly changing sky, road rules as nonexistent as smooth bitumen, kites soaring amongst clouds combed into wispy tendrils.

I remember smells of spring onions and horse poo, wild lavender, fermented and rancid dairy products, rich and leathery wet horse hair and smoke. The cycle of summer chores, traditional Mongolian robes being pulled out of boxes in preparation for the winter,

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vodka distilled from horse yoghurt, singing around the campfire with local friends, traditional songs and poems about family and nomadic life, starry nights, blue skies and white sleet, fierce winds and dead stillness. Watching the Rio Olympics from the inside of a countryside ger while sipping on salty milk tea, windswept cheeks, gifts of lollies creating laughter between barriers, pride, playing games, pure innocence and joy on children's faces, late night sun and camping by lakes scooped out of volcanic rock.

Trekking through glittering valleys on our horses dubbed Molly and Murphy, appreciating their short equine stature when navigating over sharp rocky ranges, observing sneaky vultures scheming over a fresh sheep carcass, breathing crisp air through chapped lips and envisioning the historical Khans riding across the plains to expand their powerful empire. Our horseman always led the way. He is twenty-three years of age, but his swollen knuckles, gnarled fingernails, worn boots, eternally sunburnt cheeks and old eyes tell a story of harsh winters and a hardened existence as he whistles majestically through the countryside. I cannot imagine how differently our almost identical number of years on earth have been experienced.

I'm not sure if there will be any more travel experiences as raw as the time spent in the Mongolian countryside. With radical gratitude, I resonate with Gregory Smith when he said; 'If experience is wealth, then I am a very wealthy person'.

Perhaps this timeless nation has a secret or two to share about sustainability and escaping ‘McDonaldisation’.

About the Writer: Jessica Thomas is an experiential educator, travel writer, facilitator of empowerment, adventurer and cycle-tourer. At six she would visit the elderly in hospital to ask about their lives, and at 16 she was raising money to send wheelchairs to children in developing countries. When she left home at 17, her father’s last words were ‘don’t join a cult’. Jessica carried these words with her while she trained as a soldier and army officer in the Australian Defence Force, before having a pivotal experience in Nepal and subsequently leaving the military to travel the world. She has explored over 60 countries, half of these by bicycle. 2018 sees her cycling in South East Asia and guiding in Nepal and Tibet.

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C O N Q U E R I N G

INCAS.

I've been fascinated with the Inca civilisation as long as I can remember. Machu Picchu and other Inca ruins were put on my bucket list before that term was even coined.

WRITTEN BY PATTI MORROW

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n 1985, when just in my early 20’s, I excitedly planned a trip to Peru. At Boston Logan airport, right before takeoff, our flight was cancelled because the Shining Path guerrillas had just bombed Lima, our preliminary destination. What a disappointment!

I continued to study and visit ancient cultures – Aztecs, Egyptians, Druids, Greek, Roman and Siamese. But the Inca sites remained elusive, though my obsession never waned. Maybe it’s because the Inca ruins are shrouded in so much mystery and intrigue. Or perhaps admiration at having created such a grand culture without a written language, a monetary system, iron, or slaves.

I was determined to get to Peru and explore the archaeological ruins of the Incas. After decades of waiting, I began to consider travelling to Cusco and the Sacred Valley again.

But in May of 2014, a horrific car crash in South Africa once again thwarted my plans.

While driving to the Aquila Safari, I was involved in a horrendous crash. The car in which I was a passenger was T-boned at full speed, right where I was sitting.

I had to cope with a seven-week hospital stay in South Africa thousands of miles away from family and friends, and many months of physical therapy learning to walk again after returning home. I suppose most would have given up on the dream of a Peruvian trek.

But I’m nothing if not tenacious, and I was NOT going to let that accident define my life.

As they say, “third time’s the charm.” It took a few years, but at the end of 2017, I finally made it to Peru’s Sacred Valley. There were challenges once I arrived, but thanks to Silver Ballón, my explorations guide who quickly figured out modes of motivation, I accomplished everything I’d set out to do.

I was determined to get to Peru and explore the archaeological ruins of the Incas.

After decades of waiting, I began to consider travelling to Cusco and the Sacred Valley again.

It was a life-changing journey; exhilarating with accomplishment, humbling with the beauty of nature, and the admiration at what the Incas were able to create with so little technology.

I don't remember being hit, and I was in and out of consciousness during most of the rescue. They had to use the Jaws of Life and pneumatic cutting equipment to extract me. My injuries were numerous and some even life-threatening.

I was rushed to the hospital to repair my torn diaphragm and to re-position my stomach and intestines which had herniated into the thoracic cavity. Subsequent surgeries included reconstructing my severed left femur with a titanium rod and reattaching it to my hip joint which was crushed and had to be "cemented" back together. My pelvis was cracked in six places, left lung collapsed, broken clavicle and a broken wrist.

D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L : E A S Y

Moray

The Inca site at Moray is a series of three circular hillside terraces that resemble an amphitheatre. While no one knows for sure what the actual usage was, it is believed that the terraces were used for experimental agricultural purposes. Respecting Pachamama “Mother Earth,” the Incas carved the terraces so that they naturally blended into the hillside. Each platform embodied a different microclimate, which enabled them to grow species of crops that would not normally be possible at that altitude. It takes about an hour to walk around the terraces and down into the rock formations at the base, which made it a great first introduction for me. To keep me motivated, Silver stopped about halfway, at a stunning overlook, grabbed my camera, and said: "Jump!". After several hilarious outtakes, we got one of those coveted “Instagram” photos. Lots of laughs and great fun!

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D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L : I N T E R M E D I AT E

Like Moray, the ruins at Pisac display agricultural terraces, but there are also remains of an ancient city and jaw-dropping vistas. The rainy morning added a bit of challenge as I plodded along the packeddirt path.

“You say it’s raining cats and dogs,” Silver said. “We say alpacas and guinea pigs.”

The path wound around the cliffs, passing through stone doorways and revealing mesmerizing views. Silver found a sheltered

Pisac

area about halfway up and regaled us with a fascinating history of the Incas.

"The Incas, as a civilisation, were outstanding in administration, economics, and for their food," he said. "They learned how to grow different varieties of crops by using the terraces, and how to preserve them for a long time in their storehouses.

Not only could they feed their people, but they had strategic points around the main highways with warehouses holding plenty of food, tools, and clothes to resupply their

army. This enabled the army to regroup, go back and keep fighting. It gave them a huge advantage over their enemies who had to wait for the season of harvest."

On the way to the highest point called Q'allaqasa or Callacasa, aka "The Citadel," there are places along the way where we stopped to take in the views of the Urubamba Valley and the sweeping terraces.

We continued to the 11,000 foot summit, where we took advantage of a cliff-hugging path with yet more jaw-dropping views.

C O N Q U E R I N G D I F F I C U LT Y L E V E L : D I F F I C U LT

Ancasmarca

When we arrived at Ancasmarca, I was surprised to see that there were no other people around. Then I realised out why. Silver pointed to the summit, across the valley to a peak some 13,000 feet into the clouds.

“I won’t be able to make it,” I said to him.

“That’s okay, we’ll only go as far as you want,” he said as he handed me a couple of coca leaves (legal in Peru) for “energy.”

I stuffed the leaves in my mouth and chewed. Ugh! As soon as Silver turned his back, I dug the slimy mess out of my cheeks and threw it on the ground. I’d have to rely on my own natural reserves.

As I picked away at the path to the summit, the incline increased, and the cliff drop-offs were scarily close and unshielded. I could feel the burn in my thighs and lungs, but Silver prodded me on, slowly but surely.

“If you can just get to this next landing ahead, you’ll be amazed by the view,” said Silver. I narrowed my eyes, thinking it was a trick. If it was, it worked, because he did that two more times and I made it to the top.

Although the ruins themselves are not as impressive as some other Inca sights, the scene once I made it to the summit took my breath away – literally and figuratively. The Andes Mountains were spread out 360° around us. Honeycombing the mountainside were the remains of circular stone structures that the Incas used for storage houses. I glanced at Silver; our matching grins said it all.

INCAS.

P I È C E D E R É S I S TA N C E :

Machu Picchu After a fun stay in the festive town of Aguas Calientes, we took a bumpy bus ride with hairpin turns to Machu Picchu. At the site, I commenced the ten-minute vertical climb, using my hands to push off on my thighs to hoist myself up the exceptionally high, uneven stone steps. It was difficult because my weakened left leg kept collapsing a bit in the effort to ascend. But my physical strains were richly rewarded. That magnificent overlook of the mystical Inca citadel you see in all the travel magazines!

Machu Picchu did not disappoint. The legendary llamas on site are real; the many viewpoints are memorable; the Inca ingenuity shown by the layout and structure made from large stones held together without mortar are fascinating; the mystique of why the Incas left such a place is fascinating.

The tour through Machu Picchu lasted around three hours, with continuous climbing, up and down throughout. Silver stopped at various points to tell the history of what we were seeing.

MORE ABOUT PATTI Patti Morrow describes herself as: "a Baby Boomer. Not a senior yet, but definitely in mid-life… and loving it". She is a freelance travel writer with bylines in more than 35 publications. She’s the founder of the awardwinning blog Luggage and Lipstick, author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and was recently named by TripAdvisor as one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.”

Some R&R The Sacred Valley is not without luxury or perks. I loved staying at the Lamay Lodge, nestled in the mountains. The cosy accommodations, scrumptious food and friendly staff were only eclipsed by one other thing – soaking in their outdoor hot tub and getting photobombed by a llama! It doesn't get any better than that!

My trek through the Sacred Valley was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It gave me confidence that I can do anything I put my mind to. If you haven't been to this part of Peru, I highly encourage you to go. If I can do it, you can too!

Visit her website for more of her adventures: luggageandlipstick.com

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M E T H O D

WIM HOF

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ENNION

Early morning and my hands and my feet were screaming in pain as the blood vessels in each digit tied themselves into the tightest of tiny knots. I sat immersed in an icy river wondering how I would get back out of the water and onto the bank. The rocks were many and slippery, needing the use of my hands and feet to clamber over - hands and feet that no longer felt like mine. I numbly navigated back to my shoes, somehow staying calm and focused on preserving my core temperature.

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Dusk that first evening and we walked in silent procession along a riverbank to the waterfall, the ebbing winter sunlight gently illuminating golden leaves on the trees. The world felt calm and still in this frozen landscape. Some enjoyed the solitude of the walk, appreciating the time to focus on breathing and mentally prepare for the water. Others found the enforced silence almost as severe as the cold, feeling the need to connect with others.

The cold of the waterfall pool was intense, but as we each went into the water, one by one, we found each other, forming a circle, standing together shoulder to shoulder, finding strength in our collective energy. As the light faded from the day, a ring of fire burned in those icy waters, forging a new tribe. Or perhaps an ancient tribe, from a time forgotten.

That was Day One of our Master Instructor Training in The Wim Hof Method. We had gathered together from all over the world for a week in Poland which would culminate in the ascent of Mount Sněžka. At a little over 1,600 metres, it’s not an unusually high or difficult mountain - the challenge lay in scaling it clad in only a bikini and hiking boots in the depths of the Polish Winter. Truth be told, I was less concerned about the mountain, getting out there in a bikini was more out of my comfort zone!

In our group of twenty-four, we were five women - The Wild Women of The WHM! It was powerful to be part of the growing number of women stepping into themselves and realising their strength.

Sometimes we found ourselves howling like she-wolves in the woods as we plunged hands, feet, bodies into the icy waters, sometimes laughing crazily as we surrendered to the pain. It felt primal. It felt connected. It felt wild and real.

A week of challenges and growth passed quickly and before we knew it Mt. Sněžka loomed large. Getting out of the bus, the men bare-chested, the females bikini-clad, feeling the cold bite, our hearts raced, and we wondered how we would cope. But as we began our hike up through a snowy tree-lined avenue, I felt focused, I relaxed and I breathed in the pristine winter wonderland. Snow was falling. The temperature was a fresh -10ºC with a wind chill of -20ºC, but I knew that I could do this.

Some in the group struggled a little, more with the incline than the cold. Stopping regularly broke down the rhythm and pace of the hike. Now, we had to dig deeper. As we stood in a line waiting to move, the wind whipped around, and a snowy blizzard turned to ice as it hit our bodies and formed bobbles and icicles on our hair, skin and scant clothing. We focused, worked with our breath, sang, hummed, hugged, and got ourselves and each other up that mountain. In the end, we were forced to stop at a mountain hut 2030 minutes from the summit. Mother Nature had decided that we had gone far enough. There was no disappointment, no ego. We had found what we had gone in search of.

B I O G R A P H Y In 2007, Tracey Kelly used hypnobirthing to deliver her daughter and became fascinated with the incredible power of the mind and the human potential for transformation.

Leaving the world of Corporate IT, she trained in hypnosis with renowned hypnotherapist, Dr John Butler in London, U.K, obtaining a diploma in Clinical Hypnosis. She has studied with Melissa Tiers, founder of NYC-based Center for Integrative Hypnosis to become an Integrative Life Coach.

She uses this unique method of Coaching the Unconscious Mind for multi-level change work.

More recently, Tracey became a Certified Instructor in The Wim Hof Method and is a strong advocate of the benefits of this daily practice. She loves to guide people in this work, enabling them to become better versions of themselves.

Tracey is passionate about empowering people to understand their abilities, overcoming fear and limiting beliefs to live life to the full.

She now lives with her family on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and holds regular workshops and events.

THE WIM HOF METHOD Wim Hof became known as a Dutch Daredevil for his feats of endurance in extreme conditions. However Wim maintains that he is not exceptional, he can teach anyone to do the extraordinary. By demonstrating what has become ‘The Wim Hof Method’, he has demonstrated how we can tap into our innate abilities and become ‘superhuman’ - happier, stronger and healthier versions of ourselves.

The Wim Hof Method is founded on three fundamental principles: Breathwork, Mindset and Cold Exposure.

Practitioners of this method have reported significant health benefits including: • Increased energy and a reduction in stress • Strengthening of the immune and cardiovascular systems • Balancing of the hormonal system • Heightened focus and mood elevation These benefits are now being backed up by scientific studies. A study at The University of Radboud showed that Wim and practitioners of his method could voluntarily influence their autonomic nervous system, something that was previously considered impossible. This groundbreaking study, published in PNAS and Nature, led to a lot of interest in The Wim Hof Method and many further promising studies are currently underway. www.triplepointlife.com

M O U N T A I N S A F E T Y { in Austria’s gnarly terrain }

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WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ENNION

Slicing across a mountain face laden with powder, I glide between pines, moving further from the main trail. A wide, steep slope falls away from beneath my board. Somewhere, behind the trees or up above, the excited shouts of skiers can be heard. Aside from that, there’s the muffled silence synonymous with secret stashes of ski-resort snow we all seek out. I’m not on any average hill. I’m at famous St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria, staring down an advanced run covered in fresh snow that’s likely hiding tree stumps and rocks – and I’m the only woman, the odd one out in a cool crew of blokes. This is made all the more obvious by the fact I’m also the only snowboarder. I’m acutely conscious of not holding anyone up, but I needn’t worry.

My phone reads 6:20 am when I wake at Hotel Schwarzer Adler, built in the 1500s in the pedestrian village of St. Anton, 100 kilometres west of Innsbruck. I pull back the curtains in my traditional wood-panelled room. Staring into the darkness, I grin widely as I make out the fresh flakes falling thickly in the golden glow of street lamps. Ullr, the “god of snow”, hadn't let up since my arrival from Lech to St Anton 24 hours ago. By breakfast time, news that 70 centimetres of powder are waiting is music to my beanie-ensconced ears. I’m itching to go, but lifts don’t start turning until 8:45 am, so I gorge on hearty porridge and eggs in preparation for the energy-sapping day ahead. Then, it’s time to layer up and head into the below zero temps - and that wonderful, relentless snow shower.

We meet instructor, Maris, beside the main gondola. He looks seasoned, with the kind of tan you only get in the mountains, and an allknowing eagerness for what lies ahead. With my longer, wider powder board at the ready, I get kitted out in an emergency avalanche beacon and a pack with a shovel, in case things go awry. Austrians are risk-averse, which is great for gung-ho Aussies unaccustomed to the steep pitch and snow depth here. The gear gives me and my dude-crew a healthy fear of and respect for the Arlberg. We’re not in Kansas anymore.

After a couple of blue-bird days in neighbouring Lech/Zurs, where the scenery and terrain are dramatic, wild and sprawling, our powder-skiing ability is about to be tested.

And so it is that the day has us staring down walls of deep snow, tree-lined trails and bowls of meringue-like goodness. It's epic, and we barely make a dent in the more than 300 kilometres of ski trails on offer.

With thighs and butt burning, I’m happy to start “après” with an afternoon tea date with one of Austria’s leading female snowboarders.

I sit in the lounge room of Barbara Mossmer’s cosy lodge, Alkira, sipping English Breakfast

and nibbling biscuits while discussing the very real danger of avalanches. As the first female in Austria to gain full certification in snowboard instructing, in 1996, and having been in countless search and rescue missions, Barbara knows her stuff.

“A lot of people think ‘yeah, I’ve got my safety pack, I’ve got my beeps’, but they don’t even know how to use it,” Barbara says, confounded.

“We’ve had massive avalanches in this area…” she continues. “It’s a lot of common sense but, in the end, even people who know the mountain, who are out there all the time, they’re at risk.”

The reality is there’s a massive avalanche risk in St. Anton, as there is in many Central European ski resorts. As a result, visitors can’t go offpiste, even if it’s “in bounds”, without an Avi Kit. As for those boundaries, there aren’t any.

"You can't rope off that much area, it's impossible,” Barbara says.

It's one of the first major differences I notice when I arrive; fences don't exist. If you ski away from the lifts and groomed trails (i.e. off-piste and into the side and backcountry), you risk more than your lift pass.

Barbara, who started St. Anton’s snowboarding school and spent 27 seasons instructing, has “lost quite a few friends due to avalanches”.

“So I always say, if people had as much respect for the mountains as they do for the oceans…” her voice trails off, and we sit for a moment in silent agreeance.

Skiers and boarders who ride off-piste generally understand the risks, and it's the challenging terrain (and the party lifestyle) that lures so many Australians to St. Anton.

Over the past few years, Australians have been going further afield, with side-country and split-boarding (like ski touring for snowboarders) growing in popularity. With this in mind, Barbara, who spent 12 seasons

instructing in Victoria’s Mt. Buller, recommends tourists check out the safety camps being offered by St. Anton sports shops and signing up for training with the ski school.

“The thing is a lot of people are actually kitted out really well,” she says as we finish our cuppas and snow continues to tap on the lodge windows. “They’ve got the top gear,” she continues, “but they don’t know how to use it; they don’t practise.”

And it’s that last word that rings in my ears the next morning as I pull the straps of my Avi Kit over my shoulders and check my beacon is switched on. Practice is key to staying safe and enjoying the deep powder the Arlberg is famous for. And it’s this powder-skiing “practice” that’s the perfect excuse to keep coming back.

TRAVEL THERE The Arlberg is known as the “cradle of alpine skiing” due to it being the epicentre of the downhill ski technique. The five villages that make up the Arlberg are Lech, Zurs, St. Anton, St. Christoph and Stuben. Skiers will love the wide, groomed trails of Lech and Zurs, snowboarders will have a hoot in the off-piste in St. Anton, and romantics will fall in love with quaint St. Christoph and Stuben.

You don’t have to go off-piste to have an unbelievable ski experience in the Arlberg.

The White Ring is a whopping 22-kilometre trail that snakes through the mountains. On a bright blue day, the views from the route are phenomenal and will distract you from your technique.

If you’ve got a posse of women to ride with, check out St. Anton’s “Ladies First!” feel-good weeks in January, during which female skiers receive discounts on lodging, ski passes, meals and shopping.

For more about the Arlberg region, visit en.arlberg.com and austria.info/skiing. Other handy websites include skistanton.com/en, alkira.at/en and schwarzeradler.com/en/

Living the

DREAM.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE LAWFORD

At age 55 I left suburbia for 11 days, to follow the career I never had, in a place, few will ever go.

Day 1.

Right at this moment, I feel like a National Geographic photographer.

Actually, I'm a housewife, mother, gardener, dog walker, cat whisperer and psychologist but I FEEL like a National Geographic photographer. Isn't that what it's all about? I'm living the dream.

world to pretend for six days that we are the film crew for David Attenborough.

Is that it? Am I playing at being a wildlife photographer, like I used to when I was little, watching Wild Kingdom on TV?

Here I am in the taxi, on the way to Sydney Airport, to catch three planes and a train that will eventually deposit me in the Arctic tundra so I can stand shoulder to shoulder with the pros, and photograph polar bear mums and cubs as they emerge from five months in their winter snow den.

So, have I failed to grow up? Is it childish to play at having my dream job? Don't get me wrong. I love being a psychologist, but I want more. My daughter commented that most mums get timeout by going to Bali to sit by a pool. "My mum keeps going off to photograph bears". Was it said with irony or awe? My son told me not to feel guilty about going. "You deserve it mum" he cooed as he hugged me with a vice-like grip that said, “don’t leave me”.

I say goodbye to a humid 30-degree Sydney heat and walk into a minus 30-degree freezer called Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada. I will be joining nine other people, who also happen to be crazy about polar bears and long lenses, coming from all over the

Day 2 I arrived in Vancouver and reality hits. I feel like a fraud. I am making a mental list of all the equipment I should have brought and all the equipment I've brought that probably won't be right. It's not so exciting now,

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contemplating my inadequacies. Am I in over my head or am I just out of my head? Living the dream is one thing; delusion is another.

It's probably just cold feet, and by the way, I am worried that my feet are going to be really cold. Did I get cocky and promote myself to a position of incompetence? I’ve always said, "if other people can do it, so can I". But what if I can't?

Before I left, someone asked me "is this on your bucket list?" I don't have a bucket list! I'm not thinking about all the things I want to do before I die. This isn't about dying before I get a chance to do a few crazy things. This is about living!

As a child of the sixties, I used to watch Wild Kingdom. I was hooked back then. Then I saw Born Free, and I never forgot the thrill. I'm sure once I'm there it will all come together, but I don't think I've been this nervous about anything in all my life.

At Vancouver airport with hours before my next flight. I feel ill. My bones ache, my teeth ache, my nose won't stop running, and I can't stop sneezing. I find a pharmacy and dose myself up on cold and flu tablets. I buy a travel blanket and a travel clothesline. I tie together the two large photographic cases I am carrying, then I tie all that around my waist, set the alarm and fall asleep. When I wake up, I feel fine and am convinced it was just nerves.

I arrive in Winnipeg and once I meet the others, the excitement is electric. I have the right gear and the right experience. Then we are told that the weight restrictions on our flight to Churchill have been changed and we have to quickly make decisions about what will be left behind. There is only one solution: deception.

Our duffle bags are weighed, and we all pass inspection and walk out onto the runway to board the very small plane. I am wearing my big oversized down jacket, concealing: • One tripod (attached to a chord that I have tied around my neck so that the tripod is hanging down my back, underneath my jacket.

• One 100-400 zoom lens hidden up my sleeve • Two wide-angle lenses hidden in my pockets • Twenty camera batteries hidden in my bra • A 600mm prime lense, (removed from its metal case) hidden in a sling bag that is wedged under my arm.

As the plane taxis down the runway, we all look at each other, sitting awkwardly with kilos of photographic equipment sticking into our backs, bums and arms, all wondering how much extra weight we have brought and whether the plane will actually be able to take off!

Day 3.

At the lodge (a disused navy shack in the middle of tundra nowhere with no running water) I'm not the only one who is nervous. Everyone wants that shot. The pros that do this for a living are not worried. For the “serious amateurs” like me, getting the shot is even more important. It may not be how we earn our living but its how we earn some legitimacy.

There are Andy and Tod, the young pros who shoot for National Geographic. They grew up knowing that there was a career called photojournalism. When I grew up, I thought that only special people on TV got to go out into the wild to photograph animals. And there's me. Downing whiskey at midnight trying to get shots of the northern lights grants me membership of the inner male fraternity.

Day 4 Eight hours straight standing out in minus 41 with 70-kilometre winds. Nothing but flat white as far as the eye can see. White sky, white ground. After day one with no bear sightings,

this sure thing is feeling like folly, and I start to think of all the trips I could have done where wildlife viewings are almost guaranteed.

The only guarantee here is that nature is unpredictable. This trip has gone from being an amazing opportunity to a remote possibility.

disappeared in a mound of snow, and when the face emerged, there was a little black nose powdered in snow. This was probably the most thrilling half hour of my life. Was it worth six days of freezing temperatures battling blizzard-force winds? You bet!!!

Day 5 End of day two out on the Tundra and no bear sighting. Still, we stand out there for eight hours, waiting. It’s minus 42 today. Plus wind chill of course. We wildlife photographers have great respect for the vagaries of Mother Nature, so there is good-humoured banter tinged with slight trepidation. The mind tends to oscillate from an optimistic "only day two" to an anxious "that’s already two days gone".

Day 12 I'm back home.

We are now at the end of day two. No bears. Of course, inside the lodge, the walls are covered in magnificent photos of polar bear mums and cubs. Even as I sit on the environmental toilet, the arctic wind blowing up my bum (too much information?) I look at the door (held shut by a thin piece of cord wrapped around a nail) and am assailed by the kind of pictures I want to take. What was I thinking?? But therein beats the heart of the wildlife photographer. It really is an audacious roll of the dice to hope that the animals will be there, in close range, in good weather, during the exact few days you fly in to photograph them.

Day 9 After six days of standing on the Tundra for eight hours a day staring hopefully at a tiny hole in the snow that might or might not be the entrance to a birthing den, I had to accept the fact that the trip had not been a success. Then, during the last hour of the last day, a little face appeared, and a cub emerged from the den to come out and play briefly in the snow. His mum's head could just be seen at the entrance to the den.

The magic of the moment clawed to get a foothold in my mind, because I was preoccupied with the thought that very soon the sun would set, we would have to leave, and tomorrow when this little cub would be confident enough to come out and play all day with its mum, I would be heading home. This is when being in the moment is so important.

All that mattered right now was this cub and my desire to capture images of it exploring this strange new white world.

The cub initially lingered at the entrance to the den, perhaps adjusting to the light. It seemed like an eternity, and we were all silently willing the cub on to take those first steps. He finally left the safety of the cave entrance and gingerly pawed at the snow, trying out wobbly little legs by walking then bouncing. I saw a little tongue tasting snow for the first time and saw the last rays of sunlight illuminating fur. The cub's face

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I feel like I visited another planet, in fact, I can imagine what it might be like to be an astronaut, entirely dependent on your specialised equipment and clothing to keep you alive in a hostile environment that cannot support human life. The remoteness and harshness of the trip also created a special bond between the photographers. Like astronauts, we are the only ones who really know what it is like to be out there.

Did I get my shots of mums and cubs frolicking in the snow? No. Three pieces of bad luck converged to conspire against me. First, there were unfavourable and unusual weather conditions. It rained (how can water falling from the sky not turn into snow at minus 42 degrees). This is an exceptionally rare event, and it washed away the tracks the scouts follow to find the bears. Then, also remarkably, it didn’t snow, meaning there were no fresh bear tracks to follow. So, locating a birthing den was harder than usual. Then, of course, there are less and less polar bear pregnancies every year.

Polar bears have delayed implantation of the fertilised egg. They need to put on a critical amount of weight before five months of hibernation during which pregnancy begins, they give birth and suckle their cub. Global warming has shortened their feeding season by about a month, so many females are entering their snow den underweight, resulting in fewer pregnancies.

So I didn’t get those shots of mothers and cubs out in the snow sleeping, playing and snuggling. Even so, this was an extraordinary experience. I have never done anything that challenging. There were days where the wind was so strong, and it would blow over my tripod, and then blow me over as well. The wind was so strong and my long 600mm lens would shake so violently, I knew that even if I saw a bear, I feared I would never be able to get a clean shot. Seeing a bear, even if one appeared, also became a problem. My goggles iced up and then my viewfinder iced up and then the glasses inside my goggles iced up too.

Taking off my outer glove to change the setting on my camera became a major life decision.

Frostbite felt like a real possibility, not just something mentioned on the waiver I'd signed.

Did I live the dream? Absolutely. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

TOURING APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2018

PRESENTED BY

A PROGRAM OF

A film festival that captures the spirit of mountain adventure featuring a collection of films from around the globe.

Larry Shiu, Cascade Mountain, Banff National Park © John Price

VIEW TRAILER & BOOK TICKETS www.banffaustralia.com.au TOUR PARTNERS

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The

M O T H E R

of all

GUILT.

We all know that feeling. It's that sinking feeling you get in the pit of your stomach which usually hits you during an activity that serves you and you alone. That little voice whispering something along the lines of "you're a shit mother/wife/partner/employee/human for doing something THIS selfish."

For some reason, many of us have terrible trouble in pursuing something that satisfies our individual interests outside our social roles as mothers, partners, daughters, wives (etc.) without having some guilt about doing it. This guilt seems to be amplified as soon as the task at hand requires us to spend time away from our family, friends, partners or jobs. It is like the minute we direct our energy away from contributing towards some greater collective good to serve our wellbeing, we feel like we are transgressing some sacred boundary and immense guilt kicks in.

goal of their own they are doing a disservice to their family and relationships. Some of these women develop the ability to work through this guilt, and some feel it pang every time they clip up their helmet, put on their runners, or say "sorry I can't ... I have a training session." Some of us compensate by training at ungodly hours so that by the time our children are awake we are done - in fact as I write this, there are probably thousands of women around the world sitting on a bike trainer in their garage getting a session in before bed or sunrise.

I come from a long line of women whose potential was limited thanks to this sacred boundary and a few other social ones which were prominent at the time. My Grandmother had a brilliant intellect. She was worldly, wise, and incredibly knowledgeable about astronomy and world affairs. When she was growing up, she wanted to be a Doctor, but in her day women did not pursue education, let alone a career. When my mother was at school, the going deal was that girls finished Year 10 then went off to get a job and get married; only boys went to University.

But what would happen if we simply owned our pursuits and training without the guilt?

If we boldly admitted that to prepare for our 50km ultramarathon, our housework may need to take a backseat for a little while, and felt no guilt about it? What if we merely stated that ‘for me to be a great mum/wife/partner, I need to be a great ‘me' first'?

These limitations and boundaries were not lost on my sister or me, and we pursued the intellectual paths our matriarchs were prevented from travelling. But the conversation we didn't get to have was navigating the pursuit of our potential beyond education and career and maintaining our identities beyond being a mother, wife and employee. I am sure this is a familiar story with many women my age. We have been given the drive to achieve what our foremothers dreamt of, but when it comes to pursuing our identities beyond the socially constructed roles prescribed to us, we get a bit lost, and our default feeling seems to be guilt.

Many female endurance athletes I work with spend a great deal of energy wrangling with guilt over the time they dedicate to training and preparing for their races or events. They feel like through pursuing a deep-seeded

For me, I don't tolerate mother guilt or wife guilt in my thought-stream, because I believe wholeheartedly in the above statement - I am a great mum and partner when I am a great ‘me'. I am at my best when I am actively pursuing my potential in some way or another, be it through sport or learning.

If I let Mother Guilt prevent me from doing something which serves my wellbeing, then resentment and frustration will be very close on my radar, and I choose not to spend my energy on those emotions, especially if their arrival is my doing. Sure, there are times where something has to give, and priorities shift, but this decision to shift does not have to be driven by guilt. It can be on our terms.

There is another line of thought as to why we need to give these forms of guilt the heave-ho when they compromise our ability to pursue something for ourselves - because we are setting a precedent for our children when they become parents. By being firm in saying to our families and friends "I am a mother/ wife/partner, but I am also Leah, who loves to run, read books about sport and compete

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in triathlons", we are teaching our children to appreciate that we are not JUST mums, and we are reminding our partners that we have individual identities within our partnerships and that this is all OK. Here is where I admit my television viewing tendencies without shame - I love watching The Great British Bake Off. Don't ask me why, because I don't know, but there's a chance it has something to do with a love of cake, biscuits and bread. The winner of the 2015 series was a young mum named Nadiya Hussain. In her winning interview, she made a statement that has stuck with me: “I am never ever going to place boundaries on myself again. I am never going to say I can’t do it. I’m never going to say maybe. I’m never going to say I don’t think I can. I can, and I will.”

One of the key boundaries Nadiya was referring to was the one she placed on herself as a mother. Being away from her sons, leaving them in the care of their (very willing) father and applying her time and energy to a pursuit that reflected her passions, interests and explored her potential, was a burden she carried with her throughout the entire series.

It took winning for her to realise that it didn't have to be this way and this was not a burden she needed to carry anymore.

Be it baking, climbing, hiking, adventuring, or taking a few hours out of our week to nurture our souls; I think we can all take something out of Nadiya's revelation and realisation of our worth to pursue our interests beyond our families. So let us say it together: Let’s never ever allow guilt to place boundaries on ourselves again. Let’s not say we can’t do it because we feel selfish doing so. Let’s stop saying maybe, or thinking we can’t because we are afraid of placing our dreams and aspirations as a priority. We can, we will, and we should - with heads held high and without a skerrick of guilt.

AD VE NT UR E OF WRITTEN BY KATE CARRAGHER

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an adventurer, with my camera, paintbrushes and pen as my tools to capture the world as I saw it and to hear what it was trying to say to us.

After a few detours, I somehow managed to make this happen. By day, I work as a Communications Consultant near Newcastle and potter around our family art studio, Studio Carragher, with my Mum, Sue, and sister, Abbie. Nights, weekends and on a five-month sabbatical every year or two, I explore all things wild and creative.

For me, art and adventure go hand-in-hand.

They’ve always been my passion, but they took on a new meaning for me after living through hard times.

Six years ago, I went through one of those monumental shifts where I parted ways with the life I knew. My marriage, house, career and finances were all gone within a few months. With that, the deeper levels of identity and emotions that come with such events were also in need of examination and processing.

The outdoors and adventure have helped reset me and my life. With a blank canvas, a renewed hunger was born to chase my childhood dreams.

We all have different skills, attributes and

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interests to offer and explore, and I think the interesting component is finding your unique place in an environment. Illustration, writing and photography helped me express, examine and heighten these adventures.

I haven’t really had a plan except to follow my inner compass to where my heart was calling me. With hindsight, I realise that it was like I went seeking pieces of myself and insight from all corners of the globe - from the middle of the ocean to the mountains.

Each environment gives and teaches different things.

In a time of vulnerability for both people and the planet, I hope to connect people into these places and themselves. When we love a place, we are more likely to want to protect it. We listen to it; it can give answers and strength beyond what we can ever imagine.

I’m only just beginning. My life’s work - to always: draw, explore, write, take flight, keep it wild, keep it styled, be love and see love. Capture it all.

To the Sea - Oceans Separate Land Not Souls Six kilometres out at sea from the South Pacific island nation of Niue, I put a call out to the ocean. Two endangered humpback whales rose from the deep to circle around and dive beneath us. In that moment, I finally learnt the meaning of ‘to have your breath stolen’. I knew everything in the world was exactly as it should be. I knew I would never, ever be the same. I was, quite simply, changed. Nine months later, I moved to the island nation of Niue to be a Whale Whisperer. I became one of only a few handfuls of people in the world to be able to legally lead whale swims. Where we were felt like a hidden kingdom. Its gates only opening twice a week, when a small plane load of people would fly in and fly out of this tiny 260 km2 speck in the Pacific, or when a sailboat would dock in at the nation's capital, Alofi.

When that regulator went into my mouth, my world instantly expanded. I saw how much of the planet I had not seen before from just swimming on the surface. Every day was a new adventure.

Every day I saw people's lives enriched from simply being in the water.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Kate Carragher is a Wildlife Creative, Artist, Photographer and sponsored Adventurer. She was recently named the Runner-Up for the Discovery Channel Global Internship.

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SOUTH COAST CLEANSER The past two years we have enjoyed summer road trips on the south coast of NSW. This raw salad is so easy, extremely good for you and acknowledges the wonderful fresh produce we found along the coast. Eating a salad like this at least once a week, will only do your body good.

SERVES 6 V & GF

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC (140ºC

4. For the dressing, combine all the

½ cup (80g) raw almonds

fan forced). Place the almonds onto a

2 oranges, peeled (white pith removed)

ingredients into a small screwtop glass

baking tray and roast for 20 minutes.

orange juice to make up to 1/2 cup (125ml)

jar. Add the sultanas and juice. Seal

Cool.

tightly, and shake to mix thoroughly.

2. To segment the oranges, hold

Check the seasoning and adjust to

one in the palm of your hand, over a

taste.

½ cup (80g) sultanas 2 green shallots, finely sliced 4 small carrots, grated 1 cup (40g) washed and finely shredded spinach or silverbeet leaves 1 lebanese cucumber, deseeded and sliced 100g mixed salad leaves

bowl to catch the juice. Use a small sharp knife to cut the segments from between the membrane. Squeeze the core and membrane remaining in your hand to extract as much juice as

½ cup fresh coriander leaves

you can for the dressing. Repeat with

½ cup fresh mint leaves

the other orange. Measure the juice

5. Roughly crush almonds either with a mortar and pestle, or wrap in a clean tea towel and smash with a rolling pin. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to coat evenly. Sprinkle the almonds over the salad. Serve immediately.

lime and sesame dressing:

and add enough to make up to 1/2

juice of 1 lime

cup (125ml). Soak the sultanas in the

Note: You can easily prepare all the

1 tbsp sesame oil

orange juice.

ingredients a few hours ahead. Store

1 tsp honey

3. Combine the shallots, carrot,

the almonds in an airtight container,

spinach or silverbeet, cucumber, salad

refrigerate the salad ingredients and

leaves, coriander and mint leaves in a

dressing separately. Assemble the

large bowl and toss to mix evenly.

salad and dress when ready to serve.

1 tsp grated fresh ginger pinch of sea salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste

raw food such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds is a healthy choice for our bodies. Most cooking processes destroy many of the enzymes that aid our body’s digestive processes. Raw fruit and vegetables are more easily digested by the body, contain the maximum nutrient value and can act as a natural cleanser to aid our body functions.

SPECIAL THANKS

©Jane Grover – Recipe from Jane’s cookbook: Our Delicious Adventure – Recipes and Stories of Food and Travel w: www.janegrover.net

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HONEY AND VANILLA PANCAKES On the only rainy day we had of our few days in Hobart, I cooked these sweet pancakes. Served for breakfast with a berry compote and smoked bacon, it was just the sustenance we needed to spend the rest of the day playing poker together in our pyjamas!

SERVES 12 PANCAKES

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C

brown. Add more coconut oil to pan

6 rashes smoked bacon

fan forced) and line a baking tray with

as required.

2 cups (260g) white spelt flour

non-stick baking paper. Place the

4. Serve the warm pancakes with the

bacon rashes onto the prepared tray

bacon, berry compote, natural yoghurt

and cook in the oven for 15 minutes.

and a drizzle of maple syrup.

2. Sift the dry ingredients into a large

Note: You will probably only be

mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre,

able to cook 3-4 pancakes at a time,

and add the eggs, milk, yoghurt,

depending on the size of your pan.

honey, vanilla and butter. Whisk to

Either serve in shifts, or keep warm

make a smooth batter.

on an oven tray in a very low oven,

3. Lightly grease a large frying pan with

covered loosely with foil, while you

1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and heat

cook the rest.

over medium heat. Drop ¼ cupfuls of

V option Omit bacon.

batter into the pan, spreading out to

GF option Many people who have

10cm rounds.

wheat allergies can tolerate spelt flour,

Cook for 2 minutes, then turn over and

use your own discretion. Use gluten-

cook for further 1 minute, until golden

free baking powder.

2 tsp baking powder 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup (250ml) milk ½ cup (125ml) natural yoghurt 1/3 cup (80ml) honey 1 tbsp vanilla paste 2 tbsp butter, melted 4 tbsp coconut oil, for cooking to serve: 1 cup berry compote (see basics page 50) 1 cup (250ml) natural yoghurt ½ cup (125ml) pure maple syrup

honey Is a thick sweet liquid and the accomplishment of bees using the nectar from flowers. Honey is gathered from wild bee colonies or domesticated beehives. Flavours vary depending on the nectar source. Once the honeycomb is removed from the hive, the honey is then extracted and filtered to remove beeswax and other debris. Known for its medicinal properties when raw, unfiltered honey can be used orally to treat gastric complaints, and topically for ulcers, burns and wounds.

SPECIAL THANKS

©Jane Grover – Recipe from Jane’s cookbook: Our Delicious Adventure – Recipes and Stories of Food and Travel w: www.janegrover.net

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TRAVEL PLAYreLIVE ctory

di

MUST DO EVENTS Tick off your bucket list and discover your wilder side with our hand picked recommendations

SOCIAL SCENE All the latest news from our Aussie adventure girls in action

INSTA LOVE TAG US TO SHARE YOUR ADVENTURES @travelplaylivemagazine #travelplaylive

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Merchandise

Get the latest products from Travel Play Live www.travelplaylive.com.au/shop

INSTA LOVE #travelplaylive

@_theli ttleadve nturer

The Adventure Box These carefully curated Adventure Boxes are the perfect gift for yourself, a friend or loved one with a passion for adventure and travel. Filled with a beautiful selection of items to inspire the adventure lifestyle and Travel - Play - Live. @ari ssais fresh

@by cle_o nmy way

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What you get: • Current issue of Travel Play Live • Travel Play Live Buff • Travel Play Live Manifesto & Postcards • Love Letter Mindfullness Cards • No Pong all natural anti odourant • Native Glow Wild Citrus Hydrating toner PLUS a SURPRISE selection of various samples from our partners @livinglifesadventuremyway

ORDER THE ADVENTURE BOX $65+P&H Upgrades for The Adventure Box are available - head to our website for details

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Get the latest products from Travel Play Live www.travelplaylive.com.au/shop @traceycroke

@n icki .sha rpe

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SOCIALSCENE

Crossing the XPD finish line.

Heather Fearby Roberts and her Whine and Cheese Team crossing the finish line of XPD Australia’s toughest adventure race.

FAMILY ADVENTURES AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS. For some adventure inspiration come meet Terra at Nobbys Beach Newcastle at 6pm on Wednesday 2nd May and celebrate her achievements. Terra Roam, an Australian Geographic Society sponsored adventurer, will become the first woman and sixth person ever to walk around Australia solo without a support vehicle. This epic 4yr 16,000km expedition is part of a lifetime of adventure pursuits on land and at sea including more than 22,000kms of solo trekking through Australian wilderness and outback and overseas.

Sharing with us their latest family adventure Clare Lewis and her kids Scarlett 9 and Caesar 6 on their first canyoning adventure at Twister Canyon, Newnes, Blue Mountains. Couldn’t have been prouder of how they went. They loved every minute.

Princess Project fund bikes.

A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who helped out with funds when we put the call out to help the Princess Project fund bikes so 23 students in remote parts of Cambodia could get to school. "The children are over the moon absolutely ecstatic to receive such a generous gift. They can’t stop saying thank you!! There’s a few more kids who are getting lessons and learning how to ride before we can give them their bikes. They’re learning the new skill quickly and absolutely loving it!!Your friends and you have made an enormous difference to their lives. They are thrilled to be able to ride to school and are treasuring their precious bikes! Thank you very much." The Princess Project

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SOCIALSCENE #50 ADVENTURES at 50.

HEARTWARMING STORIES. A year ago a father of 3 young daughters from rural Queensland reached out to Caroline Pemberton, better known as ‘MissAdventure’ to let her know they had been following her adventures on social media after looking for body/lifestyle positive role models. That relationship was on-going, as the girls swapped adventure stories most weeks, talked about goals and celebrated their successes with Caroline. It culminated into a special weekend where Caroline Lori, Bree & Haly met up sailed, rock climbed, hiked, body surfed, swum, walked across the Sydney harbour bridge and completed a very special custom MissAdventure work out down at Joe’s Base Camp. What a weekend of adventure and what a way to install a powerful message into theming and hearts of our Aussie girls through the power of adventure.

Our Director of Adventure is celebrating her 50th year of orbiting the sun in style with 50 Adventures at 50 and has so far kicked off the year with horse riding at sunset, waterfall chasing, multi day hikes and lots and lots of camping! Here's to never being too old to get outside and explore

CHANTAL'S ISLAND PARADISE To heck with Robinson Crusoe! This is Chantal’s island paradise and no men allowed!

El Nido hideaway with my BFF: my SUP. #supwildernessadventures

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E P I C Tory Alexander has been training for a ski trip across Greenland.

'White is the new black when it comes to mascara!' she tells us.

Follow her adventures on Instagram @adventuresofawildchild

must donts

DISCOVER YOUR WILDER SIDE

ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT

eve

3 cities | 4 events | 6 speakers | 1 unique opportunity Main Event:

2nd August Chatswood Concourse, Sydney + Youth Squad 4th August Gold Coast Convention Centre 5th August Melbourne Town Hall Imagine an event where you can delve into the hearts and minds of some of Australia’s most adventurous souls.

We are bringing together inspirers, thought provokers and facilitators in a way that allows sharing of knowledge, inspiration, energy and passion. This is your chance to fire up your Adventurous Spirit and to get back in the arena of life. Attendees will walk away with ‘real’ tools and connections to make tangible change in their lives and in the lives of those around them; to step in, to step up and to choose life. They will be reinvigorated and ready to play more. www.adventurouslifeproject.life hello@adventurouslifeproject.life

WILDSIDE GEOQUEST SPECIAL EDITION The June Long Weekend has always been a pilgrimage for Australian adventure racers. In 2018 thi weekend will be taken to a whole new level with two event companies joining forces to present the first Wildside GeoQuest Special Edition, working together to create the biggest adventure racing weekend the east coast has ever seen.

Held 8th to 11th June - this event will have everything racers have come to expect from an adventure race, and will take teams on a journey through some of the most spectacular terrain of the Great Lakes and Manning Valley regions.

3 races, The Rush, Half or Full for teams of 2 or 4 each offer unique experiences for adventurers and racers of levels. Teams will use map and compass together with their own wits and skills to navigate over an unmarked route by mountain biking, paddling, trekking, orienteering, trail running, and as always a few special surprises. www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wildside-geoquest-special-editiontickets-42979434646

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CHICKS IN THE STICKS

GUTSTY GIRLS FILM TOUR

Riverwood Downs

When: Sunday 26th August 2018

Info: www.gutsygirlsadventurefilmtour.com.au

As they say empowered women empower women and this event organised by the Rats Cycling Club has proven year after year to be a winner for women who love their mountain bikes! Situated at Karingal Scout Camp, Karingal Road, Mt Cotton.

The goal is to encourage new riders to have a try at racing, by offering race categories based on your experience level. Categories available include solo, team and junior mini endure events.

There is a separate Little Chicks in the Sticks event for juniors, which use a shorter course.

Information available at: www.ratscc.com.au/chicksinthesticks

Australia’s newest and most unique timed trail running event where the whole family can enter, including the family dog.

Tail Runner Events are known for encouraging everyone to go outside and play and are perfect for the family as a whole, to help you stay motivated, stay healthy and exercise with your four legged training partner or walking companion.

info: www.tailrunner.events when: 28-29 July 2018

TRAIL RUN

- Barrington Tops Australia’s newest and most unique timed trail running event where the whole family can enter, including the family dog. Tail Runner Events are known for encouraging everyone to go outside and play and are perfect for the family as a whole, to help you stay motivated, stay healthy and exercise with your four legged training partner or walking companion.

Oxfam TRAILWALKER Type: Team Trekking Locations: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth & Melbourne Brisbane: 22–24 JUNE 2018 Sydney: 24–26 AUG 2018 Perth: 5-7 October 2018 trailwalker.oxfam.org.au Oxfam Trailwalker is an inspiring and challenging team trekking event that challenges poverty and changes lives. Including yours!

With three team mates you will journey through 100km within 48 hours, (some states now also offer alternate distances – 50km or 55km within 24 hours). It’s not a relay. Your team starts together, sticks together and finishes together. It’s tough, but with the right training and attitude it’s rewarding, we promise. The feeling when you cross the finish line will be something you’ll never forget. For years Oxfam Trailwalker has been a catalyst for a more active lifestyle for many an adventurous woman.

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Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

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