Travel Play Live Issue #2

Travel Play Live

AU $12.95

ISSUE #2 SUMMER 15/16

The Heartbeat of Australian Women’s Adventure & Travel

ADVENTURE

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EMPOWER

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INSPIRE

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DREAM

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CHANGE

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THE SURFER bit.ly/The-Surfer

WWW.GREATLAKES.ORG.AU TPL Summer Issue 2 MASTER.indd 2

Love the Great Lakes @greatlakesnsw

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1800 22 33 55 tourism@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au 03

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Ride for Rights Vietnam and Cambodia Challenge

Photo credit: UN Photo/Kibae Park

12–23 March 2016

Travel Play Live proudly supporting 2016 UN Women National Committee Australia's Ride for Rights Vietnam and Cambodia Challenge supporting women's economic empowerment.

Letter from the Editor.

This issue we have some fantastic stories and interviews with truly inspirational women just like you and me, out there doing their thing and changing the world around them as they follow their dreams.

We’ve also put together some super practical articles on how to get the most out of your summer adventures safely.

We are very excited to announce that in partnership with Inspired Adventures I will be joining the 2016 UN Women National Committee Australia's Ride for Rights Vietnam and Cambodia Challenge to support women's economic empowerment. You can follow the my journey on our website and social media channels over the coming months.

If you would like to support this wonderful cause, you can donate here: rideforrights2016.everydayhero.com/ au/travelplaylive Kerryann and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all of our supporters, subscribers, contributors, family and friends. What a year! We couldn’t have done it without you. We hope you have a very safe, happy Christmas and New Year. Here is to a 2016 filled with new places to explore and many more adventures.

Cycle Southeast Asia > Support women’s economic empowerment > Help women and girls end poverty Inspired Adventures Information Pack

CONNECT WITH US

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

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

Kerryann Hayes kez@travelplaylive.com.au RELATIONSHIPS & SALES MANAGER.

Alice King alice@travelplaylive.com.au CREATIVE.

Two Minds Creative PHOTOGRAPHY.

Rob Jeffress, Ben Cirulis, Brett Rutkowski COVER IMAGE.

Arlene Bax: www.arlenebax.com

Copyritght 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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This Issues

CONTRIBUTORS. Head to our website to meet our growing list of contributors pioneering Australian Women's Adventure.

Lauren Heyes

Leah Gilbert

Kerith Duncanson

Caro Ryan

Heather James

Jane Grover

Lucy Stone

Rosie Sheba

Hanny Allston

Tina McCarthy

Karla Gilbert

Anthi Emmanouil-Playne

Sue Hile

Tracey Croke

Ashleigh Mills

Emma Francis

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BECOME A

PIONEERING ADVENTURESS

There is no telling what kind of misadventures you might get up to while trying to get your hands on future copies of Travel Play Live Magazine, so let us take the worry out of your adventure by offering you this SPECIAL yearly subscription deal!

just

$47 + P&H

SUBSCRIBE AND BECOME A PIONEERING ADVENTURESS For just $47 + P&H That’s four beautifully inspiring, empowering and adventurous copies of our magazine delivered to your door - full of great seasonal ideas to inspire you to travel, play, live!

Travel Play Live magazine

Head over to our website & join the adventure. www.travelplaylive.com.au

*International Options Available

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c ontents

TIME OUT FROM THE TIGER How our modern life is distracting from our health & wellbeing

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SUMMER IS COMING

WOMEN & HORSES

Will you embrace it with dread or wild abandon

Finding self-confidence together

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20 ADVENTUROUS CEO

ROLLIN' IN THE DEEP

SUP LADIES

Meet the Justine Curtis, CEO of Inspired Adventures

The women, the stories and taking a stand in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yatch Race.

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LIKE A VIRGIN

KRYSTAL WRIGHT

THE TRAIL BEYOND

With a bit of blind optimisim, we can all make it through the wilderness

Adventure photographer extraordinaire

4 women, 4 ultra marathons 4 months

48 SURFING MUMS

50 MAKING GENERATIONAL WAVES

Your go to guide to stand up paddle boarding

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52 TERESA DIEHL

Meet the girls keeping bodyboarding in the family

Adventurer and educator circumnavigating Oz for education

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70 MICRO ADVENTURES

Carla Wilson on surfing, kids and community

FREE DIVING

RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE

In the tropical waters of Bacuit Bay, Philippines

Discover the land that inspired Byron by bicycle

What are they and how to have them

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SUPER NUTRIENTS

THE TRAVEL PLAY LIVE DIRECTORY

Powering our health & wellbeing

For all your adventurous needs

GIVEAWAYS Your chance to win some great gear & getaways

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

Write to us and share your story or give us your feedback amy@travelplaylive.com.au Share your photos with us on Instagram by using #travelplaylive for your chance to feature.

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Photography by: Chloe Smith Photography IG @_chloesmithphotography_

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d i a m r Me I must be a

I HAVE NO FEAR OF DEPTHS AND A GREAT FEAR OF SHALLOW LIVING. - ANAÏS NIN

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TAKING TIME OUT From the Tiger

Modern lifestyles are full of stressors and balancing daily responsibilities with our competing desires for health, adventure and playfulness is a fine balance. Whilst juggling the balls, it is easy to find oneself continuously running away from the tiger, to the detriment of our health, femininity and energy.

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STORY BY HANNY ALLSTON FROM FIND YOUR FEET

Stress: The flight-or-fight response

become known as Pregnalone Steal.

to recover, for instance, continually harder

Stress is the body's reaction to a physical,

Healthy Hormones for Health & Activity

days of training or heavy effort

mental or emotional change in our normal, balanced state. In the ideal world, our body deals one at a time with all stressors via the flight-or-fight response. That is, when the tiger pounds towards us, the nervous and hormonal systems ensure that the heart and breathing rates accelerate, blood is relocated to the heart, lungs and muscles for movement, functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is inhibited, and mobilisation of energy sources occurs. Then, once the ‘danger’ is dealt with, we return to our steady state.

However, there are two interesting things about the human stress response:

For optimal health we need our sex hormones.

They help to keep us in balance, feeling recovered, empathetic, rested at night, alert during the day, emotionally balanced, healthy

Accumulating stressors with inadequate

Oestrogen

physical and mental rest can lead to a

Oestrogen has more than 400 functions in the body and is the main female hormone. It shapes the uniqueness of our female bodies and emotions, makes us feel sensual, brings a glow to our skin, moisture to our eyes, fullness to the breasts and clarity to the mind.

Importantly, it gives us the feeling of female Progesterone

even exercise.

2. Stressors compound.

It is the accumulation of these individual stressors that can lead to a chronic stress response in which the body remains in a heightened state of stress-induced arousal.

Progesterone reduces anxiety and has a calming effect on mood. It helps us to feel happy, increases sleepiness, helps to build and maintain bones, slows the digestive process and prepares a female for pregnancy.

Testosterone and Growth Hormone Interestingly, Testosterone and Growth Hormone are produced by both males and females, although to a much lesser extent in

Hormones and Stress: A tight link

females. Without testosterone, the body’s

The body derives most of our hormones from

ability to repair musculoskeletal tissue is

one master hormone called Pregnalone.

hindered.

In women, Pregnalone is critical for the production of:

• Difficult emotional situations such as family illness or workplace stress

That is, the body cannot distinguish between

discomforts, environmental inputs, diet or

• Extreme climatic events such as heatwaves

importantly embracing our femininity.

energy and sensuality.

from your workplace, family life, pain, other

• Poor sleep routines

in our musculoskeletal system, and most

1. It is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mechanism. different stressors, whether they derive

• Poor diet

chronically activated flight-or-fight response and with it a disrupted hormonal balance.

Degradative changes will begin to occur to our body, increasing our risk of injury and poor wellbeing. These changes include alterations to sleep-awakening patterns, gut irritability, suppressed appetite, weight changes, agitation with poor concentration, restlessness, muscle loss, decreasing bone density leading to stress fractures or joint issues, immune suppression, and overall fatigue.

Taking time out is not a selfish act It becomes easy to ‘should’ ourselves into tasks because they are our routines. But taking time out is not a selfish act and nor will it affect your productivity. Quite the contrary! Creating space for you should be seen as an investment that can reboot your energy, hormonal health and return playfulness to your lifestyle. After all, would your body really want to enter recovery mode while you’re running away

Living with Chronic Stress

from the tiger?

If you are finding yourself coping with too

If you don’t like the idea of sitting on the

• Sex hormones - especially oestrogen and

much stress then you may be at risk of long-

progesterone, but also testosterone

term changes to your mind, body and playful

• Stress response hormones - especially

spirit. Sometimes it is hard to recognise

cortisol, but also adrenalin and noradrenalin

stressors because they might be a positive

When we are in balance, there should be

stress rather than a negative one.

ample Pregnalone for the body to make

Examples of positive stressors are:

with your son and staring at the stars . . . these

adequate amounts of both our sex hormones

• Physical activity

can all confront the tiger. But it is also about

and the key stress hormone, cortisol.

However, if stressors compound, such as through poor diet, inadequate exercise, insufficient sleep, lack of relaxation and internalisation of emotional stress, we can fatigue our adrenal glands and enter a chronic

• Uplifting family occasions such as being a mother, birthdays, school sport or Christmas • Travel & holidays • Empowering work such as presentations, conferences and work travel

couch and doing nothing then take heart. Rest comes in many forms. Although the ultimate state of repair is when you are asleep, taking a wander outdoors, reading an uplifting book, sipping coffee with a friend, lying in the grass

playing and training smart. Don’t turn exercise into a continual stress. Make sure your energy is expended in waves with easier efforts following the hard. This is especially important if you are training for events or races. Because if you do play and rest smart then you will

state of stress. The need to produce vast

Examples of negative stressors are:

quantities of Cortisol overrides the production

• Physical activity that becomes forced and

others, live with greater adventure, and

of our sex hormones, an occurrence that has

routine, without taking into account your need

maximise your potential.

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be in a much better place to enjoy helping

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What will this Summer

MEAN TO YOU?

STORY BY LEAH GILBERT

Recently we had abnormally warm weather for this time of year. I swear as I woke that day I heard a collective groan from people for whom the impending warm weather was met with the dread of having to wear shorts and (gasp) possibly even sleeveless shirts. Attendance at fitness facilities in the area skyrocketed that morning, as did bookings for hair removal and fake tans. Summer was coming.

A

hhhh Summer. Long, hot days spent lounging around the pool or lazing on the beach, pretending that you’re not sweltering in

I only owned wicking fabric singlets and

of my body. It’s hard to convey the sadness I

running shorts – not a pair of long boardies

felt at this realisation.

or an oversized T-shirt in sight. I finally had

It was time to start living life with my volume

my bikini body: it was strong, fit, and funnily

turned up to eleven (thank you Spinal Tap).

enough it was pretty much the same size it

I realised I was worthy of every experience

your oversized t-shirt while silently berating

had been previous summers.

yourself for your lack of dedication during

What had changed?

Summers. And so the adventures began.

I had experienced a massive shift in

No more fear, just doing amazing things that

perception regarding my body. My body

I will be able to sit back and hold dear as

was no longer something I resented while I

cherished memories in the twilight of my life:

compared it to everybody else’s. I realised

‘I remember that time I . . .’

Winter to work towards your ‘ultimate bikini body’ for yet another year.

Until only recently, Summer for me represented yet another year where my weight loss efforts had peaked too soon

that is unique to our beautiful Australian

that it was not an outfit I could just ‘tolerate’

during Winter and the ‘bikini dream’ had

So here comes another Summer and you

until I found a better one or one that made

to be shelved for another year. It meant

know what? I can’t wait.

me feel better about myself. My body had

chafing from ill-fitting board shorts and hot,

become my best friend and lead character in

This year, for me, Summer is going to

oversized T-shirts. It meant a sense of dread

the ‘Adventures of Leah,’ and boy oh boy we

at having to walk all that way to the water’s

and sunset, runs to the beach to meet my

were having some fun.

family, jumping waves with my daughter

During this shift, I had a moment where I

and introducing my son Ravi to the water.

contemplated all of those years that I had sat

It means starting a local running group,

back, not participating in activities or doing

getting some friends together for swim

Then I started training, and Summer started

things that I was secretly desperate to do but

sessions, and hopefully enjoying a laugh and

to represent something very different. It

was so overcome by a fear of being judged

a drink at the end of them. It means finally

meant triathlon season, filled with runs to the

for what I would look like doing them. I felt

having a go at some trail running, stand up

beach in my tri shorts and swimmers to meet

like until this point I had been living half a

paddle boarding, and a long-held goal of

my family and swim the afternoon away; bike

life. Everyone else had their volume on life

trying out dragon boating. I’ll probably even

rides at dawn to escape the heat of the day;

turned up to ten and I had mine on five for as

smile my way around a few local triathlon

and, more importantly, it meant wearing

long as I could remember. All because I was

courses.

swimsuits, tri suits, and two-piece swim sets.

worried about what other people thought

What will Summer mean for you this year?

edge, imagining that every single person on the beach had stopped what they were doing to watch my bum wobble as I did it.

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mean beautiful walks and rides at sunrise

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BESPOKE Surfboards

Be inspired by the beauty of Bali, the beach and all that Summer has to offer. Jada McNeil founder and designer at Nusa Indah Surfboards, stopped by to tell us about her stunning bespoke surfboards.

Why did you want to create bespoke performance surfboards?

I wanted to create a product both functional and aesthetically pleasing, which focused on the female surfer. For a number of reasons women spend time out of the water at different phases of life, so I wanted a product which is not only a high quality piece of surf equipment but one that also moonlights as a piece of art for the home between surf sessions. As a frequent Bali traveller since childhood, I source unique quality textiles in hidden corners of Indonesia which have been used in, and provide inspiration for my surfboard designs.

I liaise with clients in designing the perfect board for them and their ability. We talk aesthetics colour, shape, and layout as well as frequency of surfing, conditions and ability. I have team of Australian craftsmen who hand shape each board to design specifications. These craftsmen have been selected on their ability to support my design aesthetic whilst having the skills to create a

quality high performance surf board. We also love to support local talent.

school throughout the next five years whilst studying psychology at university.

Tell us a little about your background.

I grew up in a surfing family and community, with my dad, two brothers and occasionally my sister all surfing together on weekends. I started riding the nose of dad's board at age five and we grew up participating in the local board riders and surf life saving clubs.

After having some time off and raising my three babies I dabbled in creative industries which have always been a passion of mine.

I have deep family connections to the island of Nusa Lembongan, learning to surf at Shipwreck taught me some invaluable skills early on. Mum and Dad co-owned a surf charter boat which operated throughout Lombok and the Gili Islands which saw me clock up some surfing mileage on reef breaks in the school holidays. It made for easy times on our sand breaks back home.

Throughout high school I worked for Australian surfing coach Martin Dunn before going out on my own and starting the Saltwater Surf School when I was in year 12 (with the support of Martin and my parents). I owned and operated the surf

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I designed and imported homewares, jewellery and fashion from our favourite island, and over time added new lines and collections to Nusa Indah boutique. The surfboards were an addition to my collection which gave me the opportunity to combine my two loves: surfing and design.

It's enabled me to play with colour and shape, network with people, market my product and stage some fun little photo shoots. It fits well with our family lifestyle of beach weekends (my husband and I are now back in the water more than ever!) and allows me to work around the kids routines.

To find out more: Instagram: nusaindahsurfboards Facebook: Nusa Indah Surfboards Website: www.nusaindah.com.au

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THINGS WE ARE LOVING

THIS SUMMER Summer time means longer days, steamy evenings, swimming, holidays, spending time with family and friends and perhaps just a little indulgence over the Christmas and New Year period. We’ve put together some of our favourite things, perfect for summer gifts.

ORIGAMI KAYAK Ever wondered where to keep your kayak? Wonder no more. Oru Kayak is the brain child of Designer & Founder Anton Willis who moved into a small San Francisco apartment, and had to put his fiberglass kayak into storage.

Inspired by an article on recent advances in origami, he started sketching ideas for a folding kayak. A few sketches turned into countless paper models, and eventually, in 2012, over 700 amazing Kickstarter supporters helped launch Oru Kayak and they have now shipped thousands of kayaks all over the world.

To find out more www.orukayak.com

A REALLY REALLY TINY HOUSE. Travelling by bike and want to sleep in something more substantial than a tent? Check this out! Wide Path Camper has created a foldable bicycle camper ready for you to just attach and get biking! These mobile tiny houses offer instant shelter from the weather, a comfortable bed for 2.5 people, and a convertible space for 4 adults to dine-in, relax, and camp in style. Not sure I’d want to share this tiny space with 3 other adults, but with one of these you can enjoy the freedom of taking your tiny house with you wherever you pedal. www.widepathcamper.com

A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO TRACK YOUR HEALTH. “The problem with most health trackers out there today is the fact that you can spot them from a mile away - one look at the robust, rubber bands and you know you’re looking at a piece of wearable technology before asking a single question. When we first started thinking about the LEAF, we didn’t want it to just be a good health tracker— we wanted it to be beautiful, as well.” - says Urška Sršen, CO-founder of Bellabeat. You will have to line up to get one as there is currently a waiting list, but we think it is worth it. www.bellabeat.com

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PADDLE FOR PINK THIS SUMMER. The Drift Frangipani Pink Package Deal is made for beginners to intermediates.

This paddleboard is perfect for flat water/small waves. The design is made for easier balance so you can enjoy feeling confident‌ drifting away.

The Frangipani Pink Paddleboard comes in a pack that including deck-pad, fin, adjustable paddle, leash and paddleboard bag. Quality, looks and price make this the total package. Plus $50 of your purchase goes straight to Breast Cancer Foundation for a great cause!!! sups.com.au

WHO WANTS TO BE A MERMAID?

ROLLIN ROUND AT THE BEACH.

Who said only little girls could pretend to be mermaids? For those of you who have no fear of living deep, the Mahina MerFin is a unique mermaid mono-fin. Made with recycled rubber, they are one of the first eco friendly fins. The MerFin is soft, flexible and functional and will give you the speed and agility of any fish in the ocean. The MerFin is a great pool toy, a wonderful snorkelling fin or swimming device for fitness‌ not to mention the incredibubble fun of bodysurfing the waves! It is safe to use, with just one flick of the ankle strap the legs are free.

These beautifuly luxurious round cotton beach towels are from Rollin'round, a small Australian owned company. They hand cut and hand print their designs, and they are just perfect for when you have finished being a mermaid.

You can find them on Instagram: @rollinroundtowels

www.mahinamermaid.com/stockists/australia

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n e m wHoorses and

Finding self confidence together

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WRITTEN BY:LUCY STONE

Women and horses: we’ve been sharing

you’re not worth his attention. Finding the

awareness around horses extends not just to

adventures for centuries. The horse has

middle-ground, of a calm and unthreatening

successfully asking a horse to do something

been our co-worker, our friend, our

physical awareness, a steady self-confidence

for you, or with you. It’s an entire attitude

companion. It’s hard to overstate the impact

and assurance, means finding a way to

of generosity, offering a quiet moment of

of the horse on our development, our lives

speak without speaking. And once you

communication in exchange for another

both on the large scale and the small – a

learn that skill, your horse and you become

quiet moment. It’s consistently being aware

friend carrying us home, the warmth of a

partners, rather than adversaries. You are no

of your hands, your eyes, your feet, your

horse’s breath on our hands, a team-mate

longer shouting at him, and he is no longer

body. Where are you looking? What are you

sharing the race to the finish line.

shutting you out.

telling the horse? It’s an invaluable skill to

I don’t believe it’s an accident that women

The end results of such self-awareness

learn. The more you notice how your own

are drawn to horses. We share a complex

are boundless. I’m still discovering new

and nuanced form of communication, a joy

ways to work with Querido, from playing

in finding the finely balanced art of pure

hide-and-seek in a pine forest, with him

harmony. Horses and women together are

cantering gleefully around looking for me,

they see you.

capable of incredible things, and working

to establishing the classical ‘high school’

Querido and I have come a long way from

with horses can have untold benefits

movements of piaffe, levade, passage –

the pair of anxious, worried teenagers we

for those of us who struggle with self-

controlled, intense, demanding. There

were. Taking on such a horse, along with his

confidence, insecurity or fear – as I have

is no greater reward than to see your

paddock-mate, the powerful, dominant (and

learnt over the past twenty years of riding,

horse perform his own most challenging

cuddly) Favory, has taught me far more than

training and sharing my life with horses.

movement, and to have him stop, turn and

I ever expected about myself. Perhaps the

When I first started working with Querido

bump you on the arm with his nose – ‘Did I

most unexpected benefit has been that of

– my now ten-year-old Andalusian stallion,

do well? Did I do it right?’

self-respect. I have seen too many women

one of two stallions I co-own with my friend

If you want to communicate with a horse,

and mentor – he was a nervy, anxious

you have no choice but to take the time to

little two-year-old, so touchy he would

think of your own behaviour and attitude

accidentally kick himself in the stomach

critically, dispassionately and, above all,

when I asked him to lift his front hoof.

kindly. Being angry at yourself for missing

Like Querido, I was an insecure teenager,

a subtle cue, or failing to convey what you

deeply uncertain about whether I was

want, translates instantly to the horse. He

even capable of handling such a horse. I

becomes tense and anxious, avoiding your

had to learn, and learn quickly, to project

efforts to communicate, or responding

calm. I had to reassure this four hundred

with his own anger. All chance of gentle

kilo bundle of nerves that he was safe, and

communication is gone. So often I catch

I was trustworthy. Over the years of our

myself getting frustrated at not being able

developing partnership it has become the

to explain what I want, and how I want

There’s no room for self-doubt when you are

opposite, with Querido proving himself

Querido to achieve it. Within minutes of

working with horses. If I question my own

trustworthy, and myself accepting that I am

my own frustration building up, I can see

ability, the horses will too. So I have to look

safe around him.

it in him, his eyes anxious, body tense.

With a horse, you become aware of how

Stop. Patience. Breathe. Clear out all the

much energy you are communicating with.

Are you walking around big and tall and

old thoughts, all the irritation and negative assumptions, and think – how can I ask this

prejudices and habits affect your horse, the easier it becomes to consider how you approach other people as well, and how

crippled by their own certainty that they are not enough, or too much – not intelligent or fit or knowledgeable enough, or too old or scared or anything else. Developing a positive partnership with a horse forces you to look at yourself as your horse sees you: capable, creative, adventurous, trustworthy.

More than once in challenging situations I’ve found myself thinking, “I can ask five hundred kilo animal to dance with me, and he does it. I am more than I think. I can handle this.”

at every situation with certainty – of course I can do that. Of course I am capable. Of course I can ask this of myself, and my horse. We are a team, and we are always

noisy, with expansive hand gestures and

so he understands?

discovering new adventures to share.

non-stop chatter? You’ve communicated to

Horses respond to our tiniest emotional

As the old saying goes, throw your heart

your horse that you are a potential threat.

changes. It takes courage and effort to step

over the jump, and your horse will follow.

Are you walking around small, and scared,

away from a situation, look at your own

Or, in my case, hide in a pine forest, and

barely whispering? Your horse assumes

behaviour, and change it for the better. Self-

your horse will find you.

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5 keys on how to

STOP TALKING ABOUT IT STORY BY LAUREN HEYES FROM MOXXI

It’s Saturday morning, before the sun comes up and your phone buzzes.

‘Morning sunshine, we are off on an adventure, are you in?'

Now you have two choices, roll over and go

adventure before any obligations makes sure

‘I finish what I start’ or ‘I follow through’ and

back to sleep or bound out of bed and seize

it’s in the diary.

watch your behaviour fall into line.

the day.

2. Upgrade your friends

5. Have some fun

Which woman are you?

Surrounding yourself with adventurous

Life is short and no one wants to do things they

In my opinion there are two types of women in

friends will make you more likely to head out

dislike or are rubbish at all the time. Figure out

the world, women who make life happen and

and experience the world. You are the top 5

what you actually enjoy and do more of that!

seem to be able to fit everything in.

people you hang around with divided by 5, so

If you don’t like running then for crying out

And women who are always talking about how

find the people who live the life you want and

loud, stop running! There is so much to learn,

they want to do awesome things, but stuff just

then make friends!

explore and discover. Embrace adventure.

keeps getting in the way. Women who, for all

3. Create a routine

Bonus: Adopt a philosophy of failure is

the good intentions, just can’t seem to make

Routines are the best way to make things

progress. As women we have a tendency to

happen even though they sound gross. We are

believe we ‘should’ be good at everything

Maybe you are one of them.

only given the ability to make a certain number

just because we are good at some things.

You are reading Travel Play Live, so I’m

of decisions each day and wasting them on

You won’t be. Realise new skills will take time

assuming you want to be in the former

whether or not you should go for a ride just

to develop and enjoy the journey. The more

category. So here are a few quick tips on how

isn’t worth it!

you fall the more you will succeed. Greatness

to turn an idea into an action and make life

4. Build an identity

happen.

Identification is one of the strongest indicators

1. Prioritise your adventurous self

of behaviour. If you identify as someone who

So there are just a few simple tips you can get

As a woman it can feel difficult to put ourselves

gets shit done you are unlikely to back out

cracking with today to start making life happen

first, almost unnatural. The beautiful thing

of your adventures! Over the next few weeks

and enjoying the true wonder the world has

is, when you do, you can give more and be

watch how you talk about yourself and if you

to offer.

more to those around you. Scheduling your

ever give yourself excuses swap them up with

Be courageous…

things happen.

(and much laughter) comes to those who stick with it!

Empowering women to reach new goals; embrace new challenges; explore new places; make new friends...all from the seat of their bike.

I CAN. I WILL. END OF STORY.

www.queenofthemountain.com.au

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www.cuore.ch

Swiss precision meets Italian passion

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g n i g n Cha x world

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A Truly

INSPIRING ADVENTURE

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Little did Justine Curtis know when she made her journey to India she would discover the reward of selflessly giving to others. Now her business Inspired Adventures helps others discover that joy and since 2004 has helped raise $19.7 million for charities working all over the world.

INTERVIEW

BY AMY HEAGUE WITH JUSTINE CURTIS CEO OF INSPIRED ADVENTURES

In 2001 you took a sabbatical trip to

because they allow people to really push

possible.

India, how did that adventure change

themselves in ways they never thought

What lessons have you learnt from

your perspective on your life? The real

possible. Active adventures have the

your own personal adventures that you

question would be how didn’t it change

potential to bring out the inner strength

have been able to apply to running a

my life? My sabbatical trip to India was life

people have within them but often don’t

successful business?

changing in so many ways. For the first

know is there. It’s quite inspiring and

time, I experienced how utterly rewarding

humbling to watch your body and mind

it was to give my time for free. Whilst in

transform into this enormous force of

India, I taught English to new arrivals in

power and might. And, of course, active

Tibet, ranging from a young girl who was

adventures are loads of fun and a great way

orphaned to a 70 year old High Lama. It

to break the everyday routine!

made me realise the importance of giving

How does your business Inspired

without receiving and it was a completely

I’ve learnt is that everything is impermanent

Adventures help people tap into this?

sobering experience. India is the most

and nothing should be taken for granted. The

Our adventures are all about challenging

enriching place I’ve ever travelled to. I’ve

world is always changing and your business

yourself whilst also raising vital funds for

been fortunate to travel back there many

will constantly change too, so be prepared

worthwhile causes. Participants not only

times since my first trip and I can honestly

for that. No matter what, just remember

find the courage and strength to complete

never get enough of it. The diversity of

to keep moving forward. Stay connected

challenging adventures for themselves (in

to your amazing team and always practice

culture, language, race and the assault of

foreign countries nonetheless!), but they

being a caring and mindful leader.

the senses wherever you go is just amazing.

also learn the importance of working hard to

I’ve never felt so alive and in the moment as I

support those who need it most.

What is one of your biggest highlights

do when I’m in India.

The most important lesson I’ve learnt is never give up. Ever. Remember to take things one step at a time. Running a business comes with the good and the not so good times, but you need to stay focused and believe in yourself and what you’re doing. A vital lesson

so far in this Inspired Adventures

How does Inspired Adventures work

journey?

Apart from the inspiration to start your

with charities to raise much needed

It might sound a bit corny but honestly, every

company Inspired Adventures, what

funds? On average, each of our adventures

week there’s a new highlight. Every time a

were some of your highlights from your

raise $80,000 for our charity partners. We

team of incredible people return from an

Mount Kilimanjaro trek? There were

are able to do this by engaging individuals

adventure, we hear amazing stories about

quite a few highlights, but I suppose the

to come together as a team and take on

how it’s changed their life in ways they can’t

pure elation and pride I felt as I summited

a physical challenge around the world

even describe. In this way, it makes the

the highest freestanding mountain in the

and across Australia. I have a team of

highlights of this Inspired Adventures journey

world would top the list. Knowing that my

amazing Fundraising Coordinators who

limitless.

mind and my body had the ability to carry

work one-on-one with each person taking

me through five different ecosystems and

Do you have a personal bucket list of

on the challenge in order to help them

across trying and harsh landscapes was

adventures? If so, what is currently at

reach and exceed their fundraising target.

the top of the list?

just surreal. It was also my first experience

Charities really appreciate the way Inspired

There are too many to mention! Visiting

of doing a guided trek and the selflessness

Adventures supports individuals to help

Madagascar, dog sleighing and witnessing

of the guides; their commitment to getting

their cause, often turning them into lifelong

the Northern Lights are definitely up there.

us to the summit was amazing. Of course,

advocates for the charity.

another highlight was getting down,

Why do you think Corporate Social

are teetering on the cusp of their first

Responsibility & Philanthropy has

big active adventure?

become such a big thing in recent

I’d say take a leap of faith and jump. You are

years?

more capable and stronger than you give

I believe the world is finally waking up to the

yourself credit for. Step off the edge and dive

fact that, without sounding cliché, we are all

in with confidence and conviction. Travelling

in this together. The suffering of one human

opens your eyes to the beauty of this world

In your opinion, what is it about active

means no more or no less than the suffering

and the people in it. A big adventure won’t

adventures that appeals and inspires

of another, no matter their race, religion

be easy, but what you will experience and

so many people? I think adventures

or gender, and we should strive to lend

how you will change physically and mentally

that involve a challenge are so appealing

a helping hand whenever and wherever

makes it all worthwhile.

jumping in to a taxi and grabbing a beer at the nearest pub. I also remember looking in the mirror and seeing this dirty cavewoman staring back at me! The journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro was extremely tough, but worth it in every way.

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What is your advice to our readers who

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ROLLIN' in the DEEP

“There is no doubt about it, when you look up at the stars and hear the waves below your feet, you cannot help but feel connected to the adventurers and explorers who mapped our world and shaped it for us. We did our race in four days, with navigation instruments and high-tech clothing to keep us warm. To think of those who set sail, never knowing if they would ever return, in the most rudimentary vessels, is humbling and inspiring…I am a huge advocate for giving a voice to people and stories that sometimes fall by the wayside. And those stories are everywhere. Normal people doing extraordinary things.” Kumi Taguchi

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Photo:©Juergkaufmann.com

STORY BY AMY HEAGUE

THE WOMEN, THE STORIES AND TAKING A STAND IN THE ROLEX SYDNEY TO HOBART YATCH RACE. Meet Kumi Taguchi a presenter for ABC News 24 and journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation who in 2013 joined a crew as a reporter for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart. We caught up with her to learn more about her first time experience.

When you are not off being adventurous,

the night, cold and tired and lonely. I shed a few

where can we find you? At work . . . my second

tears and felt so small. But once I got over that, I

home. And then at home. I am a real homebody

felt lighter and liberated: as if I had gone across

and love pottering. I can spend days just existing:

that threshold and was ready to accept the place

thinking, reading, browsing. I also love leaving

I was in.

home early and walking through the city: grabbing a coffee at a favourite spot, or discovering somewhere new. There is something calming about seeing a city wake up. It's as if life is doing its thing.

experience? The physical challenge. Leaping onto my bunk required ninja-like manoeuvres.

I loved leaping onto the sails when we had to change them and stop them from flapping

In 2013 you were involved in the Rolex

overboard. It's not fun, per se, but it does make

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. What was

you feel like you're using your body. I also loved

your role? Ostensibly, I was there in my role as a

finding that inner resilience.

journalist. I was covering the race from on board a smaller yacht (70-footer) and wanted to give our viewers and listeners a sense of life below the decks and over 5 days. But from the beginning, I insisted that I crew as well. I was one of 20 crew members and I pulled my weight on every level: from sailing, cleaning and cooking. So, I really had two roles.

Has the experience changed the way you face life? I think it has. I can sleep anywhere now.

Comfort isn't as much of a big deal as it used to be. I can handle smaller spaces and not knowing what every outcome might be. I also learned to trust and let go. On Day 2, we were heading into the worst part of the race. I saw a huge black line of storms ahead and the southerly coming to meet

Did you have any previous sailing

us. Any sane person would run from that but we

experience? Yes. I did recreational sailing in

needed to head into it. I remember then realising

my 20s. As in, going on a yacht and sometimes

there was nothing we could do but just...do. We

holding a rope! Then I took part in a Hong Kong to

had no option but to trust the boat, trust each

Macau race in my late 20s and I vowed never to go

other and trust that we'd make it.

on a boat again. I was so sick and felt so isolated and out of control of my environment.

Why do you think more and more women are taking to active adventures? We find these

But. Well, in 2013, the opportunity came up

parts of ourselves when we have nothing left. Or

and I grabbed it with both hands. I love being

when we think we have nothing left. Whether it's

challenged and I guess I saw this as a wonderful

when you've hit the wall in a marathon or heading

chance that I might never get again. Because of

into the southerly -- I think we get an enormous

my previous experiences with sea sickness, I was

sense of strength from passing through those

also able to go into it with my eyes wide open. I

moments. Also, we are so pulled and pushed in

knew what my weaknesses were going to be. I'd

our lives. Work, family, kids . . . sometimes it feels

also just spent a week reporting on the bushfires

like it's all for others. When we set a goal that

– which was a physical and emotional endurance

pushes ourselves mentally and physically, we also

race. I knew I had it in me to get to the finish line.

say to everyone else, this is for me now. This is my

What was the biggest challenge you faced

time and my goal. That is very powerful.

during the race? The endlessness and knowing

Any plans to head out to sea again in the

there was no turning back. I am a planner and

future? I think so! I have been asked to take on

I like to know what is coming up next. The fact

a few more legs – one much more challenging

that I had no control over time, when we would

than the Sydney to Hobart. My problem is, I have

get to Hobart, whether we'd be safe. I couldn't

done it once, so I have to decide whether I use my

contact my family and I had to let go of so much.

time off to do that – or set my sights on another

I remember sitting on the deck in the middle of

challenge.

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What was the top highlight from the

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ROGER YEO

Team Dare Devil's newest crew member

What started as a journey ticking off his bucket list, has turned into something so much bigger. Sebastian Terry, founder of "100 THINGS’ has boldly re-shaped his reality as he attempts to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of not just himself, but 1000’s of people worldwide. It’s through the 100 Thing’s connection, that we see Roger Yeo take part in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart, alongside Sibby to support the White Ribbon Campaign.

Roger, welcome to Team Dare Devil.

Ambassador for White Ribbon, can you

an instant. And now we know it's actually

The Rolex Sydney to Hobart is a big

share with us a little of your story as to

getting worse. Almost 2 women a week are

challenge, do you have any prior sailing

why you and your family have added

killed in this country by someone they know

experience? Yes, it will be a 'big challenge'

your voices to this cause.

or trust and who purports to love them. One

for me! I'm not as young as I look ... well,

In July 2012 my daughter, Rachelle, was

in three girls worldwide, will in her lifetime,

murdered by a former partner who refused

experience violence, simply because she

to accept that the relationship was not a

is female! We know that only about 30% of

healthy one, that it was over. Her's was not

domestic violence incidents are reported, so

a unique story though. Until it happened,

it's likely the real statistics are much worse.

none of us were really aware how 'epidemic'

It's a horrible situation to contemplate, worse

this issue was in Australia. We didn't think it

than an epidemic. Rosie Batty our Australian

should happen in our family, that it wouldn't

of the Year and has called it "a human rights

happen in our neighbourhood, it just

disaster!" Understanding that, and with

didn't happen in our world ... but it does.

our personal experience, it's a very short

It happens everywhere ... in your street,

leap to making the prevention of domestic

your town ... it can be part of your life in

and family violence and particularly the

that's a bit presumptuous ... and not as fit as I once was, but somebody else told me that "age and cunning will always triumph over youth and brute strength" so I trust in that. And of course, I'm part of a team. That's paramount. I have been sailing since I was a youngster and competitively too, and done a fair bit of offshore work as well. I think I'll be alright, but in no way do I ever underestimate the challenge of the task.

You are a committed campaigner and

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prevention of men's violence against women, a priority and a passion in this family's life. We can't bring Rachelle back, but perhaps we can prevent someone else being beaten or killed.

What are some practical ways our readers can help address the domestic violence epidemic in Australia. I think it's important to understand that domestic violence and men's violence against women has become culturally accepted.

The things we say and do convince me that's true. How many times to you hear things like: 'Why didn't she just leave?'

'What was she doing walking there?' 'Why was she wearing that?' That's called 'victim blaming' and most of us do it even unwittingly. That's how we rationalise the behaviour and remove ourselves from taking responsibility for the story. And how many of our sports heroes are we willing to excuse or forgive their actions because of how we feel about them on the playing field?

So the first practical thing we can do, is think about it. Ask ourselves, what are my real attitudes towards this behaviour.

Particularly if you're a man ... do you say or think those things?

Examine your own behaviour. And if it looks like you in the mirror, think about how you might change your own attitudes and behaviour. That's the hardest step.

From there, you must lead by example. Behavioural change is for the most part, generational. So the easiest way to change is by working with our children. Dad's talking to their son's about respect for women, Mom's and dad's talking to their son's and daughter's about how loving, respectful and positive relationships should look. Teachers reinforcing positive behaviours in the classroom and on the playground. Coaches imparting those values on the oval.

And when you feel that you're comfortable with all that ... get involved ... don't be afraid to call out unacceptable attitudes and behaviours ... in the pub, at work, in your own street. You don't have to put yourself in danger or get into an argument or fight with anyone. But let the perpetrator understand that you know what they're up to, that you hear them or see them, and you're not happy. And back up others, men and women that you witness standing up as well.

Maybe get involved with the White Ribbon organisation or activities. There a lots of awareness and fund raising events happening all the time around the country that would welcome your support. Dare Devil's campaign to do the Sydney/Hobart in support of White Ribbon is just one of them. There are walks, fun runs, breakfasts, all sorts of things you can do. There's even another White Ribbon yacht in the Sydney Hobart!

And finally ... join the conversation. Let the world know where you stand. Take the White Ribbon Oath. "I will stand up, speak out, and act to prevent men's violence against women." That's an easy step!

What are you personally hoping to achieve through this adventure? Primarily I hope we do as well as we possibly can in the race, finish, and come home safely. At the same time I will continue to raise as much awareness and raise much needed donations to support the programs and messages of White Ribbon Australia.

What are your favourite words to live by? I'm not sure who originally said it: "Work hard, have fun, and be good to your mother!" Might sound amusing, but I don't think you can go too far wrong if you follow that dictum. It has certainly helped me keep my life in perspective.

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The women of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Over the past 70 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has become an icon of Australia's summer sport. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour. In the bygone era, ocean yacht racing was a male sport, but nowadays most yachts carry mixed crews. We uncover some facts about women participating in the race.

1946 - Jane Tate is the first woman to take part and complete the race in a boat called Active. Dagmar O'Brien, with boat Connella, also took part in that year but retired from the race before finishing.

1975 - the first all-women crew sailed the boat Barbarian 1994 - on the 50th anniversary of the race, Kath Worby created The Jane Tate Memorial Trophy in memory of her late mother. The trophy is presented to the first female skipper over the line 2005 - 24 women took part in the race, including Adrienne Cahalan, who is famed for her around-theworld sailing, has been nominated several times for World Yachtswoman of the Year and was Australian Yachtswoman of the Year for 2004–05. In 2005 she was part of the crew for the winning Wild Oats.

2011 - Jessica Watson, known for her solo unassisted sail around the world at age 16, skippered the Sydney Hobart yacht race with a crew of six other young Australians and three Britons all aged 21 or under, making them the youngest ever to compete in the blue water classic.

2014 Sibby Ilzhofer sailed her first Rolex Sydney to Hobart to win the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy.

2015 – Sees the most female skippers entered in the race’s history. They are Sibby Ilzhofer, Wendy Tuck who has done eight Sydney to Hobarts, Rebecca Walford, who also skippered in 2009, Stephanie Kerin a first timer and Lisa Blair who circumnavigated the world via the 2011/2012 Clipper Round the World Race and went on to compete in the ITL Solo Tasman Challenge from New Zealand to Australia. Her next goal is to become the first woman to circumnavigate Antarctica, solo, nonstop and unassisted. This will be her first Hobart.

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t s u M s e v ha

GADGETS, APPS & TECH Us girls love our tech and gadgets as much as the blokes, and who wouldn’t when there are so many products out there that make getting outdoors all that much safer, convenient, practical and fun. Your smart phone can be your best friend when heading out to explore, and not just for taking selfies out on the trail. We are big fans of apps that help us monitor our fitness, heath and achievements. We’ve put our heads together and come up with some of the best apps and gadgets perfect for summer adventures.

STRAVA

SLEEP CYCLE

MOTIONX-GPS

This popular cycling and running app lets you race yourself or race your mates.

Welcome to the future.

Heading offroad? MotionX-GPS is the next best thing to a proper map and compass.

Just press ‘go’ when you start your ride or run and it will map your route, time, distance, speed and more. At the end you can break it down by segment and see where you’re improving, what you need to work on, and - for competitive types - how you stack up against others in your age and weight category.

Think of it like a ‘Fitness Facebook’ where you can post your training sessions, see what your friends are up to and follow top athletes.

TPL Tip: Like Facebook, we recommend you are on top of your privacy settings, creating a privacy zone around your home and work to keep your personal life personal.

How much: Free. (Premium version $9.99 per month).

Works with: iOS or android Star rating: 5 stars

Sleep Cycle uses your smartphone’s inbuilt accelerometer to measure your movement as you sleep, tracking your deep and light sleep phases. It then wakes you up during your lightest phase, in the 30 minutes before your set alarm time (rather than when you’re in full sleep zombie mode). Just pop your phone by your pillow before you nod off.

Anything that makes getting up for morning adventures a little bit easier gets a thumbs up from us! Worth the $2.99, if only to have your very own sleep graphs.

TPL Tip: Keep a sleep notes diary for a week or two to track how drinking coffee, eating habits, watching TV and other factors affect your sleep quality.

How much: $2.99 Works with: iOS and Android Star rating: 4.5 stars

LIFESTRAW® PERSONAL WATER PURIFIER

GOAL ZERO GUIDE 10 ADVENTURE KIT

This could save your life.

Literally. Make dirty water safe to drink simply by sucking it through the straw. The lifestraw’s microfiltration membrane removes 99.9% of bacteria and protozoa, including E.coli and Giardia. It’s ultralight so be prepared and chuck one in your bag whenever you’re heading out on an adventure.

How much: $39.95 Available from: Mountain Designs Star rating: 5 stars

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This app taps into a bunch of different mapping providers including google and apple maps. Choose Motion X Terrain for proper topographical maps with contour lines to help get you out of trouble in a pinch. Discover cool offroad running and biking tracks other users have mapped in your area - or anywhere else in the world! Record your own loops even when you’re offline (then upload to Strava).

This app has more advanced features...we’re still figuring some of them out ourselves.

TPL Tip: Download the map for an area to the phone before you go, and it will still work with the phone’s GPS signal, even without cellphone coverage.

How much: $1.99 Works with: iOS only Star rating: 4.5 stars

Charge up your smartphone and other portable devices from anywhere.

This battery pack and solar panel charging combo means you can use stored energy and/or sunshine to recharge your phone, reader, tablet, and AA or AAA batteries and keep connected when it counts.

How much: $169 Available from: Mountain Designs Star rating: 4 star

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ADVERTISEMENT

SUMMER ESSENTIALS ... for the places you'd rather be

Mountain Designs provide a huge range of women's clothing, footwear and accessories to suit every adventure. Whether you're planning to climb a mountain, backpack across countries or go camping with friends on the weekend we have the gear for your adventure.

Women’s Mountain Designs

KIMBER SHORT SLEEVE POLO

OluKai

OHANA SANDALS

This shirt’s sleeve and collar combo plus high UV protection fabric keeps you safe from the sun, but it’s still super breathable so you won’t bake. Treated with ‘anti-stink’ polygiene so you can keep on the go all day (or longer) whether you’re trail running or travelling.

Available in black, green and pink. RRP $49.95

These super stylish sandals can be dressed up or down, while holding up to a full day’s worth of sightseeing.

The synthetic leather upper is water resistant and quick drying, with a compression molded footbed for hours of comfort. That sound is our feet sighing with relief.

RRP $79.95

Klean Kanteen

INSULATED CLASSIC BOTTLE

Keen Uneek

Keep your drink cool for up to 24 hours (or warm for 12 in winter). We’ll drink to that.

Klean Kanteens are also leak proof and made of durable, recyclable high quality stainless steel with a no-flavour inside finish. Never throw away a plastic bottle again. Available in 3 sizes and a rainbow of colours. RRP from $37.95

SANDALS We just found our perfect outdoor sandals for summer. The Keen Uneeks work with the shape of your foot for a super comfy, supportive fit - they move when you do. Their open design, water repellent cord and grippy soles makes them perfect for the beach, creek and trails.

Summer bright shades of pink or turquoise, RRP $179.95

Mountain Designs

WOMEN’S BETTY BRIEF

Scrubba

WASH BAG

Do your washing on the go, in 3 minutes - just add water. Take that, family camping trip! So simple we might just try this at home. Packs down light and doubles as a dry bag in wet conditions.

RRP $64.95

Feel fresh (really!) with these stretchy, breathable, polygiene treated undies. Sweat doesn’t smell – the bacteria it causes to grow in clothing does. Polygiene treatment stops it at the source. Great for getting full on active or feeling comfortable every day. Get them in black, red or purple.

RRP $19.95

Have An Amazing & Active Life!

For more than forty years, Australian owned Mountain Designs has been providing high quality, technical, multi-functional outdoor and travel gear for all Australians - no matter their passion or level of expertise.

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Order online at www.mountaindesigns.com

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PADDLE for PINK We caught up with Jane McNeil, the brains behind Paddle For Pink, an exciting Stand Up Paddleboard event in aid of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Jane McNeil, tell us a little about

around beautiful scenery, anyone can do it

Then the 'Paddle for Pink' idea popped into

yourself ?

and it’s loads of fun.

my head.

I am a Kiwi living in Australia, based on the

I also have my own brand of Stand Up

So what is Paddle for Pink?

Paddleboards called Drift, which is a cool fun

Paddle for Pink is a day event where anyone

brand with a range of colours and designs to

of any skill level can enter paddleboard race

suit anyone.

events. The day will also be great fun for

Tell us a little more about “Paddle for

spectators, with a variety of great market

Central Coast NSW. I am a positive person who is all about living life to the fullest. This is why I started a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) business called Drift Paddleboards 3 years ago. It’s not a job to me, it’s lifestyle.

I am so passionate about this sport and the enjoyment factor is has on everyone who has tried it.

And what is it about SUP that inspired you? Let’s face it, most of us to want to have a go.

My first time on a SUP was when I arrived in Australia. I fell in love with the sport and got

Pink" and how this idea came about.

My mum had breast cancer and only survived

stalls on at Roberstons Park - what better way to spend a day at the exclusive Watsons Bay?

because her friend told her to go get a

All proceeds from the day will be

mammogram. Mum didn’t have a history in

donated to the National Breast Cancer

the family of breast cancer and was shocked

Foundation. Our aim is to raise $50,000

to find out she had it. Fortunately she got the

+. Paddle for Pink will be a great day to get

mammogram at the right time. The road to recovery was a grueling and hard process.

corporate businesses, families, passionate paddleboarders – no matter what their skill level, together and support Pink!

so excited with the fact you are outdoors,

I wanted to be able to support the National

having fun with friends, family or loved ones

Breast Cancer Foundation in Australia and

while getting the benefits of toning and

having my own SUP business I designed the

getting healthy.

first Pink Paddleboard Package for sale. The

As I got more and more addicted, I

purpose was to get people out 'Paddling for

had some lessons to ensure I had the

Pink' and to help raise funds to beat breast

correct technique. I then trained to get

cancer by 2030. A percentage from the sale

my SUP qualification as in instructor with

of each of the Pink Paddleboards goes to

ASI so I could teach others the art of

the foundation. This was exciting for me as I

To find out more about the Drift Frangipani

paddleboarding. How can you say no to

know what my mother went through and the

“Pink Package” go to

this sport? You’re not stuck in a gym, your

effect it has on people.

www.sups.com.au

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How do people get involved to support your initiative and be part of the event?

Go to www.paddleforpink.com.au or email me on info@sups.com.au if you are interested in being a Corporate Sponsor, registering for a race, stall enquires or any other information.

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WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT ON THE DAY? ‘WHATSUP’ Drifters Area: Want to try Stand Up Paddleboarding on the day? Well you’re in luck. There will be mini paddle board lessons at the ‘WHATSUP’ Drifters area on Watsons Bay Beach. A small fee will apply in which all goes to the National Breast Cancer foundation. So come and give Stand Up Paddleboarding a go!

SUP EVENTS The events on the day will offer a series of Stand Up Paddle races as detailed below: • 8km SUP Race (elite level) • Team Fun SUP Relay Race (all skill levels) • Kids Race • Corporate SUP Relay Race (any skill level) • SUP Sprint Race (intermediate/elite skill level) • Paddle in Pink Finale (any skill level) • Best Dressed Competition (any skill level)

WANT TO BUY A PINK PADDLE BOARD PACKAGE AND SUPPORT THE CAUSE? The Drift Paddleboards Marquee will be there on the day and you can purchase a Pink Frangipani Paddle board Package for $949 where a percentage of proceeds goes to the foundation.

What you get for $949 is the Drift Pink Frangipani Paddleboard, leash, adjustable paddle and bag.

When: Saturday 20th Feb Location: Watsons Bay Time: 8am - 3pm

Drift Paddleboard Package Deal Ėĺ ¼ ÆĺGp £ {¯p¼ Ėĺ ÊÀÆp{£ ĺGp £ ĖĺGp £ {¯p¼ ĺ p Ėĺ ¯p¼ ĺ1 pÀ ONLY

949

$

www.sups.com.au

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SUP LADIES Stand Up Paddle Boarding - aka - SUP has taken our Australian waterways by storm. Not a day goes by when you don't see someone taking to the water and waves on one. Here is some great advice from Aussie Champ Karla Gilbert - Ironmum Karla, on how to get in on the action.

GETTING STARTED.

Go past any coastline Australian waterway over summer and it’s sure to be brimming with SUP. Stand-up paddle boarding is one of the world’s fastest growing sports worldwide and with good reason.

SUP is a super versatile sport. On any given day you can adapt to what the conditions are prevailing. Too windy? Stay in the enclosed inlets. Glassy and warm?

Venture out into the ocean and catch some waves.

Apart from the fact that stand-up paddling allows you the freedom to mix it up, SUP is also an amazing all over body workout while improving core stability plus strength and tone to nearly every body part. Once you

To begin with I suggest you have a lesson to learn technique basics, assess your skill level and to test different board shape and sizes. From here you can look at buying your own board dependent on what your intended use is. A couple of questions to ask yourself are: • Where am I going to paddle it? River, surfing, ocean paddling or mixture?

• How often am I going to be paddling? Something a little unstable will quickly become stable.

• What is my surfing background? Choose a more advanced board • What are my longer term goals? Paddling in a group? Racing?

• What is my budget?

become proficient and build confidence, you really can ramp up your intensity and reap the benefits of a full gym workout (try it once and you’ll know what I mean).

For those not familiar with stand-up paddle boarding, it’s relatively new to Australia but has been around since ancient Polynesian times. The sport really

THE PRICE. Price is certainly dictated by quality. Reputable brands offer after sale service and carry a better resale value. They are also usually made with lighter materials which is a big deal when carrying a board to the water's edge.

injected a boost in the 2000’s when it was said a long flat spell in Hawaii caused a renaissance of ‘standing on a board’ so watermen and women could still make their way to outer reefs and source waves. It was around this time that SUP was introduced to Australia, and what seemed bizarre at the time is now quickly becoming as popular as traditional surfing.

If there was one reason why SUP is gaining so much traction is that it’s a very user friendly sport. Regardless of your experience on the water, anyone can pick up the required skills in no time. Unlike a bike (fall and

THE PADDLE. Once you have your board sorted the next piece of equipment you are looking at is your paddle. Budget plays a big factor here as the allure of light carbon paddles will also leave your back pocket a lot lighter. Adjustable paddles are a great option which allow you to adjust the height to each person in the family. It is best to speak with your local SUP shop who will guide you on the most suitable paddle for you. Once you choose your paddle they will cut the shaft to suit your height accordingly.

you eat dirt), the water allows a soft fall and a fun way to cool off!

Admittedly, the surfing side takes a little longer to

OTHER EQUIPMENT.

master, but is a great stepping stone from flat water

Legrope – a must if venturing into the ocean. Look for SUP specific

to something that is more challenging. Feeling the

Lifejacket – if you’re not a confident swimmer.

‘glide’ under your feet as you catch waves and small bumps (downwinding) is a magical feeling that quickly gets under your skin as you count down the days until you paddle again.

Hydration packs – So you can explore your local waterways and still carry water.

Fins – Like surfing, the more proficient you become, the more personalised you make the equipment.

Deckpad – if your board does not already have one.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN BOARDS. To give you an idea of what to look for in boards, look at the shape of a board. If it has more rocker (bottom curve) then it is going to be suited to waves (go slower in flat) but if it has a flat line through the rocker then it will be faster in the flat and not so good in the waves.

NAISH JAVELIN. If you intend on doing a few local events or joining a paddle group then a 12ft or 14ft board may more your style. Again you need to be stable and a width of around 28 inches is a great starting point. As a general rule of thumb, the longer a board the more stable it becomes. A Naish Javelin would be your choice.

This style of board offers more glide and less effort from your stroke.

10.6FT NAISH ALANA.

11FT ALANA INFLATABLE.

For women I generally suggest 9ft to 10ft board that is 30 inches wide to begin with. Something that is stable enough that you can build confidence on. Something like a 9.5ft or 10.6ft Naish Alana.

Naish design boards specifically for women that take into account our lighter frames by carrying less volume (lighter, easier to manage).

If storage is a problem for you then a 11ft Alana inflatable is perfect and can be pumped up before each use and folded up to fit in your boot.

These types of boards are great all round cruisers but easily adaptable to catching waves if that is your calling.

Inflatables are great choices if you travel a lot and want to explore parts of the world only accessible by water.

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NAISH HOKUA. If you have enjoyed surfing in the past and would like to try your hand at SUP surfing then a shorter board such as the Naish Hokua which offers more responsiveness on a wave is the way to go.

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Like a

VIRGIN WORDS BY EMMA FRANCIS

With a bit of blind optimism, we can all make it through the wilderness.

When I first sat down to write about losing

But that’s where any comparisons with first-

trail-runners. Given we are the preservers and

my “adventure virginity,” all the obvious

time bedroom shenanigans end. Because,

nurturers of society, this makes sense on a

metaphors sprang to mind; you know, stuff

unlike that awkward, fumbled, probably

biological level. But sometimes we become

about it being painful, messy, bloody, and

alcohol-infused rite of passage most of us

so fixated on what might go wrong, we talk

embarrassing.

would prefer to forget, the thrill of a new

ourselves out of trying.

Indeed, my own loss of innocence, adventure-

adventure, be it scaling the peaks of Nepal,

To succeed in adventure, we don’t need to

bombing down singletrack at Whistler, or just

lose our virginity at all – we need to restore

bobbing like a drowned rat in Bass Strait, is the

it (and not in the creepy surgical sense). We

scene of my shame was the now defunct Great

stuff of fond memories.

need to tap into the spirit of that toddler about

Ocean Adventure Race in Apollo Bay, Victoria.

Even if it leaves us flirting with death,

to stick a fork in the toaster, blissfully ignorant

In a desperate attempt to impress my date

bandaging banged-up knees, or nursing

of what might go wrong. Sure, mastering a

(who I can happily report is now my partner)

crushed egos.

new activity requires preparation, knowledge

I nonchalantly volunteered to do the 14km

The truth is, there is no such thing as virginity

ocean paddle leg as part of a team.

when it comes to adventure. The mere act of

I’d been paddling for all of four weeks.

being born is our first, most fraught, escapade,

wise, came about trying to impress a boy, and even resulted in me getting naked! The

and expert advice (I’d be out of a job otherwise), but it also requires a preparedness to fall, fail and flail like we did as kids.

and every subsequent milestone throughout

That’s the good stuff.

childhood – taking our first step; learning to

So next time you find yourself standing on

swim; riding a bike – adds to the catalogue.

the precipice of a new experience in the

no clue about wind or swell, but legend has

The trouble is, as we get older and wiser, and

great outdoors, savour the moment – that

it, it was blowing its tits off that day. To cut a

the attendant scrapes, bruises and emotional

long story short, I capsized about a kilometre

scars accumulate, we tend to become more

off shore, lost my paddle, and had to cling

risk averse. It’s called “knowing better” and it’s

essentially don’t know any better.

desperately to my kayak for a good ten minutes

both a gift and curse of aging; it keeps us alive,

Soon you will know better, and, like a long-

before I was spotted by the rescue boat. By

but snuffs out our desire to try new things.

term relationship, that’s when the hard work

the time I was ferried back to shore, I was

If we let it.

hypothermic, and was promptly stripped of

In my years as an adventure-sports coach, I

At the time, I was blissfully ignorant of the task at hand and paddled off with all the confidence of Karla Gilbert on steroids. I had

my wet clothing in front of the entire lifesaving club.

delicious moment when, despite all your careful preparation and head full of theory, you

begins.

have observed that women, in particular, like

Emma Francis is an adventure racing coach with Peak Adventure.

to have all the answers before they even know

See www.peakadventure.com.au

Painful? Yes. Messy? I guess so. Bloody?

what the questions are; they like to know the

for more details.

Thankfully not (although sharks were never far

worst-case scenario before they’ve so much

You can also read her blog at

from my mind). Embarrassing? Hell yeah!

as picked up a paddle or tied on a pair of

www.whoanellieblog.com

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BEACH BUMS CAFE FORSTER

MAIN

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#goodmorningforster

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ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHER

KRYSTAL WRIGHT

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When we first saw Krystal’s photography a collective gasp was sounded as our minds grappled with the reality of the precarious adventure taking place in the image. When we read that she was a woman on a continual quest to challenge herself and others mentally and physically, by capturing images which bring attention to the demanding adventures and landscapes that the public is rarely fortunate enough to be exposed to, we just knew we had to meet the woman behind the lens.

So Krystal, when you are not off on

photographer after seeing the folio of

the situation even if for only 1/1000th

an adventure, where can you be

Adam Pretty in a magazine. At the time

of a second. I think its important that I

found?

I was also incredibly passionate about

challenge myself constantly and it is a

For the past 4 years, I've been living

athletics and spent most of my time

rewarding feeling when my photography

as a nomad and you probably couldn't

training on the track though I always had

has the ability to engage with others or

find me anywhere since I would keep

a curiosity to get into rock climbing. I

resonate.

moving all the time. But earlier this year I

started exploring adventure sports in my

found myself floating around a lot which

spare time and over the years, I found

became frustrating as it was hard to

myself more drawn to adventure sports

find any grounding so I've decided to

rather than the main stream sports like

create a base out of the Sunshine Coast

rugby or cricket. In 2011, through a

since that is where I grew up and after

chain of events I decided to make the

spending so much time away from home,

switch and become a full time adventure

I've really begun to appreciate what an

photographer.

awesome location I was able to grow up in.

You recently documented the 800km trek of National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Sarah Marquis, what did you learn about yourself from capturing her story?

Sarah is an incredible women and it was so inspiring to spend time with someone who had been doing these type of

Do you have a preferred personal

adventures for over 20 years. She is the

adventure style? (climbing, trekking

real deal and there is not an ounce of

Have you always had an

etc?)

arrogance about her. She is grounded

adventurous streak?

I love it all which is why I am an adventure

and we talked about everything during

Definitely! Even as a kid, my brother,

photographer rather than just a surf

sister and I would continuously find ways to explore our surroundings whether it was at home in the surrounding paddocks and bush or on camping trips to Double Island Point, I would love exploring up through the rocks and sand dunes behind our campsite. When I began my first trips overseas, I was instantly hooked though I didn't take off

photographer or a ski photographer. I choose to be an adventure photographer as I love shooting multiple sports as it always keeps me on my toes. I do have an extra love for skiing, freediving, rock climbing and mountaineering and next year, I'm finally going to make time and become a paraglider as well.

my time with her. I know that I never want to become complacent as that is when accidents happen but I was surprised on how ignorant I was of the little details.

For example, there was one day where my feet became soaked as we crossed a swamp and I tried to shake the situation off and say that I would be fine hiking for the rest of the day. Sarah advised me not too as it would only lead to injuries

straight away. I wanted to establish myself

What is it about the medium of

such as blisters and trench foot. I happily

first in Australia though each year, the

photography you love?

took her advice and we stopped for a

number of trips grew and I appreciated

Photography is how I can connect with

break to let my feet dry off properly. In

evolving into this lifestyle rather than just

the world. I love the art of story telling

the outback, it is so crucial to be aware of

jumping in the deep end.

and I know the best way for me to

every fine detail as any problems can lead

communicate with others is through a

to trouble and help is a long way away.

visual way and particularly photography.

I just really appreciated spending time

In my own life I do encounter many

with another strong woman and as much

situations that are complicated and

as we try to be independent, it's also

layered and I thrive in this environment

important to find support and surround

as through photography, I want to solve

ourselves with like minded people.

Congratulations on winning the 2015 AIPP Sport Photographer of the Year, how did you first get into Adventure Photography?

At first, I just wanted to be a sports

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“MY BIGGEST FEAR IN LIFE IS REGRET. I FOLLOW MY CURIOSITY, MY INSTINCT AS IT TELLS ME TO GO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. THERE’S AN INSATIABLE DESIRE IN ME TO EXPLORE WITH A CAMERA IN HAND. TO TRY AND CAPTURE A FLEETING MOMENT THAT ENCAPSULATES THE SOUL OF THE PLACE. AS AN ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHER IT IS A LIFESTYLE THAT I LIVE AND BREATH, THOUGH PERHAPS IT’S ALSO A MIXTURE OF PASSION AND OBSESSION.” - KRYSTAL WRIGHT

'To The Ends Of The Earth' Cannon Australia

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ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHER

KRYSTAL WRIGHT

What were some of the highlights from

which is a village only a short distance away

into environmentally sensitive areas with

that experience?

from the Afghanistan border. It wasn't so much

little or no respect for the consequences.

I've always wanted to go to The Kimberley's!

a feeling of danger but we certainly didn't feel

Do you have any thoughts you’d like to

As soon as this opportunity came up, I was

welcomed there. It was a gut feeling telling us

share about this phenomena?

over the moon that not only was I going to

we needed to move on which we did a couple

The level of narcissism is just frightening. Its

the unique region, I was going deep into

days later. When I had my accident at the

even more strange when people pretend

outback where hardly a soul has ever been

end of the trip, it was case of what happens

to be something they are not just to get

before. There were a few camp sites we chose

when things suddenly go wrong. Perhaps

more "likes" online. If anything, I just feel

where we could look out over the landscape

we could've decided to not fly due to the

disappointed and sad for those people who

and even though civilisation wasn't too far

changing conditions but through a series of

think it is okay to put themselves at a high

away, we were cut off from the world and it

mistakes, we suffered a heavy accident. And

felt amazing. I also never thought I would

that is going to be the result sometimes in a

learn more about the outback then I had from

high risk environment but I do whatever I can

Sarah as she is natively Swiss. I was taught that

to be aware of my situation and those around

week on what bush tucker I could eat and my

me. I know there's a chance I could be hurt

favourite was these old grub nests that tasted

again or worse but like any adventurer, we

like cotton candy.

train and educate ourselves so we can make

Have you ever felt in danger when you

the right decisions.

risk or head into environmentally sensitive areas. My advice to others is learn how to disconnect. There are many good things to come from social media such as staying in touch with friends and family easier but I also see people glued to their phones every waking moment. I love trips where there is no phone signal and I can turn my phone off and head into the wild. Its such a wonderful feeling

are out on assignment?

We are seeing a huge rise on social

to disconnect and return to being present in

There is a lot of risk to what I do though its

media of ‘the perfect adventurous profile

the moment. As for a profile picture, the best

very rare that I feel that I am in danger. In

picture’, with some people taking huge

ones are where friends and family can see you

northern Pakistan when we arrived in Booni

risks to ‘get the shot’, and many heading

happy in life so a simple picture of you smiling

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will win every time compared to the photo of you trying to show off or trying to hard to look good.

Just a bit of common sense!!!

With stories like Cheryl Strayed’s Wild making big waves, we are seeing more & more women get involved with active adventure, what do you think is the appeal?

I believe the appeal is that more women are releasing that it doesn't matter who you are, anyone can get involved in adventure. I think there are many who fall fear to intimidation and think that if they aren't climbing 8000m peaks or surfing 20ft waves then they don't belong. But women like Cheryl show us a vulnerable story where others can connect with her. She doesn't place herself on a pedestal as an elite athlete, instead we see a woman embarking on a quest that is overwhelming at times but through a mix of stubbornness and perseverance, we see her success and her story resonates with so may of us.

If you only had to pick 3 of your top experiences from your career, what are they & why?

I want to choose a 3 experiences that may not necessarily be the top experiences but moments that resonated with me from the big catalyst to the small moments that may not have any

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importance with others but moments that were so special to me.

It might sound strange but I am so thankful of the paragliding accident I survived in northern Pakistan. It certainly wasn't fun being injured but the accident became the catalyst in a chain of events that altered the direction of my life. The relationship I was in had been stale for sometime and it wasn't great but I fail to acknowledge it and fell into that daily routine. He told me that I had deserved to be hurt in that accident and didn't want to help me when I needed to get to the physio appointments as he would be bored.

So I ended the relationship and it was the best thing feeling of knowing everything I would never put up with again. I also fell out of love with the work I was doing for the newspapers as that has also become stale and decided that it was time to pack up and simply take the gamble in becoming a full time adventure photographer. Which also gave me the courage to leave Sydney and place all my belongings into a shipping container and take off on my global quest.

I love the small moments in life that I can hold close to my heart. Back in 2013, I was apart of a 2 month kayaking expedition with 3 other ladies as we traveled the length of the Amur River which

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“I CHOOSE THIS LIFESTYLE AS I COULDN’T THINK OF ANYTHING WORSE THAN SITTING ON A COUCH AND WONDERING ‘WHAT IF’. SOMETIMES I DO PUSH MYSELF, BUT IT’S NOT UNTIL I AM IN THE MOMENT AND JUDGE WHAT I AM WILLING TO DO AND WHAT FEELS RIGHT.” - KRYSTAL WRIGHT

began at the headwaters of the Oman River in Mongolia. One day at the Ulaan Ude in Siberia, we had to kill about 5+ hours at the train station and because everything was in Russian, we were paranoid we would miss our train and it was my turn to walk down to the platform and try to ask someone who spoke English. I met this train conductor who not only assured me I had not missed my train in very broken Russian, he proceeded to pull out a chair and his accordion and played us a tune. He then offered us the best tasting apple and he gave me a small compass so that I would not lose my way again. It's these sweet

spontaneous moments that make me fall in love with traveling.

For a short time, I was working as a guide on a ship that would travel to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

During one visit to Golden Harbour where you can see over 100000 pairs of King Penguins and Elephant Seals, I had one a awesome wildlife encounter. It would seem that a baby elephant seal loves the colour red. At first the seal tries to suck on my dry bag and I move away though the seal continues to follow me and I give up. They are like a big fat sausage

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with the biggest roundest eyes! The seal then hugs my legs and begins to tug on my jacket. It was such a wonderful experience to interact with the baby elephant seal as it was instigated by the seal and not myself. A lot of people fail to have the patience and let the wildlife interact with them rather than forcing the interaction on them. Plus baby elephant seals are some of the most adorable animals you could lay your eyes on!

Do you have a bucket list of must capture adventures? What are they?

My list never ends and its difficult to name a

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KRYSTAL WRIGHT’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR ASPIRING ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHERS. 1 To be patient! It is never an overnight success story and it takes many years of hard work and perseverance. For me, I actually enjoyed the journey, even with all the ups and downs because I know its taught me to be what I am today.

2 I was reminded by a mentor of mine to remember to always have fun and if I'm not having fun, then I need to ask why am I really there? There was one trip many years ago that I found myself not having fun, and I realised that I had to end the trip and move on as sometimes it simply doesn't work out and its okay for that to happen.

ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHER

3 I'd say developing a tough skin is beneficial as I've seen young photographers get way too upset when their work is criticised or rejected. Ultimately, your work won't be received by everyone.

Particularly when it comes time to approaching editors, rather than take it as rejection when they've said no to my submission, instead I take it as motivation to go out there and shoot again.

I then return with a new submission and keep working at it until I find a way into the magazine.

KRYSTAL WRIGHT few adventures on my bucket list. But for the sake of naming a few adventures, I would love to return Mongolia and explore the Altai Mountains, sail and ski new lines in the Aleutian Islands, paraglide across Morocco and well, I need to keep a few secrets up my sleeves!

What are your favourite words to live by?

There are a few sayings that resonate with me at different times though I am adamant by the words 'Live with No Regret." I can't think of anything worse than sitting on the couch in 5 or 10 years time and asking myself, 'What If?' I want to live a life that pushes me and more importantly educates me about who I am and my surroundings. And one day that I find myself sitting on that metaphorical couch, I say to myself, holy hell that was a ride.

4 Aside from spending time on your photography and developing a folio, its also important to be spending time developing the other skills needed to shoot certain sports. For example, if you wish to shoot rock climbing then developing rope skills is essential! Or shooting skiing obviously requires yourself to be a skier but to also develop skills in keeping yourself safe in the mountains.

5 Never lose sight of what your intentions are.

As a photographer, the journey is never straight and its easy to fall off the path many times but as a freelancer, its necessary to be able to be many things. However, as long as you always come back to why you are a photographer and shooting images that resonate with you and most importantly, work that makes you proud!

Sometimes our passion doesn't always generate work that pays the bills but its important for our creativity to always make time to pursue a personal passion project.

If you would like to see more of Krystal's amazing photography, check her out on Instagram @krystlejwright

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MEET THE

TRAIL BEYOND TEAM Donna Urquhart AGE: 41

Olga Poberezovska

Anne Ziogos

AGE: 41 When not on the trails, Caroline juggles being a mum to 3 year old Kynan and 16 year old Chloe, a foster carer with husband Brian, 24/7 gym owner, vegan, and keen traveller! Caroline’s greatest experiences have been exploring new places and meeting incredible people along the way.

When not on the trails, Donna can be found spending time with her husband Rhys and 3 year old son Maxi, pursuing her career as a female research fellow/scientist, and brainstorming potential future projects to help other women achieve the seemingly impossible.

When Olga isn’t carving up the trails, she can be found working her high-paced job as a helicopter pilot and following her passion for adventure and travel, periodically heading off to complete kilometres of unsupported solo travel.

When not out running, Anne is a devoted wife and mother of two adult children, and is an inspirational primary school teacher. Having trained in special education, Anne has also worked with special needs students from the ages of 5 to 18 years.

Caroline Pivetta

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AGE: 32

AGE: 59

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WHAT IS THE TRAIL BEYOND:

4 WOMEN, 4 ULTRA MARATHONS, 4 MONTHS “The Trail Beyond – 4 Women, 4 Ultra marathons, 4 Months” is an ultra-running expedition in which 4 Australian women will strive to complete the 4 toughest ultramarathons in the Asia-Pacific region in just 4 months.

If successful, this will be a world first. One of these ultra-marathons alone is considered a test of survival for highly-trained, elite athletes.

However, these women are not elite. They are everyday women, aged between 30 and 60, who are working to support themselves and their children and deal with the challenges of daily life.

weeks, while at the same time working and

you have approached competing in

caring for family, has been a huge mental and

the events? Absolutely! In fact the whole

physical challenge.

project has changed our approach to the

What have been some of the big

events. We actually rocked up to our first

personal hurdles you ladies have faced

event quite exhausted. The 6-8 months

in this journey so far? We have each

leading into Run Larapinta was intense

A documentary film crew will capture their life-changing journey from the initial training and juggling of family life and work, through their attempts to complete each gruelling event and recover for the next one, and finally to the celebrations and heartbreak at the

physical injuries and major work issues. I

dealt with some major hurdles over the past months, from family tragedy to significant personally have been blown away by each person’s capacity to cope with adversity

and hard work. We had to focus to make the project happen in short space of time and this involved co-ordinating a myriad of activities, from deciding on an event

and move forward. Anne left me speechless

schedule, building a website and social

after she was forced to withdraw from our

media platform to interviewing and selecting

second event due to an ongoing knee

a film crew.

completion of the project.

injury. While she spoke to me about her disappointment, she then went on to talk

How have you juggled your work life

We caught up with Donna Urquhart to find out more.

How did The Trail Beyond begin?

The Trail Beyond began in early 2014.

After a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and another friend passed away suddenly, I was left numb. As the numbness started to fade, I was left with an overwhelming drive to get out there and make a difference. So I spent the next 12 months exploring numerous options to combine my passion for adventure/ ultra-running with a drive to help other women achieve their goals. In the end I found 3 amazing women who shared the same passions and wanted to join forces to develop and support the TTB initiative.

What are the 4 ultra-marathons that you have/will run? What makes them so tough? To date we have completed 2 of the 4 ultras; Run Larapinta, a 4 day stage race in Alice Springs, and the 110km Shinetsu Five Mountain Trail in Japan. We are currently in Hong Kong to run the Lantau 70km ultra and next month we will attempt The Ancient Khmer Path, a 220km 6 day stage event in Cambodia. What makes this adventure tough is the tight time frame. Trying to recover and prepare for the next event within 3-5

about her preparation for our next ultra – in just 4 weeks.

We hear so often from women, comments where the statements ‘I just …’ or comparative statements towards women we assume are faster, stronger,

certainly been a massive challenge to keep our usual busy lives ticking along while undertaking this project. To be honest there have been some hard times. Times where we wanted to bail out. However, we have

braver, more adventurous etc. than

persevered and kept pushing forward. I

ourselves, limit where and how we

honestly believe that perseverance is the

see ourselves as participators in active

core to achieving amazing things and that

pursuits; How are you hoping The Trail

this where people often go wrong. They

Beyond might begin to change that

have a novel, exciting idea but when things

conversation?At The Trail Beyond we want

get tough they question the idea, lose

to change this conversation. We want to

momentum and shift away.

show others that we are everyday women, not elite athletes, who are juggling jobs

What is next for the Trail Beyond?

and families and at the same time having

When our 4 ultras are over, the next two key

a go and striving for our goals. We hope

phases of this project will begin. We will

that who we are and what we are trying

be working with our director, Cassie, and

to achieve resonates with other women

a production house to produce a feature-

and in turn empowers them to take a step

length documentary, along with preparing

forward towards their own goals. We want

to launch the first Women’s Adventure

our journey to highlight that while we

Film Festival which will showcase The Trail

may/may not achieve our goals, we have already succeeded through the amazing experiences, friendships, and opportunities

Beyond documentary and a selection of women’s adventure films.

we have had along the way.

For more info head to their website:

Has having a film crew follow you on

www.thetrailbeyond.org

this adventure affected you or the way

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balance throughout this project? It has

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CASSIE Film DEMaker COLLING INTERVIEW BY AMY HEAGUE

Meet the film maker capturing the story behind The Trail Beyond. Cassie’s career began filming extreme sports events and chasing Dolphins and Killerwhales for the BBC Natural World series six years ago. Working in remote areas and across diverse environments Cassie quickly learned how to be resourceful and what it takes to create great content. She has recently been commisioned to to produce and direct The Trail Beyond – Feature Documentary. We caught up with her to find out more.

Cassie, tell us a little bit about your film background.

In our travels to Japan we met up with world-class freediver Ai

What are some of the projects you have worked on in

Futaki. Ai and I had a chance to catch up and we are brewing

the past? What are some of your career highlights so

up a new filming collaboration for next year which will present

far? After I finished film school I was determined to follow a

a whole new variety of adventures to come.

career in Natural History and Adventure filmmaking. I worked hard to get involved in projects that would allow me to travel, meet interesting people and have unique experiences. My

So far, what have been some of the major hurdles you have faced on location for this project? Can you imagine filming four women, over four months, running four

first job was as a sound recordist for a BBC Natural History program in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Working alongside an incredible group of filmmakers and scientists, I quickly

ultra-marathons? Each of those three factors presents its own intricate challenges. If I am not organising overseas logistics and film crews, following my daughters’ health back home

learnt that this was going to be the path I would pursue,

and involving myself with their lives, I would have to say the

and this realisation lead onto more Natural History projects,

biggest hurdle is working within our tight timeframe. Beyond

adventure films and documentaries around the world.

the mix of logistics and shoots I also have to invest time into

Throughout my career the highlights have been the

the story development.

experiences that are not determined by the big names, exotic

What have been some of the highlights? Both the trips

locations and fancy budgets. But by the people I have had

for Larapinta and Japan were incredible. I think the highlight

the opportunity to work with.

has been just seeing all the people that flock to these ultra marathon events. I have never seen anything like it before.

What is it that you love about the medium of film?

Ironically I love all the hard work that goes into it. It’s not just

There are people that travel across the world to run an event.

picking up a camera and shooting. You need to understand

When you are not behind the camera & producing

the depth of what your subject is and how you are going to

films, where can you be found? If I am not behind the

create a story.

camera (which is most of the time!), I will be down on the south coast of Victoria chasing waves with my girlfriends; or

What is it about The Trail Beyond that has sparked

dancing out-of-time to funk music at three in the morning in

your inner artist? As a filmmaker the ability to capture our journey fuels all sorts of creative ideas. I can’t elaborate upon

Melbourne.

my ‘inner artist’. As a story teller my job is to create emotion

What are your favourite words to live by? One I use

and story to carry the viewer through our journey of this film.

regularly is "There are never any problems, only challenges."

Has working on this project inspired your inner

But aside from that I think my mantra would be “Believe in

adventuress? Yes, having the ability to travel and meet new

yourself, and remember that risks can lead to opportunity - so

people through work is something that always inspires me.

why not take them.”

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Active Mums

ACTIVE KIDS INTRODUCTION BY HEATHER JAMES: FROM INSPIRING MUMS

Why Are Active Communities So Important In Motherhood?

From the moment you conceive, motherhood takes you on an incredible journey, preparing your body and mind for the amazing path ahead. You’ll experience physical and mental changes felt for months, even years.

Instinctively, we manage our motherhood changes by seeking out and turning to other mothers. Why? Because we don’t want to feel alone.

We are naturally drawn to communities of people who are relatable, who resonate with us and are likely to be in a similar life stage. Active mum groups provide support,

friendship, knowledge, experience and, of course, fun. Even better, technology has enabled us to be more connected than ever and make it easy for us to connect with a broad range of groups we might never have known about, both online and outdoors.

When Women Support Each Other, Incredible Things Happen For new mums, participating in active communities encourages healthy living, community connections and an powerful focus on active lifestyles. Groups you might consider when looking for a new, pre- or post-baby community could include groups for surfing mums, running mums or outdoor

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adventure mums. There are so many to choose from!

These groups connect you with other mothers who enjoy the same activities you love, while having a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Think about who is watching and the example you are setting for them – your children. An active lifestyle, filled with fun new experiences, the outdoors and positive interaction with other people provides a wonderful example for your children, and deepens your own overall life experience. It’s good for everyone!

The Richness of Life Comes From Experiences – Not Things

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GET CONNECTED. Surfing Mums Surfing Mums is a not-for-profit association that supports a network of mums (and dads) who meet at the beach or park to alternate childcare duties, enabling parents to enjoy some time in the surf. Surfing Mums was founded in 2008 by two mothers in Byron Bay. After meeting up regularly to mind each other’s children while the other surfed, they decided that this partnership could benefit mums around the country.

They now have 34 groups around the coast of Australia with over 350 members and 500 children. surfingmums.com

Running Mums Australia Running Mums Australia is an Australian wide running community for women and mums who love to run.

Our aim is to inspire, equip and encourage women to run. What started as a simple idea to start a group on Facebook where running mums from all over Australia can share their running achievements and struggles and goals and ups and downs has now turned into hundreds of members that are part of an amazing running community. Instead of being criticised for putting posts up on Facebook about running, it is a place where it is encouraged and enjoyed. www.runningmumsaustralia.com.au

Outdoor Adventure Mums

Life is about experiencing the world. We want you to go out and experience, enjoy, embrace and embody it.

Go out and find an active community that resonates with you, your soul and your passion. By connecting with the communities that you can relate to, you will never feel alone on your motherhood journey. You will have access to an incredible support network of like-minded mothers to help you when things get challenging. Do what makes you happy and set a positive example for your children who already aspire to be like their mum. YOU!

Outdoor Adventure Mums is a group established in Port Stephens, NSW Australia. Outdoor Adventure Mums is there to inspire you, whereever you are right now whether you are a working mum, stay at home mum, new mum, mum with grown kids - to get yourself and your kids into the great outdoors. Challenge yourself and remember how strong you really are; build confidence in your kids by allowing them to test themselves. Live again! Outdoor Adventure Mums want to smash the stereotype and tell you that just because you have children doesn't mean you can't have adventure in your life...in fact when you remember that your children are watching and you are their compass in life, may it drive you to MAKE SURE you always find time for a little adventure.

Now, go out and get active!

www.facebook.com/outdooradventuremums

P.S. We want to be part of your journey, so don’t forget to share your photos and videos by tagging us #travelplaylive on social media so we can be inspired and you in your turn can inspire others.

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Meet Carla Wilson, President of Surfing Mums Inc., mum of three, and lover of the surf. We caught up with her recently to find out more about the Surfing Mums community.

s m u g M n i f r u S

Why do you believe that a group like

like-minded parents in the community, providing

of motherhood. Other times I feel like I’m caught

Surfing Mums is important?

tremendous support and the opportunity to

in a rip, and struggling to surface through the

Surfing Mums provides a community and

swap child minding with surfing.

meltdowns and sibling tensions. What I have

network for mums around a common interest;

Surfing Mums also sets a wonderful example to

learnt is that I need to be calm, knees bent and

enabling them to get active, outdoors, and

children; a healthy lifestyle that is about getting

expect the unexpected as I teach, encourage

have fun without having to arrange alternative

outdoors, doing exercise that you enjoy and

and comfort my children.

childcare.

doing it with your friends.

Surfing has taught me many lessons that are

Motherhood is can be demanding and

As a mum yourself, how has surfing helped

of significance throughout every aspect of my

exhausting, with little time to exercise; let alone

you navigate parenthood?

life and more importantly that I can teach to

to do exercise that you are passionate about and

Parenthood in many ways is like surfing. There

my three children. Surfing teaches me to be

enjoy. Surfing Mums allows mothers to continue

are times when I feel like I’m in calm water, in

forgiving, patient with myself and willing to let

surfing after having children. It brings together

control and enjoying all the wonderful aspects

go. There were many times when I was learning

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when I thought it was “too hard” or when I felt

and build an even stronger Surfing Mums

like giving up. These are great lessons I can

community across Australia.

pass on to my children, and when something

When you are not in the water, what can

is challenging or when they are faced with an

you be found doing?

intimidating situation I often explain it to them

Being mum of three girls, managing Surfing

through surfing.

Mums Inc, catching up with friends or going

What have been some Surfing Mums

to the gym keeps me busy when I’m not in the

highlights?

water! On weekends I love spending time with

Almost every week is a highlight as I see mums

my family, whether it is for a swim, snorkel, bike

return from the water, happier, more motivated

ride or adventure!

and further challenged as a surfer as well as a

What would you say to women out there

mother. Mothers join us all around the country,

who are considering giving surfing a go?

some have wanted to surf their whole lives, but

Surfing will be one of the most challenging,

have never had the opportunity. I see these

but also one of the most rewarding things you

mums come with their babies and toddlers, and

will ever do. It’s important to have some surf

progress from catching whitewash waves on

lessons so that you have an understanding of

their belly, to confidently standing up and riding

the conditions, surf etiquette, the right waves to

waves. It’s a joy to watch mums take on a new

catch and how to catch them; and receive some

challenge in life, and accomplish so much!

tips about the right board and wetsuit. Then

Other highlights have been our Annual

give it a go! Surfing is not only about standing

Getaways and AGM’s where mums (and their

up; there is so much to learn, and the best way

families) meet for a weekend packed with

to learn it is to go out regularly. Enjoy it and find

coaching, workshops and other surf-related

others to enjoy it with you!

activities. During these weekends members

What are your favourite words to live by?

make long-lasting friendships with other mums

Seek and you shall find.

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s e v a w Making

GENERATIONAL

We first met the Gillette girls at the 2014 Jeff Wilcox Memorial Bodyboarding Competition. Seeing the supportive community of women involved in the event was so encouraging. They were a close knit crew, who cheered each other on and took time to speak with the mini grom'ettes' and girls boldly dipping their toe in the world of bodyboarding. Seeing this family of women taking to the waves was an inspiration, so we decided to catch up with mum Shauna to find out a little more.

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INTERVIEW BY AMY HEAGUE

family tradition/hobby for my family to be involved. I'm lucky that my husband, daughters and son also surf, so we are always an instant crowd when we turn up! Especially now, as our daughters have ring-in friends and partners who show up whenever it's pumping. Surfing is a sport where we can have non-stop enjoyment and is also unpredictable. There are endless proud moments when we're paddling out watching our kids on waves, followed by the adrenalin-filled moments of pushing them onto a wave where we just know they’re going to get smashed!

When you are not in the water, where can we find you? As I’m principal of a school for students with behaviour disorders and emotional disturbances, surfing is a great way to relax after a busy week with the added benefit of enjoying time with our family.

What would you say to other mums and daughters who might be considering Where are you gals located? Just outside of Newcastle near Catherine Hill Bay, where we are a part of the Newcastle Bodyboard Club.

How long have you been a part of the sport and what are some of your achievements? I started when I was around 15 or 16 with my best friend, on a BZ Ben Ceverson board. Being able to bodyboard with my best friend was an amazing teenage memory and we always pushed each other and encouraged each other in the male dominant sport. In 1996 I competed in three world tour events in Japan, winning back-to-back Australian National Championships in 96 and 97. In 1998 when my twin daughters were about 3 months old, I competed in the NSW state titles and won. This year I was competing against some old rivals, winning a national title against Britt-Marie Ladley and France Hazar.

Your 17 year old twin daughters Sam & Teigan are also involved in bodyboarding, tell us a little bit about their achievements.

In 2014 Teigan won both State rounds and Sam took out overall national champ. This year, 2015, Sam won both State rounds and Teigan took out overall national champ. Both girls in 2014 and 2015 competed in the Jeff Wilcox memorial, with Sam placed in the finals where they both surfed exceptionally well against the older, more experienced and technical riders such as Emma Cobb and Jane Keel.

As a mum, how do you feel the sport represents women and young girls and what, if anything, could be done to improve the representation of women in competitive bodyboarding? Although there is limited representation in the media, bodyboarding has a great feminine image on the beach. It contains great physical fitness and can be enjoyed by anyone at any age and ability.

One only needs to look at Eve Albury, Karen Richardson and long-time legend France Hazar to see that we can still be ripping no matter how many years have gone by.

giving bodyboarding a go? I’d definitely

More media coverage, acknowledgement and positive promotion would help greatly and certainly encourage girls to be more motivated. It’s been great to see companies like Science, Gyroll, Viper, D5Bodyboardshop getting behind us girls and promoting the sport, especially Gyroll who have pushed the production of womens' bodyboard wetsuits.

My girls are currently trialling out samples for future production not just in the Australian company but internationally as well. It’s great to see the likes of Lily Pollard doing female focused coaching, surf clinics and trips to help boost confidence and build a community for the girls to get involved in.

Where to next for the Gillet women?

Has bodyboarding and being out in the waves together had a positive affect on you all as a family? How? I grew up surfing with my father and siblings so it was a natural

whether you can do all the tricks or just one or

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encourage it, and absolutely recommend not pushing your children/teenagers too much outside their comfort zone. Ensure that they feel supported and comfortable, so that they can experience the positive and fun feeling of riding waves, whether one foot high or five feet high.

Surfing is an excellent healthy lifestyle choice that can help bring mothers and daughters closer together in a different way – where everyone benefits. The most important thing is that your daughters always know that mum has priority in the surf!!

I hope I will still be surfing when I am a really old woman, at a time when the girls are still out there and enjoying it and possibly passing it on to their own children. For me, I am enjoying competing again for the social side of it with old friends. For the girls, hopefully they will keep competing as well as studying for their careers but also they will follow wherever the water takes them. We hope more girls will discover the joys of surfing to help keep competitions alive, joining local clubs to bring a bigger sense of community. A club is one of the best and most welcoming places to start. To all women out there ... it doesn't matter how you ride a wave, two or even no tricks at all, as long as you’re out there enjoying yourself it will be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have.

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KAYAKING for CHANGE When you read a byline like “World adventurer and educator circumnavigating Oz for education” in a kayak solo no less, one can’t help but be curious about the woman behind the headline. So we tracked down Teresa Diehl to find out more about her inspiring kayaking adventure.

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INTERVIEW BY AMY HEAGUE

When you are not out in the Kayak, where

What is the plan? How far have you

the rudder is giving off a slight vibration they

can we find you? SCUBA diving, hiking,

travelled so far and how far have you got

check it out with their teeth or sometimes give

biking, reading, Yoga and just recently SUP

to go? I do not want to circumnavigate Australia

the kayak a nudge underneath. I have a high

Yoga, doing something fun and laughing with

just to circumnavigate Australia. I want to make

degree of respect for large predators and I am

my friends or family. But my very favourite place

a difference. In sharing what I am doing, I have

certainly going to be bracing rather than rolling

to be is inspiring students to achieve more than

found it inspires just about everybody to at least

my kayak when they are in the area. However,

they ever thought they could!

consider doing something they did not think

the biologist in me is like a kid in a lolly store

they could do. I have a goal-setting program I

when wild animals interact with me. Just like

deliver as I travel, in which I use my expedition

domestic animals, they all have personalities,

as an example of what one can accomplish by

idiosyncrasies, and absolute magnificence. The

setting goals. I can deliver it to any age group,

highest high for me is seeing and interacting

and I have never once finished my program

with wild animals in their own environment. It

because the students get so excited asking

is an absolute privilege to be graced with their

questions and setting goals!

presence. Perhaps because I possess awe and

I have travelled a whopping 500km so far! While

respect for all creatures, they sense this and

it was quite discouraging at first, all the obstacles

approach me without fear.

I have overcome have given me an arsenal of

What do you hope to achieve through this

Have you always been a kayaker? No, I started training for sea kayaking when I decided to circumnavigate Australia four years ago. It is part of my repertoire of comebacks for the infinite reasons everyone makes up about why they cannot do what they wish to achieve. Not knowing how you are going to do it is easily overcome, LEARN! What is the attraction to Australia and the ocean? I have always wanted to live in Australia deep into my earliest memories. I grew up around four fishing lakes and my brother and I would go out and catch frogs, toads, fish, snakes, and be around a multitude of other wildlife such as deer, bobcats, cougars, and bears. Australia has the some of most unique and spectacular wildlife in the world and warm oceans! People and animals seem to spontaneously come right up and interact with me.

Although I grew up inland, my heart always called me to the ocean. I love everything about the sea. I love being in it, on it, around it, listening to the waves lapping the shore or lapping whatever craft I am in on it. A peace descends when I am in the ocean and complete elation comes over me when its creatures approach.

What was the inspiration to

responses to “reasons” why someone cannot reach any goal they desire to achieve.

journey? If I had a say in it, every 18 year old would be required to enrol in university, enlist

What have been some of the biggest

in the military, or do overseas volunteer work

obstacles to this journey? When I arrived at

for at least two years. I think it is so important for

Magnetic Island Queensland after conquering

young people in Western society to experience

30 knot headwinds for six hours, I found my front

and witness firsthand how the majority of the

compartment nearly completely inundated with

world’s population live. I also believe that

water. So much for $1,000 worth of electrical

an educated populace is a requirement for a

equipment!

successful society and democracy. If our youth

What have been some of the highlights?

spent the time they spend in front of the TV,

The best highlight has got to be my final

educating themselves, contributing to society,

paddle from Townsville to Magnetic Island to

or becoming involved in what our elected

put my first kayak PlatypusYank, into indefinite

officials are actually doing and holding them

storage. (I have been told if you modify 10% or

accountable, can you imagine the changes

more of a boat, it is your design and you can

in our communities? What if people actually

call the model whatever you want. I modified

treated others like they would like to be treated?

well over 50% of that kayak so it is an original

The possibilities are limitless.

PlatypusYank.) I was feeling a little morose as

How do you stay mentally strong when

this was my first kayak and I had put so much of myself into it. I was certainly not in a hurry

you are out there in the ocean alone? I am sure the rough times on the ocean will come,

circumnavigate Australia solo in your

and I was enjoying the changing colours of the

kayak? In Trinity Beach, just north of Cairns, I

sky as the sun was setting…BAM! My kayak

met a character named Mel Patterson. He was

was knocked hard and I turned around to see

sitting next to his open canoe. A canoe, mind

my stainless steel rudder flipping in the air and

you, not a kayak. I walked up to him and said,

a huge splash behind me. I was elated! My

“G’Day, mate. Where are you from?” He replied

PlatypusYank was officially christened by a Tiger

in his beautiful Aussie accent, “Oh, I just came

Shark on its last paddle. It may sound silly that

from Darwin, and I am heading for Sydney,” and

I was excited about being hit by a shark, but I

gave me a warm inviting smile. I ran home, got

have talked to numerous kayakers who have

some tea and bikkies, a notepad, and ran back

been hit by sharks, done my homework, and I

to the beach. We talked for three hours and I

go by the motto “Sharks make mistakes, too.”

decided this would be a great way to revisit

They are curious and will check out something

Take the Road Less Travelled.

the Whitsundays. By the time my Permanent

in their territory. For the most part, they swim

To find out more about Teresa and what

Residency was bestowed upon me a year later, it

by, see a 5.5 metre kayak is nothing to eat and

she is up to now, head over to her website.

had turned into circumnavigating Australia.

are on their way. When the water is murky and

www.platypusyank.com

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but so far it has been absolute heaven. Even in the three to four metre swells from all directions, in whiteout conditions, where all there was to do was keep the kayak upright and paddle, that is what I did. I have a great ability to assess a situation, quickly determine the best course of action, and execute. I also learn from mistakes and learn from others’ mistakes. I see no reason to reinvent the wheel.

What are your favourite words to live by?

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PRACTICAL TIPS FOR

SUMMER TIME Walking

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Summer is here and the period of hibernation is well and truly over. It’s time for exploring rock pools, hidden waterfalls and forested trails. Before you head out on your next micro adventure this summer, check out these practical tips for walking in the heat.

WORDS BY ANTHI EMMANOUIL-PLAYNE FROM 50 DAYS

1 PLAN

I can never say enough about planning. I’m a foot-loose-fancy-free-spontaneous- lady, but I also like to know that I’m going to be safe whilst enjoying or challenging myself. If you are looking for somewhere new to explore or are not familiar with the area, most of the following information can be accessed online or through phoning the relevant Parks management in your state. Being prepared can save you a lot of trouble and discomfort when you’re out there How much distance do you plan to cover and is it realistic in the heat?

If you’re just getting into day walking and you’re not sure how far you can cover in a day, my suggestion is take it easy.

Check the weather This goes without saying, but it helps to know what to expect throughout the day and bringing the right clothes and amount of water. The optimum temperature conditions for day walking are roughly between 14° and 24°. On many summer walks in Australia, people are exposed at some point to temperatures above this range Is there drinkable water available along the track?

Know where your water sources are for replenishing drinking water.

Are there amenities where you are going?

If not, bring a trowel and toilet paper. Please don’t litter the area with just leaving toilet paper lying around. The animals don’t appreciate it and neither do fellow walkers.

What is the likelihood of bushfires in the area?

Check the local ABC or fire authority sites for updates on prescribed burns and potential bushfire activity. Know your access points and escape routes in case of bushfires, which can also start through lightning storms. It is best to err on the side of caution and either postpone your trip or find another area to walk.

2 WALK WITH FRIENDS

Enjoy your time in nature with a couple of friends. Not only can you share your appreciation of the great outdoors and create memories, they can be great for getting you out of tricky situations. Otherwise, let someone know before you go and how long you expect to be away.

3 COVER UP

The usual suspects include: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a shirt. Synthetic shirts dry quicker than cotton, should they become wet from sweat. Light merino t-shirts can also be another option as they offer a higher UPF rating than cotton and can keep you warmer if your chosen route ends in early evening. Either way, choose what is most suitable for the conditions of the day and terrain.

4 KEEP HYDRATED

Keeping well hydrated is a key factor in enjoying your day. A great tip is to drink well the day before, before leaving the house as well as throughout the day. If there are drinkable water sources along the track, use them to top up along the way.

Know the signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Sun Protection Sunscreen/Hat/Lip Balm/ Sunglasses Hydration Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles (at least 3L capacity) Water Treatment/Water Filter Navigation Map/Compass/GPS (optional) First Aid Kit

is important. Symptoms range from minor

Emergency Contact Itinerary to Friend (inc. group members, destination/route/ expected finish time)

to severe and can include dry mouth, light

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

headedness, headache, weakness, dizziness,

Mobile Phone, Pencil/Paper & Whistle (put electronics in a small waterproof bag)

Heat exposure and too much exercise in the heat are some of the key causes, which means looking after ourselves on Summer day walks

palpitations, confusion, sluggishness, fainting, inability to sweat, decreased urine output and deep yellow colour, nausea and vomiting.

5 STICK TO THE TRACK

Accidents happen to the best of us and the track is there for a reason. If navigation isn’t a part of your skill set, the path less travelled is not necessarily your friend.

6 REST WELL

Start early and rest in the middle of the day, preferably in shaded areas. If walking in open, exposed areas, consider taking your own light tarp with walking poles. Look after your feet by taking off your socks and shoes during longer breaks to air. Cooling feet in a stream (downstream from water collection points) is also a refreshing way to pamper your feet.

They’ll love you for it.

7 WILDLIFE

Be aware and prepared for wildlife .

Snakes, ticks, spiders, animals and birds are in plenty supply in the Australian bush, but don't let this stop you from enjoying the outdoors.

Be sensible, and make sure you have an

Illumination Headlamp/Torch (Spare Batteries) Fire Matches/Lighter (in waterproof container) Fire Starter Repair Knife/Multi-Tool/Duct Tape/ Safety Pins Nutrition Emergency Food/Lunch/ Snacks Emergency Shelter Tarp Reflective Blanket (in First Aid Kit) Insulation Light Rain Jacket or Poncho/ Tarp Thermal Top/Fleece Top

appropriate first aid kit.

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ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST.

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Keeping Risks Low and

ADVENTURES UP Risk is all around us. It’s constantly at play in our daily lives and whether we are conscious of it or not, we are always making choices to reduce the risk of injury and to manage it if something unplanned does occur.

A RT IC L E BY C A RO RYA N - L O T SA F R E S H A I R .C OM

Stepping out our front door each day, we choose

can borrow from their regime that don’t require

T - Take what you need (Food, Water, Shelter,

to walk on footpaths as opposed to roads, thereby

any paperwork at all - just good, common sense -

Clothes, Navigation)

reducing our risk of being hit by a car. We wear

and can help keep us safe when heading out into

R - Register your intentions (Tell someone where

shoes, to reduce our risk of stepping on broken

the bush.

you’re going and when you’ll return)

glass and wear seatbelts in cars to limit the risk of

For all of us outdoor enthusiasts, it’s simply a

E - Emergency communications (Take a mobile

matter of being aware of what could go wrong,

phone and PLB)

doing what we can to minimise that possibility and

K - Know your route and stick to it (Know

managing it well if something does happen.

navigation, map, compass, GPS)

You wouldn’t go mountain biking without a

You can find a comprehensive packing list for both

helmet and body protection, abseiling without a

day walks and overnight hikes at lotsafreshair.com.

harness and qualified, experienced instruction, or

However, one of the most important things to take

sailing in open waters without an EPIRB, however

on any wilderness adventure you won’t find on any

it’s amazing how many people think of hiking as

packing list is a good attitude. It’s amazing what

low risk, so don’t fully prepare for the issues they

can go wrong out there (and sometimes does)

operators and guides would be familiar with.

may face.

even with all the best planning and intentions.

Although those organisations need to jump

Several years ago, the Blue Mountains Police

But with a flexible, team oriented attitude and

through formal hoops for things like insurances

Rescue Squad, in collaboration with NSW National

good leadership (not to mention a good sense of

and licences to operate in National Parks, there’s

Parks, developed a public safety campaign called

humour), you’re in the best place to come back

a few easy things that us independent adventurers

TREK. It’s an acronym for:

with not just a few scars, but a great story to tell.

injury in the event of a crash.

When we leave our urban lives behind us and head out into the bush, the number and types of risks increase, but in the same way, it’s important that we are aware of these risks and do what we can to mitigate them or remove the risk completely.

Using words like ‘Risk Assessments’ can start to sound bureaucratic and like a paperwork headache, but one that all commercial tour

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GLOUCESTER, NSW

(02) 6558 2328

Have a look at our comprehensive website for all details

www.drifta.com.au 057

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or

@DriftaCamping4WD

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WITH SUE HILE FROM ADVENTUROUS WOMEN

Ahhh, I can’t count the number of adventures I’ve been on within my home state, and there is still so much to explore, especially when you get off the beaten track!

Growing up in country Western Australia, travelling and working in remote locations throughout the state, being a regular road tripper and then finally settling in Perth, I reckon I’ve got a pretty good feel for the place. So, if you’re a girl who loves the thrill of adventure and you’re coming to the ‘Wild West’ for a holiday, here’s a few of my all time favourite ‘adventures’ you may wish to explore while you’re here!

Apart from our beautiful beaches and awesome adventure activities, there are plenty of stunning walks, including one of the world’s greatest long distance walks, the Bibbulmun Track, or WA’s premier coastal walk, Cape to Cape.

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Perth also has some great walking trails nearby if you haven’t got the time to venture too far. Some include John Forrest National Park, Kitty’s Gorge, and you can even sample the Bibbulmun Track just out of Mundaring.

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travel

The

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ALL TIME

Favourite

ADVENTURES 1

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

2

Abseiling, Rock climbing & Canyoning in Karijini National Park.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL..

Swim with the Whale Sharks or Manta Rays at Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth or Coral Bay.

3

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ENJOY THE THRILL.

CONQUER If you’re into hiking and looking for a challenge, head to the Stirling Ranges and choose one of the hardest peaks to conquer.

Hit the hills and enjoy the thrill of mountain biking through Denmark’s Forest along the world famous Munda Biddi Trail.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB JEFFRESS:SUGARLOAF POINT LIGHTHOUSE SEAL ROCKS NSW

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BEACHES, BEACHES, BEACHES If you’re a beach lover, you’ll be spoilt for choice in WA. Crystal blue water, white sandy beaches and some of the best surf in the world! Here’s a couple of beauties I recommend you check out: Cable Beach Broome - Enjoy a sunset like no other and maybe even join a Camel Safari on the beach.

Little Beach Albany - Off the beaten track, stunning views, great walk trails, photographer’s paradise, dolphin & whale sightings.

Margaret River Beaches - There are over 40 top surf spots along Margaret River’s coast, ranging from powerful reef breaks to fun beach surf. If you’re in the region though, you’ve gotta take a break from the surf and sample the wine!

Perth Beaches - So many to choose from, but some of the more popular ones are Scarborough Beach, Cottesloe Beach and City Beach.

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Exploring Paradise

BACUIT BAY

Ashleigh Mills travelled to Bacuit Bay in the Philippines to freedive and discovered a company doing things a little differently to protect this water wonderland WRITTEN BY: ASHLEIGH MILLS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JAMES MILLS

I

under the stars, I wonder how this talkative sailor

bay lies in jeopardy. While practices such as

spends so many months alone. Giovanni enjoys

dynamite fishing have long been banned, the

the solitude. “Even the sound of the generator at

current situation of no sewerage system, poor

Corong Corong is too noisy now for me,” he says

petrol disposal and frequent anchoring on the

with a chuckle.

coral is alarming.

Morning is greeted by the delightful aroma of

Tourism has brought immense opportunity

Giovanni’s espresso wafting into the cabin, a rare

and income for the locals, yet has also brought

find in these parts. We fire up Mescalito and head

damage. This is visible during our time spent

to Entalula Island, one of the many dive sites in

aboard Mescalito. “Secret beach,” Giovanni

Bacuit Bay. With no tanks on board, the morning

says, while pointing to an area where several

It takes a little effort to reach El Nido, the

is spent mastering the art of freediving, the most

bancas (local boats) are anchored. By arriving

most northern point of Palawan Island in the

sustainable way to explore the reef. Freediving

at the beaches and caves en masse the coral is

Philippines. Most travellers take the economical

relies on the person’s ability to hold their breath

disturbed and toxic waste spilled. In any case,

underwater without using compressed air. (I was

this makes for a less than pleasant snorkelling

initially not taken by the idea but after a long chat

experience and one is left wondering how this

with Jerome Pesnel, Palawan Divers manager, I

kind of tourism is sustainable.

am convinced to give it a try.)

Despite the area being governed by three

My instructor, Florent Bevalot, explains as I

separate laws, local enforcement and enthusiasm

imagine holding my breath, “freediving is all

for marine protection is low. Jerome, the

about relaxing and remaining very calm,” he

manager of Palawan Divers, is "hoping that this

says. As we practise pranayama breathing I feel

will change," he says. By starting a partnership

f you’re smart like Giovanni, you’ll sail into El Nido. It’s a long drive in the van and we did not see another hotel for six hours. On the way the countryside flashes by; green fields, swaying

palms, water buffalos dragging logs, children playing basketball on dirt courts and rice farmers tending to their crop. On occasion, the driver brakes when a buffalo has wandered onto the road, seemingly unbothered by our approach.

route – an Air Asia flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa, then a transfer by van or bus. After a long day, El Nido is reached at sunset. The streets filled with guesthouses, restaurants and tour companies are guarded closely by a group of limestone cliffs.

But the town of El Nido isn’t our end destination.

It is the base used to explore Bacuit Bay; a UNESCO protected marine reserve covering an area of 465 square kilometres. The bay is home to an archipelago of 45 islands and over 800 species of fish, and, for the time being, Giovanni Scarlata, a solitary Italian, living aboard his yacht.

For the time being Giovanni calls El Nido home, working with Palawan Divers to offer a different kind of experience for tourists, aboard his yacht Mescalito.

After a day of rest, we wander up the road to Palawan Divers, a well-run outfit in the centre of town. We climb aboard Mescalito after a thorough briefing, ready and excited for two days of exploring. At midday with the sun high, we set sail in the direction of Milinoc Island. After a few essential swim stops Mescalito is moored in a clear azure bay. The scenery of the sheer grey

very relaxed before entering the water. This type of yogic breathing is used as a technique for freedivers to inhale and exhale in equal parts, bringing the body and mind to a relaxed state.

I joke with Florent that I feel more like going to

with tour operators and Coral Guardian, a non-government organisation dedicated to protecting international reef ecosystems, Jerome hopes to ignite local action. His vision, “to leave El Nido in five years’ time with a coral park that is

sleep after this rather than jumping in the water.

managed purely by the locals,” he says.

He replies that this is “exactly how I want to feel”

On my final sunset, I sit at Corong Corong,

to conserve my energy.

mesmerised, as I have been the nights before. I

After some initial ear trouble, I am surprised to

watch the red, pink and purple colours dance

descend to 18 metres at the end of our two days together, going a little further each time. This is all thanks to Florent and his clear calm instruction.

Success with freediving is entirely dependent on the ability to relax against one’s natural instinct.

I adapt quickly to love the silence and feeling of being under the water without equipment.

along the limestone cliffs. I ponder the future of El Nido and think of other destinations, which have sadly lost the balance in managing preservation with tourism. Giovanni plans to stick around a little while longer to see how things pan out. He estimates it will take him “around two years” to explore the entirety of Bacuit Bay.

The water in Bacuit Bay is the clearest I have

And after that? “Maybe to Malaysia,” he says

ever seen. Enjoying the visibility (of up to thirty

with a grin.

metres), we find among the coral the real nemo,

It’s not too late for El Nido. Let’s hope they get

afternoon with a lone eagle, swooping high

turtles, and a sea snake.

it right.

above. During the evening spent telling tales

As tourism expands, the future of this beautiful

( The writer was a guest of Palawan Divers)

rock against the water is breathtaking, similar to Krabi in Thailand or Halong Bay in Vietnam (only without the tourists). We share the bay that

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Take a Ride on

THE WILD SIDE

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Fancy a fling in the lesser-known Med? Tracey Croke takes a mountain bike trip through Montenegro to give us chapter and verse on the land that inspired the works of Byron.

M

WRITTEN BY TRACY CROKE

ontenegro is a conundrum of a country. On one hand, its 240 kilometres of seacoast lined with

and my guide for the next week, meets me

deepest in Europe - and pockmarked with

at Dubrovnik airport. He introduces me

40 eye-popping pure water lakes.

to my two other cycling companions, Tim and Cheryl, a couple of triathletes from the UK who humbly mumble (only after some

beaches and old stone buildings has long

probing) that they’ve completed a few

attracted the culture conscious sun-seeking

Ironman races. They reassure me that they’re

set. On the other hand it’s wild, untouched

here on holiday to take in the experience

and feels completely unexplored.

not train for their next race. I breathe a sigh

Even the finest of Montenegro’s historical coastal gems are not trampled to the usual Mediterranean standards. Think of Italy’s Cinque Terre pre the paint job and ancient cities à la Kings Landing (if you’re a Game of Thrones fan) or the fortified city of Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia minus the soccermatch-like throngs. It goes some way to explaining why this relatively unknown part of Europe is lauded as the “hidden pearl of the Mediterranean.” Or as the poet Byron put it: “At the birth of the planet the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must’ve been on the Montenegrin coast.”

As romantic as that sounds, I’m reserving judgment. It wasn’t just words that Byron had a way with. By most accounts, he cavorted around the Balkans indulging in all manner of excesses. It’s likely he wrote his prose through opium-tinted glasses. Ether way, I’m not here just to enjoy the beach-

of relief.

On the drive into Montenegro, Zoran briefs us on the six days of riding - 285 km on a mix of tarmac, rugged military roads, disused railway lines, old wagon trails and even and a bit of single track. We’ll stay in vibrant

bother with - is mountainous. It’s a fact that a whopping 60 percent is over 1,000 metres high and covered in great swathes of thick green forest giving the landscape a dark appearance and Montenegro its name, which literally translates to “Black Mountain”.

Of the 1.5 million yearly visitors, only a tiny fraction ventures into the mountains. I’m here to buck that trend with Spice Roads Cycle Tours, one of the few operators who really get into the heart of the country.

Zoran, a local lad, keen Mountain Biker

photography enthusiasts, intrepid trekkers and nature lovers galore. Yet we’re alone.

“It’s so quiet. I expected more people,” I say splitting my attention between the mountain top vista and two eagles silently soaring above my head. “Maybe people still think of the war,” Zoran says.

Montenegro has left behind forty years of communist rule and a decade of Balkan

and head up to the former royal capital of

conflict. Although no battles actually

Cetinje. Along the route we’ll pop in and out

took place on Montenegrin soil during

of National Parks and catch the best views

the Yugoslav wars, the whole region

across the Adriatic to the Italian coast.

understandably lost its getaway appeal. In

An hour later, we pull up at our guesthouse.

“We’re in Herceg Novi, the quietest town on

May 2006, Montenegro once again became an independent democratic country.

the coast,” Zoran announces. It immediately

The fact that these lands have been

lives up to Montenegro's friendly unspoilt

continually invaded and defended

reputation. 'Villa Margot" is a pretty blue and

throughout time adds to the beguile of

white building overlooking the azure waters

modern-day Montenegro. The coast is

of the Adriatic. An assemblage of paved

littered with Venetian influenced villages and

terraces tumble down to a quaint pool.

fortified cities that once served as vassals for

My mouth is stuffed to the gills with various

the Romans and Ottomans. It seems every empire and his dog have all stuck their oar in Montenegro.

smoked hams and local cheeses, offered

The beauty of exploring Montenegro is

with almost every meal in Montenegro.

its size. It’s not unusual to breakfast in a

Unable to respond without the scene getting

Venetian village, tuck into our lunch of

messy, I nod enthusiastically and make my

fruit and sandwich slabs in a mountain hut

best yum-face. Omelette to order follows

above the clouds, then speed down to the

and pita - a puff pastry roll stuffed with goat

beach through alpine mist for a cold beer

cheese. It’s just the ticket to kick me off on

or ice cream by early evening before a fresh

the first 11 kilometre climb.

seafood dinner overlooking a Marina. With

The steep tarmac road soon turns rugged and loose. I’m surprised that our only

daily plus-20 kilometre climbs, I don’t worry about my waistline.

companions at the top are a couple of goats.

In some places only goats and hikers

It’s not that Montenegro doesn’t have plenty

can share the trail. Again, the latter are

to bleat about. For such a small country it

surprisingly absent; we see only a handful

packs a lot in. Outside the stone walls and

in the six days. Throughout the mountains,

weathered doors of beach-fringed historical

there is a strong sense of pride and spirit,

towns, it’s cracked by Tara Canyon – the

which stems from clans and families that at

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uniqueness here to allure active adventurers,

Skarda which heaves with twittering wildlife,

is keen to know if I’m enjoying the food.

guess that 95 percent – the ‘bit’ most don’t

the bigger picture that there’s enough

Once part of the former Yugoslavia,

Montenegro I want to explore.

bigger than Greater Sydney) I’d hazard a

of the entire European flora, and I’m getting

swanky new Marina, take a boat across Lake

The following day at breakfast, the owner

of its13,812 square kilometres (just a little

Europe, 330 species of birds and a quarter

Budva and the rejuvenated Tivat with its

fringed hotspots - it’s the lesser-known

Montenegro screams bike adventure. Out

Add to that the only virgin forest left in

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As the days go by the beauty of Montenegro is unrelenting. Verdant forests with bronze leaf littered floors have a natural orderly tidiness about them. Small hobbit-like mosscovered stone bridges cross over streams.

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NEED TO KNOW. Author, Tracey Croke was a guest of Spice Roads Cycle Tours. Cost of the eight day tour (six cycling) is $USD 1,675.00 It includes accommodation and most meals.

Details at: www.spiceroads.com

one time maintained their own customs

disagreement to gawk at the spot

and values. In a mountain village

where Richard Burton wrangled with

restaurant, we tuck into the tastiest

Elizabeth Taylor and Tennis Player

beef soup like grandma used to make.

Novak Djokovic chose to tie the knot.

There’s a genuine desire to please and a friendliness not tainted by tourism.

As the days go by the beauty of Montenegro is unrelenting. Verdant forests with bronze leaf littered floors

But other than that I should eat my words. It seems Lord Byron wasn’t swayed by substances after all. The meeting of land and sea has been consistently spectacular since day one,

The trip is supported where possible and would suit a moderately fit cyclist with a few basic mountain bike skills. If needed, you can skill up at a one-day clinic. Check out our Online Adventure Directory for some suggestions.

You will need to carry a daypack with your personal belongings such as extra layers, wet gear, water, lunch and snacks.

You can hire a hard-tail mountain bike from Spice Roads (USD $195) or bring your own bike. Check with the airline for rules and cost of bike fees when booking. Hiring may be cheaper.

air is constantly infused with a mix of

First it’s the fiord-like mountains that

How to get there: Flights to Dubrovnik (Croatia) from $AUD 1677,00 Qantas, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Croatian Airlines.

mint, sage and thyme. At alpine level,

draw my wind-streaming eyes. Slate

Best time to go: April to October

it’s as if a team of landscapers designed

grey and dark green tinged with

wild rockery gardens as far as the eye

lavender abruptly plunge into a blue-

can see. Every turn is a new wow,

green glassy bay. At the foot nestles

Currency: Even though Montenegro is not a member of the EU its official currency is the Euro.

followed by that nagging question; why

the UNESCO heritage Kotor, one of the

do we have this all to ourselves?

world’s finest preserved medieval cities.

A must-see I wouldn’t be upset to miss

A luxury cruise ship anchored in bay is

is the tiny island of Sveti Stefan, a rocky

brazenly shouting for attention. “Two

outcrop a couple of hundred metres off

or three ships a day come here,” says

the mainland. Unless you want to part

Zoran. “The shops and restaurants

have a natural orderly tidiness about them. Small hobbit-like moss-covered stone bridges cross over streams. The

with 1,000 to 4,500 Euro for a night’s stay, this 15th century fishing village turned luxury resort is a look-but-don’ttouch attraction.

but Montenegro saves the ultimate jawdropper for our last descent.

are all they see.” For thousand’s of years, the majesty of the mountains have served as a natural defence from

Visa: There is no visa requirement for Australian citizens in either Croatia or Montenegro for stays less than 90 days.

Insurance: Check your insurance policy carefully to make sure it covers any potential risks involved in a mountain cycling holiday.

Please note: All details and prices correct at the time of writing.

invading forces. Maybe Montenegro’s

While I ponder in the pointlessness

lesser-known wild beauty is the way it’s

of it all, the curious pile off buses in

meant to be.

Tracey Croke

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracey Croke is a travel journalist who writes about roughty-toughty travel, offtrack adventure and anything involving a bike. Her quest for a good story has involved venturing into post-conflict Afghanistan to join an expedition across the Pamir Mountains, being rescued by nomads in Kyrgyzstan’s Talas Range, sleeping in a swag next to a croc-infested billabong and having her smalls rummaged through with the muzzle of a Kalashnikov. www.traceycroke.com

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TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HOT WEATHER RIDING

SUMMER RIDES So we’ve braved the cold weather months and now it’s time to ditch the thermals and prepare for the sun. Riding in summer heat brings a whole new set of variables. We need to look after ourselves and make sure we don’t over do things in the heat, otherwise it can mean weeks off the bike!

WORDS BY TINA MCCARTHY - WHEEL WOMEN

Not only is there a real risk of sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration, we also need to think about what we wear, how to cool the body down and what types of nutrition will get us through. I’ve experienced riding in some real weather extremes (all on the one day too!), so here are a few of the tips we like to share with our riders when we know they are heading out to do some long distances in the summer sun.

1 LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT

Drink today what you need tomorrow.

Hydrate as much as you can the day before.

Make sure you eat correctly the day before.

Protein and carbs will help you through, try and avoid fatty processed foods If it’s looking like a really hot day, make sure you give yourself some real rest time the week before - just roll the legs over and save the day before as a rest day.

3 NUTRITION

Carry some fuel for the ride - energy bars and fruit drops are a great energy hit if you need it.

Lollies such as snakes and jelly beans are great if you are a little low on sugar, but not too many!

Fill some little zip lock bags with nuts and dried fruit for a good energy boost.

Make sure you eat a good breakfast - fruit and yoghurt is a good choice, but some people LOVE eggs for brekky pre-ride!

5 WHAT DO I WEAR AND USE? Wheel Women or Specialized kit with Rapha base layers.

Chamois But’her butt cream for long rides.

Rapha Camelback bidons, one with Skratch Labs lemon and lime hydration powder.

Zip lock bag of nuts and apricots, a banana and an energy bar or two.

A tiny tube of travel sunscreen that fits in the saddle bag.

Try placing your full water bottles in the fridge the night before for a cool drink and bonus “ice pack” to help cool you down.

Nothing beats a banana mid ride in my opinion, and they fit in the jersey pockets perfectly.

Lip balm with SPF 50+ - my lips always get dry!

2 HYDRATION

Don’t try something new on a ride; always eat food you’re familiar with.

I try to avoid any make-up, but if you must, use a foundation with SPF 30+.

4 SAFETY It goes without saying, slip slop slap the sunscreen and don’t forget behind the knees and the back of the neck!

6 GEAR Base layers are perfect for summer. It may seem counter intuitive, but base layers help wick the moisture away quickly and work to cool the body.

Carry at least two bottles of water and try using insulated bottles or a hydration pack.

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink on the ride - small sips, very often, the whole ride.

Hydration powder is a must and Skratch Labs makes refreshing flavours from real fruit.

Carry an extra sachet - if you don’t need it, you might be able to rescue someone else!

Avoid soft drinks full of sugar as they can give you a sugar high before you get a real low!

Drinks such as Coke and coffee act as a diuretic so on a long ride can deplete you of the fluids you need in hot conditions.

Sun caps under the helmet help keep the sun off your head.

Covers over the helmet to protect from the sun may be effective, but their legality is questionable.

A moisturiser with SPF 30+.

Arm coolers work a treat. They keep the sun off your arms, and try throwing soaking them in water for some extra cooling.

Wear sunglasses!

Try to avoid dark colours with your kit as they absorb the heat.

If you think you are overheating, stop, drink some fluids and find some shade…call for some help…there is no need to be a hero!

Full zip jerseys can be unzipped if you are wearing a base layer underneath, and also help protect you skin from the sun.

7 MY FINAL TIP And here’s my final tip…because you might be taking on some extra fluids in the heat, the Specialized hook-up bibs work a treat for those nature stops!

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MICRO ADVENTURES to help you rediscover that inner child In the busyness of the day to day, we can get desperate to stop and hit reset on our lives. Not everyone has the time, resources or budget for holidays or big adventures, which is where the Micro Adventure comes into its own. Think of it a bit like rediscovering that inner childhood explorer, when camping in the backyard was an epic adventure.

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2

GET WET AND WILD

PICK A PEAK TO CLIMB. Australia has an abundance of peaks and ridges to climb, many of them close to major cities and towns, with well marked walking tracks. So pick one and set out to conquer that mountain Our Tips: A good pair of worn in hiking shoes, walking poles, water and snacks, first aid kit, mobile phone & lights are a must.

Upgrade Your Adventure: Start out early enough to hit the summit at sunrise or sunset and do all 10 peaks over 10 weeks.

3

Australia is blessed with an abundance of wild swimming options; oceans, tidal pools, lakes and waterfalls!

OUR TIPS: Immerse yourself but don't forget to take appropriate footwear. Non slips for rock hopping, flippers for tidal, ocean swims and snorkelling. Also don't forget your goggles, towel, sunscreen.

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE: Join an ocean swim crew, swim naked in a waterfall or grab a tire tube and hit the rapids for hours of family fun.

STARGAZING. If the forecast is clear try stargazing at home in your backyard or somewhere in the vast open space of our big sky country. Pitch up your bivvy bag and try pick out the constellations before snoozing under the stars.

OUR TIPS: Head out with the kids and try to spot a shooting star. There are some great stargazing apps that show you exactly what you are looking at. There is also a website that tells you when and where you can observe the International Space Station passing overhead.

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE: Trek in and out or if your destination allows, spend a second night sleeping in a cave.

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4

HEAD OUT AFTER DARK HIT THE TRAILS WITH YOUR FOUR LEGGED BEST FRIEND.

Contrary to popular opinion, nothing bad happens when you go out at dark. Infact by embracing the night you literally open up a whole new world of adventures, or at least another eight hours of them.

Whether you are hiker, trail runner, mountain biker or camper, hitting the trails and having an adventure with your four legged best friend is a great way to exercise and have fun together outdoors.

Even the simplest of activities can be transformed simply by doing them in the dark.

OUR TIPS: Grab a torch, a backpack and your phone and head out on a familiar trail and you’re night hiking! Add some lights to your bike and helmet and you're mountain biking in a different world. Looking down at your local area from a hill or lookout on a night picnic gives you a

OUR TIPS: Don’t forget food and water for your pup and protect your dog’s paws if walking on hot surfaces or snow to prevent feet pads being worn. Also make sure you are up to date with pups tick and worming treatments and check them afterwards.

sense of serenity you won’t get during the day.

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE: Australia has so many fantastic dog friendly campsites to explore, why not make it a multi-day adventure. www.dogadventures.com.au has put together a a list of dog friendly forests and parks, organised by state and region to make it easy for you to find dog friendly adventure locations near you.

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE: Pack the bivvy bag, sleeping bag and the jetboil, rise and enjoy the sunrise with your morning coffee, ride, run or hike to your nearest lake, river or beach and enjoy an early morning dip before heading back.

6

DO THE TOURIST THING.

EXPLORE OUR NATIONAL PARKS

How often have you actually stopped and explored your own town, city or region?

National Parks a great way to spend time in the great Aussie outdoors, and their website is filled with lots of ideas.

OUR TIPS: Pack your gear according to your planned day out, think safety plus enjoyment. A picnic and good camera are a must.

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE: Try a different mode of transport.

Check the park rules though, mountain biking, trail running and horse riding are all great ways to get a different view of our parks.

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OUR TIPS: Pick some of your area’s great views and photo opportunities. Take off the beaten paths and roads, visit your local cafes and markets for more of a gourmet day out.

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE: Grab your bike some friends and a picnic and make a day of it. For a good day pack the necessary bike essentials, pump and spare tube, the camera, phone and plenty of water. Finish at sunset for a celebratory drink at your favourite haunt.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY: JAMES MILLS

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Diving Through The

COMFORT ZONE

I

WORDS BY ROSIE SHEBA FROM SUSTAINABLE MENSTRUATION AUSTRALIA

heartbeat pulses through my head,

guest. I dreaded getting my period

and in this moment I am so conscious

while I was teaching a dive course, as

of being alive. Seven. The water

it stopped me from being truly free.

feels warmer as I rise, and there is

Sometimes, I would have students

more light. Eight. I pass the point of

miss a class, due to “medical reasons”.

a lush garden with tropical flowers, a

neutral buoyancy, and stop swimming,

Menstruation is always a delicate topic,

fountain of crystal clear water leaps

allowing my body to rise gently

and can spark reactions of fear, shame

over rocks. The warm sand caresses

towards the surface. Nine. I revel in this

and ridicule. Not long before I began

my bare feet and my fingers brush over

beauty, this feeling of utter freedom.

Ten. I prepare for the last few metres

freediving, I started using a menstrual

soft leaves. Gentle music floats through the thick summer air, and I surrender.

of ascent. As my eleventh contraction

Brought back to the present moment

comes, my head breaks the surface and

by my first diaphragmatic contraction,

I feel the cold air rush into my airways.

I notice the water on my face. My body

I fill my lungs with two sharp hook

undulates, working with my mono fin

breaths and smile at my buddy, and my

to glide through the water, deeper,

dive computer. A new personal best.

deeper. Two. I count each contraction.

Freediving is the most recent addition

Soon, I touch the bottom plate at the

passion, opening the conversation with

to my aquatic journey of exploration. I

end of the line. Three. I look around,

began swimming before I was one year

others and working towards a society

seeing blue with blurry shapes and

old, and was always first in and last out

sunlight streaming down from high

of the water. By three, I was jumping off

above. Smiling, it feels liberating to

the diving board, and at five, fetched

be alone, deep in the sea, my buddy

a one kilo weight from three metres

waiting on the surface. Four. Time to

with clothes on to pass my level four

start my ascent. Removing my nose

swimming test. My teenage years

plug, I reach high above my head.

brought kayaking, sailing, snorkelling

I send a ripple of energy from my

and at nineteen became an Open

overlapping hands, through my arms,

Water scuba diver. By twenty-one, I was

torso, pelvis and out through my fin.

a diving instructor, and at twenty-two

powerful, strong and independent.

Five. Relaxing in the full understanding

completed honours in marine biology.

Challenging preconceived ideas about

of my body and her inner workings, I

The ocean runs through my veins. I live

what it means to be a woman, and

embrace each contraction, knowing

it, love it, breathe it. Only one thing

finding ways to embrace my body as

I have no choice but to wait until my

held me back from experiencing the

the powerful vessel it is, especially as

head breaches the surface to breathe.

ocean to its full capacity. As the tides

I glide towards the bottom of the sea,

Six. Rising through the water column,

change with the moon, so does my

comfortable in the knowledge that my

my body feels lighter as the air inside

body, and every month my period

body in all it’s feminine glory is being

my suit and lungs expands. My slow

would show up as an unwelcome

supported, just as it supports me.

mmersed in the ocean, nothing else matters. I feel my heartbeat, equalise my ears, and descend. My mind enters my happy place. In

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cup, and found with great delight, my period was no longer something to dread. I began to integrate a short menstrual chat with each female student, and before long, menstruation became easier to talk about. Sharing this knowledge has become a new

with greater appreciation of this vital life function. I feel empowered, knowing more about my body, and assisting others to find out more about theirs.

Stepping outside of my comfort zone is something I’ve done from a tender age. Learning my body’s limits, and pushing through them, makes me feel

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EMPOWER

Eating for Life

SUPERNUTRIENTS We often hear the term superfoods, but what is it about these foods that makes them so super?

ARTICLE BY KERRITH DUNCANSON,PHD

Simply put, it is the nutrients they contain.

So what exactly is a nutrient? Well, a substance that provides nourishment for growth or metabolism in human beings is called a nutrient

become limited either in our food supply or

majority of your omega 3 from marine foods. If

availability to our bodies and how to ensure we

possible check the DHA content on food labels

are preventing deficiencies of these essential

– aiming for 100mg per serve.

nutrients.

Folate

and if the body cannot produce a nutrient itself

Iodine

Especially important for women, folate (and

it is called an essential nutrient – meaning it is

Iodine is an essential trace element necessary

folic acid, the less fragile version found in

essential to obtain this nutrient from dietary

to make thyroid hormones. Thyroid

fortified foods and supplements) is best

sources.

hormones are required for normal growth and

known for its vital role in cell development.

development of tissues and maturation of our

The importance of folate in preventing birth

bodies so obtaining iodine through the food

defects means that women of child-bearing

supply is paramount.

age are advised to supplement dietary folate.

Interesting iodine fact: The iodine content of

The emerging role of folate in reducing risk of

A diet that is dominated by foods that are high in helpful nutrients relative to their calorie value maximises our likelihood of staying as well as possible for as long as possible. In our current food environment it is a challenge to obtain all

plants and vegetables is dependent on the

chronic diseases such as heart disease relates

the nutrients we need from the amount of food

environment and soil in which they are grown.

to its role in cell division.

energy that we need. A recent study of food

Making the most of iodine: If you enjoy nori

Interesting folate fact: Folate is also called

composition estimated that to obtain all the

rolls or other combinations of seaweed and

necessary nutrients from an average western

seafood, this combination is an ideal iodine

Latin word folium, which means “leaf”.

diet, a person would need to consume 30 000

booster.

Making the most of folate: Steam, microwave

Omega 3s

or eat dark green leafy vegetables raw to

calories! That is how nutrient poor the average diet is. That means that an average daily food intake of about 3000 calories only contains 10% of the necessary nutrients – clearly a major problem and concern.

Vitamin B9 and its name is derived from the

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for normal

preserve the folate.

metabolism (check the impressive list of actions

Iron

in the table). Humans cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids, but can obtain the shorter-chain

It is interesting but more than a little bit scary

omega-3 fatty acids like ALA through diet and

to consider the factors that are contributing to

use it to form the more important long-chain

the reduced availability of these tiny but vital

omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and then turn EPA

nutrients. The lower nutrient density of food

into the most crucial, DHA. This conversion

has arisen from combination of lower nutrient

process can be impaired with aging and if the

Iron is found in every human cell and affects everything from our immune system, brain development and temperature, to our metabolism and work performance.

Iron is probably the best known but most misunderstood of our “supernutrients”. Most of us know that iron is imperative for our energy

content of soil in which fruit and vegetables

diet is high in omega-6 oils.

are grown, shorter growing periods for

Interesting omega 3 facts: In foods exposed

oxygen. Low iron levels are common amongst

animals intended for the food supply and more

to air, unsaturated fatty acids are vulnerable

women due to loss of blood during our

highly processed foods with additives that

to oxidation and rancidity. This is the reason

menstrual cycle, but that doesn’t stop us from

displace nutrients, changes to food production

why linseed oil is used to season cricket bats

blaming other factors such as lack of sleep, too

techniques, changes to cooking techniques

– as soon as the linseed oil is exposed to the

much work and stress for our fatigue. Less well

and in some cases reduced absorption of

oxygen in air, it goes rancid which makes it go

known is iron’s vital role in immune function,

nutrients into our bodies.

hard, which is great for cricket bats, but not

so those with low iron (anaemia) are also

healthy for human beings.

susceptible to infection.

Making the most of omega 3: Try to obtain the

There are two types of iron that we can get

So lets focus on some of the most vital micronutrients or ‘Supernutrients” that have

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levels due to its ability to transport and store

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EMPOWER

from foods. Iron from animal sources is known as haem iron and iron from plant-based sources is called as non-haem iron.

foods such as soy milk and tofu.

Making the most of B12: Vitamin B12

supplement, check that it contains Vitamin D3 rather than Vitamin D2.

absorption decreases as we get older. It

Some early morning and evening sun exposure

Some foods help our bodies absorb iron, while

is advisable for adults over 50 years to

on the forearms and legs without sunscreen

others can inhibit it. Lightly cooking plant foods

consume foods fortified with vitamin B12 or a

is recommended to optimise Vitamin D. Your

improves iron absorption into the blood, while

supplement containing vitamin B12.

hands, face and arms (or equivalent area of

tea, coffee, some medications or excess fibre decrease iron availability.

skin) need to be exposed to sunlight for about

Vitamin D Vitamin D was assumed to be abundant

five to 15 minutes four to six times a week in summer. People over 50 years of age people

Interesting Iron fact: Using old fashioned cast

in sunny Australia, but is becoming an

iron cookware can increase iron content of

increasingly diagnosed deficiency state, and

foods, so get out those garage sales and find

deficiency doesn’t just affect the bones. The

yourself some cast iron pots and pans.

body itself manufactures vitamin D in the

in summer.

Making the most of iron: Eat vitamin C rich

skin upon exposure to sunlight, but not if

Summary and tips

the skin is protected by sunscreen. Vigilant

You can see from this information that if you

drinking tea or coffee at the same time.

use of sunscreen blocks UVB rays, the type

don’t eat any fortified foods or are vegetarian,

Vitamin B12

our bodies use to make Vitamin D. Skin also has a harder time producing vitamin D with

then it is more challenging to obtain enough

foods with non-haem iron foods and avoid

Vitamin B12 is necessary to form the DNA in our genes, make healthy blood cells and keep nerves working properly. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause a type of anaemia called pernicious anaemia. Vegetarians who eat no animal products and the elderly who absorb less vitamin B12 are most at risk. Vitamin B12 is found only in animal foods and fortified foods.

age. All this adds up to a major public health concern, as evidence mounts that vitamin D, long associated with bone health, also helps

with darker skin need more exposure to the sun – about 15 minutes, five to six times a week

dietary “supernutrients”, not impossible but challenging. Buying and eating the best quality ingredients we can will clearly be benificial.

to regulate the immune system, lower blood

Each and every one of us has our own unique

pressure, protect against depression, and

dietary needs and priorities when it comes

reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood

to ensuring health and preventing illness of

pressure, and several kinds of cancer.

chronic disease. Our genetic blueprint impacts on our susceptibility to different health issues,

People who avoid all animal products should

Interesting Vitamin D fact: Free range eggs

look for meat alternatives, such as soy products

have up to 4 times the vitamin D of supermarket

fortified with vitamin B12.

eggs.

Interesting B12 fact: Mushrooms and yeast are

Making the most of Vitamin D: Eat foods high

the most limited in our food supply and most

not reliable sources of Vitamin B12. The only

in Vitamin D if possible because it is mainly in

necessary for our health is the first step towards

reliable vegetarian sources include fortified

the more useful Vitamin D3 form. If taking a

eating for a long and healthful life.

how this genetic susceptibility plays out through life. Knowing which nutrients are

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our food preferences and lifestyle determine

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FLATHEAD FILLETS WITH TARTARE SAUCE Over the years I have discovered and learnt a lot about fish from my husband, who loves nothing more than to go for a fish and catch some! Flathead would have to be one of the ugliest fish I have seen, but they make for succulent eating. It is best not to overdo the flavours when cooking with fish. Keep it simple, just bbq or grill with a squeeze of lemon and a lovely homemade tartare sauce.

METHOD

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS 12 small or 6 large flathead fillets 1 tbsp olive oil pinch of sea salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges

1. To make the tartare sauce, combine the mayonnaise, gherkins, capers, parsley and lemon juice in a bowl. Refrigerate until required.

2. Brush the flathead fillets with olive oil and season to taste.

3. Preheat the bbq on high heat. Place the fillets on the bbq plate, taking care to space them well apart to avoid overcrowding and stewing. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

4. Transfer the fillets to a plate to rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with a dollop of tartare

Tartare sauce: 1 cup (250ml) mayonnaise 3 gherkins, finely diced 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and finely chopped 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp lemon juice

sauce and a lemon wedge.

MAYONNAISE

SERVES 1 3/4 CUP

Although you can easily buy readymade mayonnaise, everyone should make their own at least once! The delicious colour, creamy texture and rich flavour are beyond compare.

INGREDIENTS 4 egg yolks 1 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp dijon mustard pinch of white pepper pinch of sea salt 1 cup (250ml) extra virgin olive oil

NUTRITION V & GF

METHOD 1. Place a large glass or ceramic bowl into a larger pot lined with a wet tea towel. This is to keep your bowl steady, as you will need both your hands free to whisk and pour.

Continue drizzling oil and whisking in until all the oil has been added. Check the seasoning and adjust to taste. Transfer to a glass jar.

2. Whisk the egg yolks, lemon juice, mustard, pepper and salt in the bowl, using a whisk, until pale, creamy and thickened slightly.

Note: If the mixture curdles, beat an egg yolk in a clean bowl until thickened. Whisk the curdled mixture gradually into the fresh egg yolk to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

3. Whisking constantly, add the oil just a few drops at a time at first, whisking until combined between each addition.

Gherkins

Capers

are a fruit which look like a miniature cucumber, and are in fact of the same species. Usually pickled in a vinegar or brine solution and stored in jars, they are also known as pickled cucumbers, dill cucumbers or dill pickles, due to the addition of the herb dill added in the pickling process.

are the edible flower bud, from the caper bush. They are picked young, then salted or pickled in a vinegar or brine solution and stored in jars. They are used as a seasoning in sauces or as a garnish. The more mature fruit of the caper bush are prepared the same way and sold as caper berries.

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Storage: Mayonnaise will keep in the fridge for up to one week.

SPECIAL THANKS ©Jane Grover – Recipe from Jane’s cookbook ‘NAKED FOOD the way food was meant to be’ w: www.janegrover.net

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GARLIC PRAWN AND HALOUMI SKEWERS A family favourite, these skewers were always a popular menu item on new year’s day. When our children were small we found it too hard to party all night to see in the new year, so instead we celebrated with a bbq with good friends on new years day!

SERVES 6

NUTRITION GF

INGREDIENTS 1kg green prawns (medium king or banana) 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 180g haloumi 12 cherry tomatoes freshly ground black pepper and lemon wedges, to serve

METHOD 1. Peel the prawns, leaving the tails on. Using a small sharp knife or scissors, cut down the back of the prawn from top to tail and remove waste tract. Combine the prawns, garlic and olive oil in a mixing bowl.

Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

2. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in cold water for 15 minutes, to prevent them burning while cooking. Cut the haloumi into pieces about 3cm x 2cm x 1cm.

3. Thread 2 prawns and a piece of haloumi alternately onto each skewer, and finish with a cherry tomato.

4. Preheat the bbq on high heat. Place the skewers onto the bbq plate, making sure to space them well apart to avoid overcrowding and stewing the prawns (cook in two batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Transfer to a serving platter, season with pepper as desired and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Haloumi is a soft or semi-hard Cypriot cheese with a salty flavour, made from either sheep or goats’ milk. It has a high melting point and so can easily be fried, grilled or barbequed. It is a good source of calcium and protein. It can be soaked in milk to remove some of the saltiness prior to use.

SPECIAL THANKS ©Jane Grover – Recipe from Jane’s cookbook ‘NAKED FOOD the way food was meant to be’ w: www.janegrover.net

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Photo: Hanny Allston

TRAVEL PLAY LIVE tory

direc

WOMEN'S ADVENTURE DIRECTORY A network of adventure groups and active individuals dedicated to creating new friendships and helping all women add zest to their lives

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

OUT AND ABOUT All the latest news from our Aussie adventure girls in action

COMPETITIONS AND GIVEAWAYS Winners and grinners

TPL DIRECTORY Look no further for all your adventurous needs & desires

Check out our website for our full directories www.travelplaylive.com.au www.travelplaylive.com.au

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WIN A 4 NIGHT GETAWAY IN A DELUXE APARTMENT AT THE BEAUTIFUL SEVAN APARTMENTS FORSTER

BY SUBSCRIBING TO TRAVEL PLAY LIVE MAGAZINE

4 NIGHTS FOR UP TO 4 PEOPLE IN ONE OF SEVAN'S DELUXE APARTMENTS

INCLU SIONS.

Sevan Apartments Forster is known and loved for its commitment to classic and sleek apartment accommodation. Each apartment has been designed and furnished with elegance and style, all having the comforts of home and heaps of room to stretch out.

Centrally located and an ideal base for exploring the beautiful and unique Great Lakes area.

Website: sevan.com.au Reservations: 02 6555 0300 Conditions: • Subject to availability.• Valid 12 months from date of notification.

• Peak periods, school holidays and public holidays excluded. Winner announced in our Autumn edition

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WOMEN'S ADVENTURE tory

direc

CHERIE HORNE ADVENTURE TREKKING www.cheriehorne.com

If you are ready to break your routine, expand your horizons, challenge yourself and meet new friends, you've come to the right place; no matter what state of Australia you live in.

Redlands Kayak Tours Queensland www.redlandskayaktours.com.au

TrekFit Australia www.trekfitaustralia.com.au

www.travelplaylive.com.au/adventure-directory

JOIN NOW

The Travel Play Live Adventure Directory is a network of adventure groups and active individuals dedicated to creating new friendships and helping all women add zest to their lives by trying something new, interesting or challenging. These groups Australia wide are encouraging women to leave their comfort zones and pursue their dreams.

Travel Play Live magazine

www.travelplaylive.com.au

Join the Adventure!

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must donts

DISCOVER YOUR WILDER SIDE

eve

ALL WOMEN'S TRIATHLON FESTIVAL Type: Triathlon Location: Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith Date: 7th May 2016 www.eliteenergy.com.au Elite Energy and Triathlon Australia’s bi-annual women only triathlon festival, held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith. An all inclusive multi sport event focused on enjoyment, satisfaction and one that will give you the feeling of exhilaration and sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line of your first triathlon. Not just for individuals either, get together a group of friends and put in a team of two or three to take part.

MOUNTAIN DESIGNS ADVENTURE RACE Type: Adventure Racing Location: Belanglo State Forest, New South Wales Date: 20th March 2016 www.adventureraceaustralia.com.au/events-nsw.php An adventure racing favourite, offering competitors a choice of courses, team sizes and adventures to suit every racer from complete novices to hardcore racers. Courses include mountain biking, trail running, trekking and a choice of adventure legs which might include anything from kayaking, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, canyoning, tubing, abseiling or archery.

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GONE RUNNING TOURS WITH HANNY ALLSTON Type: Trail Running Location: France or Italy Date: July 2016 www.findyourfeet.com.au There is something uniquely different about exploring a new place under your own steam . A small pack on your back, running over foreign soils, senses alert with the sense of exploration. These affordable, expertly coached running holidays showcase the beauty of exploring in its simplest form in some of the world’s most remarkable wild spaces and cultures. Designed to suit anyone of any ability. The small group sizes and high guide to guest ratio caters for everyone’s individual needs.

Tour to Chamonix: Tuesday 16th to Monday 22nd July, 2016 Highlights include trail running on the Mont Blanc Massif, the mecca of trail running & sightseeing the Tour de France. The township has the most incredible plethora of outdoor and sporting stores, and is abundant with cafes & restaurants serving spectacular French cuisine.

Tour to Italy: 23-30th July 2016 Highlights include 2 days of trail running in Riva del Garda, 3 days at altitude in the northern Italian Dolomites, and 1 night in Venice.

Showcasing the beauty of Italy, from its scenic mountain trails to its small townships, lakes and historic cities.

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FORSTER ISLAND PADDLE FESTIVAL

WILD WOMEN ON TOP SYDNEY COASTREK

Type: SUP, Ski, Run, Swim Location: Forster, NSW Date: 6th - 7th February 2016 forsterislandpaddlefestival.com.au After the success of last years inaugural Forster Island Paddle Festival, and now holding the record for the largest Stand Up Paddle Board event in Australia, the 2016 event is looking like another winner. Held in the crystal clear waters of Wallis Lake and surf at Main Beach Forster, the event caters for all levels of paddler. There are 8 different paddle events on offer, so you're sure to find one to match your skill level!

Type: Walk Location: Sydney NSW Date: 4th March 2016 www.coastrek.com.au Coastrek is a 50-55km team trekking challenge run by Wild Women On Top, which journeys along some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. Teams of four, with at least 50% women, have up to 18 hours hours to complete the challenge, getting fit while raising money to transform lives. Choose from two events: Palm Beach to Balmoral - 55km Hard Core Challenge or Coogee to Balmoral - 50km Moderate Challenge.

MISS MUDDY Type: Obstacle Racing Location: Various Locations Australia Wide Date: Various dates in 2016 - check the website for details missmuddy.com.au Miss Muddy is a female only obstacle and mud festival with a course of up to 5km for participants aged 13 years and over. It includes mud, colour, climbing, crawling, slipping, sliding and lots and lots of laughter. This untimed obstacle course is all about women supporting women in a fun and non-threatening environment. No expectations, no judgements… you are encouraged to come as you are and let your hair down for a day of fun.

Sign up as an individual or make a team and invite all your friends to join you for the ultimate ‘Girls Dirty Day Out.’

LI G H T WE I G H T G EA R F O R O U T D OOR JO U RN E YS For specialist advice and equipment fittings, connect with us & visit our online store. We provide ...

BACKPACKS l TENTS GEAR PARTY l GEAR HIRE SLEEPING SYSTEMS

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5 0 d a y s . c om . au

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Ssocceinael CHALLENGE FORSTER After countless surgeries and almost

converged onto Forster keys.

two years wearing a head-to-toe

A self-confessed endurance animal,

compression suit, Turia Pitt is now taking on the world. Apart from being a true medical miracle, Pitt has become an inspirational pinup woman travelling the globe as a motivational speaker and sharing her story of survival, love and her desire to continue to compete. On the 8th

Pitt and her fiancé Michael Hoskins, who she credits for being her motivational influence on her long road of recovery, both competed in the signature Challenge half distance event Ironman - a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run.

November, she joined fellow South

As she continues to defy medical

Coast based multi-sport company,

odds her response to the question

Elite Energy, in the Great Lakes for a

“why” is “why not” and it’s this mind

two day triathlon festival - Challenge

over matter attitude that will see

Forster.

Forster become a stepping stone

Taking place in the homeland of

to her goal of competing in her first

Australian triathlon, hundreds of

Ironman in 2016.

competitors from first timers to elites

challengeforster.com.au

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Go to Lunette.com.au to buy yours today!

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WILDSIDE ADVENTURE RACE WildsideAR took team Travel Play Live WAGs to the wilds around the township of Wauchope, against the magnificent backdrop of Bago Bluff. The four girls, Kez, Heather, Sharron and Brooke, virgins to navigation of a 24 hour course, did well to finish - all be it in reverse most of the way. Congrats gals!

AUGUSTA ADVENTURE FESTIVAL The biggest adventure race in the world, the Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest , took place amidst the wild landscapes of South West, Western Australia as part of a multi race, multi adventure weekend.

This year 3800 competitors, 10000 spectators with approximately 39% of the field being female, celebrated the event’s 10th year.

Leading the way with 8 teams and a number of individuals, were none other than the “Adventurous Women” crew from WA. Sue Hile, owner of AW and these girls embody the Act-Belong-Commit spirit of this particular event and have been involved in the event since 2012. www.rapidascent.com.au/augustaadventurefest/

The Time of Your Life...

209 Boomerang Drive Blueys Beach 6554 0500 www.pacificpalmsholidays.com.au

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TRAVEL PLAY LIVE

GIVEAWAYS Refuel & Revive with our great competitons

Photo: IG @iremunguia

I/O MERINO GEAR. Sign up to our newsletter for your chance to win $250 worth of gear from I/O Merino*.

(Open to all newsletter subscribers who have signed up before Dec.31 2016) I/OMerino “We’re for the outdoors. For the forests. The trails. The rivers and the mountains. We’re for the individuals who love these places as much as we do. I/O Merino. For the free spirited, free thinking, trail blazing individuals who want to wear a sheep... not be one.”

SEVAN APARTMENTS FORSTER. Subscribe to the Magazine and go into the draw to win 4 nights for up to 4 people in a Sevan deluxe apartment Forster NSW.

KEEN GYPSUM HIKING BOOTS Follow the trail farther afield in the Gypsum Mid, an all-terrain hiking boot. The Gypsum Mid delivers the stability, comfort and moisture management needed for your overnight hikes and winter ascents.

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for your chance to win yourself a pair of these beauties.

GIVE AWAYS

Check out our website and follow us on social media for more chances to win.

Travel Play Live magazine

Terms & conditions can be found at our website: www.travelplaylive.com.au www.travelplaylive.com.au

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S

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

INSTA LOVE

WINNERS

TAG US TO SHARE YOUR ADVENTURES

Julie Hine from SA Winner of a 3 month supply of 'nutrient rich superfood' from Microrganics - the worlds best

@travelplaylive #travelplaylive

superfoods for signing up to our newsletter.

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@water_mellen

Rosalie Pederick from WA Winner of a set of Bungy Pumps for subscribing to our magazine @travellingbag1

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Pam @Travellingbag1 From WA Winner of a pure Hydration Pack for taging us on Instagram

We have lots of exclusive giveaways and offers from our partners and friends for our Magazine Subscribers and those who sign up for our newsletter.

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You know what they say, ‘you’ve gotta be in it to win it’.

Head to our website to sign up and subscribe. www.travelplaylive.com.au

Travel Play Live magazine

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TAKING JOY IN LIVING IS A WOMAN'S BEST COSMETIC - ROSALIND RUSSELL

SUBS CRIBE

Don't Miss Out on Issue 3 - Autumn 2016 head to our website to subscribe NOW www.travelplaylive.com.au/subscribe

Travel Play Live magazine www.travelplaylive.com.au

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