Inspiration

For as long as I can remember, hiking and mountaineering have been more than just hobbies - they’ve been my way of life. My journey began with a moment I’ll never forget: meeting the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary. Even now, the memory brings a lump to my stomach and tears to my eyes. As if guided by something greater, I happened to meet his son, Peter Hillary, on my very first overseas flight. It felt like the universe was nudging me toward the path I was meant to follow, the mountains.

Patagonia in autumn. It’s a bucket list experience for many, and a place I was lucky enough to visit earlier this year while backpacking. It spans over a million square kilometres of land, encompassing the southern most parts of both Chile and Argentina. There are countless hiking trails to choose from. We however, opted for the most popular areas - Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, and El Chalten and surrounds in Argentina.

Shared Not Shut is a campaign about fairness, accountability, and the right to enjoy outdoor spaces in a way that respects cultural heritage while maintaining access to outdoor recreation. Through unity and strategic action, they are pushing for necessary legislative changes and holding our government accountable to ensure long-term protection of outdoor users' rights for all.

From the beginning of my time I have always been an active athlete. I spent my childhood running, cycling and competing. I had a bright future in sport. Until, in October 1997, at the age of 16, I was doing a post race recovery ride when I was hit by a car travelling over 100km/h. Please be aware that this article contains medical imagery that may disturb some viewers.

An early publication rates the 2 day Crinoline walk as "easy". Well, it ain't easy now! Due perhaps to relatively little traffic through regrowth and the unavoidable steep scrubby descent back down to the Wellington River by Breakfast Creek. Check out Staff Member Gerhard's latest serious adventure!

With less than 2 weeks to go until The Track 520km - the epic journey from Alice Springs to Uluru - I threw myself into the Buffalo Stampede 100km with one clear intention: this was not just a race, but a rehearsal for something much bigger. Check out Sia's heartwarming account as part of her preparation for the big one in May this year.

Last Saturday was a wonderful day for rogaining with great weather for everyone on the ground at Spargo Creek, South of Daylesford. The attendees/participants were very thankful and appreciative for the opportunity to learn a lot, at both the theory session and in-the-field as well as signing up for future rogaine events!

Katrina Watson OAM (received in 2018 for services to medicine) recently came in for a pack fitting with staff member Gerhard for the 3 Capes Track in Tasmania, just in time for her 70th birthday!

It's 2007: An ambitious expedition is proposed. A solo, unsupported, off-track walk to the geographical centre of Australia, the furthest point from the ocean in all directions. The trip will encompass over 1750km on foot, amassing over 3 million paces through gruelling, unrelenting terrain. 18 Years on, Asolo TPS Boots going strong.

Congratulations to our Major Prize winner Miriam Powell on winning a Bogong Equipment climbing gear pack as well as 2-Day Climbing Course with Melbourne Climbing School and 10x Pass for Climb West Melbourne Bouldering Gym! We received 80 entries to the competition from members of the community wanting to make their voices heard.