Despite the grey and slightly soggy weather, The World Nomads' Oxfam
Trailwalker team got together on Sunday for our first group walk. The theory was - why not try
everyone out on the hardest part of the trail just to see what happens?
We set out early from Sydney to head to the sleepy
town of Berowra
and then a quick train trip north to Cowan. Conveniently, as soon as you step off the train, you are on the trail: A part of the Great Northern
Walk. Its a well marked, rambling trail through some typical Aussie bushland, with spectacular
views overlooking the Hawkesbury.
The description of this section of the trail doesn’t lie -
there were certainly some steep sections (both up and down), and I have to
admit I was expecting it to be harder considering the reputation of this
section of the trail (although Sparky might disagree with me)
The team did pretty well considering the slight drizzle and
the early morning start (to Sparky's chagrin!). Even Sanchez came along
although we soon realised with all of us wearing backpacks, there was no hope
of showing him off on our tshirts while we are on the trail (an adventure shirt
redesign is required CN).
Liam striding out in front, me tagging along behind, only
catching up when Liam graciously slowed down to a stroll, and Sue and Sparky
chatting away at the back. Liam and I could always hear them coming before we
saw them, and figured they must ok considering the fits of laughter that seemed
to rise out of the bush now and again.
Liam bounded up the hills, at times happily chatting to
mates on his mobile without drawing breath. We knew that this was going to be a
walk in the park for this umber-fit nomad - "just tell me if I am going
too fast", he said, not even breaking into a sweat.
In stark contrast to Sue and I, both dripping and puffing
after another section of rocky steps to climb - if only our legs were just a
bit longer!
I think perhaps Sparky, on more than one occasion, wondered
whether it would be ok to tie a rope around Liam to help give her a boost up
the hills (mind you, I think all of the girls had that thought on more than one
occasion - sorry Liam we don’t intend to use you as a Sherpa, I promise!).
At the half way mark, overlooking the palatial riverfront
houses, Sparky's suggestion of paddling home rather than walk the remaining 7km
was optimistic. Under duress (no doubt
hanging for a cigarette and a Coke, and with a slight boost from a “power ball”),
she tackled the remaining 7km uphill that she wasn’t expecting.
Despite cutting a corner coming into Berowra, is was a nice
intro to the trail - certainly worth the early start and slight drizzle. Three hours
for 14km wasn't too bad, considering that this was the trickiest part of the
100km trail (and admittedly it was a bit early for some!) In
fact, considering the pouring rain on the way back to Sydney, I think we got the best out of the
day.
Trailwalking Nomads FAQs:
Why are we walking 100km?
For a challenge and to support Oxfam Australia by raising funds - sponsor us here.
You can also support us (and Oxfam) by buying your travel insurance online using this link . World Nomads will donate 10% of the value of your policy to Oxfam.
What is the Oxfam Trailwalker?
The Oxfam TRAILWALKER is the world's greatest team challenge! And it's
also one of the toughest. The challenge is to complete 100kms of rugged
bush trail in less than 48 hours as a team of four. Teams must start
together, stick together and finish together. And it's not just
physically demanding - Oxfam TRAILWALKER is also a fundraising
challenge. Teams commit to raising at least $1000 to help some of the
world's poorest people.
If you would like to find out more or sponsor the World Nomads team please visit http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/team/66
When is it? 29-31 August 2008 (10 weeks to go)
Next Trailwalker section:Likely Berowra to Apple Tree Bay (13.5km)in a couple of weeks when we are
all back together after a little sunny sojourn on Hamilton Island
for race week.
