Tag Archives: Larapinta

Adventurer of The Month: Leanne Fitzgerald

Leanne Fitzgerald

Cause: National Breast Cancer Foundation
Adventure: NBCF’s Outback Trek for Research Larapinta 2019

As our Adventurer of the Month, Leanne has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

I am doing this trek with my cousin in honour of my Aunty Shirl who lost her battle with breast cancer last year

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Larapinta before?

I’ve never been to the Northern Territory before, but it’s always been on my bucket list.

I’m so excited to take on this challenge!

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey so far?

There have been a few, but I would have to say my High Tea has been the biggest highlight so far. It was so much fun and we played lots of games.

I was able to raise around $2500!

Do you have any tips for other people currently training for their Inspired Adventure?

Just get active, try new things and set yourself little goals along the way. Finding a local park running route is a fantastic way to get started.

I have set myself a goal of running/ walking 750km before the trek begins.

"I’ve never been to the Northern Territory before, but it’s always been on my bucket list. I’m so excited to take on this challenge!"

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

It has definitely gotten me back into running. I’m getting my fitness back and really looking forward to doing some longer bush walks and treks.

I have also registered to do UTA22 in March next year as part of my training.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Find something you are passionate about, having a personal connection to your cause gives you the inspiration and determination.

Share your story and reach out to friends and family for support.

Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

Adventurer of The Month: Lee Hennessy

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Lee Hennessy

Cause: Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA)
Adventure: Melanoma Institute Australia Outback Trek 2018

As our Adventurer of the Month, Lee has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

I joined this adventure to support John Day in his ‘Walk with David’. Since then I have become so much more aware of the incidence and impact of melanoma on people of all ages, but most relevant to me, is the 15-39 age group, as we have 3 children in that group. To be able to support M.I.A. with fundraising to find a cure for melanoma while challenging myself is now an additional motivation.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead?

I am very excited about walking the Larapinta Trail and seeing a part of Australia that remains pristine and as it has been for thousands of years.

Have you ever been to Central Australia before?

We have been gypsies, working and travelling around Australia for the past 2 years, but have not yet reached Central Australia.

"To be able to support M.I.A. with fundraising to find a cure for melanoma while challenging myself is now an additional motivation."

What had been some of the highlights of your fundraising and adventure experience?

The major highlight of my fundraising has been the awareness of Melanoma Incidence & Research that I have gained and been able to share with my family and friends who are supporting me. Another highlight is to have met Jay and Matthew, and to work on my fundraising with Helen. This has shown me the dedication that members of M.I.A. have in working towards finding a cure.

Do you have any tips for other people currently fundraising/training for their Inspired Adventure?

The team at Inspired Adventures provide all the tools you need to make your Adventure a success, and all the fundraising advice and online tools you need to make your adventure happen.

"I am very excited about walking the Larapinta Trail and seeing a part of Australia that remains pristine and as it has been for thousands of years."

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

I have become fitter and healthier and much more aware of the impact Melanoma has on Australians.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Don’t wait – go for it. It’s a ‘win – win’.

Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

Adventurer of The Month: John Day

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John Day

Cause: Melanoma Institute Australia
Adventure: Melanoma Institute Australia’s Outback Trek 2018

As our Adventurer of the Month, John has scored himself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

My motivation for undertaking the Melanoma Institute of Australia’s (MIA) Outback Trek 2018 on the Larapinta Trail is the death of my son, David, in August 2017. David was diagnosed with Stage Three Melanoma in December 2016 just weeks before the birth of his third daughter. David was only 33 years old. He did not respond to the latest immunotherapy treatment. He has been designated as a “super progressor” and a new research project is being established by MIA to find out why and, hopefully, find a cure for people like David. The funds raised by my walk are being directed to this new research project.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Central Australia before?

I’m feeling fairly relaxed about the challenge – I know that there will be sections that I will find very challenging, such as the ascent to Mount Sonder, but I think that my preparation and my previous experience will stand in me in good stead. Listening to others who have done this trek, I think that my major challenge will be caring for my feet, preventing blisters and the like, and stretching those tired muscles at the end of each day’s walk.

I’ve never been to Central Australia before. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to experience it first-hand. I’ve heard that some people regard the Larapinta trail as the “Camino of the Southern Hemisphere”. I’m very interested what insights into this I might glean from my trek.

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey so far?

One of the main highlights has been the wonderfully inspiring people that I have met on my training walks. It has been a privilege to get to know these people in some small way, to listen to their stories and their hopes for the causes for which they are walking. The other highlight has been the enthusiastic way in which people have responded to my queries or requests for help – this has been uplifting.

"I know that there will be sections that I will find very challenging, such as the ascent to Mount Sonder, but I think that my preparation and my previous experience will stand in me in good stead."

Do you have any tips for other people currently training for their Inspired Adventure?

I have three tips. Firstly, draw up a walking and exercise program with weekly goals, write it down and stick to it! Secondly, get your gear as early as possible and use it in all preparation walks. Lastly, start taking care of your feet now and develop a good stretching regime to use at the end of each day’s walk.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

I think that the most significant change for me has been dipping my toe into the ‘social media’ arena. I’ve not been one for Facebook and the like, but my tentative steps in this area has shown me what a valuable and powerful tool for communication and connection that this can be.

"One of the main highlights has been the wonderfully inspiring people that I have met on my training walks."

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Be realistic about your capabilities and research the challenge to ensure that its demands are compatible with your abilities and limitations. Once this is done, don’t look back!

Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

Fundraiser of the Month – Debbie Carey

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Debbie Carey

Cause: BCNA
Adventure: Great Aussie Outback Trek

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Debbie has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your first Inspired Adventure?

I really wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone – both physically after my treatment, and from a fundraising perspective as I have never done anything like this before.

Why did you choose to fundraise for BCNA?

As a breast cancer survivor myself (2 years), and having lost my mum in 1986, and my cousin being recently diagnosed this was a no-brainer for me. I was passionate about giving something back for all the support I received.

What do you think is so exciting about being able to take on an adventure as well as give to a cause you care about?

Omg! Life is for living and not for standing still. I want to see as much of this beautiful country as I can and live for the moment. What better way than from the top of Mt Sonder?

What are your total funds raised so far? Are there any key fundraising ideas that have been the bulk of your success?

So far I have raised $7,756. I have held a ladies swap shop, an English Cream Tea & scones afternoon (after blagging free scones from Bakers Delight), various auctions and raffles, a kitchen car boot at work. The key has been blagging as many free things as possible and for me… using my outgoing husband to drum up sales of tickets etc. haha!

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

Lots of wine and laugher! Haha! No seriously, I think drawing attention to this fantastic cause and really pushing myself out there. Something I am really not comfortable with.

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

Getting as fit as I can with the various ailments that are popping up as a result of my treatment (ie osteoarthritis) and managing the pain as best as I could. I think having a positive mental attitude and approach to this has helped me.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

Absolutely! The field of women showed me that it’s ok to be vulnerable. I have remained strong for everyone around me from day 1 and I now accept that it’s ok to ask for help.

"I met some fantastic, strong and brave women on this trip who have shown me that I am part of a much wider sisterhood than I could have ever imagined."

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Go into this with an open mind, a positive outlook and get ready to appreciate absolutely everything that you see, feel (yes… even the spinifex!), hear and smell. Soak up absolutely everything and grow with the experience.

One of my most memorable moments was waking up to the smell of a campfire, and pulling the swag off my face to the soft sounds of the ‘I am Australian’ song playing from our bus whilst looking up at the awe-inspiring starlit sky.

I met some fantastic, strong and brave women on this trip who have shown me that I am part of a much wider sisterhood than I could have ever imagined.

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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Fundraiser of the Month – Lara Johnston

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Lara Johnston

Cause: Amnesty International
Adventure: Hike the Homelands

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Lara has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your adventure challenge with Amnesty International?

30 years of life and I have so much to be thankful for. It is the blessings that I have and continue to experience that make me feel compelled to have a positive impact in my life journey, that make me feel compelled to take action to combat social injustices that are present in our world. I have taken up this adventure challenge for this reason, but also because I love to travel and learn about and experience the land, culture and history of other places. It also incorporates exercise – activism, exercise, travel and learning what’s not to love?!

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Central Australia before? Or done any similar treks?

I am feeling really excited about the Hike for the Homelands challenge because I have never completed this trek before and love the idea of taking up an adventure in Australia. Last year I was fortunate enough to hike the Machu Picchu trek in Peru on another Inspired Adventure expedition for Oxfam Australia. I am also excited to support an organisation that promotes and defends human rights for all.

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

I am so fortunate to have such compassionate and generous networks that every event I have organised so far has really been a good time catching up with beautiful people. A particular highlight for me though during my fundraising experience has been encouraging supporters to engage with social issues and support Amnesty International campaigns by signing petitions for current campaigns. It has been really interesting to engage in dialogue with people about causes and social issues they feel passionate about.

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

Not returning emails and phone calls to the lovely Inspired crew in a timely fashion. I’m not sure I have overcome this – it’s just who I am – lucky they are such an approachable, friendly and helpful bunch!

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since signing up for the challenge?

I feel really fortunate to access such an opportunity as it has enriched my life and made me a better person. I see Inspired Adventures and their challenges as an avenue that has helped me to be an agent of social change while still allowing me to experience what our country and world has to offer. It has changed my view on travel and also provided me with an avenue to promote amazing non-for profit organisations to my friends and family that they may not hear about otherwise. Hearing my friends and family say things like ‘Can’t wait for your next fundraiser’, seeing the impact it has had on those around me, even if just through conversation, is pretty sensational. On my last Inspired Adventure trip, I experienced so many awe inspiring moments with such wonderful like-minded people and I’m confident that the Hike for the Homelands challenge will be as equally amazing.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming challenge?

I am really looking forward to looking up into the night sky in the Australian outback, seeing some exceptional country and making connections and friendships with new people.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

The Inspired Adventures website is so easy to navigate. Find a challenge or country that fits your needs and wants or alternatively find an organisation that stirs your conscious and run with it. Training for adventures are made easier when you invite friends and family to join you. When you are fundraising and organising events, don’t be afraid to ask people to help or donate their help in whatever form that may be, donations of items or time. Do it! You won’t regret it.

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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The insider’s guide to the Larapinta Trail

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The Larapinta Trail, in Australia’s Northern Territory, beckons with desert expanses, swaths of cloudless sky, and the rippling ridges of the West MacDonnell Ranges. At 223 kilometres long, the trail is one of the longest and most popular walking tracks in Australia. An Inspired Adventure to the Larapinta trail will usually cover four sections of the trail (about 70 kms) over five days of trekking.

Want to know what it’s really like to take on the Larapinta? Inspired Adventures’ Campaign Managers Johanna and Kate recently completed the trek and they have plenty to share about the experience and what it’s really like to sleep in a swag in the middle of the Aussie outback.

What sections did you hike?

– Old Telegraph station to Simpsons Gap. Section 1
– Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam. Section 8
– Serpentine Chalet Dam to Ormiston Gorge. Section 9
– Mount Sonder ascent. Section 12
– Ormiston Pound circuit. Not an official section, more a short scenic add-on

Amnesty_Larapinta 2015_Trekking_Ormiston Pound Circuit_8096

What is the most challenging part of the trek?

There are a lot of rocky sections which are challenging. Careful footing and good ankle support are a must! I found trekking poles a huge help for stability and for my knees.

Prepare yourself for a very rocky and uneven terrain. This might put more pressure on your knees than you think so if you are worried, bring a knee strap. I have had 2 knee surgeries, and I was fine, but this is a good thing to bring with you in case your knees start hurting.

Anything you packed others might find useful?

The packing list is pretty extensive. I brought a battery pack to keep my phone charged which was great, but better to switch off if you can! Being in the middle of the outback without battery power or signal is a pretty great excuse to unplug.

Can you use your phone while on the Larapinta trail?

Phone reception is available (only with Telstra) at certain ridges and the summit of Mount Sonder. So if you really want to send a text or check Facebook, you have to keep hiking and reach the top of that ridge! The homestead at Glen Helen also offers free, but not very reliable, internet access.

How did you prepare physically for the trek?

I keep fit throughout the year but increased it in the 2 months before my trek, especially with long hikes at the weekend. Hiking on uneven terrain is great training.

You will need to train and prepare yourself if you’re not used to trekking long distance and consecutive days. Make sure you improve your cardio and endurance. And train in the right shoes! Don’t take old shoes with you – if they are more than 5 years, please take them to an adventure shop and get them checked out. A good idea would be to also bring a pair of trainers as spare shoes in case something happens while you are trekking.

What's the swag situation?

Sleeping in a swag is unbeatable! You have front row tickets to the most star-studded night sky you will ever see, shooting stars and all. In fact, many people complain about not being able to sleep as the view is too good! The swag itself is really warm and comfortable. Nothing beats unrolling it next to the camp fire and having an authentic outback experience.

(For the uninitiated, a swag a like a super sleeping bag designed to be used alone without a tent. Just you, some zippers and canvas, and the open sky.)

Any surprises from what you expected?

I was surprised at just how rugged and hilly the terrain was! Many people imagine a flat red centre, but the West McDonnell ranges are tall and long. You will mostly be ascending ridges and descending again, rather than a flat trek. It was also very luscious and green after recent rainfall, the wildflowers were beautiful!

What was the most memorable part?

The most memorable part… I have to mention a couple of things here as I can’t just pick one!

Firstly, walking in to camp at night after a whole day of trekking, having a quick ‘baby wipe shower’, and then sitting down next to the campfire with the team with a nice cup of coffee. These were really great moments and every night we learnt something new about each other.

Secondly, I think it was day three of trekking we had a rocky path between two cliffs where you had to climb and jump across the rocks. It was a never ending trail but it offered some beautiful views. I felt like I was in the Jurassic Park movie!

What are the toilets like? Any hygiene tips?

There is a chemical toilet at camp, which is out in the open surrounded by nature. Such a great view! It’s well away from camp so you do have privacy. Otherwise, it’s a bush toilet. Remember to take keep a zip lock bag for any toilet paper and don’t leave anything behind in this pristine environment.

Baby wipes and hand sanitiser are my major tips for this trek. Considering there’s no showers, and you put on sun screen every day, it’s nice to freshen up a bit after a long day of trekking.

Are there animals?

We came across lots of animals with beautiful birds, wallabies, lizards and insects. Snakes are generally hibernating in winter so it’s rare to see one. Dingos may visit the camps during the night but are harmless, they may steal a shoe though so don’t leave them out!

Any final words of wisdom?

The Larapinta Trail is an amazing experience. Switch off, relax and just go with the flow – schedules don’t matter in the bush!

Feeling inspired?

Check out our upcoming Larapinta adventures and take on the challenge to help out your favourite cause!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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