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Walking for Ian

$5,000

raised so far

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of $3,500 goal

Hi Everyone... I have taken the plunge! With Ian's encouragement I shall challenge myself and join the Larapinta Trail trek (in central Australia) in August 2023. The trek is to raise funds for MND Victoria. As you know, MND Victoria have provided us with practical support ever since Ian was diagnosed in 2016. Thank you for any donation you can give :-)

My Updates

15 Aug 2023

At least the weather forecast is perfect! Hot on the day we arrive, but mid 20's for the trek itself. Although the minimums you can't see are 2C - even colder than our southern corner of the world... 🥶

15 Aug 2023

Well! This is the final post before I head off... Mind you, I wondered if the trip could go ahead. There were LOTS of gaps in the care and nursing roster for Ian 😵 but it has been sorted. There is a bushfire that has closed parts of the Larapinta Trail 😱 But I have been told the itinerary will be adjusted. Now it's just a question of whether the closure of the campground business where we are supposed to stay will affect plans... 😬

02 Aug 2023

Two weeks until I head off! I am looking forward to witnessing the amazing desert landscape...

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-01/desert-kurrajong-compass-water-trees-of-the-outback/102558440

19 Jul 2023

My dog walks and hikes slowed down for 3 weeks over the school holiday period, as I had to spend a lot of time backfilling Ian's staff. However, I am now up to 8.5kg in my pack (increasing to 10kg tomorrow). Plus, I have dusted off the trekking poles we bought for Antarctica back in 2012 and started to incorporate them into my dog-free hikes.

24 Jun 2023

So the past week has been one of turmoil!

I was advised that the trek would have to change dates...

🤯🤯🤯

So after lots of calls and figuring things out, I have been able to organize things so that I can still participate in the trek.

Phew!

A big shout out to everyone behind the scenes who is stepping up so that I can leave Ian and the household and participate in the trek. It is very much appreciated 🌞

18 Jun 2023

As you can see (although the whole graph doesn't fit in the space) I have been averaging two long walks per week - it's been a bit more tricky as the winter weather moves in.

I have been loading my pack with an extra kilogram per week. The last 3 walks have been with 7kg, and for this coming week it will be 8.5kg. My aim is to be walking with 10kg in my pack within 2-3 weeks.

26 May 2023

The socks even feature a scene from the MacDonnell Ranges!

26 May 2023

I have bought my trekking pack!

Earlier this week I travelled into Melbourne CBD to go to some of the specialty trekking stores, in order to find a suitable backpack.

The staff at the first store I went to were very helpful. However, none of the staff at any of the other stores I went to even greeted me when ! walked in the door! So guess which store got my money...

I have also bought toe socks - they look strange but are very comfortable and should help prevent blisters.

12 May 2023

Preparing for this trek means quite a bit of new equipment! I hadn't quite realized how much of an investment it would be...

Last week, I went to a podiatrist to get my feet checked. They are in reasonable shape but need to be protected as I take on more and more load bearing while I prepare for the trek, and during the trek itself.

While my new hiking boots got the ✔️ of approval (phew!) my regular shoes didn't 🤦🏼‍♀️ So I now have the most expensive sneakers I've ever bought!!!

29 Apr 2023

If one is serious about trekking, one needs a serious pair of trek boots. But said boots can still be good looking! ( Not to mention ethically made… And vegan… )

29 Apr 2023

To get fit and ready for a multi day desert trek is no easy task. My experience trying to prepare for the recent 30km walk showed me that.
So I am signing up with a company that specializes in providing trek fitness preparation coaching. It will all be finalized this week.

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