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Heat Beads® Oxfam Trailwalker ChallengeThe Oxfam Trailwalker is one of the toughest team events in the world. The challenge is to get your team of four across 100km of Australian bush in less than 48 hours - and no, it is not a relay! Read more ... The latest tale of the trail! WE MADE IT! Despite many moments doubt we got there. Our official time across the Finish at Wesburn Park was 28 hours 25 minutes...despite what the clock says! Tuesday 27 March - Personal reflections! Lee: For me it was the challenge, it had to be difficult to make it worth while but it was more difficult than I expected, particularly the last 10k of gruelling DOWN hill walk with blisters on the back of my heels. But the training paid off and two days later I have recovered well. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the walk, it was great to get so much support from staff, suppliers, customers, and we raised a goodly sum for Oxfam! But once was enough, I won’t be lining up next year. Merilyn: Participation in the Oxfam Trailwalker has so many benefits. It's a good feeling to know that I am physically and mentally prepared to get through this event - somehow it puts other things in life into perspective. I value immensely the friendship and support of a great team, and friends and family who have walked so many kilometres with me, both in training and during the event. I value too the involvement of the broader community of friends, family, clients and business colleagues who have contributed much encouragement, and to helping us with such a magnificent fundraising result. Rob: I found the walk a good test of endurance (and I could say character, but the rest of the team and I probably already knew I was impatient) and only goes to show you cannot do enough preparation. Despite all the walking we did pre event, I still came out of it with a sore left knee. The daylight hours were enjoyable with lots of banter between all walkers but the night time in the rain was a hard slog and would have been extremely demoralizing if not for the fantastic bunch of friends who talked us through the long wet hours. I don’t think I will do it again - there must be another challenge out there that’s not as punishing! Vanessa: Having travelled through many of the countries Oxfam benefits, I was personally inspired to do all that I could to help those less fortunate than us. Through poverty and extreme hardship these communities still have a friendly, welcoming smile and appreciate the support they receive through donations and visitors to their countries to help give them the things we take for granted. The Oxfam Trailwalker was a huge, personal challenge and I'm so proud to have been a part of an amazing team of committed and inspiring people. Thanks to our fantastic group of supporters who helped carry us through the journey, and for their motivational words that picked me up when I thought I could not go on any longer. Your encouragement and belief in me and our team is what got me over the line. John: For me it was all about getting the team over the line in under 30 hours. My job was to make sure the team received necessary refreshments and TLC at all points along the trail, and to keep them motivated and focused during the wee hours of Saturday morning. Logistically the conditions were as bad for me as they were for the walkers, but as they say in the classics "the show must go on". The team did extremely well and I was so proud of them when they crossed the finish line. Also my appreciation must go to the hundreds of Oxfam volunteers along the trail who happily accommodated all support teams at every check point. If this camaraderie could be transcribed across all nations the world would be a much better place to live. Once again congratulations to the Heat Beads® Hot Shoe Shufflers for a magnificent effort.
Saturday 24 March - Leaving CP 6 (Mt Evelyn) at midnight, we arrived at CP 7, 3.5 hours later soaked to the skin and very cold. Here we were joined by Kirsty and Mike, who replaced our earlier walking buddies and lifted our spirits no end for the tedious tramp from Woori Yallock to Millgrove. We were also joined by Millie and Janine, the last two remaining members of the MADAS team whom we had met previously on a training walk, and together we continued on to CP8, the last stop before we tackled the final 9.5kms up and over Mt Little Joe and to the Finish Line. This proved to be a challenge we had not imagined. Twelve hours of non-stop rain, with resulting rivers of mud washing down the mountain, and the official word was "The track is passable - at the moment! Take extreme care. Walkers are crossing the line with their backs covered in mud from head to toe." We soon understood why (taking the easy way we think and sliding down the mountain!) Tracks of oozing mud and clay, ropes to hang onto as we traversed the steep path ahead, and downhill slopes which could well have constituted icy ski runs were our lot on that last leg. Rob, who had slowed his pace through our entire journey to keep 'down' with the team, by necessity took this last stretch at a pace that was comfortable, and arrived at the finish 20 minutes before Vanessa and 30 minutes ahead of Lee and Merilyn, the seniors of the team, despites having waited for at least twenty minutes for us to catch up with him on the trail (we suspect had Rob travelled at his own pace for the entire journey he would have been home tucked up in bed at least 3 hours before the rest of us!). Brett, Kirsty and Viv backtracked along varying stages of the trail to meet, encourage and support us on this seemingly endless trudge, when limbs had a mind of their own and did not respond to cerebral direction. Finally, Lee and Merilyn arrived, to rejoin Vanessa and Rob and walk across the finish line together. Congratulations to the Heat Beads® Hot Shoe Shufflers, congratulations to all our sponsors and supporters who have done so much to help us achieve this success and congratulations to Oxfam for providing us with this challenge which has generated so many positives. This has been a huge undertaking for us all in many ways and we have certainly committed, endured and achieved. The latest on-line result with our fundraising is $16,050 and with a number of cheques yet to be presented, we are confident that we will finally be able to contribute over $17,000 to the great work of Oxfam. On a personal level each of us has reached a significant goal and from a corporate and business perspective our participation has resulted in great team support and a strong sense of community amongst our employees, clients, and our business partners. Friday 23 March - As the sun was rising we took our first step on the trail, the warm early morning temperature not boding well for comfortable walking. A total fire ban brought the news that Checkpoint 3 to Checkpoint 4 was closed due to high fire danger, and the 2007 Oxfam Trailwalker was to be officially 88.5kms, not 100kms! For Merilyn (her second year) this was a bitter pill. Last year the trail was closed at the second last checkpoint due to wet and freezing conditions - her goal in 2007 was to get to the very end!! Through temperatures up to 38 during the day on Friday, bucketing rain Friday night followed by more rain and freezing temperatures on Saturday morning, on and on and on we walked. Blisters, sunburn, heat rash, nappy rash, wonky knees, wet feet, shivering bodies, sleep deprivation - nought could deter us, thanks largely to our group of staunch supporters. Saint John, aka John Higgs, assisted by Lorraine produced meals, nibbles, dry clothes and a cheery smile at every checkpoint. When we reached the half way mark we left the trail and retreated to Ian Reynold's home for a welcome shower, shave and shampoo. Jan from the Art of Life in Glen Iris was on hand to massage and soothe weary and aching muscles with her healing hands, and we were also joined by Nic, Ian, Belinda, Vera and Viv to walk 16.5kms with us through the night and the rain, when we rejoined the walk from Checkpoint 6 at Mt Evelyn, through to Checkpoint 7 at Woori Yallock.
Sunday 18 March - Only FOUR Days to go... we are into the final countdown! John and Merilyn did a test run on Saturday to make sure The Shufflers will have no trouble meeting up with our 'lifeline' Saint John at each checkpoint. After a fairly gentle weekend the plan for the week ahead is plenty of carbs, not too much rigorous exercise, and as much sleep as we can get. We'll be on the trail by 7am on Friday 23 March and we would love your text messages during our challenge. We are all feeling a little apprehensive and will be very glad when it is this time next week and we can say WE DID IT?!
Saturday 10th March - Now it's time for some serious planning! Following a very demanding four hour ramble around the surrounding hills, Vanessa, Lee and Rob were joined at Ranges Cafe in Olinda by Merilyn (who had climbed Mt Dandenong earlier in the morning, and then done a strenuous yoga session) and our legendary support Saint John. Over a scrumptuous 'Big Breakfast' our plans were set to keep us on track and moving forward toward achieving our goal of 100kms in 29 hours, in less than two weeks now! John will be there for us night and day, plying us with Bloody Mary's, Irish Coffee, and even the occasional wee dram - whatever our heart's desire? With such liquid sustenance, hot soup - or, as requested by Rob if it happens to be 39 degrees, gazpacho - pasta and rice dishes, pancakes, cheesey toast and rich fruit cake, we will be in good shape and fine spirits! While the planning is great fun, we just hope our enthusiasm carries us through the next two weeks!
Sunday 4th March - This week the team went solo once more. Vanessa's feet got a good work out on the dance floor at a close friend's wedding in Red Hill, Rob's wife Jenny kept him company as he strode it out from Berwick to Upper Beaconsfield and back, and Lee walked from CP3 - the 1000 steps - back to the the point of capitulation on the 39 degree day, a couple of weeks earlier. On he walked to the Birds Land Reserve before turning back and pushing his way up the steep climb back into Belgrave and on once more to the 1000 steps. According to Lee "That hill is a doozy...!". Lee also lost his map so if anyone finds it on the way through from Belgrave to Ferntree Gully let us know. Meanwhile, 40 degrees south, Merilyn spent four days trekking on the Tasman Penninsula, soaked to the skin and with very wet feet! No shortage of water down there.
Sunday 18 February - Today was a scorcher! Jell's Park, the official start, saw us on our way at 7.15am to beat the heat - a predicted 38 degrees. Slathered in 30+, and gulping down litres of water along the way we arrived at Churchill Park (Checkpoint 1) two hours later. A brief 5 minute stop and we were on our way again, heading to Checkpoint 2 and the glistening waters at Lysterfield Lake. Seeing John Higgs waiting as we crossed the causeway at Lysterfield was a real high point. This week's Golden Heat Bead ® Award goes to our hero 'Saint John of the Lake' for his supreme support effort - he was there for us all the way, with icy cold water and appropriate sustenance from 9am until 4.30pm. He also provided the rescue vehicle at Belgrave when after 26 kms Merilyn (anything over 30 degrees is meltdown) succumbed to the heat, and Lee who had walked stoically for hours on blistered feet finally called it a day. Vanessa and Rob were not to be beaten! We applaud their achievement in travelling the remaining 8kms to the 1000 Steps at Ferntree Gully (Checkpoint 3) in 1.5 hours. John, Lee and Merilyn did the car pick-up, enjoyed an icy ale at the local pub and stocked up for our intrepid team mates! A phenomenal effort from all, under considerable duress. Today we only passed two other Trailwalkers - everyone else was far too sensible, we reckoned. We hope for cooler days on 23 & 24 March!
Sunday 11th February - Early start from Millgrove Primary, along the Warburton Track and then ascending the Backstairs Track for our first experience of what will be our final haul over Mt Little Joe to an expected jubilant finish on 24 March! This time Lee, Rob and Merilyn sallied forth (Vanessa was living it up in a city hotel). Our steep clamber up the mountain side - which we are told is easier than the 1000 Steps, but we're not so sure that will be the case after 94kms of solid walking! - was lightened with the company of Millie (MAD AS) and her staunch support team. On and on we pushed, enjoying eratic conversation between puffs! The conversation today was a lot about the fantastic opportunities the Oxfam Trailwalker offers us all - interspersed by the customary joke or story from Lee. The opportunity to really make a difference, the personal challenge of Committing, Enduring and Achieving (we have no doubt there'll be plenty of the second), the value of a supportive and dedicated team, and ways to raise more money kept us going as we descended the mountain to Checkpoint 9 - THE FINISH! Just on the Committed point, it seems the jury is out on whether this all makes good sense? A note of 'support' graffitied on Rob's guide map by a good mate reads 'Committing, Enduring, Achieving and Suffering, you stupid old bastard!'. Merilyn had started off today with grand visions of turning around and walking back 9.5kms instead of taking the short cut back to the cars - needless to say the lure of the latte was too strong.
Friday 9th February - After a sociable meal, a good red and a strong coffee to take us forward into the night, Lee, Vanessa and Merilyn retraced last Sunday's walk from Olinda to Mt Evelyn. After two false starts - one to retrieve the headtorches from Merilyn's car, and then to check that Lee's car was indeed locked, the intrepid three headed into the dark. The trail before us looked a tad eerie lit by head torch and it was so dark even the camera flash didn't quite capture the moment. And where was Rob? Feet up, enjoying a wine and wishing us well we are told! An 8.30am start on the golf course next day took priority over tramping through the woods, and an expected arrival home well after midnight. We enjoyed the company of the Fearsome Foursome along the way (they had already walked for 8 hours from Belgrave), had our first casualty as Merilyn went sprawling, and beat last week's time of arrival by some 15 minutes. Surprising, considering how flat everything looks under torchlight, and the concentration required to navigate overhanging branches, obstructive tree roots, shifting stones, deep potholes and spiders flying into your face, as your passage unwittingly disturbs recently spun webs across the track.
Sunday 4th February - Out of bed by 5am, an early start on the track and copious quantities of water were the recommendations for today's amble from Olinda (Checkpoint 4), to Silvan Reservoir (Checkpoint 5) and on to Mt Evelyn Reserve (Checkpoint 6). Teamwork is what this event is all about and this week's Golden Heat Bead® Award goes to Vanessa. Thanks V for so willingly driving more than 25 kms before the rest of us even get out of bed, to do the car drop each week. When we arrive at our destination after our training hike, there is a waiting vehicle to pile into for the return journey. You have no idea how driving back over the distance we have covered puts into context even a 13 km walk. Measure it some time! Pushing hard up hill and down dale to beat a 38 degree scorcher resulted in a few aches and pains this week. It's amazing what a few hard stretches and a good strong coffee will do though!
28 January - Starting at Checkpoint 6, the Mt Evelyn Reserve, we walked 22 kms along the Warburton trail to Launching Place. The trail is long and flat and feels like it goes on forever, but we posted a good time and finished the walk in 4 ½ hours. There has been a change to our team - conflicting personal priorities at the time of Trailwalker have caused Nicole to pass the torch to Rob. Having just returned from a serious trek in New Zealand, we welcome Rob, who joins us in peak condition judging by the pace he and Vanessa set getting to the Launching Place Pub! Nicole now assumes that all important role as support leader. We are in good hands!
21 January - Day one of our official training for the Oxfam Trailwalker. Not too sure how we would handle the challenge, our first team effort saw us puff our way up the 1000 steps (Victoria's answer to the Kokoda Trail) from Ferntree Gully and traverse delightful bush tracks, to arrive in Olinda 12kms and three hours later. A few aches and pains the day after did nothing to deter us from our mission to raise $8000 for the great work of Oxfam.
Heat Beads® Hot Shoe Shufflers - feet raising funds!
We're all very excited although privately wondering what we have got ourselves in to. Walking 100 kms in two days - that's a huge ask!
AND www.whereis.com AGREES! When the start and finish points were entered in this icon mapping site to show our planned trail the response was "Sorry, the route you selected is too long by foot"! On March 23 & 24 the Heat Beads® Hot Shoe Shufflers - Lee, Merilyn, Vanessa and Rob - participate in the grueling 100km Oxfam Trailwalker. The Oxfam Trailwalker is one of the toughest team events in the world. The challenge is to get your team of four across 100km of Australian bush in less than 48 hours - and no, it is not a relay! Each team member has to walk together for the full 100kms! The Heat Beads® Hot Shoe Shufflers are going for a 29 hour finish with a goal to raise more than $8000 for Oxfam’s great work in helping some of the world’s poorest people. If you'd like to know how to support us click here. To support our efforts click here. Secure, on-line credit card donations can be accepted by Oxfam, and the link to our home page is: http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/registration/teamhome.php3?WebID=3287.
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