Blog

On the 7th March, we abseiled 14 guys off  Central Park Tower; the tallest building in Perth with a whopping 265m descent. City Descent was our first charity abseil for this year. Organised by the the Mill gym, the event was held to raise funds for the SASR trust. It was one of the most successful charity events we have helped to run here in Perth. The whole day went incredibly smoothly and all of the guys got right into it! We even had Spiderman scaling down the side of the tower! A few days before we had given the boys a quick abseiling lesson down at Boya Quarry and they attacked Central Park Tower with enough enthusiasm and expertise to make it a fantastic day. It was our absolute pleasure working alongside the guys from the Mill. You can check out some great snapshots of the event on our facebook page. If you’d like to make an online donation to the SASR trust you can do so here.

Once again, it’s that time of year when we are starting to gear up for our Bluff Knoll Abseiling Adventure.  Our first trip to the Stirling Range National Park for 2013 is happening this April, 12-14th and we already have only 6 spots left! Goodness! Our Bluff Knoll weekend is a fantastic way to experience the Stirling Ranges. We drive down on the Friday night to our base camp, the Stirling Range Retreat at which we are spoiled terribly by the loving owners, Tony and Ayleen Sands. On the Saturday we hike to Castle Rock for an preparatory abseil in which we teach you how to tackle a multi-pitch descent! On the Sunday we abseil down Bluff Knoll. As one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll is one of the most thrilling abseiling experiences in the state; a whopping 280m multi-pitch descent! We start the day off early in the morning to reach the top of Bluff Knoll just in time to catch the sunrise! The hike to the top takes around 90-120mins, and we would classify it as moderate in difficulty. Abseiling down Bluff Knoll is an experience like no other. The beautiful scenery combined with the sense of personal achievement and satisfaction makes this an absolutely must-do adventure. So come along this April; we are offering a 25% discount on bookings (code: BKAA) and we only have 6 spots up for grabs! Don’t miss out on this unique experience, book now and come on an adventure with us in WA’s South-West this April!

This week we’ve received an update on our adopted kangaroos; Barbie, Ken and Angie, from Kununurra’s Kangaroo Haven. Our three little mascots have grown up!

Ken and Barbie have both been moved from  the Kangaroo Haven Kindergarten to the Kangaroo Haven Boot Camp and they are both loving the extra room to jump around in with the older mob! There is also a bit of romance going on between them! Ken and Barbie are always seen together, hopping around the yard side-by-side, even when it’s raining!!

Angie is still in Kangaroo Haven Kindergarten but hopping around like a little fire cracker now! She is a very affectionate girl, giving her carers big hugs and kisses whenever she sees them.

A big thank you to Kangaroo Haven for updating us on how Ken, Barbie and Angie are going. If you would like to get involved and adopt your own kangaroo, you can do so here!

In July 2011, my brother-in-law had made the decision to walk the Kokoda Track and I jumped on board . He had previously approached Adventure Out Australia and had commenced liaising with them in regard to training regimes, travel arrangements and all associated information required to complete the trek. Adventure Out were the ultimate professionals in regard to their timely and detailed communications dealing with all the trekkers that were to walk the Kokoda. Whenever there was a need for further information or a query relating to any topic, the reply was prompt and succinct.

On the 12^th August 2012 we commenced our journey from Owers Corner to Kokoda Village, a trek that would take 8 days and, in my opinion, an amazing and awe inspiring adventure. The trek leader was Terry Hewett from Adventure Out and his leadership, skills, knowledge, humor and compassion were beyond belief. At all times, his dedication to the tasks at hand and his commitment to the trekkers, porters and villagers along the way was exemplary. Terry’s expert knowledge and experience (this was his twelfth trek) of the track, terrain and surroundings was outstanding and could not be faulted. At every battle site, village, point of interest or photographic opportunity, Terry had a vast knowledge of the history, importance and demographic description that he expertly related to the trekkers. His ability to recall dates, personnel, strategies and other related details of the major battles, skirmishes, raids and tactical withdrawals of both the allied and Japanese forces was second to none.

On the 19^th August 2012 our trek was successfully completed without any injury or health issues and we walked thoroughly exhilarated into Kokoda . After a days rest and recuperation, six of the original ten trekkers, continued on by vehicle to Buna for three days of fishing and relaxation.

The sustained professionalism shown by the Adventure Out team (our main dealings were with Diana Blacklock and Terry Hewett) was of the highest caliber and they were absolutely remarkable and I would not hesitate to recommend the expert and cordial service they deliver. The logistics required to successfully complete the trek and the complex travel/accommodation arrangements pre and post the adventure would have been immensely difficult to organise and liaise. However, despite one or two very minor glitches (absolutely beyond the control of the Adventure Out team) the whole operation was an almighty success.

Compiled by Darrell Phillips-Jones

(Police Sergeant WA Police – retired)

On Saturday 15th December Adventure Out and Dreamfit Foundation came together for the last Abseiling and Flying Fox Day of 2012. Our keen team of volunteers, alongside a very enthusiastic bunch of Dreamfitters, donated their time to give people with disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrills of abseiling down at Stathams Quarry. Overall, the day was another huge success! It was a gorgeous day to be outside and the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers and participants was incredibly infectious! It was inspiring to meet all of the courageous participants who were eager to have a go and be involved as much as possible throughout the day. The highlight of the day was, without a doubt, the cleverly designed Flying Fox which enabled wheelchair users to fly down the center of the quarry at exhilarating speeds! It was such a rush that even the WA Minister for Disability Services, Helen Morton, was keen to give it a try! The Dreamfit team have put up some fantastic photos of the day on their website which are well worth checking out here. Our team has also chosen a few of our favourite snaps and popped them up on instagram which you can find here!

Hi Everyone! Christmas is just around the corner and purchasing a ‘Krismas Presen’ for a loved one is a great way to put the spirit of generosity back into giving!  The Kokoda Track Foundation is giving you the opportunity to support children, families and communities in Papua New Guinea this Christmas through their initiative, ‘Krismas Givim.’ The catalogue, available online, offers you the chance to purchase a variety of gifts; from school materials to a village health kit! It’s a unique idea and a socially conscientious gift that will go a long way to improving living conditions in PNG. Our team proudly supports the Kokoda Track Foundation’s initiative as it is a fantastic way to give back to the individual and communities that support our much loved Kokoda Treks.

This year we took three groups up to the East Kimberleys to experience what is truly the most beautiful, remote, wilderness that Western Australia has to offer.

The East Kimberleys is a favourite destination for our trekkers as it offers a variety of landscapes; from stunning mountain ranges and rivers to deep rocky gorges and cliffs. It is a truly remote region that offers an entirely new and adventurous way to experience Western Australia. It’s our favourite escape from the daily grind and its beauty continues to awe and inspire each and every visitor.

1st Trek: Westpac Quest Leadership Program (21st – 27th June)

We took our first group up to Doon Doon on a leadership trek.  We have been running leadership treks for a variety of corporations since we were approached by the St. James Ethics Centre in 1997. Our leadership treks are a metaphor for business strategy. Just a business has to face uncertainty, solve problems, maintain efficiency and reach a positive outcome; our leaders have to plan their trek in an unfamiliar environment, navigate around possible dangers, avoid unnecessary physical strain and complete the trek successfully. Our latest trek was the initiative of Westpac Group who organised a select team of Regional General Managers, Executives and Directors to participate in, what turned out to be, one of our most successful leadership programs yet. From the moment they touched down, our keen leaders of leaders kicked off the trek with enthusiasm and drive. But, it wasn’t as easy as they had originally thought; by the end of the first night, they found themselves completely pooped after travelling through the hottest part of the day and orchestrating four complicated river crossings which was three more than they had to! Our ambitious leaders soon realised that the trek was not something they could just rush into- they needed to look at the finer details to figure out a better strategy and avoid unnecessary work. And they all realised that they needed to learn how to read a map quicksmart! Each day saw a new elected leader coming up with a better plan, which sparked greater efficiency and rapid improvements in teamwork. Our leaders reached the end our trek with a bright new outlook and leadership qualities far beyond those they had started with.

“For me, the ‘crux’ of the trip; our decision to take on a third attempt of the ridge, was a defining moment where in the context of a hostile environment for emphasis, decision making skills, making choices in life and keeping on moving was a grounding experience that will be with me forever.

In addition, the opportunity to be in the bush and learn from the life experience of Terry Hewitt was a huge part of the week. His guidance, whether it was subtle tips at how we could work more effectively together, or his knowledge and understanding of the people, the area and the outdoors all contributed to the success of the week and our own experiences. We all owe him and BT a big thank you for this much cherished opportunity”

Adrian Troller

2nd Trek: Glenn Sterle (26th July – 30th July)

Our second trek of the season was the ‘Senator Sterle Corporate Challenge.’ This trek was designed for a group of leaders in business to put their mental and physical capabilities to the test and to experience the beauty of the East Kimberley region. We have been running treks with Glenn Sterle for a number of years and this July we took Glenn Sterle and his associates up to Doon Doon for a 4 day trek experience. At the Doon Doon campground, the group were given a welcome to country by the local community and enjoyed a BBQ together for the first night. The group relaxed easily into their trek, and enjoyed feasting on freshly caught Barramundi every night!

However, throughout their trek, the group witnessed the destruction of the current cane toad migration into the Kimberleys. The harsh reality of the cane toad invasion to this pristine wilderness hit home as the group stumbled across several dead freshwater crocodiles! Despite being saddened by such findings, the group enjoyed their trek immensely and we look forward to future treks with them!

3rd Trek: Riggio (30th June – 7th August)

We were approached last year in December by a group of trek enthusiasts who were keen to complete their Final Trilogy Trek: Speewah to Chamberlain River. The group of friends undertook their first trek in the series way back in 2009. For many of them, it was their very first trekking experience and they loved it so much they came back to do their second trek in 2010. This year, they came back to complete the final 88 Km of the Trilogy Treks which totals a whopping 230 Km!

The friends were excited in attempting their final trek. They cruised into the open wilderness, spending their evenings admiring gorgeous sunsets and feasting on freshly caught 6-8 kg Barramundi. But this was only in the beginning and this trek was certainly not going to be as easy as the last two! The groups of friends were soon forced to confront the harsh realities of this remote wilderness and just as their trip was drawing to a close, had to prepare for an emergency evacuation.

During the trek the group members witnessed a young calf under attack from a pair of dingoes. The group looked on as a distressed mother tried to protect her calf while the older, stronger bulls stood back and let the calf fall prey to the dingoes. The group was torn- should they allow nature to run its course or did they have an opportunity to save the young calf from the dingoes? Our team leader, Terry Hewett, scared off the dingoes by firing a couple of rounds into the air but sadly the calf was too badly injured by that time to make a quick getaway to safety. The group was then faced with a painful decision- do they continue on and let the dingoes come back to finish the job or do they help end the calf’s life themselves as humanly as possible?

The group sat around the campfire that night, discussing the harsh realities of the wilderness and how completely difference life is out here compared to their comfortable urban environment. However, this confronting experience wasn’t the only thing to shake things up for our adventurous trekkers though!

The group had walked within close range of a blazing fire for almost three days when, on the second to last day of their trip, the winds suddenly picked up and evacuation became likely. The group spent the last afternoon working clearing an abandoned airstrip to prepare for an early morning evacuation. Our Adventure Out team got the exhausted trekkers out the next day and within 24 hours, a 26km fire front blazed through the region.

For our group of trekkers, their last trek certainly came with challenges and risks but- that’s all part of the adventure!

On Monday morning, 5th November, our team abseiled Rev. Tim Harrison down St George’s Cathedral in Perth’s CBD. The 85 year old undertook the personal challenge to highlight the upcoming Seniors Week (11th-18th Nov) which is a celebration of Seniors’ contribution to the community.  The event was organised by Amana Living, WA’s prinicpal Anglican aged and community care provider. The goal of the day was to promote a positive image of ageing and prove to WA Seniors that you can remain active and energetic throughout your senior years. Rev. Harrison had only abseiled once before in 1944 and while he found this time challenging, it was also very rewarding:

“This reminds me I am still quite young- although I am a bit stiff. Maybe same time next year!”

Abseiling is an activity that anyone can do at any age and in the future our team hopes to see more of our senior citizens challenging themselves and pushing their boundaries through undertaking abseiling adventures with us!

This year Urban Descent have run abseil events in three cities – Perth, Sydney and Brisbane, which have raised a combined 2012 total of close to $750,000.00!

Hundreds of people were rewarding for their fundraising efforts by having the opportunity to abseil from a city building of up to 140m. Of course there were a lot of nerves but mainly excitement as participants prepared to make their descents. Their elation was obvious to all once each abseiler touched down on solid ground once again.

Adventure Out has always been extremely proud to be involved with the Urban Descent events, providing all the necessary technical team and roping specialists required. We are thrilled with the news that the Sir David Martin Foundation has won a 2012 Resource Alliance Global Award for Fundraising in the ”Big Idea, Small Budget” category, for the Syndey Urban Descent event “Abseil For Youth”!

Urban Descent is hoping to add Adelaide and Melbourne to the 2013 calendar which will assist them in reaching their goal of raising $1million in a year.

A huge thank you to all the participants, volunteers and team who made these events possible. Everyone at Adventure Out is eagerly looking forward to next year!

Visit www.urbandescent.com.au to find out how to become involved in an event in your city.

In August Adventure Out sponsored three baby kangaroos from Kangaroo Haven in Kununurra. Here is an update on “Angie”:

Angie is doing beautifully, she loves to be outside. She is still in the tiny baby yard with her two mates Ken and Barbie. Three days ago we opened up the tiny yard into the bigger baby yard and they just love it. It was a bit scary for them in the beginning because there was more room and there were more little kangaroos, which they only have seen through the shade cloth. But after a day Angie was already checking out the other enclosure and pinching the food.

They still go back to sleep in their own pouch in their own yard.

Angie loves her food, especially her sweet potatoes.

She still loves her cuddles, when the carers go into her yard to feed them she comes running up and wants to be picked up and cuddled. She give them a big lick on the face.

We found out that Angie is not a Euro but an Antillopine. Those two species looks alike when they are very small but when they start growing up you notice a difference. Normally it will be a Euro because there are not that many Antillopines around here.

View more photos of Angie, Ken & Barbie here.