in 2022 we are taking part in Coastrek, the ultimate team trekking and fundraising challenge, proudly supporting Beyond Blue.
Along with over 10,000 other Coastrekkers, mostly women, our team will be walking a really, really long way to support the three million people in Australia living with anxiety and depression, and those affected by suicide.
We all signed up to the early bird special and the whatsapp group was abuzz. I have to admit I started reading the "packing" checklist and had a little bit of anxiety. Like, do I really need hiking poles? (turns out I don't, phew!)
We are very lucky our Team Captain, Tara is all over it. She has already organised a support vehicle and is keen to try her new dehydrator and make us some yummy snacks for our adventure. I have already got a shopping list for the boxing day sales: a backpack, a water bladder (I can put gin in it, right!?) some "toe" socks and some underwear that doesn't cause chaffing. I have of course been tasked with team tees... which I am very excited about.
I am also going to claim that the team name was my idea. I am a huge fan of dad jokes and puns. The treck goes from Cape Schanck Lighthouse to Point Nepean, so our team name, SCHANCKS FOR THE WALK, BUT WHAT’S THE POINT, plays homage to that.
Two of our team members are in the northern suburbs, and two on the peninsula, so getting together regularly to train next year may prove to be challenging, but it does give us an opportunity to explore trails of Melbourne.
I found a handy little app called Alltrails, which shows all the trails in our areas, and has handy little categories to indicate how challenging, distance, whether dogs allowed etc.
Decided to give a try this morning and heading out to Mill Park/South Morang area. I took my dog Jacko with me, and the first place I tried unfortunately said no dogs, but I found nearby Quarry Hills Track and we wandered on out. Sensational views... I could see Melbourne City, views of the quarry, YarraRanges and Kinglake. We were also entertained with a wonderful flurry of butterflies greeted us at the top. Really enjoyed exploring somewhere new, and I can highly recommend getting out of your comfort zone and trying some new trails.
I'm sure on the actual day there will be very sore legs, sweaty hair and maybe a blister or two. There will also be meaningful chats, lots of laughs, camaraderie and connection, and a sweet, sweet feeling of exhilaration when we smash our Coastrek goal after months of training and prep.
Each contact to the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service costs around $48 to answer. Your generosity will help connect people with immediate support, advice and referrals wherever they are.
With your help, we can make a positive impact on mental health in Australia. Every donation helps! Please give here
There are so many great trails in Melbourne, and with a little bit of research you can find one that suits your fitness level and interests. I'm looking forward to trying some more trails, and I'd encourage you to do the same - get outside and explore! Who knows what amazing things you'll find. Happy trails!
