The world is an awesome place and there’s just no stopping some people living life to the max. Check out some of these fabulous stories!

And if you feel inclined and to tell great story or want to share a stunning pic of your latest adventure, drop us a line on pinboard@soc.com.au

Jame's Magazine Interview for Adventure Central

Original PDF can be downloaded here

 Jessi Goes Kayaking!

By Jessi Spotswood (staff member)

Night was approaching as I hesitantly settled into my kayak.  The darkening Coorong lapped against my orange boat as I pushed away from safety and drifted towards the scattered headtorch beams and glosticks of the rest of my crew. With my PFD firmly tightened, water dripping down my paddle and absolutely no idea what I was doing, the journey had begun.

With no experience in kayaking I had initially jumped at the chance to be a part of the SOC Staff Kayaking Trip, but as time passed I became quite nervous.  My main concern was quickly forgotten when I was assured that ‘No, eels do not live in the Coorong!’  My next thought was that I might not have the strength to keep up with the others and my third concern was that I couldn’t actually swim!  Although a bit worried, it didn’t put me off because a PFD would keep me afloat and I wasn’t afraid of water.  Before we knew it, plans were made, boats were hired, food and waterproof clothing were packed and we were on our way.

Driving down to Hindmarsh Island was James (store manager), Tony (assistant manager), Duncan, Tim, Katherine, Mike, Myself (staff members) and Tommy (mascot).  Arriving in the evening, we set off on the Mundoo Channel to paddle approx 5km to Godfrey’s Landing.    It was a beautiful evening and the water was warm, however I was quite apprehensive about the approaching darkness as we paddled away.  Happy for any advice and company on the large expanse of water, I appreciated helpful tips about using my rudder for steering, leaning forward to use different muscles, which way to hold the paddle (!) and how to turn around whenever I managed to float away from the group.  With James and Tony leading the way in the Canadian Canoe and Dunc and Tim yielding GPS’s, we made it safely to our little campsite.

After a late night, we woke up to a sunny morning, eggs and bacon for breakfast and a 50m paddle to the long drop for those who preferred comfort over the real bush experience (myself included).  A relaxing day followed; the boys tried to catch some dinner, we spent a few peaceful hours at the beach, Katherine, Tony and I paddled with some dolphins (one even did a flip for us…unreal!), card games were played and Duncan entertained us all (and some innocent passers by) with his new found talent on the guitar.  Evening and eating were soon followed by bed as we all crashed fairly early after a day in the sun.

Loading up the boats on the last day was noticeably easier with less food and drink, and we set out with Tommy as the proud figurehead on the Canadian Canoe.  Feeling more confident this time, with a bit of experience behind me, we started the journey home.  Half an hour in, the water became slightly choppy.  I was relieved when Duncan came alongside me until he totally freaked me out by explaining how to exit the boat should I capsize.  Panicking and playing out scenarios in my head, I wouldn’t let him leave my side until I realised how shallow we actually were and that the dark shapes that I thought were dangerous sea creatures were only shells on the sandy bottom.  We paddled faster on the way back and the landing was soon in sight.

I landed my boat with a sense of achievement.  Before we set out I had lots of doubts, but now I had proved to myself that I could actually do it.  So, I’d like to say thanks to my work colleagues who came on this trip, taught me to kayak, and helped make it an enjoyable experience.  We had good times and I’m sure there’s more to come.  

Scott Steady as a Rock

by Rob Mailinauskas - Adelaide Advertiser

THREE years ago, Ambia Scott had no idea climbing mountains in some of the most beautiful locations on earth would be her passion.

A classical musician at the time, South Australian Scott was first introduced into the world of rock climbing in 2004 when a friend took her to the Vertical Reality centre at Holden Hill.

“That night I secretly knew that this new sport was going to change my life”, she said.

“The feeling you get when you complete a tough climb is just so hard to describe, you're on top of the world.”

After a whirlwind world tour, in which she climbed in the US, Thailand and New Zealand, the 26-year-old is back on home soil training for the second round of the Lactic Factory Bouldering Series which begins tomorrow in Melbourne.

“When you hear people cheering you on it makes you want to climb better and that's what I want”, she said.

Scott will use the meet as a stepping stone toward her main goal, representing Australia at World Cup events within the next five years. “It will be a challenge and it will take plenty of hard work,” she said. “But I'm more than willing to put the effort in.”

Ambia was a staff member at the Scout Outdoor Centre

The Heysen Range (Flinders Ranges)
Bunyeroo Gorge to Mt Sinnett

On the June long weekend 2007, staff member Katherine Wilde completed another leg towards her goal to walk a full traverse of the Heysen Range from St Mary Peak to Parachilna Gorge.

Download and read her trip report. (PDF Format)

AUMC/SARA 12/24Hr Rogaine success!

Staff member, keen bushwalker and now rogaine course setter Adam Kilpatrick recently organised and ran the aptly named “Mambray Thigh Master” Rogaine for competitors in Mount Remarkable National Park.

Adam spent much of his spare time since February preparing the event, including five weekends of setting the course, and much work creating maps and organising volunteers. The event was deemed a success with 21 teams (of 2 to 5 members) competing in the 12hr and 22 teams competing in the 24hr events.

Plenty of praise was to be had from experienced competitors as to the quality and accuracy of the course, which had an extreme amount of hills to climb and descend, as well as many rocky, scrubby areas. The course made full use of the fantastic scenery the park had to offer.

The Scout Outdoor Centre gives 10% discount to members of the SA Rogaining Association - Please see link below for trip details.

More information about rogaining events, including the event results can be found at www.sa.rogaine.asn.au

Download Rogaine Poster

Cycling Solo in Western Australia

by Tim Krieger (staff member)

I love the feeling of apprehension that one gets before embarking on an extended solo trip, whether it be walking or cycling. A mixture of self doubt, determination and excitement fill my mind. Can I actually do this? What if I get hurt? Am I carrying everything I need? I’ve done this kind of thing before so I’ll be fine, but what if……

This time my mission was to ride the first stage of Western Australia’s Munda Biddi Trail, 360kms of dirt and sand cycling track that winds its way gracefully through the hills and jarrah forests south of the city of Perth. In the language of the local Nyoongar people munda biddi means ‘path through the forest’. But unlike the areas original inhabitants this trail is not designed to lead its followers to food and water, but to take them on an adventure that allows them to connect not only with the land, but with themselves. At times challenging, at times frustrating, at times peaceful I experienced a myriad of emotions whilst on the trail. This to me is an essential part of any outback adventure.

My first day on the trail was one of the shortest, but one of the most testing. I had never ridden my bike with panniers before, let alone done it on dirt, so after 15 years of mountain biking I had to relearn how to ride. The way you handle cornering changes. The way you shift your weight from back to front changes, even the way you mount and dismount the bike changes. To add to these difficulties the first days ride presented some hellish uphill sections! Let’s just say the first of the trails purpose built huts was a welcome sight that afternoon. Feeling extremely satisfied with my effort that day I slept well and appeared to cruise through the following few days ride with little or no incident.

As I passed through Jarrahdale and Dwellingup to resupply I would talk to locals about my trip and receive and bunch of ‘you’re crazy’ looks when I mentioned that I was on my own. The towns were always a welcome sight. I could buy more fresh food, drink a can of Coke and have lunch at the Pub if my timing was right! Civilisation was a sign that I wasn’t to far from help if I needed it, although by this stage I was confident I had planned everything to run smoothly. Taking the right gear was essential, but over planning can ruin some of the surprises an extended trip can present.

For me the hardest day was the second last of my tour. Deciding to skip the caravan park perched on the edge of a dam full of water skiers I pushed on to the next of the purpose built huts creating a day’s ride of over 85kms. Not only was this my longest day riding I also broke 2 spokes, came of the bike once, and had to follow numerous (uphill) diversions in the trail due to tree felling. Worst of all I ran out of chocolate and cheese! Rolling into camp well after the sun had set that night I was welcomed by the first company I had enjoyed for 6 days. My new found friends, surprised by my after dark arrival, had a cup of tea brewing for me whilst I set up camp and we talked well into the night about our experiences on the trail so far.

For me the worst day of all on a solo trip is the last. I begin to wish it could all last longer and at the same time I start to dream of warm comfortable beds, long hot showers, someone to talk to and fresh, cooked meals. Would I recommend to others to ride the Munda Biddi trail? Definitely! I had the ride of a lifetime and I think the trail has something to offer everyone, from day riders to fanatical soloists like myself. What were the essential pieces of gear I carried? A well stocked first aid kit and cycle repair kit and most importantly if you’re going solo, an MP3 player to keep you company (or keep you sane some might say)!