Slippery Snow August Hike.

26th August 2018.

It’s safe to say that Mount Donna Buang is one difficult hike, one of the most difficult in Victoria in fact. This 13.4km (return) hike, with an elevation gain of 13421m will leave you in awe of the views, and in pain for days after. Certainly not a hike for beginners or those with lower fitness levels. Only 75km from Melbourne CBD, out in Warburton, it’s worth the drive, and the pain if you’re keen for a challenge.

Some important things to remember for this hike:
– Take snaks (you’ll get hungry)
– Prepare yourself well (train leading up to it if you haven’t done such a challenging hike before)
– Although it says it’s a 6.5 hour hike, it can take you longer, depending on your fitness level and the state of the ground, it’s a whole day thing, the earlier you start the better
– Wear proper hiking shoes, and if hiking in the winter there will be snow after the first 6km (once you cross the road toward the top) so in that case wear snow boots, or water proof hiking boots
– Watch out for leeches
– It is EXTREMELY steep, therefore exhausting, be prepared with plenty of water to drink
– If you have bad knees or don’t want to risk the constant falls on the way down, leave one car at the road where the 6km point ends, and one car at the bottom, that way you only need to hike down to the road, which is a few kilometres, and not as steep as the remainder of the way down (we did the whole way down, it was ridiculously difficult)
– In winter it is very slippery, best to use hiking poles
– Don’t attempt it by yourself, safety first, plus the company keeps you sane if you’re just starting out

I can honestly say that this was one of the most challenging hikes I have accomplished since prior to my injury. I possibly even pushed my limits doing this hike. I couldn’t feel my legs for days. I had an excessive amount of swelling on my feet, and blisters which needed doctor’s attention.

There were moments where I swear I was staring death right in the face. Moments of my brain not sending signals to my legs. Moments I can’t even remember, because I’m pretty sure my body was going into survival mode. But in saying all of this it was totally worth it, because that feeling of success once we reached the summit, that outweighed all the other moments.

The surroundings are beautiful, the trees so lush as we head out of Winter and into Spring. With little rays of light shinning through them as the sun started to set. The snow so white, fluffy and inviting. A little taste of heaven on Earth. The change of seasons bringing upon a need for change in myself, ever so evident, as our lives align with Mother Earth.

I’m proud of myself, and my beautiful hiking buddies, for this is an outstanding achievement for us all. Unfortunately, my amazing man Trissy was sick with the flu so he sat this one out. But his sister and our friend joined me, which was lovely.

Sending you all unconditional love,

#TeamTrisTan

Even though physically it was just Tan on this hike; I held Trissy in my heart, his words of support and encouragement, that’s what got me through.

Jumping From Rock to Hanging Rock in July.

Jumping from rock to Hanging Rock for July’s Hike in The 12 Hike Challenge. This month brought us to our History and Heritage Hike, this time we revisited and old favourite.

If you haven’t been yet, this beautiful landmark in Woodend, Victoria is a must see. Only 77km from Melbourne’s CBD, this short 2-3km hike (with lots of incline and fun rock climbs) will leave you in awe. The gorgeous Hanging Rock, also known as Mount Diogenes, Dryden’s Rock, and to some of its traditional owners as Ngannelong is a magical wonderland. In the late 20th century, the area became very widely known as the setting of Joan Lindsay’s novel Picnic at Hanging Rock. The beautiful formation of this area is one of the best examples of a volcanic rock formation in the world. Due to having been exposed to weathering and erosion, it has resulted in an assembly of unusual rock formations, which (lucky for us) have remained for many, many years.

There really is something quite special about the air out that way, as I sat on one of the rocks (as high as I could climb), gently closing my eyes, I became one with everything. This state of being, it is precious. There is truly nothing more beautiful than recognizing the inter-being whilst out in Earth’s playground. As I opened my eyes and glanced over at the man of my dreams, I was in awe as my heart flooded with unconditional love for this human, this Soul, this beautiful man that stands by my side, while letting me be me. Realizing he is not only the man of my dreams, but the man of my reality.

Some may only see trees, plants, clouds, mountains. When in reality the smaller things are the things that make up the bigger things. The beauty behind what we have just below the soles of our feet, it truly is magical, and it is a gift, one which we should never take for granted. The sun warming our heart, as it glistens through nature’s playground, the moss creating beds of comfort for the tiny Souls living in the forest. The scent of every leaf and every flower as we walk by. The leaves scattering across Earth’s surface, life beginning where life is ending.

One can’t help but be mesmerized by this wonderland that we live in. Being able to share it with such an amazing human makes it all the more precious.

We create our own reality, what is yours?

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we tread with care on. I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Elders from other communities who may have been there on that day. 

Sending you all unconditional love,

#TeamTrisTan

 

Just Made it June.

We really struggled for time this month, as well as fighting the extreme weather over most of the weekends, which made it quite unsafe to be hiking.

The last day of June, it had to be done. Rain or sunshine. Luckily we got a bit of both, which was nice. A simple, get ever so beautiful hike around Lysterfield Lake, Victoria. This 8.8km hike, with 157m of elevation was wonderful. This time around we had Trissy’s gorgeous sister Jess, and my favourite friend Julia join us.

This month for the #12HikeChallenge was dedicated to Hike and Yoga. So I guess you may be expecting some cool images of us doing headstands amongst the trees, maybe a little crow pose on a tree trunk, or even a downward facing dog by the lake… Well, you won’t see it here. This wasn’t your typical Hike and Yoga, it was more traditional, if you will.

There is this big misconception that Yoga is simply stretching, and placing your body into pretty postures. Yeah, that’s apart of Yoga, but it’s such a tiny part. Like one out of eight steps tiny.

Traditionally Yoga is broken down into Ashtanga (The 8 Limbs of Yoga). Each limb is practiced in order to reach the final step, Samadhi, also known as eternal bliss or enlightenment. The physical aspect of Yoga, which most refer to as Hatha, Ashtanga – Mysore, Vinyasa, Yin etc, consists of postures which we work the body through and at times incorporate Pranayama (breath work or life expansion). However all these styles stem from Hatha Yoga (the one most see as the boring kind of Yoga, ha), as all the postures used in these styles of Yoga are taken from Hatha. The beautiful flows and postures these styles offer also only cover the tip of the iceberg within Yoga.

To deepen your understanding, if you’re unfamiliar with this, I’ll explain Ashtanga below, stick with me here, I promise I’m getting to something.

Ashtanga stands for The 8 Limbs of Yoga, quite obviously suggesting there are 8 steps to reaching the final goal of Yoga, which isn’t placing your legs behind your head, although that is fun too, and apart of the journey, but certainly not the goal.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (ancient writings) refer to The Eight Limbs of Yoga, each of them offering guidance on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

The word ‘Yoga’ actually means to unite, with everything and everyone in this world, and ourselves. To understand we are not seperate from the next person, nor are we seperate from the next animal, insect or tree. Through Yoga we gain connection with the Atman, the true Self, or the Soul, if you will. The goal is basically to see beyond what the eyes can see, to seperate ourselves from drama, unnecessary things, low self-worth, in order to find freedom and peace.

This kind of freedom and peace cannot be attained by purchasing a cute pair of Lululemon Yoga tights, or through standing on your head. It can only be attained through Ashtanga (Ashta = eight, Anga = Limb).

The 8 Limbs of Yoga:

YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows (such as non-violence, non-lying, non-stealing, non-waste of vital energies, non-greed)

NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances (such as purity, contentment, self-study, discipline, surrender)

ASANA – Postures (which were traditionally only done to create energy flow through the subtle body, and prepare the physical body for long periods of seated Meditation. As we evolved with time and science, we now know there are many more benefits for the body physically, and also benefits for the mind emotionally through the practice of Asana)

PRANAYAMA – Breath (Prana means life force and Ayama means expansion, we use breath work to expand the life. Research has also found that through controlling the breath we can also control the mind, reduce stress which therefore minimises the chances of diseases, improves concentration, and cures us from anxiety and depression- but not limited to)

PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal (a simple technique that blocks the senses from outside distractions)

DHARANA – Focused concentration (usually practiced through coutning backwards from a number, watching a flame, using a mantra – such as Aum or a word that resonates with you, or Mala beads – Yes, Mala beads, they’re not only for looking pretty)

DHYANA – Meditation or self-awareness (where you sit with yourself, letting the thoughts come and go, becoming the observer rather than the narrator- Yeo, Meditation isn’t to completely silence the mind… That comes with practice)

SAMADHI – Bliss or enlightenment, becoming one with the self (unconditionally) – The end goal

Yoga is not seperate to Meditation. Just as Yoga is not only a physical practice. Meditation falls under the Yoga umbrella. The physical practice (Asana) falls under the Yoga umbrella. It is all one. Just as we are all one.

When attending a traditional Yoga class, whether they use Ashtanga-Mysore, Yin, Vinyasa, Hatha styles, they would follow the above structure, aside from the first two limbs, as they’re more so applied to your daily life, and can also be practiced on the mat mindfully.

The very first Yoga Sutra states – Atha Yoganusasanam, now at this auspicious time, begins the study and practice of Yoga. The word begins refers to the beginning, to begin the unconditioning process of the mind, to unlearn what we have learnt, to learn from those learnings, and begin again with right views, right thought and right speech.

People sometimes question me, they question why I am so “caught up” in the traditional ways of Yoga. My answer is simple, these teachings were passed on from teacher to student for thousands of years before they were written in texts. Yoga is a an ancient Science, a way of life. If it were not for the whole practice of Yoga, I would not be here today. If it were not for the whole practice of Yoga, I would have ended my life many years ago. It was through Yoga I discovered my strength, my self-worth, unconditional love and freedom. It wasn’t through aiming to stand on my head, yes that was apart of my journey, but not my destination. My destination was to be able to sit with myself with acceptance and peace. And even then, it’s still not a destination, because in those moments of silence, that is where I continue to unravel things about me, peeling back the layers, the conditionings, the Maya (illusions), to see myself truly.

So, this Hike and Yoga, it didn’t consist of fancy poses, but what it did consist of was this; a beautiful walk, taking in the natural breeze that Mother Nature offered us, feeling her tears as the rain gently touched our skin, smelling the precious scent from each unique leaf, laughing with people dearest to my heart, chatting about philosophy, life, the unseen and the unknown, as we mindfully tread carefully on our Earth.

There you have it, a Hike and Yoga.

Sending you all unconditional love,

#TeamTrisTan

May’s (Not So Simple) River Hike.

River Hike – A sweet, simple hike along a river, serenity… is what I had initially stated…

Sweet, yes, because of the company and the scenery.

Simple, hah! Far from it.

River, a gully counts right?

Serenity, well, the difficulty of each section led to little bursts of serenity.

This just over 14km, Grade 3 hike in Dandenong Ranges covering Olinda Falls and Valley is only 46km from Melbourne. This hike had proven to be a very difficult one with the amount of ascending and descending hills we endured. It definitely requires good fitness, good hiking shoes & a strong mind. Silly us forgot our hiking poles, luckily I had Trissy who made me a handy one out of a big stick he found. Thank goodness I wore my ankle brace this time, even with it, after about half way, the struggle was real. We did detour from the original map, due to my condition, however that only cut out one ascend and descend. Trissy was great at keeping us on track. With a 540m elevation gain, we completed this 14.7km hike in 4 hours, 16 minutes and 29 seconds. Some of that time was used to sit down, rest & cry. Yes, cry. By the end of it, I was an emotional wreck. There were plenty of times where Trissy suggested I stay at one of the carparks we would reach, and that he would finish the hike & come back to pick me up with the car. Although the throbbing in my ankle was becoming almost unbearable, I didn’t want to stop. Careless, perhaps. I really wanted to complete it, I’ve been injured and healing for over 12 months now. There was one part of me that wanted to stop, but the other part kept telling me to keep going. Ego? Maybe. I didn’t do any further damage in the end, I was just terribly exhausted. But holding my loves hand at the finish line, wiping the tears away from my cheeks & being embraced in his caring arms, made it all worthwhile.

Trissy organized this one, and I’m so glad he did, we got to see the beautiful Olinda Falls, which he surprised me with. He is so amazing with surprising me all the time. We even filled up our bottles at a Gully with the most delicious fresh water I’ve tasted. This hike, although a major challenge just proved how strong we are, how strong our relationship is. There were many times where we could have argued, but with loving communication we made it through. Even when I snapped towards the end, Trissy held my hand, and told me how proud of me he was. Just as I am proud of him. This was a challenge for both of us, but we made it. I’m glad we both persevered, it was totally worth completing the The Olinda Falls and Valley Circuit, where we encountered beautiful forests, birds singing, beautiful native bushes, the R.J. Hamer Forest Arboretum, and of course the Gully and Waterfall.

Let’s see where our June hike takes us!

Sending you all unconditional love,

#TeamTrisTan

The struggle was real.

April’s Mount Rocky Rosea.

Our April hike, for our 2018 #12HikeChallenge brings us to…

Mount “Rocky” Rosea it should be called. A challenging hike which was totally worth it, to see those spectacular views from 962m above sea level. This intricate hike is certainly not for everyone. But that rocky path, climbing giant rocks, and crossing crevasses, was totally worth waking up above the clouds.

A race against time to find the camp spot Sam (another fellow 12 Hike Challenge participant- thanks Sam!) recommended, following those little yellow arrows, which gave us a sense of relief to know we were on the right track. I had the image of Sam’s camp spot saved on my phone, so we were able to find it quite easily. We made it just before sundown, just in time to set up camp by the cliff of death, warm up dinner & witness the moon rise as the sun set. Pretty sure this sunset made up for our lack of a sunset during our sunset hike in February.

As I hike, I spend a lot of time reflecting, I came to realize how much I have changed. How this relationship has aligned me with exactly where I need to be right now. How I am responsible for this. Because I believed and I received. Everyday we grow together, it’s been 6 months, and as each day passes, I am grateful for a love so easy. Because that is the way love should be, any relationship, romantic or otherwise, should be. It should be easy. Of course there will always be little bumps in the road, but a majority of the time it should just flow. I’m so grateful that it does. That we can openly communicate and overcome anything, which therefore allows us to grow together in unconditional love.

I was in such a different place this time last year. It’s times like these, where I reflect back, and realize how much I have changed. How things I did then, I wouldn’t do now. How I would deal with situations then, is not the person I am today, but those experiences happened for me to learn, and to help me grow into who I am today. As we drifted off to sleep under the stars, I remembered the conversation Trissy and I had while lying in our own separate beds 6 months ago, and now we lay here under the stars, fulfilling our ideal date. Together. For a moment I thought I can’t believe this is where I am, then I paused in that same moment, what kind of message am I sending to the Universe, to myself when I use words that carry disbelief? By not believing that something amazing has happened in my life, I was sending the message that I am not deserving. Our words, our thoughts, they matter. So in that moment I went from disbelief, to “yes, I am here right now, because I worked for this, because I deserve this”. The Universe is synchronized to work with us, what we put out there, we receive. Subconsciously or not. So instead of defaulting to I can’t believe this or that happened, I am learning to change it to I’m excited that this is just the beginning, that there is so much more to come, that I am here, now. Reclaiming the power with my words, with my thoughts. Believing in myself, and what I have created.

Although the sleep was restless, and I was super cold, note to self, bring more layers next time. That sunrise was totally worth getting up in 3 degree temperature to watch the night sky change to daytime, as the kookaburras sang and the animals yawned awakening from their nights sleep. My gosh this world is magic, truly. These are the moments we need to remember because these moments outweigh the negatives in the world, which we are bombarded with in the media. Although we do need to be aware of what is happening, it’s important for us to differentiate what is just to instill fear through tyranny, and control, to what is worth understanding. As a whole, we can make the world a better place by focusing on all the beauty there is, sharing it, through media and otherwise, and noticing how this can allow us to live in harmony with each other, instead of segregation due to money, power & religion. So I sat there and meditated, crystal in hand, awakening with the sunrise and my mantra “I am protected, powerful and free”. I imagined myself running & leaping off the cliff of death into the wild, it felt freeing, like I was flying, a sense of calmness came over me. As I looked out to the sunrise, these little glowing lights were falling into the lake, the spirits of the sun, there to protect us, to guide us.

After breakfast & coffee, we climbed up to the summit, staring out to sensational views, and clouds passing by. Soaking up the energy from the sun, the lush trees, rocks and little flowers sprouting through the rocks. Teaching us that even in times of difficulty, there is possibility for growth. I noticed amongst those rocks that there were little crystals embedded in them, they looked like clear quartz of the sort, or possibly pebbles either way, so precious. Looking out over the hinterland, the veins of Earth were preparing themselves for the winter months ahead, just as the season changes, I too, we too are changing. Even rock formations are forever changing, from weather conditions to Earth’s movements, they’re slowly but surely also changing. In Ayurveda it describes how what is happening on the outside is happening on the inside. It’s a matter of becoming consciously aware. We are part of the Earth’s natural system and just like how the plants and animals get effected by this change, we do too.

The way down was a challenge, especially on my weaker leg. Luckily Trissy and I had our trusty hiking poles, which definitely helped us both. Walking back covering lush ground, I felt my calf weakening. My ankle began to overcompensate, until it couldn’t any longer. I fell, I screamed, I cried. But my beautiful man gently elevated my leg, gave it a rub, some cuddles and words of encouragement. With 4km left, we were followed back to the car by a beautiful butterfly, stopping as it pleased and catching up when it was ready, perhaps a spirit of the sun, guiding us. We made it back to the Mount Rosea car park, and got me some frozen peas from the nearest supermarket. I’m glad I persevered.

The sprained ankle was totally worth that view, and the sweetest kiss from the sweetest man. Those views will forever be etched in my heart, as will he.

Spending a lot more time in nature, I’ve notice that all forms of life strive for self-preservation. The behaviors such as nursing sick members, and warning each other of dangers, those are different manifestations of the same Universal tendency of life to self-preserve itself. Where there is life, there is consciousness.

They take care of each other because somehow they understand it benefits them all. Something humans can learn a lot from.

•

The Mount Rosea Loop Hike is 12km (return), located at The Grampians National Park. This grade 3-4 hike does require some previous experience with hikes, as well as a good pair of well supported, grippy hiking shoes/boots. Definitely not a hike to consider in the rainy seasons, and avoid doing it if is has rained the morning or or the day before. Safety first!

Sending you all unconditional love.

#TeamTrisTan

Riding For a Cause.

Multiple sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system in young adults and it strikes young people in the prime of their lives.

There is no cure.

So we ride, we ride with hope in our hearts that one day there will be.

Well, that ride up and over the Westgate bridge had proven to be one of the most exciting and darn scariest things I’ve done. Especially in this unpredictable Melbourne weather.

Although it was pouring rain, it was beautiful. Such a cleanse. There were many times where I slowed down by a lot, got dizzy and kept looking down, but Trissy was right by my side. I almost gave up, but kept pushing with Trissy’s encouraging words. That last hill before heading back to Flemington, I think I blacked out for a minute or two…

Then I remembered something, back in 2011, I was almost 40kg heavier, we were on a P&O cruise which stopped in Nouméa. There have been many memories which arise now and then, memories I’ve blocked in order to survive, as they come up, I deal with them. While in Nouméa, we hired bicycles to go on a tour. There was a van that followed us, incase we couldn’t make it all the way. It wasn’t even 2km in, that I gave up. Out of breath, tired & a shaking body, I threw my bike in the back of the van & I called it quits. On the outside I put on a strong face, pretending I was okay with it, but as I sat in the van watching my cousin ride along, I hid the tears behind my sunglasses. I felt embarrassed, ashamed and disappointed in myself. So now looking back, 8 years on, it’s suffice to say I’m so proud of myself!

First riding event, first time riding in heavy rain, first time on the Westgate Bridge, first fall, first longest ride (32.6km). First (of many to come) event ride together. Super proud of us! Thanks for all your encouragement, Trissy! I love you so much.

Everyday he encourages me.

Everyday he believe in me.

Everyday he reminds me I can do anything.

Everyday we grow together.

Thanks to the few wonderful people who donated to our team for the MS Ride, a little goes a long way.

If you’d like to donate to MS research, it’s not too late, click on the link below…

https://www.msmelbournecycle.org.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5946

Sending you all unconditional love.

#TeamTrisTan

March Coastal Hike, Torquay.

31^st March 2018

The wonderful thing about this 12 Hike Challenge, it can be altered, changed, according to your needs, the weather or whatever may arise… Kind of like life, if we choose.

What was meant to be our Camp / Overnight Hike last weekend, turned into our Coastal Hike this weekend. Due to weather conditions, last weekend, we had to make the (safest) choice, which was to postpone our Camp / Overnight Hike until late April. The Coastal Hike we did from Highlander Street Reserve to Rocky Point and back again (with a cheeky stop at the local IGA where I was overwhelmed with the amount of Gluten Free / Vegan products they have, of course I indulged a little), was beautiful nonetheless. The hike was 11.3km in total, taking us just over 2 hours with a few stops along the way, and along the way back, our maximum elevation gain on this hike was 127m.

There is something special about the ocean. This pull that takes away any fears and worries, as it cleanses every inch of my being. I find much inspiration by the ocean, whether it be for my book, my art or life in general. Watching the waves come crashing into the rocks, as the water creates amazingly beautiful patterns, if I stare at it long enough, it is almost like time slows down, and I can see every little movement ever so clearly, every pattern, every crease, every bend; it all makes sense. The ocean, she speaks to me. This time around the energy was intense. With a Full Moon on the same evening, the energies were higher than usual. My emotions even higher than any path we climbed. Although it was an emotionally intense day / evening, I am grateful for it. I am grateful for the ability to feel ever so deeply, to express my emotions (even when it takes me a little longer, even when it feels like I am failing, I am learning), even when it feels like I am crumbling into a million pieces with no way of putting myself back together again. I am grateful because if I didn’t feel, I wouldn’t understand the way that I do. If I didn’t feel, I wouldn’t know what it is like to love ever so deeply.

Everything happens for a reason, the weather changed for its own reasons beyond our control. The Universe knew I needed to be by the ocean, and although emotions that arose were difficult to deal with, he was there, reminding me to breathe. I’m still learning that my opinions, my wants, my needs, are important. I am still learning that these are a part of me, and they matter. They matter to him.

We may have had to postpone our Camp / Overnight Hike, but what we gained was much more than we could have asked for. I got to share with Trissy my secret spot in Torquay, that I’ve had for many years (the spot I have never shared with anyone else), where I go to write, to create, to think, to swim, to be one with myself when I feel like the craziness of the world is all too much for me. And he got to share with me a special family home, and spend some quality time with a special man who took on the role as a father figure, when he said goodbye to his just over 4 years ago. When his Uncle Tom said “Love you, Son” as we left, I felt Trissy’s heart in my heart ever so intensely. I was faced with some heavy emotions, but I wasn’t alone. I am never alone.

“With every wave, the sea continues a long green story that never ends”. – The Sea, Jean Walsh Anglund 

Sending you all unconditional love.

#TeamTrisTan

We may not have gotten to experience the Sunset we expected on our Sunset Hike in February, but this sunset on the drive home from Torquay sure made up for it!

A Deeper Meaning to The Hike & The Bike.

One of the best things (amongst many) about a relationship, is when you can encourage each other to try new things, then support each other all the way through them.

Tristian has come on 1 hike with me so far, for the 12 Hike Challenge, and he’ll be coming on the overnight March hike with me too! Spending time together, doing the things we love is so important to the both of us. Both hiking & cycling have such a deeper meaning than just trekking through nature, or riding to beat PBs. No, it goes further than that, and being able to share both these things with not only my partner, but my best friend, my everything, it’s beyond amazing. Not only allowing, but encouraging each other into significant areas of each others lives is truly something special. Now, some people have made the statement that we’re still in the “honeymoon phase” of the relationship, although I don’t like to adhere to labels, and although it may or may not be true, for both of us this relationship has been truly organic. It really is interesting to see how others perceive a relationship based on social norms. But in reality, it’s only the people apart of the said relationship that can truly feel whatever it is that they feel, however they want or need to feel it. What others see is purely an observation based on external factors, and essentially is invalid to the parties of the said relationship.

Everything has just fallen into place as it needs to. This is a familiar soul, a soul that my soul recognizes, a soul that my soul has come back to time and time again. All these things we do together, and it’s not just the hiking & cycling, it’s the cooking together, bathing together, laughing together, all the little things, they strengthen us as individuals, and us as a team. It’s been 4 months, but time is irrelevant, when 4 months has felt like 4 lifetimes.

Growing together, walking (and riding) this path together.

So far we have completed some great rides, although some of these rides are super easy for Tristian’s abilities, he is there, by my side, encouraging me, riding with me…

10.4km Albert Park

18.1km Gardiers Creek Trail

13.4km Albert Park Ride & Skills Training

10.4km Albert Park

Looking forward to watching the above list grow, as we explore more areas, and moving onto new challenges as my confidence grows.

Speaking of, we have decided to do the MS Cycle this April Tristian and I will be taking part in the 30km MS ride, check out our team page below. It would be amazing, and greatly appreciated if you could donate to our team, as all funds raised will be going towards MS research to fight for those suffering from this horrible central nervous system disease.

https://www.msmelbournecycle.org.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5946

Sending you all unconditional love.

#TeamTrisTan

February (kind of) Sunset Hike, Mt Buninyong.

So we set off on a sunset hike, and obviously expected to see a sunset right?…

Well, some things in life cannot be controlled, one of those things being the weather conditions. We didn’t get to see the sunset, but we did enjoy a beautiful (short) hike from Blackberry Lane Picnic Area to The Mount Buninyong Summit, taking a steep, narrow & slippery (best done in hiking boots) path. After taking the Zigzag Summit Walk, we climbed up the fire tower, to find ourselves looking out over an amazing view. Oh my, how beautiful is Australia? And how lucky are we to live in this country?! After some cuddles, and a few selfies (haha), we made our way back down the Zigzag Summit Walk, and spontaneously decided we had some more energy to burn. We turned left instead of right (the way we came) and headed up the The South Walk via Crater Walk. This steep slope, had us surrounded by butterflies, so many lush trees and bushes, and some unknown animals moving as fast as they could. Magic. It was getting dark, so we decided to head back to the car, only having completed about half of The South Walk. On the walk back, we were hit with a fresh, crisp breeze, some tiny droplets of rain began to fall. It was one of those moments that made me feel ever so grateful for the land I walk on, for the air I breathe, for this beautiful human with such an enormous heart who loves me unconditionally and allows me to be me. It also got me thinking about expectations, not just about this hike, and expecting to see a sunset, but expectations in life, in general. Just because we didn’t see the sunset, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t there hiding away behind the grey sky, saying good evening to yet another day, putting any troubles of that day to rest. Getting us ready for a new day, breathing this fresh, crisp air.

At times in life we are faced with disappointment. We create this ourselves through the initial creation of expectations. We form this belief in our minds that things will turn out a certain way, failing to realize that sometimes we cannot control what higher powers have planned for us. We fail to allow life to unfold because we hold on ever so tightly to expectations, to the fear of change, to the fear of the unknown, because we are a society of planners, a society that fears change. And when we are struck with the reality that our plans have changed, not because we chose to change them, but because destiny decided, we crumble. We let it consume our entire being, eating away at our soul. And that void we are trying to fill with inanimate objects only grows emptier. The more we fill it, the less we truly have. We feel betrayed. A form of betrayal that doesn’t make sense really, because it’s not like life agreed to these expectations. It’s not like life signed off on these expectations. So how does one break away from this toxic cycle… It’s not really about breaking away per-say…

Yes, have expectations, without expecting them to never change without our permission. Yes, have expectations, and when they go against us, be sad. Be angry. Go out into an open field and scream. Let those little droplets of emotion pour out from your eyes. Let it out. Let go of the negative emotion attached to the unexpected outcome. Learn. Create space. Life will go on.

Sending you all unconditional love, keep on shining.

Tan. xx

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Some notes about this hike should you wish to embark on it:

⁃ Hiking boots are probably best

⁃ It’s a Grade 3 hike, so reasonable fitness levels are necessary

⁃ The route we took, full Zigzag trail (return) and half of The South Walk (return) took us just over an hour

⁃ Our route was 3.2km

⁃ Don’t follow Blackberry Lane on the GPS, type in Hogarths Road, and look for Blackberry Lane on the map closest to that road

⁃ 170m of climbing, max elevation 752m

⁃ 120km from Melbourne

Note to self – invest in hiking poles for the next hike. The way down is seriously terrible on the injured leg.

January Waterfall Hike – Lala Falls, Warburton.

With less than a week until the end of the month, going back to work in 4 days, a jam packed next few days & trying to ensure weather permits for the times between, it was anything but easy to fit in the January hike for the #12hikechallenge & also find one that isn’t too far. But not impossible, so here I am, at the finish line of a beautiful short Grade 3 3.2km, with a max elevation of 480m hike, at Lala Falls in Warburton, Victoria.

The morning was overcast, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the beauty that this waterfall has to offer. The photos don’t do this place justice, only 75km from Melbourne you should certainly check this little gem out. This mini hike is an all time favourite, nothing like returning to an oldie but a goodie. Walking through the rainforest, is exactly like my dreams, although in my dreams I’m a little fairy, in a magical garden exploring & creating love and happiness. That sweet smell of fresh trees, there is no better natural high, no better way to heal than in nature.

My leg felt really good after this hike, some deep Yin Yoga & Pranayama (Breath Work) to rejuvenate the blood flow to that area worked a treat. There were questions in forums about how people recover after a hike, YOGA! Especially Yin Yoga, on the physical side it works deep into the fascial tissue to increase mobility and flexibility, a supported way to gently stress our joints and fascia which is like a body suit of connective tissue around our muscles, joints, ligaments & tendons. On the emotional side, due to holding the postures for an extended period of time, you’re able to focus your attention on your breath and the sensations in your body, which may help you let go of past traumas you’re carrying, and address buried emotions you may be denying.

Speaking of my leg, I haven’t done a hike with this much (not that there was much, but in comparison to what I’ve been doing in the last 6 months) elevation in a long time. I found that the way up wasn’t the problem, however the way down caused a little pressure on my injuries. I thought because it’s a short hike I wouldn’t need my ankle brace, lesson learnt. Would love to hear from you if you’ve suffered an injury that has impacted what you could once do, and how you’ve managed to take care of your body during the healing process, hit me up with a comment below.

My handsome man will be joining me on the February hike, as we joined this challenge quite late & he was out cycling this morning. Speaking of, I got my new Bianchi bike the other day, and took it out for a ride at Albert Park, 2 laps completed with my amazing man, a total of 10.4km for my first (proper) ride. It felt so amazing to cycle, I’m looking forward to many more rides.

If you’re heading out this way anytime soon be mindful on Old Warburton Road, nature has created a few obstacles over the road. If you don’t have hiking boots, wear shoes with a good grip, the surface of the track is uneven & a little slippery.

I’m glad I made the decision to head out into the forest this morning. That fresh air, those little droplets falling from the trees as I walk and ever so gently push them aside without hurting them, watching the little bugs creep and crawl in their beautiful natural habitat, showing appreciation to my life force, a gentle hug and kiss for a beautiful tree. Driving back through those winding roads, with the sun peaking through the trees, warming my skin. My soul feels free, my heart is full.

Sending you all unconditional love, keep on shining.

Tan. xx