In The Beginning

I remember the day that I decided on the name for the walk, we were on our way to Canberra for Christmas, It was December 2012.

“Walking for Talking” , because I’m going to raise money for beyondbue I told her, Katrina thought I was crazy then and still does I think, but has never given up supporting me on my crazy adventures.

So with much planning, training and support I walked East – West across the Simpson Desert 430km in 10days. We raised over $12000 for beyondblue. It was August 2013. It was a fantastic trip supported by Daryl Fox, boss driver and great mate, who I could not have done it without.

2nd last day Walking 4 Talking doing
 "Walk like an Egyptian"

The trip was not life changing, but has sent me down a path of many more walking adventures.

Me middle of Simpson Waling 4 talking

Foxy all set up on Walking 4 Talking

Early 2014 I came across an organised walk “Burke and Wills Trek” walking from Innamincka to Birdsville retracing a small part of their ill-fated expedition  I met heaps of great people on the walk and we were raising money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

Camels from Burke and Wills Trek

One of the great people I met on the Burke and Wills Trek was its Saftey Cordinator Lucas Trihey. In 2006 Lucas became the first person to walk the Simpson Desert unsupported. We spoke many times about his walk and he planted the seed in my head that I could do it too. Lucas is such an inspiring mate.

November 2014 , Idea to walk the Simson was firmly buzzing around my head , but not something I had shared with Katrina. When the time came and I did let it slip the support was there again this time with a little apprehension ,”this one is a little more serious you know that , and would our life insurance cover you!” And with that planning began

I came up with a name “Hauling for Calling” which I thought was sensational!!!  Many people could not see my point of view. And so “Walking for Talking 2” was born.

I was at the Pub (Berowra Tavern) with Brendon Last one evening discussing my next adventure. I suggested that Bren should join me. With a bit of persuasion I think I have him across the line. For Bren its not so much the time away from work as it is the leadup training, but a worst case scenario he would come out to Birdsville with a be a part of the safety crew.

Just before we headed of on our family holiday for 3 months to Western Australia , I learned a bloke called Ian Vickers would be aattemping to cross the Simpson Desert this year, so I caught up with him by phone . Ian was more than Happy to help and gave me heaps of ideas for building my cart.

We had a fantastic trip away and we really grew a team spirit within the family. It was so good just being a family with only worries being will the kids finish there School work for the day so we can go fishing again! I did get a lot of time to plan the walk though. Many nights falling asleep dreaming of my walk.