Andrew George

Dear friends and family,

I'm going to endeavour to keep this brief, as I plan to embark on the second leg of the bike ride- or as i like to call it, WILDLY ENDURING (on a bike) prior to WILD ENDURANCE - some time this morning.

Well what a time it has been. I left on the overnight bus to Melbourne over a week and a half ago (the 15th), got to southern cross station and straight on the train to Bairnsdale. Sleep was shabby at best, but still, i rode 60 km the first day- happened across an awesome 'rail trail', the train line between Bairnsdale and Orbost having been converted into a walking/cycling path and it was very chill first days ride. Just before sunset i set up tent in the scrub at Nowa Nowa, cooked up some baked beans and fell asleep pretty soon after dusk to the bizarre sound of what i reason to have been a Tawny Frogmouth in the nearby trees.

Good thing i had such an early night, coz the next day i got up at dawn and rode through the mist about 30 km to Orbost on the highway, then ate up there and stocked up on supplies before embarking on an EPIC 67 km ride along the Bonang Highway to Goongerah - the most incredible road you could ever imagine! Lush rivers and creeks and ferns, huge gum trees, plethora of bird calls and more ups and downs then i care to remember- i was wrecked by the time i got to my friends place just after dark. Long Day!

After a relaxing day hanging in Goongerah, chatting with locals, even doing a spot of fishing on the creek, I decided to head off that eve into the real deal forest, leave the safety of the town for the wild. Needless to say the next two days were tough. The roads turned into dirt which soon turned into mud. the air turned into mist. The flora became lusher than anything i've ever seen before. It rained in the rainforest. The hills were steep. And to top it all off, as soon as i stepped foot on a walking trail the leeches were abundant! (not to mention mosquitos). 2 nights camping in the region taught me some valuable lessons, namely, that in an environment such as a rain forest - this city slicker is way out of his depth. And in general, without bitumen and cars, nature is a darn lot tougher than man. Being dry is something to be appreciated. etc etc

Leaving goongerah region, although i didn't get to spot a platypus in the creeks or even see a wombat (besides their poo) was a relief. I will have to go back and do some more tranquilo exploring and absorbing - it is an absolutely incredible, beautiufl region worth protecting at all costs. At the recommendation of my hosts in Goongerah I quickly passed through Bendoc and Delegate, aiming for Bombala on the horizon. (This recommendation was made because those towns populations constitute a large amount of foresty workers, and if they suspect one has green leanings (LOOK AT THE SIZE OF MY BEARD- and Bike!) then they are likely to be less than hospitable.) So the road gradually changed from forest tracks ( I saw a wild cat spring into the bushes as i rode past - almost looked like a small leopard!), to open farmland and rolling hills nestled amonst lush forests, and the dirt eventually became bitumen - oh how the bike was relieved.

It was along this stretch that i devised a washing line system erected between my handle bars to enable me to dry my ridicuously moist socks and jocks, even t-shrits. It was a pretty nice, sunny day after leaving the jungle, i was quite relieved.

I splashed out $30 for a really comfortable night at the Globe Hotel in Bombala. What a relief to take off my wet shoes and socks - my feet were wrinkled and sore and the hot shower there was beyond belief. (On a moistness related note, in the rainforest in goongerah i attempted a walk to 'the big tree' which was incredible, besides the leech occupation of my clothes and the pouring, pouring rain- eventually my fingers were as though i had been in a hot bath for hours it was so damn wet!) With my bike in my room, I headed downstairs for a well earned pint and a steak - but there was barely a steak on the menu- modern thai and chinese served by the owners Chinese wife instead. Sizzling beef with rice was demolished with glee.
The next morning I set off early on the road to Cooma. It was so misty I was doubtful of a good days ride ahead. But I got on my bike and rode! Instead of going straight up the Monaro Highway I took the road out to Jindalbyne in the Snowy Mountains, a route used by motorcycling tourists and the likes, and then deferred back north-east on the Maffra road to Cooma. I must say, this was an EPIC day of cycling. A friend had told me before I left that it looks like I might be riding as far vertically as horizontally with the route I had planned. This day was evident of that. The route was virtually dead on top of the great dividing range- and I was feeling it. Hill climbs that lasted 5 km were enjoyed, and downhills to match. But the annoying thing was the whole massive region was a Brazilian wax of its former, natural self. There were stretches where in all directions I LITERALLY could not see a tree. Then large stretches where the only trees I saw were willows along the creeks. Sheep and cows were my occasional companions, but even they were often not to be seen. One can't help but feel that that amount of land clearing for grazing is so unnatural and there must be terrible erosion problems caused by the ever-present wind across the ranges. One thing that struck me was the homogenous, generic nature of the land. I could easily have been riding through the US, or any grazing land on any continent. It felt distinctly non-Australian.

Anyway, the sun was shining and the sky was epic above me, the clouds and hills were contrasting nicely and I stopped on the road side after finally meeting the Maffra road and I found a beautiful little plunge pool section of a creek that passed under the roadside. It was the perfect time to stop, strip down to my jocks and have a dip. The water was so clear, with cute little water flowers, loads of tadpoles, and some weird mini eel/tape worm like creature observed (probably not a good thing!) then I hung out on the verge and cooked up some nutritious mi goreng and tuna feast, getting plenty of friendly waves from passing motorists.
The remainder of the journey to cooma was laborious, hills and hills and hills. Until, lo and behold, what is that on the horizon? Not cars, not horses? But cyclists! The Saturday afternoon Cooma cycling club in their yellow jerseys and racing bikes climbing up to meet me. Ah fellow cyclists, my brethren, come hither! They were surprised and pleased to see me, and I had a good chat to Gerald and his compatriots. They were very nice gents, probably all above 60, and when I made it to Cooma a while after them I met up with them at their coffee club and they gave me a slice of cake  I spent the night camping by the creek in a public reserve, which wasn't that cool.... Felt too exposed and although so exhausted I didn't sleep well - I think some greasy hot chips were not the food that I needed for dinner.

So after Cooma I set off on the backroads to our nations capital, and now I really was entering the alps. For the first time I was reduced to 1st of the 1st gear. Things were ridiculously steep. Eventually the bitumen gave way to dirt, a sign to have a well earned break, and eventually I got to Namadgi National Park and I tell you, the hills between Bombala and Cooma were long, but here they became seriously steep. Mt Clear was my first official campsite of the trip and it was so beautiful. Of course I was alone, except for kangaroos, and there was a babbling creek to keep me company. I set up tent and set about making my first campfire of the trip. What a pleasure, the night was clear, the stars incomprehensible in their glory, the warm fire keeping me company as well as the distinct munching of the kangaroos pulling up tufts of grass nearby. The night was absolutely freezing. I've never been close to cold in my sleeping bag, but this night I was wearing all my thermals and socks, and only just warm enough. It must have been about -2 or -3 I estimate.
I arose slowly, lapped up the sunshine and the cleared lawn and fresh air, and gradually got ready to move on to my last stop before Canberra. The relief was palpable when the road became bitumen again as I wound my way up and down and around through very lush alpine forests. The views were great. Passing rangers stopped to have a chat to me, and the guy even uttered the words ‘inspiration' which really made my day. At night I had a fun game of cat and mouse-with a couple of cheeky mice that had burrowed a hole into my tent to feast on my rice crackers. I was serenaded by their rustling, and the sniffing of a larger beast outside, as I slept.
The last leg to Canberra was going well, victory so close at hand, but then as a final challenge the weather turned for the worst and I had to pass through the baptism of Rain before I could reach the shelter of my friend Jarred's place. Somehow I was on the main freeway - where no doubt bikes were not meant to be and I felt quite unsafe (like being on the bottom of the Princes highway coming into Adelaide with barely a verge and cars soaring past...) but eventually I made it to an exit and found a chill bike path to take me the rest of the way, around Lake Burley Griffin into town.

I've had three great days in Canberra. I hadn't seen my friend Jarred in about 8 years actually, since year 9 but we got on so well back then that things were unlikely to have changed - and they hadn't. He and his Fiance Nicole have been great hosts, and we had some fun times indeed going to the anzac day parade (no one was keen enough to go to the dawn service!) and heading to a horrendous sports club to play the famous Two-Up later in the day. This was an intriguing experience, and I am pleased to say that I won 4 of 4 attempts and came out a clean $60 on top.

Some tremendous news is that my darling Sophie, keen for adventure and realising the relaxed nature of TAFE studies is going to be joining up with me earlier than expected. On Saturday we aim to rendezvous in Goulburn and from there on we're going to share the last legs of the journey to Katoomba and the hike together. She may even lighten my load and provide me with cake stations along the way as I continue to ride. I'm anticipating a couple of easy-ish days cycling before I get closer to the blue mountains and things amp up again. But hopefully should make it to Katoomba by Wednesday, giving me at least 2 full days to recover which will be more than ample. So far I have had barely and ache or pain - only sleeping at night when I've pitched a tent badly and subsequently dreamed that the rocks were the hands of a masseuse.

So there you have it, by no means brief but there are plenty of finer details that have been left out too - I have to have something new to say when I spin a yarn or two back home in Adelaide!

350 km to go on the bike, 100 km by foot.

Oh and one last thing, Thank you so, so much to everyone who has generously donated already. I can't believe how kind your response has been thus far. In fact our team, the Bungle Darlings, is FIRST on the team leader board for the entire event- something none of us expected. But now we are there we are determined to stay there, as such, although I have already reached my initial goal of $1000 (WOWEE!!) I have raised it that little bit further to $1500.

So for anyone who's been meaning to donate and hasn't got round to it- it is by no means too late, get on board, and thanks again for everyone who has so already.

This is Andrew P. George,
In Canberra
Over and out.

Dear reader,

 

So i've decided to amp things up a little beyond the mere 100 km hike (piece of cake) and I have decided to incorporate a cycling trip into the mix of transport options to get me to the starting point in the Blue Mountains.  

 

What i'm trying to say is, i'm going to ride about 700 km to the start of the hike!  

 

Our society is full of environmental contradictors- let alone this event.  I mean 'Let's go on an epic hike through beautiful wilderness to raise money for the Kimberley or the Murray-Darling, Our aim- to get "greener" outcomes, mainly in regard to a proposed massive Gas refinery at James Price Point or in regards to greater environmental regulations and awareness to the potential hazards of Coal Seam Gas in the Murray-Darling basin.'  And let's all drive/fly to Sydney to do the event.  Hmmm.  $500,000 raised versus however much CO2-e gases produced by all the participants, volunteers, support crews getting to the event, all the emissions associated with all the brand spanking new hiking gear purchased, etc. etc.  Hopefully the net result will be a positive for the environment, but who's to say?  I'm sure an energy/carbon audit of the event would be relatively simple, and produce some interesting results.

 

But lets not forget the positives of the event; the awareness invoked by the participants chatting to friends, family and co-workers as they seek donations, everyone getting into the outdoors, appreciating the beautiful countryside and meeting like minded, passionate people from all over, and the $500,000 will surely, hopefully, be very valuable to the Wilderness Society.

 

We live in a society where even if you try to do good, you may well be doing some bad.  Hopefully however there is a net + impact.  I personally am not currently employed full-time, I'm thinking about applying for phD's (graduating with first class honours in mech eng in april :) ) and currently enjoying some of your hard earned tax dollars via Centrelink.  I'm time rich and money poor and I love cycling and I'm super keen to see more of the country in a somewhat ecological manner.   So it's a no-brainer for me.  I'm going to get a lift with some friends to Goongerah in the East Gippsland area of Victoria.  There I will suss the hardcore environmental activist lifestyle and see the beautiful old-growth forests for the first time.  From there I'm going to cycle solo about 400 km to Canberra, where I'll suss out Australian National University's solar thermal department and meet some professors and see if that's where I wanna be, and after that i'll ride the remaining 350 km's or so to the start of the hike.

 

It'll be a sweet trip, rewarding and gruelling, and if you respect what i'm about and what i'm planning on doing then hit that little green donate button on this page and let's make some magic  (whatever the hell that means!).

 

Love Andrew

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/publications/west-kimberley/index.html?utm_source=Participants+2012&utm_campaign=0093a49354-eNews+4+2012&utm_medium=email

Dear .... er, followers?  Interested readers?  Friends, family? Stalkers? Whoever you are- if you are at all- you are dearly welcomed to this here 'blog'.

This is actually the first blog I have written in a long time, having been stationary for comparatively so long (coming up to a year in Adelaide).  Sedentary life breeds complacency, or the adventures don’t seem as exotic and worthy of documentation.

 

** That's not to say that life in Adelaide hasn't been exciting and satisfying.  I've recently moved in with my lovely girlfriend Sophie - with whom I will be doing the hike, i've finished my bachelor in mechanical engineering, ridden (almost) to Melbourne with a friend, and said bon voyage to my childhood home of 22 years as mum heads to Tanzania to teach and has rented the place out. **

 

Anyhow, the crux of the matter is, come May 5^th I and my dedicated team of Darling Bungles (and Bungle Darlings) will embark on a 100 km, 36 hour time-limited hike through the Blue Mountains in New South Wales.  I expect the hike will be gruelling, amazing, relaxing and inspiring all in the space of 7 breaths.

The name Darling Bungles was coined to represent the two key issues that the hike will raise money and awareness for; the Wilderness Society’s efforts to get positive ecological results as the federal government prepares a plan for the Murray-Darling river system- a river whose water flow has been over allocated to irrigators for decades and whose health has deteriorated to a point where, without serious increases in flow volume through the river, it will debatably not survive another drought as extreme as the one it is still recovering from.  Of course when I say the river will not survive, I am referring to countless towns and communities that live on her banks and try to responsibly use her lush juices, I refer to the ecosystems that she embodies and to the Adelaideans who drink so deeply from her. 

Another threat to the river is perhaps even more sinister. Coal seam gas threatens to have serious, permanent side effects to the lovely ‘clean’ gas produced. Both surface water and ground water are at risk from the toxic fracking fluids used as well as the compounds that naturally occur in the coal seams that come to the surface as a result of the processes.  In NSW and southern QLD, the threat to the people who depend on clean drinking water (hmm, who amongst us needs water?) from coal seam gas is huge. 

The issue of gas mining and the proposed construction of a gargantuan gas refinery at James Price Point near Broome in the Kimberley region of far north-western Australia, considered one of the worlds most pristine wildernesses with the Bungle Bungle ranges (see pic attached) an incredible part thereof, is the other issue that Wildendurance is fightin’ for.  The Wilderness Society is not naïve, and doesn’t believe that stopping gas mining in the region is going to be possible. What they advocate is a relocation of the proposed gas refinery away from the pristine and virtually un-ravished area around James Price Point, a habitat that includes Dugongs, Whale Sharks, Dolphins and turtles to name but a fraction of its constituents. 

Both of these issues are contentious and deserving of more awareness.  I would like to discuss them both in more detail in a later blog.  I would like to inform you now however, that I have chosen to focus my hard-earned funds raised (your hard earned dollars) on the issue of gas refining and mining in the Kimberley.  This has struck a particular cord with me, because what we have is a practically pristine wilderness, one of the few remaining on this pillaged earth, and we have a real opportunity to shape the development process into a less destructive one.  Gas is energy, its not clean energy (especially when shipped all the way to China) but its what the world wants.  It’s not what the world needs.  Solid investment in solar thermal, geothermal and tidal energy research and deployment are what we humans need (also better electricity infrastructure to be able to better manage larger wind energy penetration in our grids).  I don’t know about you but I think it would be nice if human kind stuck round on this planet, in some kind of habitable state, for longer than 100 years of gas supplies.  And I think the humans of the future would be incredibly grateful, if we at least tried to save them a slice of the diverse ecosystems mother earth has to offer that we have lived to enjoy and destroy- let’s not let the Kimberley be another.  Who knows what civilization could achieve given thousands of years of a somewhat safe existence.  Real renewable, sustainable energy is going to be integral to that.

So there you have it,

I also tried on hiking boots today but couldn’t decide on a pair.  Will go back to the store tomorrow.

Please support the cause, and myself- although the donations of course will not go to me.  But moral support is real good. 

Loving regards, Andy

Check these links at the Wildendurance site for their take on the two causes:

http://www.wildendurance.org.au/index.php?sectionID=12054&pageID=13733

 

http://www.wildendurance.org.au/index.php?sectionID=12054&pageID=13732

 

And here is their campaign site for the Kimberley

 

http://www.wilderness.org.au/campaigns/kimberley

 

I will post some other resources soon

We are taking part in the 2012 WildEndurance event and will be completing a 100km trek through the Blue Mountains to raise funds for The Wilderness Society.

The Wilderness Society (TWS) is a national, community-based, environmental advocacy organisation whose purpose is to protect, promote and restore wilderness and natural processes across Australia for the survival and ongoing evolution of life on Earth.

Please DONATE by clicking on the button to the right and help The Wilderness Society continue their work to protect the wilderness for all of us and future generations.