My OB Australia Journey – Camping in the Aussie Bush

 

Favourite time each day has to be night-time. When the sun sets and the stars are out, there is much to be done. People need to collect firewood, start a fire, decide what and how to cook, cut vegetables and meat, marinate meat, prepare washing area, make hot drinks, not forgetting pitching of tents and setting up of toileting site.

My OB Australia Journey - A Dog named Scout

Scout was a dog that followed us from the 3^rd day of our trekking expedition. We didn’t know her name, but she was always walking just ahead of us like a little scout. Scout would follow us over 2 days, over 30km. She didn’t know where we’re going, nor when we will rest. Neither does she know whether there will be food for her. Nevertheless, she chose to follow us on our adventure through the bushes, which also became her adventure. She was as part of the watch as anyone else. Scout wasn’t a young dog anymore, the big tumour she carries on her belly hints of her old age. Perhaps she knows she does not have long to live, so she decided to live like everyday is her last, to the fullest. She also shivers at night after the sun has set, braving the cold like the rest of us. She reminds me of the famous quote by Helen Keller, “Life is either a Daring Adventure or Nothing At All”.

This is the Outward Bound dog named Scout.

Faithfully trekking with us

My OB Australia Journey – Lessons from the Trail

The first multi-day expedition was to trek through the Australian bush. Weather was definitely much more comfortable than in hot and humid Singapore, although it could get pretty cold if we stopped moving for long. I love trails, and there are many lessons we could learn from the trail.

(50th Post Special) My OB Australia Journey - Mount Warning

“Hey guys, we’re doing a summit climb tomorrow. Be ready for bus pickup at 3am.”

Erm, what?? We are doing a summit climb on the 2^nd day of programme?? Talk about Expect the Unexpected! This wasn't particularly good news as I couldn't sleep at all on the plane the previous night. 

Mount Warning – a 1159m high mountain in New South Wales formed from a volcanic plug, overlooking the eastern coast, Byron Bay and the Indian Ocean. It was known as Wollumbin by the Bandjalung aboriginals and it was a sacred mountain, used for many of their rites and ceremonies. Many years later, Captain James Cook sailed to Australia and named it Mount Warning as it served as a warning to sailors of the perilous rocks ahead. The first summit climb by westerners took 3 days, but now tourists can hike up in about an hour.