In this Issue

	Last Chance- NZ 2010
	2009 Trips
	Christmas Island
	2010 trips
	Into the Future
	Summer Paddle trips

In Other News

Last Chance- NZ 2010

 This trip is being offered from February 17th  to March 4th  2010 and there are still places available.  We had a fabulous trip in 2009 and we've got the photos to prove it! The 2010 trip will offer day walks all over the south island- Mt Cook NP, the Otage Peninsula, Stewart Island, the Pisa Range and the Remarkables as well as a 3 day trip into Mt Aspiring  NP. The trip is guided by Martin Curtis, who apart from being a walker for 30 years in NZ, is also one of NZ's best known folk singers. He writes some very humorous and entertaining songs about NZ. This trip is a rare opportunity to walk "off the beaten track" with a local guide. And best of all, you mostly only carry a day pack. Click here for more information.  You need to book directly with Coates Wildlife Tours, ph 93306066, but I can answer any questions.

2009 Trips

We had some wonderful trips over spring, starting with our weekend in Balingup. All girls, we had a geat time! A long hike on Saturday followed by a shorter one on Sunday. We dodged the winter weather pretty well. And what  fantastic yoga from our guru, Margaret. Mullalyup Farm is up for sale, so we don't know what lies ahead. It's certainly provided us with  a terrific venue over the years.

And what a Cape to Cape! There we were in the first week of October and not a drop of rain all week! The wet winter provided a magnificent display of wildflowers and Dawn led the 10 walkers very enthusiastically. Click here to read the blog she wrote.

 From there, it was off to Denmark for 3 trips based at The Cove. Susan and Illya always make us so welcome and again the wildflowers were at their best. The first trip was an Albany to Denmark one, with most of the walkers coming from the east coast. We had such warm weather I had 3 swims that week, unheard of! I finally got to swim at Mutton Bird beach! Then it was another Albany to Denmark trip, this time with 16 walkers. The weather was not so warm and dry; in fact I was wet to the skin when I arrived at Mutton Bird this time!

The last trip was my favourite, Walpole to Denmark, that marvellous mix of forest and coast. We only had 10 walkers, but lots of laughs and still lots of flowers.

Click here to read more about the Denmark trips.

And as for Christmas Island, read on....

Christmas Island

I just arrived back from Christmas Island yesterday. That was my first trip and I'm hooked. The rainforest is so thick and lush, the birds so up close and amazing, the crabs so captivating. and the snorkelling totally mesmerizing  With early starts, we managed to walk a lot, have time for a siesta, visit a lot of fascinating sights and still have free time for swimming and snorkelling. Our accommodation was excellent and we worked our way around the restaurants on the island. I've already booked our accommodation for 2010. This time we will include Cocos Island as well. Click here to read the blog from this year's trip.

As per 2009, the booking is complicated by the  airline contract being up for tender again. So it's hard to book when you don't know the prices or the flight times. However, to maintain our accommodation booking we need names ASAP. I know it's a long way ahead, but if you're pretty serious about coming in 2010, let me know now. This year the cost was $3450; it will be more next year as it will be another 4 days on Cocos.I'm expecting the dates to be Dec 6th-17th, 2010.  Click here to register your interest.

2010 trips

I'd like to gauge how much interest there is for some of the proposed 2010 walks.

Cape to Cape: This year I only had 6 new people for the Cape to Cape, so I thought I wouldn't offer it in 2010. However, since then I've several enquiries, so I think I'll offer it again in October.

Denmark trips: Albany to Denmark and Walpole to Denmark- October/November

Karijini:  I'm proposing a Karijini trip, which will be in May, flying into Newman, spending 5 days in KArijini and then up to the Chichesters and flying  out of Karratha. About 10-12 days in total.

Kimberley: in August- this would be the eastern end, taking in the Bungles,  El Questro, Wyndham and possibly a canoe trip on the Ord. Fly in and out of Kununurra.About 9-11 days.

A kayak trip based at Denmark-:for the Glyde In Community Centre-March

Astronavigation: March

Christmas Is: see above.

Dates. prices and itineraries still to be set, but click here to register your interest in any of the above trips.

Into the Future

We have some thoughts for 2011- India, Austria and  Lord Howe Island- any interest? Click here.

Summer Paddle trips

First Paddle of 2010: Start the new year right with a Moonlight Paddle.  Enjoy the serentiy of the Swan River at sunset, share your finger food dinner and return by the light of the silvery moon. Then continue contemplating the moon over coffee and cake on the deck. 2 person Canadian canoes are used.

Date: Friday 1st January, 5pm-10pm

Bring: Shoes to get wet, change of clothes, drink, finger food to share (in small container).

Meet: 5pm, 172 Swan St West, Guildford (cnr Meares St)

Cost: $30

Early Morning Paddle:  This is a great time to paddle in summer. We're going to paddle from Deep Water Point around Coffee Pt and Pt Heathcote to finish in Lucky Bay. Car shuffle involved. Morning tea included. 2 person Canadian canoes.

Date:  Wednesday 13th January, 8am-12noon

Bring: Shoes to get wet, change of clothes, sunscreen, hat, tie for glasses, water

Meet: 8am, in the car park on Melville Bch Rd, at the end of Cunningham St, in Applecross.

Cost: $30

To book for either of these paddles , click here.

Have a great Christmas and an inspiring New Year! I'll send out another newsletter early in 2010 with all the trip details.

Pam