In this Issue

	New Zealand
	Christmas Island
	Easter Paddling
	Anzac Day Paddle: Moore River 25th April
	Paddling in Antarctica????
	Epic Adventure
	Spring Walking trips
	Arafat to Everest Thursday 7th May

In Other News

New Zealand

We had a wonderful trip to New Zealand- despite the weather! Martin organised some very challenging walking for us and we certainly seemed to get off the beaten track- often seeing no other walkers along the tracks. Throughout the trip we had some very interesting accommodation, from old pubs and lodges with outdoor hot tubs to mountaineers' huts. And the food was unbelievable! Every night was a gourmet treat.The final 3 days in the Matukituki Valley were a fantastic climax to the trip.  Our walk up the "valley" was an interesting one, walking through forest, climbing over  tree roots, crossing gushing streams and negotiating swing bridges with an ever diminishing number of planks!!  We plan to repeat the trip next February, with the interesting addition of Stewart Island. So if you think you would like to come, let me know now and I'll start an interest list. Email me now! For the full blog and photos click here.

Christmas Island

Unfortunately we're still waiting on a price for the airfares. The airline contract is being renewed this year and hasn't yet been sorted out. They've promised me two more weeks... The date should be 27th November to 4th December. As soon as I know, I'll email all those who expressed an interest. If you want to be added to the list email me now.

Easter Paddling

For those of you staying around Perth over Easter I've got things for you to do!!! We're going to have the last of the moonlight paddles-on Good Friday. And then on Easter Sunday morning we'll have a kayak paddle-that's to satisfy all those who, after doing my kayak courses, want to paddle kayaks and not canoes! I'll arrange for some kayaks (the ones that go straight!)  and we'll go for a paddle stopping for Hot Cross Buns and Easter Eggs along the way of course! The details:

EASTER MOONLIGHT PADDLE  Good Friday 10 April      4pm-9pm

Meet: 4pm 172 Swan St West, Guildford (cnr Meares St)

Bring: Finger food to share (in small container), drinks, change of clothes, warm clothes, shoes to get wet.

Cost: $35, inc coffee and cake after the paddle.

HOT CROSS BUN KAYAK PADDLE  Sunday 12 April, 9am-1pm

Meet: 9am, Sandy Beach Reserve, West Rd, Bassendean

Bring: Shoes to get wet, water, change of clothes

Cost: $40, inc morning tea

 Email me now if you're interested in either of these paddles

Anzac Day Paddle: Moore River 25th April

This will definitely be my last trip before I leave for Canada. The Moore River has quite a bit of water at the moment. and looks good. This time we're going to start at the mouth and paddle upstream and  finish at an access point upstream. There is a rather long car shuffle involved. In fact,  if anyone has a friend who would like to spend the day at the mouth and would move cars for us, that would be great!! Let me know in advance. We'll use  2 person Canadian canoes and total distance will be 12-14km.

Meet: 9am Saturday 25th April, Wilbinga Grove Picnic Area. This is a pull-off parking area on the left hand side of Wanneroo Rd, about 22km north of Yanchep National Park. It is well marked. We'll then drive to the finish point and arrange the car shuffle.

Bring: Lunch (in a small container), spare clothes, shoes to get wet, drinks.

Cost: $40

Email now to register

Paddling in Antarctica????

On my list of things to do is "Paddle in Antarctica". At this stage just a dream, but one might as well indulge one's dreams. On Wednesday April 15, Aurora Expeditions is hosting a slide night about paddling in Antartica, so I'm going. It's at 6.30pm at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Perth, if you'd like to join me let me know. I'm also thinking of getting Aurora to do a slide night for sea kayaking in various parts of the world- anyone interested???

Click here if you are

Epic Adventure

During my absence in Canada, Guy Power from Epic Adventure will be running trips for the Glyde In. Check out his trips and if you want to book any paddling, mountain biking instruction or trips, contact Guy at Epic Adventure

Don't be put off by the epic adventures he indulges in- he's helped me out in the past and knows you're not looking for 100km marathons!

Spring Walking trips

The Albany - Denmark trip is already full, but there is now another one from October 13-19 which has a couple of places left. Meanwhile Denmark-Walpole is not very popuilar this year! I don't know why- it's my favourite. It's from November 15-22nd. The Cape to Cape (October 3-10), is also going very slowly. Don't forget your early bird discount expires April 30 this year.

Register now if you want to do these trips.

Arafat to Everest Thursday 7th May

This is an evening that promises to be a mix of inspiration and adventure. Mark Squirrell, a United Nations humanitarian and mountaineer, will be telling his extraordinary story of "Reaching for the Summit" at this presentation at Christchurch Grammar School at 7.30pm on Thursday 7 May.  Funds raised will contribute to a project for families at Halls Creek. The local singing group Madjitil Moorna will also perform on the evening. Tickets are $15 each and are available from Mountain Design. For more info, contact Jo Randall.