Gear Reviews
Barrington Tops with Sydney Weekender
The variety of activities in Barrington tops makes this is an awesome getaway adventure. Bushwalking, white water kayaking, mountain-biking – I suggest the combo tour. We went with Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre - took our bikes by 4WD to the peak of Copeland Tops. We sped down the Broadbents trail, winding through the forest and into open paddocks, down to the Barrington River. Then it’s into the kayak to take on the rapids. You can camp out or stay in the eco-style accommodation – like Yeranda, where the Weekender Team stayed. Real nice – including outdoor hot shower and even a loo-with-a-view!
Being passionate about adventure and travelling what was an ultimate experience for you?
Middle of the night in the Sahara Desert, hot wind in my face, on my camel and heading into nothingness. It was just surreal. My best mate and I were heading out to the Algerian border. Having just eaten with a berber tribe that night, we were already stoked with the experience. We eventually pulled up and slept on the desert floor, awoken by the Moroccan Military asking what the hell we were doing there.
Best location or spot that you’ve been to/discovered during adventures?
I love East Africa. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro was so much more than just the climb itself. I’ll never forget seeing the mountain for the first time. It’s massive. You approach the mountain amongst big wild animals, the spectacular Masaii Mara people and incredible scenery. The climb itself is diverse and beautiful - dense muddy forests at its base, then open windy grassy slopes, the scree final summit approach and then you’re looking over Africa from its icy peak.
Most exciting / dangerous experience?
Climbing to the summit of Mt Cho Oyu from the Tibetan side. At 8,201m above sea level it is the world’s sixth highest peak. A month of reasonably trouble-free climbing had come down to a disorientated last few hours before tackling the summit. My plans to depart at midnight were dashed by my numb toes, vomiting and exhaustion. I cracked into my bottled oxygen supply and went for it. I climbed by moonlight and at day break was looking over the jagged peaks of the Himalayan Range. My second bottle of oxygen malfunctioned and so I was forced to re-attach and suck whatever was left from the first. The summit revealed the best view of Everest I’ve ever seen – what a reward!
From science to TV presenting
Working full time as a town planner funded my trips. I started capturing my adventures on camera, and it just went from there.
What are your plans for trekking in Nepal and how do you prepare for this trip?
I’m heading to the Annapurna Region to trek with a couple of South African mates. I was supposed to attempt Shishapangma this season, however the expedition was called off due to Chinese border restrictions. My preparation for the Annapurna trek has been excellent due to the fact that when the Shisha expedition was cancelled, I replaced it with another long-held goal of mine - The Coolangatta Gold multi-discipline race. The swim, run and paddle training for this race has given me a great training base.
Is there a special reason for travelling to Nepal?
Nepal is my favourite country outside Australia. It’s also a great opportunity to regroup with my climbing buddies and sherpas to talk about future climbs (possibly Shishapangma 2009) and see the Annapurna Region for the first time.
What are the essential items when you go on your adventures/treks?
The right attitude; being inquisitive, learning and respecting the culture, appreciating that things don’t always go to plan and to just run with it and get another experience. Essential items in the physical sense – video camera.
What do you like about GORE-TEX® products?
I have always worn Gore products because of its reliability. I admire Gore’s commitment to research and innovation, and charity work (like creating an orthopaedic solution for elephants in Singapore!) I look forward to wearing Gore on my next 8,000m attempt. | 
