FNQ - Far North Queensland - local adventures

So since moving to Far North Queensland my athletic endeavours have fallen by the way side.  I've been working hard on the renovations and working with my family to transition to the new life style.

Last week I met a local while running, he was training for the Cairns Ironman in june and after having a 8 km run with him I thought to myself, it's time.

We are only up here for 12 months so we want to make sure that we create some memories and experience what FNQ has to offer.

So here are a couple things I've done since.  This clip is of a friend of mine catching a Sweetlips off the reef of Palm Cove.

I'm running the GoPro.

Easter weekend my parents came up from Adelaide and we brought them up Skyrail to Kuranda and returned via the train back through the mountains to Freshwater.  Periodically you could see down the cliffs to the Barron gorge and some amazing waterfalls and swimming wholes.

So today, I got on my Azzurri and cycled from Port Douglas to Barron Gorge where I met up with a couple friends.  We hiked up the river bouldering along the river banks for about an hour when we can to a great swimming spot and waterfall cliff jump.  To our surprise we looked up and saw the train slowly creeping past us on the cliffs high above.

Shaun explaining where the last group was taken by the crocs! 

The first cliff face about 1/3rd up is where the boys jumped from which is about 10m

Kurt looking for good spot to jump in

The gap in the trees where the train can be seen

Mt Bogong - Victoria's Highest Peak Edition 1

I was devastated a month back when a mate invited me to do some winter hiking/camping up Mt Bogong, Victoria's highest peak.  I already had family engagements interstate so I couldn't go.

So you can imagine my excitement when I found out he went elsewhere that weekend and was in fact going up to Mt Bogong last weekend.  I was stoked.

At 1986m, Mt Bogong is placed amongst Victoria's premier ski fields in the Alpine National Parks.
There are a couple routes up to Bogong peak but the most direct and difficult route is the Staircase Spur track.  Sam is an experienced adventurer and I have been tracking some good work recently so we were really keen to give the Staircase Spur a strong effort.  No slacking!

Having left home at 4am and arriving at the car park around 10am we were ready to get stuck into the mountain.  The car park is located at about 360m so the overall climb ahead of us was around 1625m over an 8km trail.   At the low altitude the thermal underwear was a little over kill but we knew as we ascended they would come in handy.  It was still a pain to be climbing and sweating like mad.  I had to remove my glasses as they were useless with all the sweat.

About an hour and a half walking along your standard dirt and rock trails we started to get into the snow.  We came across a Scout group descending that had gone a distance ahead but had now given up and were returning as the sunny day was melting the snowy tree tops and they had been struck with large chunks of falling snow.  We laughed and continued.  Wasn't so funny a half hour later when we copped a couple ourselves.  If was fairly entertaining though as you would hear some of the big ones crash right beside you and you'd think to yourself....that would have stung.  By this time we had already stripped off the jackets and light jumpers we had departed with and were down to t-shirts.  Cold wet snow falling 30m onto flesh wasn't devastating but there was a certain sting to it!

Below you will see the swollen result of a large chunk of snow crashing onto my left bicep.... or is that always how my arm looks! Anyways...

As we continued to ascend the snow cover continued to thicken so we finally decided to strap on the snow shoes.  Honestly this was the perfect day for a winter hike.  The sun came out, there was barely a breeze and the snow was fresh powder.

The Climbing didn't get an easier.  As we edged closer to the summit the rate of ascent increased dramatically and the weather dropped degrees and visibility virtually in minutes.  The below photo is Sam blazing the trail.  We could see on the opposite peak (when the sky cleared) a number of other people backcountry skiing.

By this stage I was cooked.  Sam seemed to still have plenty in the engine, no surprises there.  The man is a machine.  I was following in his tracks pretty closely and as we could see the summit and started our final climb I noticed his tracks, and also mine that followed became shorter under foot.  In other words, each step was really only 6-8 inches at a time.  The weigh of our legs and the aggressive incline just wouldn't allow regular steps.  Inches at a time we ground our way to the summit.  The summit was blowing a gail and the temperature was really cold now.  Keep in mind we had stripped down to t-shirts and were sweating so much that we didn't want to put on thick layers as we climbed so we only had our outer shells over t-shirts.  We spent the first 5 minutes on the summit getting dressed appropriately...which involved taking off the jackets to get the layers on underneath... Cold, oh yeah!

But we made it, happy & health.  The photos at the top makes it worth the journey.  Sam still had energy to climb the ice block, I was happy to just be standing.  Good on yah Sam, like I said.... your a champ.

At first I had a thought of camping right there.  The wind was just cutting right through us so we decided to head down a peak or 2 and hope for clearer conditions.  So glad we did.  We had great view back toward Mt Bogong peak, a Sunset that stayed with us till about 7:30pm which is easily an hour later than normal and overall just really great conditions for camping out.

As we made some food and set up camp the thermometer read -11 degrees .... which we thought was probably off by a couple.  Didn't feel a degree colder than -10 !
While preparing dinner we took some photos, had a good chat and enjoyed our surroundings.  As night fell there was really no reason to stay up and later than we needed too.  So with the sense of accomplishment and delight in the day that had been we closed up the tents and tried to get some sleep.

It got colder through the night but we both are alive to tell our tale.  Part II will be the descent.... stay tuned.

Local newspaper article

SORRY PHOTO WOULDN"T COPY

4 Heidelberg Leader July 10, 2012

ED: HB PUB: HBV DATE: 10/7/12 PAGE: 4 COLOUR: CMYK

John Belanger (left) and Tim Marsden are embarking on a 680kmtrek across the Victorian Alps, the distance equivalent of scaling Everest

seven times. Picture: JOSIE HAYDEN N02HB300

High times for a brave duo

IVANHOE EAST

JOHN Belanger is ready to face all

the highs and lows Australia’s

mountain ranges have to throw at

him, all to raise money for a cause

close to his heart.

The Ivanhoe East property

developer, along with friend and

Camberwell firefighter Tim

Marsden, wi l l this

November tackle the 680km Australian

Alps walking track, which

has been compared with ascending

and descending Mt Everest seven

times.

The track travels from Walhalla

in Victoria through the Great Dividing

Range and finishes in Canberra.

Mr Belanger said the 38-day jaunt

would test the pair, both physically

and mentally, as they try to raise

more than $5000 for Beyond Blue in

honor of a close friend dealing with

depression and anxiety.

The 32-year-old, who was born in

Montreal, Canada, said the duo had

spent 18 months training, often facing

serious dehydration and

exhaustion during test runs. But he

said he was confident the two would

be ready by the time they embarked

on their mammoth effort.

‘‘In my family we have a very long

history of hiking, so I originally

looked up these trails and I thought

I’d be able to go 40 days,’’ Mr

Belanger said.

Details: beyondblue.org.au.

To follow the pair’s journey go to

their blog: oz4adventure.blogspot.

com.au

NEWS

3-12

25 Tips

Ensure a successful walking trip each and every time by adopting these tried and tested tips from the experts.

Hiking on Hinchinbrook Island. (Credit: Getty Images)

YOU HAVE ARRIVED at the campsite after the first of five long days walking. The view is spectacular as the sun dips between the surrounding peaks, sending shafts of light splintering across the valley.

You delve into your hastily loaded pack, glancing at the surrounds and wondering if life could be any better. Then you reel in horror - your hand hits a wet patch, deep in what should be dry territory. You delve further, only to find a soaking sleeping-bag.

The culprit is a cracked water bottle. It will be a long, cold night. The cardboard packaging that houses the rice you had planned to eat for dinner is also wet and has created a soggy mess down one side of your pack. You sit to compose your thoughts and remove your boots - a lace snaps.

To top it off, as the sun disappears and the cold silence of the evening engulfs you, you can't remember where you packed your head torch, the ignition on your new stove is not working and the only matches you have are also wet. What should have been a magical evening has turned into an uncomfortable affair.

What lessons could be learnt from those who have experienced such wild and unforeseen moments for years? Those who walk often develop habits and routines through extensive experience; handy tips that most often remain a mystery to us mere mortals. Here, the experts impart their wisdom.

1. CHECKLISTS, CHECKLISTS, CHECKLISTS!Handy checklists are part of every experienced walker's pre-trip routine. Leaving behind a vital piece of equipment could prove uncomfortable at the very least, and life-threatening at worst. Seasoned walkers have a master checklist that they update for each outing. A good checklist is vital to ensure you have all the equipment required and, finally, to ensure all the equipment actually gets packed. Question how important each piece of equipment is to the trip and justify its carriage before loading it - this is a good habit to get into. 

* Create an equipment checklist and a separate food checklist with the trip menu.
* Start the food list by breaking down the trip into individual meals. For example, on a five-day trip you may require four breakfasts, five lunches, four dinners and 10 snack breaks. The menu and a list of ingredients are then created. 
* Once you have a master list of ingredients and foodstuffs it is a good idea to calculate weights and amounts required for your group or your individual needs. Update your master list each trip.

2. DIY DEHYDRATIONA sure sign that someone is hitting the bush regularly is a food dehydrator in the kitchen cupboard. Dehydrated food is light and much easier to carry. Simply cook your meals, place them in the dehydrator, then pack. A commonly quoted line from dehydrating connoisseurs is: "If it can be cooked it can be dehydrated." Experienced walkers will bring wonderful-tasting sauces and condiments that with a touch of water will set the culinary adept among the group into a feeding frenzy.

3. LOVE ZIP LOCKS AND TUPPERWAREWalkers love zip-lock bags. Storing foodstuffs in these handy little bags saves weight and space. The muttering of the words "save weight and space" will set the pulse racing of any hot-blooded regular walker. Zip-lock bags pack well and keep food fresh. Removing food packaging will also mean less rubbish to carry out. For larger groups, Tupperware is the answer. Yes, the ultimate kitchen solution has transcended the generations; Tupperware is lightweight and comes in a mindboggling variety of shapes and sizes. Look out for the latest flat-packing versions. Bring on the Tuesday night Tupperware parties.

4. KEEP ENTERTAINEDSitting in a tent for 48 hours being battered by storm fronts in the Western Arthurs with a mate will indeed test your patience and conversation skills. A pack of cards, a paperback novel or a lightweight field guide could be worth its weight in gold. A game of cards is social and great for bonding on a long trip. Unexpected circumstances could have you in the wilderness for longer than planned. Some form of entertainment or mental stimulus will help you get through the long hours and boost morale.

5. BE WATER WISESo simple yet often overlooked when heading out for extended periods, a tube or siphon could just save your life. Used for siphoning water from tiny springs or soaks, this small piece of equipment is especially important in much of Australia's dry walking environments. In Australia, water sources can be extremely unpredictable, so fill up at any opportunity. Note the location and distance travelled from the water source should you or a group member have to return for water.

6. MORE WATER, LESS WEIGHTA fold-up water bag or the trusty wine bladder is excellent for carrying extra water.

7. SMOOTH IT OVERVaseline is a staple in any self-respecting regular walker's kit. Chaffing can be irritating at least and downright painful at worst. A touch of 'vaso' on sensitive areas and you'll be gliding along the trail.

8. TREAT YOURSELFLet's face it unless you are a complete masochist the main reason you are out in the bush is enjoyment. Experienced walkers will tell you a little treat can make all the difference after a long day and lift spirits when times are tough. A cup of coffee, a slice of chocolate, a glass of wine or a dash of whiskey. Pack a little extra for your walking buddies and it'll be a happier camp all round.

9. TAPE UPA roll of duct tape will prove its worth in time of a quick repair. Wrap the tape around a trekking pole, or a container if space is a real concern. Duct tap will fix a torn tent, a ripped backpack, hold a flapping boot sole at bay, extend a cracked water bottle's life and even help prevent blisters.

10. NAVIGATION 101Even on well-marked trails experienced walkers are always navigating. They will look behind at regular intervals and get a feel for the route should they have to return. They will identify points of interest such as rock formations, distinctive trees, or changes in the terrain. This simple routine should become every walker's habit. With the advent of GPS such simple habits can be easily overlooked.

11. RUBBER RESCUE If walking in cold climates, take a pair of kitchen rubber gloves. Not only will they make washing up
on cold evenings much more pleasant, they are also good for doing jobs around camp like pulling up tent pegs in the rain.

12. DON'T DOUBLE UP If you are walking with a group, use each member to evenly distribute equipment and food. Depending on the group size and dynamic you may need only one tent, one stove or one first-aid kit. Often gear is double loaded in small groups of inexperienced walkers. Before the trip it is a good idea to compare checklists and use common sense. Ensure loads are evenly distributed and match people's physical ability and strength. Be fair and practical and you could all save a few kilograms.

13. LACE UPCarry extra bootlaces. The saying goes "you're only as strong as the weakest link" and you wouldn't want a simple bootlace to be the undoing of an otherwise well-planned trip.

14. TRY IT AND TEST ITRegular walkers love nothing more than playing with their gear. A great habit to develop is inspecting and using gear regularly between bush sojourns. Keep abreast of the operation of equipment; this will assist you if you have to set-up gear in tough conditions, and will ensure you don't set off with faulty or damaged gear. A simple problem could compromise the safety of you and your group. In particular, trial new gear before you go bush. Much walking gear, such as stoves, require assembly and can have many different parts.

15. BE WEATHER AWARECheck the forecast before you depart. On route look for signs of deteriorating weather and plan your walk accordingly. Even though a walk should be well-planned, common sense should prevail and you need to be prepared to be flexible in your approach if the weather changes.

16. STUDY HARDSeasoned walkers will study areas and routes with often meticulous vigour. Going bush is not without
its risks. 

* Have a solid knowledge of the terrain and plan the route beforehand. 
* Go deeper than the guidebooks or local walking blog. 
* Find topographic maps and look at them over and over during the preparation phase. 
* Plan alternate routes and escape routes where possible.
* Have a contingency plan should issues arise. 
* No matter your level of experience, always notify others of trip plans and timeframe. Consider providing detailed trip notes for long walks in wilderness areas.

17. BLESSING IN A BAG You should waterproof all gear, at the very least use a waterproof pack liner. However, most seasoned walkers will tell you it is imperative to show some extra vigilance with your sleeping-bag and one set of warm underclothes. Wet clothes can be walked in and may have to stay wet, as is often the case in Tasmania, however to sleep dry and warm is imperative for enjoyment and safety. Ensure each morning you repack your dry underclothes and sleeping-bag well and it is waterproof sealed.

18. LIGHT MY FIREExperienced walkers will always carry at least two ignition sources. Should one fail you can be safe in the knowledge you have another.

19. LESSON IN LAYERSPlan your clothing according to layers. The rule of thumb of experienced walkers is to break clothing into at least three layers - base layer, middle layer and outer layer. Carry what you require for each layer only. This will assist your packing and ensure you don't carry unnecessary clothing. Be mindful to pack the outer layer so that it is easily accessible. Your nice new Gore-Tex jacket may roll down and fit beautifully in the bottom corner of your pack, but you will regret your inefficient packing as soon the first shower hits and you have to empty your pack to find it! 

20. IT'S OKAY TO CANCELIf the weather conditions are terrible or key personnel on the mission pull out, you have to be comfortable to cancel. If conditions are likely to be dangerous, then make the call as early as possible. The decision is never easy, particularly when you've planned and waited for a trip, but any outdoor adventurer has to make the call at some stage, and you need to be content with your decision. As travel author Ken Eastwood said, "It just means you are wise; not a wuss".

21. ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINERegular walkers love routine. For example, get into the habit of always setting up the tent the same way. Packs under one vestibule, food in a bag in the top pocket, torch in your pant pocket - whatever works for you, just as long as it's consistent. This will avoid you spending half the evening looking for things in your bag, miss half the ingredients for dinner or have to blindly scramble around the tent looking for your torch when you're busting for the loo.

22. KEEP THE CAMERA HANDYHaving to take your pack off every time you come across a good shot means every chance of missing that great unexpected moment or wildlife encounter. Keep it in a pants or hipbelt pocket for quick and easy access.

23. HANDY CORDA simple length of cord has so many uses: handy for drying clothes, tying things together, lowering a water bottle into a water source, lowering a pack down unstable track or as a guy rope for a tent or shelter.

24. EMERGENCY FAREOn any extended trip into the bush you must account for emergencies and carry extra provisions. How much will vary on the remoteness of the area and the length of the trip. A good extra emergency meal is one that doesn't require cooking. In unforeseen circumstances this will mean that, if water is short and fuel is running low, you will still have a meal. This could be as simple as a bag of dried meat, dried fruit and biscuits. Remember it's about sustenance not gourmet for
this meal!

25. DOUBLE-DUTY GEARDouble-duty gear is gear that can perform more than one task. Garbage bags will carry food, act as a pack liner, provide an extra rain layer, can be sat on in the wet and even carry garbage, while a sleeping-bag cover stuffed with clothing is a great pillow.

Source: Australian Geographic Outdoor March/April 2010.

PURPOSE

So training is going well.  Planning is forever, it continues to be an activity that will get even more precise as we come closer to our departure date.  Mentally I have hit a hurdle.  With the change of the seasons and a small operation I have found myself out of rhythm. 

I truly believe that a personal rhythm is a massive deference in how you feel about life, how you are progressing with your goals and your mental health in general.  Of course, the weather being a little colder and a little wetter as well has seem to weigh heavily on me.  

My training is good but it has been better.  This darn weather, if it wasn't raining I'd be more motivated.  I start to kick myself for ever slowing the training down.  I start to get negative, restless, and it is even causing me to not sleep.

It has made me think of the reasons I'm doing this hike.  Bringing up a young family, I want to show them an example on a number of levels.  I want to show them a good work ethic, community awareness, and self worth.  I want them to understand that sometimes we need to lean on others and external influences to make life work.  Hopefully they will understand at an earlier age how their own mind work and this will help them to become well rounded happy individuals.

So, I'm a little down.  I acknowledge that, so I went on to BeyondBlues website and had a read and self-assessment on a couple of their checklists.  Its good to know their are some discreet tools out there that we can all use to self check ourselves.  At the end of the day I've got the "Blues" but thats about it at this stage.  I know this is a small down at the moment and I just need to keep looking forward, especially looking forward to the hike.  As we get closer I know I will be so excited that I'll come good.  

If anyone else has the winter blues, chin up, have a chat to someone or jump onto the Beyond Blue website for assistance.  

As for me, I need to get outside and get some fresh air.  Sounds like a training hike is in order, anyone interested?

As a final note...  I want to send out my congratulations to my cousin Teresa Belanger for completing her Alaskan marathon last week.  So proud of you Terry.  Teresa raise funds for Cancer research which  is a very close topic for all Belangers.  Secondly, a big shout out to my good mate Troy Staples who last weekend also completed his Cancer fundraising even in Canada "Ride to Conquer Cancer".  Epic ride mate!

Who is going to try it!

So one of things I've been thinking about is clothing.  The more I bring the heavier my pack.

NO, I'm not suggesting naked backpacking.  I'm just thinking about how much I really need.  We will have hot and cold and being too much of either will make me uncomfortable.  And do I bring a change of clothes, or is one set enough for 40 days.


So for the next 40 days I'm gonna wear the same clothes everyday.......okay so I can't really do that in real life, no one will sit beside me on the bus!  But I can none the less conduct a little experiment on at least one aspect of clothing for the journey.

I bought these great Merino wool socks for the hike, from Mountain Design Glenferrie Rd Hawthorn and for the next 40 days I'm gonna wear the same pair.

Merino clothing have a unique ability of holding in odours, so it shouldn't be offensive to anyone.

Here is a little write up from Mountain Designs website;
http://www.mountaindesigns.com/App_Assets/media/Brand_Catalogue/40-43_MD_brandcat_2010_Socks_Headwear.pdf

Fabric 80% Merino Wool 7% Polyamide 8% Polypropylene 5% Lycra Sizes M, L, XL Colour Warm Grey

High performance trekking sock specifically designed to provide warmth and comfort in extreme conditions. • Merino wool - Naturally regulates temperature

to keep your feet warm and wicks away

moisture keeping you dry & comfortable • Extra plush cushioning zones

to provide crucial warmth,

protection and comfort • Made in Spain

So What I'm interested in knowing is who is willing to wear their socks for 40 days with me, please add your name to the comment field below if you are willing to take up the challenge!

Keep trekking

MLC Grade 1 Dads & Daughters

This weekend was a great weekend.

My grade 1 daughter and I decided to invite her class to come camping with us so that we can further get to know the children and their parents.

We had made up some invitations and put them in all the school bags the last day before Easter in an attempt to give people lots of notice.  We had lots of families with plans already but are looking forward to us inviting them again.

We had 6 father/daughter teams which was a great size for the hike.  We looked for a local place to take them and felt Cathedral Ranges would be the best spot.  Last year Bailey & I did the Wells Cave track which is the areas hardest trail and Bailey got a lot of confidence from it.


So Saturday May 5, 2012 we arrived and started setting up camp.  I have recently acquired a new family sized tent which would accommodate a majority of the group.  It is made by the same brand as my Backpack and tent "Black Wolf" and so far I have found the tent to be very reliable as well as well thought out.  Plenty of storage pockets, room dividers etc.



You could see as the families showed up that the girls were chomping at the bit to be outside and have an adventure.  Surprisingly the fire was the centre of attention for a fair part of the afternoon.  Little fire bugs, I'd expect this from grade 1 boys but was surprised with these girls being so excited by flames.  Dads and daughters set about setting up camp through out the afternoon and even had time to get a small hike in before dinner.

We had 2 options for dinner.  I had brought my cast iron cooking gear and had the roast slow cooking in the dutch oven with carrots, corn and potatoes (all with a little butter included) wrapped in aluminium foil on the hot coals.

We also had a home made lasagne which sat on the grill over the fire slowly warming up.

Both dinners we gobbled up in no time and the girls soon started to chant for their marsh mellows.  We had eaten dinner about 6:30pm in the dark so around 7pm it was fairly reasonable to break out the goodies.  Marsh Mellows, jelly snakes, cookies and chocolate bananas all made an appearance and stimulated the girls into more fire play!  Writing in the air seemed to be the favourite.  I'm happy to report we had no incidents/accidents!

The dads broke out the cheeses and crackers once the girls were in bed and stayed up by the fire having a great chin wag.

The next morning as we packed up camp we had a traditional hot breakfast by the fire, eggs, bacon, beans and toast.  We were ready to hit the mountain.  About 9:45am we car pooled to Sugarloaf Peak car park and made our way up SugarLoaf peak.

This was no easy hike.  Dads were often spread across gaps passing kids up to each other so the girls felt safe in what we were attempting.  Sure there were times when there was tears from one or two children but thats expected when they have not been up this high before.



The cave was a real treat for the girls.

We stopped on the summit to gather out thoughts and rally the girls for the descent and luckily the cloud cover had cleared not 20 minutes earlier.

The way down had more tears or terror and Dads were even more involved but we all made it down safe and sound.

This will be the last camping for the year as the winter comes in, I'm really glad Bailey & I were able to share this with her school mates and their fathers.  We'll do these camps twice a year now for her class and hopefully keep getting more and more attendees.