Denmark trips 2009
We had 3 trips based at Denmark this year. The first one, an Albany to Denmark, in mid October, comprised mostly people from the east coast. And they were treated to some very unusual Denmark weather. It was hot! I had 3 swims that week,one of which was at Mutton Bird Island beach, something I have never done before! The “easterners” were of cousre very impressed by the wildflowers and I do believe, some of the local wine! And hats off to Patrick, Liz, Brendan and Kaye who joined us for the weekly dance class!
The second Albany to Denmark trip was huge- 16 walkers. Included were the girls referred to as “the farmers”, though I’ve never known farmers to be so addicted to coffee shops! However, their 6am yoga sessions were very impressive, so the coffee must do something! And what about the headstand on the coast? Also on this coast was Patrick’s friend Kate, who was enjoying her first ever trip to Australia from Austria. We had a lovely mix of “newies and “oldies” on this trip and Bob managed to keep them all in line. This week we walked into Mutton Bird Island road, totally drenched- was this really the same location where the week before I’d cooled off in the ocean?
The final trip was Walpole to Denmark. Gisela guided this one and again we had a mix of old and new. Erin, the farmer, brought along a collection of her friends. We were a little concerned to discover that one was a ‘celestial transportation expert”- was he touting for business?? The mix of the Tingle Forest with the coast makes this a great walk, but the culmination is always the last day- the hike over Mt Halliwell. The group had a perfect day for this, and the views were spectacular. Almost as impressive as Rod, who did the entire walk with a broken collarbone and never missed a beat, nor tripped once! (Disclaimer: he arrived with the bone already broken!).
For photos click here
Thanks to everyone who made the 2009 season a great success, especially my team of Alf, Di, Gisela, Bob and Steve.
Cape to Cape October 2009
Day 1
We were a group of 10 happy hikers and one enthusiastic guide, as we embarked on our 135 kilometre journey in good spirits and under sunny skies. After sharing the fascinating history of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, where I also work as a tour guide, we gradually watched it fade away in the distance as we made our way past Sugarloaf and along the limestone ridges to Yallingup. Everyone was keen to get to know each other on our first day and thus there were lots of interesting conversations took place as we hiked along. We soon discovered a shared interest in orchids and whales, which were spotted numerous times on this day.
Nearing Yallingup, which I call home with my husband, Simon, the group was interested to see the stone cottages where we lived, so after a section along the beach, we took a short detour to have a look at my home and the stain glass windows. Alf was happily waiting for us and we headed back to Augusta to hot showers at Sheoak Chalets. Di provided us with a warm welcome and never ending feasts of delicious and healthy meals each night, along with treats for on the track as well, so we were well looked after for the entire trek. [Read more]
Cape to Cape Diary-Neal Bennet
Neal walked the Cape to Cape with Inspiration Outdoors in October 2006. He came back in 2008 and walked both Albany to Denmark and Walpole to Denmark. And in February 2009 he’s joining us in New Zealand. He’s sent me his diary for the Cape to Cape, it’s a great record and anyone contemplating the walk should have a read. Thanks Neal.
Neal Bennet’s Cape to Cape Diary
Experience the Kimberley 2008
The Kimberley in “winter”…certainly the place to escape the southern winter! The days were hot, with clear blue skies. We began the trip on a full moon and gradually, as the moon subsided, so the evening sky filled with stars. So many it was hard to recognise familiar constellations.
The Gibb River Road is not a road to be travelled fast- the corrugations and pot holes see to that. It was different from the Pilbara in that we were often camped in “civilised” surrounds- stations that came complete with showers, bar and restaurant. However, walks away from the campsites took us wonderful gorges and waterholes that haven’t changed in millions of years. [Read more]
Ningaloo and Karijini 2008
Ningaloo……
Well what a fantastic trip we had! Great weather, great sights and great company! Where to begin….
It all started at Camp Paradise-that’s the name we affectionately gave to the paddock where we tossed our swags. 
Mind you I wished I had photos of our faces when Hal directed us to our sleeping quarters. He waved his arm towards the paddock, suggesting we camp on the right side of a bush so as to gain some protection from the early morning winds. Those of us eyeing off the shade of the few trees were soon redirected by his warnings of ticks. [Read more]
Walpole to Denmark 2010
This part of the track takes in both the majestic tingle forest as well as long deserted beaches, magnificent bays, and spectacular coastal cliffs. More challenging than Albany to Denmark, this 125km stretch includes some stiff climbs, undulating dunes and sandy beaches. You’ll also experience the wonderful Frankland River, Rame Head and Boat Harbour. Worth the effort! A 9 day trip with 7 days walking.
Karijini and More
Well if I wasn’t getting ready for my Pyrenneen adventure I think I would have a bad case of PTD (post trip depression) after our fabulous Karijini trip. Great people, weather, scenery, food, vehicle, even leaders!
12 enthusiastic walkers (all previous IO customers) set out from the Midland train staton 7.30 one Saturday morning. This was the first joint venture between Coates Wildlife Tours and Inspiration outdoors. (And we were already planning the next before this one had ended!) Our first overnighter was near Mullewa- a bush camp, an option that was to prove very popular thoughout the two weeks. An isolated spot in the bush, often a water hole (for the women to bathe in) and much camraderie around the fire- well as much as you can fit in before 8pm which seemed to be the self imposed curfew of the group! [Read more]
