Last day of the challenge

The last walk of the challenge was taken at the end of the day in stead of bright and early. Being the practical person I am, I combined my walk with a visit to three local pubs, the Crafty Cargo, The Torquay and the Beach House. Somewhere around 3km i think. I ended up at the Torquay and recorded a 700m stroll home just after midnight. You'll be pleased to know i was up this morning and continued walking. Thanks for your generous donations for this worthy cause.

Back in Gladstone.

I was back in Gladstone for the penultimate walk of the OceantoOutback challenge. It was good to walk with my eldest grandkids again although they spent more time on the play and gym equipment while I did the walking. The other reason they were happy to join me was the promise of a Macca’s breakfast. I got a free coffee out of it now that I’m a senior citizen… the kids had to remind me to ask for it. Thanks again for the support and sponsorship. Tomorrow… which happens to be today because I forgot to blog yesterday is the final walk for the challenge.

Just a short walk this morning.

Having cracked the ton yesterday I felt no pressure this morning. Had a really enjoyable walk with a kangaroo, Butcher bird and some other dive bombing birds. The walk ended with another walk up “Heart Attack Hill” … it’s getting easier. I headed north for a weekend with families in Gladstone and Agnes Water. Introduced my youngest grandson to my other mission, visiting the oldest pub in Bundy.

Another Technological glitch!

The alarm at 5:00 had me up and out the door at 5:15 for a very special walk. In cricketing terms I was approaching a ton. I was at 96.3 meaning I had a 3. 7 walk to reach 100km. The smart watch recorded 3.7 walk but the RFDS app only recorded a 3.6 distance … I had to punch out another 200m to reach my target. Walking again tomorrow.

Up and onward!

Having reached my KM target of 87km I feel a sense of accomplishment and have decided to “keep walking” to at least hit 100 km which, bar rolling a joint (no not that kind,) is within reach. I have a few days left so I could rack up a few more with a weekend visit to Agnes Water and hopefully Gladstone. Thanks again to all who have followed, supported and encouraged me.

Crocheted blankets on trees!

Monday 26 October… day 26 of the OceantoOutback challenge. Had a few late nights over the weekend so getting up was a bit of a battle. Apparently a habit is formed after 17 days so it looks like I’m going to continue walking. Half Way through this mornings walk I came across a tree covered in a crocheted blanket seen in the photo. I have noticed it in years gone by. Over the years we as a family have been on the receiving end of many crocheted blankets, needlepoint works and patchwork quilts that coincided with my mother’s hobby at the time… they were always artistic, practical and appreciated… I never once stuck them on a tree though but did use them as blankets for Rigby. I researched the phenomenon… it’s been going for a few years now in Hervey Bay. I look forward to seeing more.

Walking into the ocean!

It was an early start for a Sunday with a 6:00 am start, coffee in hand. Normally I reward myself with a coffee at the end of the walk… today I needed it at the start. Hervey Bay offers a number of satisfying vistas and interesting walks. For today’s walk I chose the Urangan Pier. I walked just shy of a kilometre into the ocean (not literally) and then back (1.8km) so a short stroll took me up to 2.4km, the same distance as our Pole PT run in the airforce basic training. I’ve got a bit of work to do to reduce my time! So I’ve reached my km and fund raising targets but will “keep walking” for my supporters, my sponsor and me.

A blessing or a burden?

I sent this to my grandkids today to see if they could figure it out. They came up with some great answers… a dog, a child, a clock, a mirror , a husband or wife, underwear , a telephone … Give it a go. Answer to be revealed at the end. What am I? I’m 4000 years old and most households have at least one. Some days I’m a blessing and on others I’m a burden. I slept in today and in stead of a 5:00 am start I left home around 8:00. A late night out at the aforementioned venues may have had something to do with it. Only when I was on the walkway through the dunes did I remember I was close to reaching my km goal. I stopped briefly for my morning coffee and a chat to some locals at the park. Yesterday’s walk was completed in pouring rain and I was thankful that I’d bought an umbrella when in Auckland a few weeks ago. Apart from soaking shoes I remained dry. Today’s sky’s looked threatening so I took the umbrella as cover. It was not needed. It’s a bit of a pain carrying something all that way and not using it. When I got home and stopped my watch I realised I was 1km past my target. Good timing!

The Scarborough Hotel.

I was up early on Day 23 and out the door by 5:30am. It’s getting easier! It was a lot quieter on the footpath with fewer than usual walkers and runners. The overnight rain and persistent drizzle being the deterrent. In my research on “The Famous,The Oldest …pubs Of my travels” I found that the Beach House, formally The Scarborough, to be one of the oldest in Hervey Bay. I also established this morning that it is 1.81 km from my house, door to door. It’s a nice stroll there and simple stumble home after a few….$11 by UBER and $18 by Taxi and free if you catch the courtesy bus! How convenient. The next oldest is the Torquay Hotel, only .75 km away. Very convenient. Looking at my stats (84.2km completed) I should reach my target tomorrow.

Modern technology… a curse or our saviour.

Day 22 was overcast with rain but I managed to catch a break in the rain and do my longest walk yet. I’ve been using the RFDS, OceantoOutback app to record my progress and not being that savvy with modern technology I’m still learning. I must have pressed the pause button when I took my phone out to take a photo… when I looked at the app after an hour of walking I noticed it was paused on 1.4 km. I’m slow but not that slow! Fortunately I had backup… my smart watch! I’ve already established that it’s not that smart but it had my back today recording my distance… don’t look at the time!. Hoping to reach my target in the next few days. Thanks for your support and donations.

We take so much for granted!

Day 21 of the OceantoOutback challenge saw me closing in on my distance target which represents 1km for each of the aircraft operated by the RFDS. What a beautiful morning. Between the beach and the Charlton Esplanade in Torquay, is an amazing timber walkway that winds through the dune vegitation for about a kilometre. Probably one of the most pleasant walks of the last 21 days. It’s been there for a good few years and I have walked it before but today I appreciated it true beauty and value… we do seem to take so many things for granted. To have been able to appreciate the experience can be attributed to the efforts of the RFDS who flew me to Brisbane in 2013 for life saving surgery. “The only response to the gift of today is gratitude!”

Day 20 of the challenge!

In my lifetime I’ve seen more sunsets than sunrises. Don’t get me wrong I’ve seen a fair few when driving cabs, doing shift work and delivering magazines… just not as many as the other end of the day. Of late, in the last 20 days it’s been a regular occurrence as I’ve been rising earlier than usual to complete my OceantoOutback challenge. Progress has been good… I’m 72 km in to my 87km target. Fundraising has been impressive at double my target. Thanks to all those who have contributed. Thanks too, to all who continue to encourage me in this great cause.

Back in the Bay

I was up early again to continue my commitment to the Royal Flying Doctors Service fund raising OceanToOutback challenge. Thanks to all your support for doubling my target as we have just passed the $1000 mark. Only 21km to go to meet my walk commitment. Today’s walk allowed me time to reflect on the past 67 years… wouldn’t change a thing! I enjoyed a fantastic childhood with three siblings who have always and continue to support my efforts. School was great despite my academic deficiencies. Sport was my main focus. A career in education since 1982, supported by various entrepreneurial activities which have contributed to our families survival has been fantastic. Thanks to all those involved. Emigration from South Africa to Canada in 1995 and then from Canada to Australia in 2001 has been challenging and difficult. Thanks to Deborah’s forethought, organisation and determination we were able to create a safe future for our three daughters.

The Lycra Capital of the World.

After a lovely weekend spent with my youngest daughter’s family in Murwillumbah, I found myself in Mermaid Beach for my 18th OceantoOutback walk. A Good friend and former student of mine used to live there and, on my trips, south from Hervey Bay I would regularly catch up with him for coffee, lunch or a beer and watch the world go by. I joined the throng of GoldCoasters exercising on the stretch between Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise which I call the Lycra Capital of the World.I didn’t subject other athletes to the vision of me in Lycra but appreciated those of the fairer sex who were so attired. I ended up doing a 4km walk, slightly longer than average through a couple of downpours that were quite refreshing. I am progressing well and my fund raising efforts have reached impressive levels. Thanks to all my supporters. On another note, my other pursuit, visiting “The Famous, The Oldest, or The Only Pup in the Cities and Towns of my Travels” is progressing just as well. I ticked off 8 pubs between Hervey Bay, Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, Mooball, Billynudgel, Gympie, Tairo and Maryborough. I’ve added an interesting twist where I get my daughters to nominate the drink! Thanks for following and supporting me and sponsoring my walk. Sponsors for the secondary quest would be appreciated…

Killing two Emus with one throwing stick!

Day 17… I’m back in Murwillumbah for the weekend for a quick visit with the family. I was able to combine my two current passions… doing the OceantoOutback challenge and visiting “The Famous, The Oldest and/or The Only Pub in the Cities and Towns of my Travels.” You don’t often get to kill two Emus with one throwing stick” My three girls don’t agree… they recon the former is a commitment that I’ve made and need to complete. The latter is a rather elaborate scheme to perpetuate a long standing family tradition created my my father, uncle and grandfather “to find any excuse to have a beer.” Well I achieved two goals today…did a three km walk on the Northern River Rail Trail at Mooball. I had a beer at Billynugel and bought the tShirt and had an Ouzo at the Victory Hotel in Mooball.

The (new) Five Year Plan!

So, Thursday arvo I left school at lunch time to head south to Brisbane for some appointments regarding my new five year plan. Planning on getting a Ute to tow a toy hauler. Had an interesting experience with AI. While travelling 110kmh down the Bruce Highway I managed to book a room at the Budget Ibis Airport Motel with an AI bot with an American accent, who’s seductive voice reminded me of the 1-900 numbers of back in the day(so I’ve heard!) I was up early to get to Styromax to get a quote on a toy hauler. I had an hour before opening so I took a stroll through the Hendra industrial area to meet my OceantoOutback Outback challenge goal for the day… just short of 3km so I did another km at Harbour Town where I bought proper running shoes on advice from my Friday Friend.

“Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

Today’s image is one of my favourite portraits that Deborah painted after we settled in Australia. I was up early today and out the gate by 5:30. I chose to walk the backroads of Torquay before heading down to the Esplanade. At one point I was drenched by a downpour which would discourage most people… I chose to heed the words of Bob Marley and “feel the rain and not get wet.” Today’s walk turned out to be the furthest to date, just shy of 5km. It was day 15 so apparently another two days before walking daily becomes a habit. The legs are still sore from the beach walk at Chinaman’s beach last Sunday. I taught thee lessons today and then headed South to spend the weekend on the Gold Coast and Murwillumbah. Stopped off in Brisbane at the Ibis hotel for the night… my room 301 is on the top floor, three flights of stairs and the furthest room from reception.

I’m a South African, Canadian, Australian!

Back in 1994 Deborah and I and our three girls were living in Pennington, Natal, South Africa. After 13 years of teaching we decided to start a carpentry and painting business in the middle a a world financial crisis. What a fantastic decision. We built two houses, the business MD Carpenters and the most beautiful family you could imagine. We emigrated to Canada in 1995 and enjoyed what the Northern Hemisphere had to offer. It was a little cold for our liking. With Australian heritage I was able to emigrate to Australia and sponsor my family. It hasn’t been easy and we’ve sacrificed a lot and fought to stay ahead of the game. What an amazing and beautiful country. I still cop criticism for my accent and my support of the Springboks, Proteas and Bafana Bafana but now and always, I will call Australia home. I am alive today because of the RFDS and the medical system that other countries should emulate!

Keep moving!

Oops! A day late with the blog. Today’s image is the exact spot on “Heart Attack Hill” where I first became aware of my heart issues. How ironic that my callapse happened in a no stopping zone. The sign sent a kind of mixed message. Clearly I had to stop because of pain and breathlessness! Perhaps it was talking to my heart directly saying “don’t stop beating he’s got some productive years left in him” or perhaps the message was meant for October 2026 and the OceantoOutback challenge where I’m moving to raise money for the RFDS and starting my journey back to a level of fitness not seen in a while. Thanks to all who have supported the cause and encouraged me in this venture.

Torquay…. Which one?

I’m back in Torquay, not in South Australia, not in Saskatchewan, Canada, not in South Africa and not in Devon, England but in Hervey Bay, Queensland. I may have to add those towns in my other quest to have a drink in “ The Famous, The Oldest and/or The Only Pub in the Cities and Towns of my Travels” I may order “a gin and orange,a lemon squash and a scotch and water.” Not many of you will get that… let me know if you do. I had a moment of reflection this morning and mentioned it to many of the students I taught today. Half way through my early morning walk I walked past a man in the park opposite the Torquay hotel. I see him often in the same spot… clearly he “sleeps rough.” I always greet him as he does me. He had a bag on the table next to him a speaker blaring music and a can of VB. No judgement from me there… the breakfast of champions! I greeted him as I do all who I pass on my walks. He greeted me back and asked how I was. I responded by saying “ I’m grateful to be on the wake-up list!” He responded enthusiastically “me too!” His statement hit me. What a positive response despite his predicament.

Deb’s favourite beach.

Today’s walk for OceantoOutback was particularly nostalgic and moving. I was accompanied by NJB, my youngest grandson, on a 2.4 km walk which took a while longer than the time it took me to run every afternoon during basic training back in 1976. We had to complete it under 11 minutes. Deb/Mum/Nan loved Chinamans Beach at Agnes Water. It was there that we scattered her ashes in 2019 after her passing in December of 2018. Deb was supremely fit, exercising regularly, if not every day for the 35 years we were together, 28 of those married. She always encouraged me to be active often dragging me along for a beach walk or run. She did weights, resistance training and vigorous cardio workouts and was teaching Pilates long before it became a “thing.” Deb provided perfect conditions for my walk…. The sea was the same colour and mood as the day of the photo. The clouds protected is from the sun (luckily because I forgot to apply sunscreen to the grandson.)… there were patches of blue sky and a pleasant breeze. Only one drawback which I’m sure she arranged to push me out of my comfort zone. The sand was soft… so soft I sank 1 to 2 inches every step. The legs are sore today. Thanks Deb. After our walk NJB insisted on playing golf at 1770 Golf Club, something we always do when I visit. I wasn’t that keen but he insisted… thank goodness for my Golf Skate Caddy. On the way home to Hervey Bay I was able to fulfill my other/current mission of having a drink in “The Famous, The Oldest and/or The Only Pub in the Cities or Towns of my Travels” Follow my efforts, donate if you can but don’t feel obliged or pressured.

The boys I. The middle

Day 10 of the OceantoOutback challenge took place on the Coral Coast at 1770. I was accompanied by my two middle grandsons and middle daughter. Not the most strenuous walk because we were distracted by Rusty the Pelican (Dot to the locals), digging in the sand and building sand sculptures with random holidaying kids and chatting to their parents. Thanks to all who have contributed to my fund raising efforts. Every dollar counts. Look out for tomorrow’s blog.

My two eldest grandkids!

I had the pleasure of doing today’s OceantoOutback with my two eldest grandkids. Once again this photo and their company was only possible thanks to the efforts of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Just a short one today beside the Coral Sea. What a beautiful morning and walk. We then went to Maccas for breakfast where they showed me how to order and pay using the touch screen technology. I still order over the counter normally. I plucked up the courage to ask the cashier if they still offered a free drink to seniors if they spend more than 5 bucks! She didn’t even ask for proof which suggests I might be looking my age… you be the judge. As a teacher I hate seeing kids arrive at school with large Maccas or Nightowl cups filled with sugary drinks…. I felt a bit guilty watching the two of them walk into school clutching their Macca’s drinks. Hope they behaved. Tomorrow’s walk will be with the middle two!

A reminder of my athletic past.

This morning, before heading down to the Charlton Esplanade, I walked some of the backroads of Torquay and saw houses I’d never seen before. The one featured looks like I feel… I had a few too many of my sponsors’ tipples last night but due to a new found commitment I “kept walking” While I’m getting used to the daily walk I find I’m still not fully comfortable with the act so distraction helps. When walking the sidewalks I focus on not standing on the cracks… difficult on brick footpaths but easy on concrete paving. I build a rhythm similar to what’s required in hurdling… 1,2,3 jump and repeat. I was never fast at running but had good hurdling technique so when it came to the 400m hurdles in 1975, I was a chance. On a wet day a group of us competed in the final trial for seletion to attend Durban and Districts. I was way back when two competitors ahead of me, one my best mate and superior athlete Gavin Swanson, slipped and ploughed head first into the hurdle eliminating themselves. I must have come first or second because I was selected for the D and D team. I’d performed a “Bradbury” before it was a thing. That was the highlight of my athletic career… or was it? Will this walk to support the RFDS change things for the better?

A reason to get out of bed!

Today marks 7 days in a row. Not bad for an old bloke who hasn’t been that active over the past few years. If you are familiar with the Numskulls cartoon from the Beano comics of the ‘60s you’ll appreciate what’s going on as my body adjusts to this CoastaltoOutback challenge. 10 minutes after the 5:00 am alarm I was on the footpath. I heard the “Old Fella” mention to his two companions… “ hey boys… something is going on! For the last 10 to 15 years he’s worn denim shorts every day….this morning his put on running shorts… things are getting serious. Hope he never wears Lycra!” Did some research on today’s walk as I recorded the distance. It’s only 750m to the Torquay Pub (it feels a lot longer when Ive staggered back home on more than a few occasions) and 2.4km to the Beachouse Hotel, formally the Scarborough Hotel which dates back to 1900, another watering hole I frequent. Look out for a new project I’m working on… I’m undertaking a quest to visit and have a drink in the oldest pub in every town and city I visit. Over the holidays I ticked off Auckland, Kingscliff, Chinderah, Tumbulgum and Murwillumbah. Although this second quest seems to undermine the OceantoOutback challenge… fear not! I’m inspired by the slogan of my favourite tipple…”Keep Walking”

Heart Attack Hill’s Big Brother

My head has got used to the idea of a morning walk… the body not so much. Back to school today so it was an early start to the day compared to the leisurely walks while on holiday. The body is used to staying horizontal for at least an hour after waking up, checking emails but mostly scrolling, before getting vertical. Woke at 5 am… on the footpath and down to the beach at 5:10. Shock to the system. Hope the body responds better tomorrow… it’s been warned. I took on “Heart Attack Hill’s” big brother, one block over… the ascent went well. Hope you’re enjoying my progress. Thanks for your support and donations. May have to increase my target!

Heart Attack Hill.

Day 5 of the Ocean To Outback challenge. Ok so there was a glitch when I stopped for a coffee…the 2.18 km of walked was wiped from the record so needs to be added to the 1.2 km on the record. For today’s walk I was back home in Hervey Bay. I took on what my family call “Heart Attack Hill.” Back in 2013 after a party with the kids, Deborah (my very fit and healthy wife) suggested a morning walk. She and the kids had been nagging me for years to get more active…you’ll get fit and meet lots of people while doing it they said. Well they weren’t wrong! About 500m into the walk I was descending the hill when my chest started heaving and the pain was overwhelming. Well… did I meet some people that day. Firstly, two Paramedics who introduced me to the triage staff at Hervey Bay Hospital. They put me in touch with the Emergency Department staff who introduced me to some doctors and a heart specialist. After stabilising me I was sent to the observation ward for two nights awaiting further treatment. What a pleasure it was to meet the pilot and crew of the RFDS who flew me to Royal Prince Charles Hospital where I met the surgical team and staff who performed a quadruple bypass operation and the wonderful hospitality staff who helped me to get back on my feet. Thank you too all involved.

Surfers Paridise

Back in 2006 to 2012 I used to drive taxis on the Gold Coast. Have I got some stories and experiences from those years? Day 4 saw me take a nostalgic trip up the Gold Coast highway from Coolangatta to Main Beach. It was difficult to find parking so in stead of walking the promenade I strolled through the Broadwater Parklands.

Northern Rivers Tail Yrail

Day three was a beautiful day and I spent the morning walking the trail in Murwillumbah among numerous cyclists. The trail follows the now decommissioned Rail track for a fair distance south. I also continued another mission of mine to have a beer in the oldest pub of every town I visit. It kind of outweighs all the good that the Ocean to Outback is doing but then again one must hydrate!

If it wasn’t for the RFDS this may never have happened !

In 2013the RFDS flew me from Hervey Bay to Prince Charles Hospital for what turned out to be a quadruple bypass operation. Thanks to the surgical team and amazing nursing and hospital staff I am still around and fortunate to enjoy day 2 of Ocean to Outback with my two youngest grandkids. If you can please donate to my fund raising page to afford others the privilege of this life saving service.

I'm fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

Australia is a big country, and for those living in remote, rural and regional areas, access to immediate care isn’t a guarantee. For some communities, the nearest hospital is eight hours drive away.

This October, I’m taking on a month-long fitness challenge to help more people access the care they need. By going further, I hope to raise as much as possible for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Every year, the RFDS reach more than 330,000 Australians with 24-hour emergency retrieval and primary healthcare services. That’s one person every two minutes!

Together, we can keep the Flying Doctor flying and continue their life-saving work. Please donate to my challenge today!