Outer Edge Edition 48(clone) | Page 72

Near the Eco Lodge, there were a few private 72 guy that I am, and bepools, and being the nice ing part of a nice team of adventurers, the young couple who run the lodge took us down to a secret spot, and allowed us the opportunity to relax and clean the dirt and pain from the day off. The rocks, made of a naturally occurring granite also trap some of the heat from the sun, so we were able to relax, and take full advantage of a sneaky, naturally occurring hot rock treatment, which was really well received. After day one, the Eco Lodge helped heal and relax the body, bringing me back to life and after a great night sleep, I was ready for day two. We were up early on day two, and hit the trek at around 8am, with the knowledge that there was only around 16 kilometres left. About one kilometre or so into day two, we came to our first real challenge of the day, a swing bridge, which was situated around 15-20metres above the flowing water beneath. From there, we moved on, eventually coming into the beautiful Megalong Valley. Now, if you ever travel to the Blue Mountains, I vigorously recommend acquainting yourself with the Megalong Valley – it is mesmerising. An open valley among mountains, littered with gorgeous fields and open spaces, as well as naturally occurring small creeks and river systems, it is a wonderful place. As the name might suggest, Megalong, is just that, “mega long” and we trekked through it for quite some time on day two. In fact, after Megalong, we only had a few kilometres until our final destination, and Katoomba. Personally, I’m fine with heights, and was keen to tackle the bridge. In fact, it was one of my favou- As with many challenges, the hardest part of the rite parts of the trek. It bounced and swung ever journey is right at the end, and JENKAT46 was no so slightly, and for the avid photographers on the exception. Darren and Shane had both warned team, it made for some great pictures. me throughout the journey about “Dummy Spit Hill”, which basically made up the last kilometre However, not everyone was quite as okay with heights as I was, and we had a few worried faces of the trek. crossing over. For some of the team, the bridge was The name is a little deceptive, as “Dummy Spit one of the realest challenges on JENKAT46. Hill” is not really a hill, but rather a ridiculously steep set of stairs that climbs up the side of a mountain. It was by far the hardest part of the trek. My legs wanted to give up, and I must have drank close to three litres of water making my way up that staircase. It was tough. However, I don’t often get to feel the sort of elation I was thrilled to experience once I reached the top of those stairs, and made my way to the end of the trek. It was a fantastic feeling. JENKAT46 was definitely a challenge that pushed me. I felt uncomfortable and worn out along the journey, but I also felt excitement and life. It was an awesome adventure and something that I will remember for a long time yet, and it was in my own backyard, which is really just an added bonus. Next time, you feel as though you need an adventure, but need something close, and attainable, I would highly recommend pushing yourself and tackling the full Six-Foot Track, right here in Australia’s beautiful Blue Mountains. 72