Travel Play Live
MINI EDITION 2015
The Heartbeat of Australian Women’s Adventure & Travel
ADVENTURE
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EMPOWER
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INSPIRE
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DREAM
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CHANGE
@growto love photograph by Lyndon Marceau
c ontents
6 ADVENTURE MUST HAVES
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RECIPE
DELICIOUS ADVENTURES
Autumn Product Guide
Garlic Prawn & Haloumi Skewers
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16
ADVENTUROUS EVENTS
WOMEN WANT ADVENTURE
ONE TOUGH CHICKS
in the Apple Isle
Transformation
Calendar for Autumn & Winter
Autumn Product Guide
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5 MICRO ADVENTURES
STAYING ACTIVE
BEST OF TASMANIA
despite your busy schedule
you can have this weekend
Wilderness Walk
www.travelplaylive.com.au CHIEF EDITOR. CREATIVE.
Amy Heague
Two Minds Creative COVER IMAGE.
DIRECTOR OF ADVENTURE.
PHOTOGRAPHY.
Kerryann Hayes
James Pitman, Ben Cirulis & Brett Rutkowski
Hayden Griffith with thanks to @growtolove
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES.
sales@travelplaylive.com.au
STAY CONNECTED
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WOMEN'S ADVENTURE tory
direc
If you are ready to break your routine, expand your horizons, challenge yourself and meet new friends, you've come to the right place; no matter what state of Australia you live in.
JOIN NOW
The Travel Play Live Adventure Directory is a network of adventure groups and active individuals dedicated to creating new friendships and helping all women add zest to their lives by trying something new, interesting or challenging. These groups Australia wide are encouraging women to leave their comfort zones and pursue their dreams. Join the Adventure! www.travelplaylive.com.au/adventure-directory
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PIONEERING ADVENTURESS We need your help make this adventure soar and get this magazine into as many peoples hands as possible! Head over to our website & check out our Pozible Campaign where you can help us crowd fund to support this venture. You could even become a Pioneering Adventuress and join us at our Launch Event!
Letter from the team. Welcome to Travel Play Live and our Mini Mag! We are extremely excited about the next phase of our adventure - launching an Australian Women's Adventure & Travel Magazine, and we wanted to give you a tiny taste of what is to come! When we received the first drafts of our style guides, we couldn't quite believe how far we had actually come in a year! Especially considering we are mums, business owners and never say no to an adventure if one comes calling.
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If this is your first introduction to us, we want you to know that we are more than just an awesome magazine. We are a community with a passion to empower and inspire women to live full, fun and passionate lives through active pursuits, no matter what their style or preference of outdoor adventure. Yep, adventure for all - not just the elite sports woman or the “sexy” people!
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We want to share the inspiration that’s out there and introduce you to the incredibly inspiring women who make up the adventurous community. Women of all ages, walks of life, shapes and sizes, and like you, all pursuing the dream to live life to the full and with a passionate sense of adventure.
That’s four beautifully inspiring, empowering and adventurous copies of our magazine delivered to your door - full of great seasonal ideas to inspire you to travel, play, live!
With your help, our goal is to become the leading voice for women's adventure in Australia. We want to connect you with the people, the companies, the products, the adventures and travel options that leave you empowered as a woman to get outdoors and to travel, play, live.
Head over to our website & join the adventure. *free postage available within Australia only
Travel Play Live magazine www.travelplaylive.com.au
Over and Out-'side' Amy & Kerryann
ADVENTURE MUST HAVES
e r u t n e v d Amust haves
AS THE WEATHER COOLS DOWN, ADVENTURES ARE JUST WARMING UP. WE’VE SCOUTED OUT SOME PERFECT GEAR FOR THE WOMAN WHO LOVES ADVENTURE, TRAVELLING & THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE.
A NEW MET HELMET
Osprey Aura AG 65 Marmot Minimalist Women’s
GORETEX WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors woman, the Minimalist starts with a lightweight GORE-TEX® Paclite® shell, making it waterproof, windproof and breathable. Allows full range of motion, and the adjustable hood and elastic draw cord let you adapt to changing weather. $299.50 wildearth.com.au
WOMENS HIKING RUCKSACK
The fourth generation of Osprey’s women’s specific Aura ventilated backpack series features the AntiGravity™Suspension. This 3D suspension system provides seamless comfort that contours the body allowing a trail experience like no other. Combined with custom capability and a full set of features, this pack sets a new standard in ventilated backpacking. $279.50 www.wildearth.com.au
Let’s keep our pretty little heads safe as we take to the tracks in a MET Helmet. MET S.p.A is one of the world’s leading high quality bicycle helmet makers. Designed, developed and manufactured in the heart of the Italian Alps, MET is synonymous with their Alpine heritage: care, reliability, efficiency and sustainable development. Profound design, cutting-edge materials, manufacturing procedures and sharp looks put MET helmets into the forefront, but they are primarily about safety. The helmets’ objective is to minimise impact on your head in case of an accident. Even Libby Tricket Olympic Gold Medalist wore one during her very first Triathlon! Met Helmets are available at leading bikes stores across Australia. www.met-helmets.com
SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 3 CS
Womens Weather proof Trail Running Shoes This shoe is built to be fast with its minimal construction and lightweight upper, and still has full-length cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and protected through any distance. Its breathable and provides quick drying weather protection in the forefoot area along with excellent traction over soft and tough surface. $159.50 wildearth.com.au
HSB SKATEBOARDS Skateboards with Soul
What happens when a young brother & sister duo from Sydney decide that they want to make the world a better place? They launch their own range of skateboards of course! HSB Skateboards are raising money to support the awesome A21 Campaign and Vision Rescue India. You can support these adventurous entrepreneurs buy purchasing one of their boards and help them raise this $2,500 by end of June 2015. www.hsbskateboards.com
06
10% Off
your first order from our friends at wildearth.com.au Discount code TPL10 (valid from May to June 30 2015) “Wild Earth – Australia’s only outdoor store for women who truly crave adventure”
Travel Play Live
EVENTS
MISS MUDDY Looking for a fun way to dive into some crazy adventure? Miss Muddy events is a women's only 4-6km obstacle and mud festival for women over 18. The ultimate ‘Girls Dirty Day Out’ Locations: Various locations across Australia Dates: Check the website for dates at your chosen location More information: www.missmuddy.com.au
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS CHALLENGE
Jeff Wilcox Memorial
BODYBOARDING COMPETITION.
Trail running festival offering runners the experience of hammering single & forest tracks, dirt roads and no asphalt whatsoever. Short, medium, long and ultra distances are available for runners of all abilities.
For all the girls who love the ocean; a mix of up and coming shredders, girls at the top of their game and women returning to competitive bodyboarding. For ages from 16yrs to mid 50s. Dates: 24 – 26th July 2015 Where: Great Lakes NSW More information: www.jeffwilcox.com.au
Dates: 30 August 2015 Where: Southern Highlands NSW More information: www.southernhighlandschallenge.com
D L I W E SID N E V D A URE T CE RA 5 FULLY RA
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This is adventure racing. You will navigate through spaces rarely visited as you traverse demanding landscapes in all weather conditions, day and night. You will have 12 or 24 hours to complete the journey, navigating from checkpoint to checkpoint by foot, mountain bike and kayak set against a magnificent backdrop, where you will be a part of nature. If you have been searching for that next big challenge or for an adventure that will create memories that will last a lifetime then this is your event.
OBER 4 T C O 5 OR 3,4 & E NSW • TEAMS OF 2 HOP
WAUC
m.au ace.co AR r e r u t en ide deadv #W ilds wildsi
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5
MICRO ADVENTURES you can have this weekend. 1
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BUSH WALKING BIKE Most towns have their own well marked bike paths or trails. You won't have to go far to discover magical trails between small villages or around local parks and markets. Fill your basket with fresh, organic and homemade goodies and have a picnic, or track down a local bike friendly café for a pit stop. Invite some girlfriends and pedal away to your heart's content. If you are not sure where your local tracks are, ask your local bike shop or sports store.
Whether it’s hiking, bushwalking or trail running, you can’t help but admire the stunning scenery and the extensive network of tracks and trails through Australia’s National Parks & State Forests. Coastal views and stunning bushland peaks offer delights galore for those setting out on foot. It’s great for family fun and fitness. With the inclusion of a yummy picnic with a beautiful lunch spot with a view, everyone will be happy! The National Parks authority in your state usually has an extensive list of safe, well-marked trails on their website.
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CAMPING Spend the night under the stars. Pack the tent and head out with your swag, light a fire and roast marshmallows. You don’t need flashy equipment to get adventurous. Set aside an afternoon to explore a national park, set up camp with the kids and watch out for local wildlife. Don’t have any kit? There are some great budget “glamping” options available, like the beautiful Kings Creek Retreat www.kingscreekretreat.com.au
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HIT THE BEACH Just because summer has faded, that's no reason not to head to the beach to explore. We are so blessed here in Australia with kilometres of stunning beaches and coastline, so get some friends together and head on down to the beach with a picnic, a cricket set or football and play in the sand. Explore the rock pools and surrounding dunes. Even on the blusteriest days, the beach is a great place for adventure.
TAKE A ROAD TRIP Discover many well kept secrets when you embark on this age old tradition of taking a road trip - you don’t even have to venture that far. Relive your childhood memories of the early morning start to miss the traffic, morning tea on the side of the road. Enjoy stretches of big open skies and green Aussie bush, stunning coastal views and little out of the way towns with atmospheres and secrets unexpected. Roll down the window, turn up the music and follow your nose.
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Recipe
GARLIC PRAWN & HALOUMI SKEWERS. A family favourite, these skewers are always a popular menu item and perfect for your Micro Adventure Weekend. Just because the weather is cooling down, don’t let that stop you from gathering some friends around a campfire or BBQ. This delicious recipe is perfect for the grill and hints back to Summer past.
SERVES 6
NUTRITION GF
METHOD 1. Peel the prawns, leaving the tails on. Using
space them well apart to avoid overcrowding
a small sharp knife or scissors, cut down
and stewing the prawns (cook in two
the back of the prawn from top to tail and
batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes
remove waste tract. Combine the prawns,
each side, until golden brown and cooked
garlic and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Cover
through.
180g haloumi
and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
12 cherry tomatoes
5. Transfer to a serving platter, season with
2. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in cold water for
pepper as desired and serve immediately
freshly ground black pepper and lemon wedges,
15 minutes, to prevent them burning while
with lemon wedges.
to serve
cooking. Cut the haloumi into pieces about
Haloumi is a soft or semi-hard Cypriot cheese
3cm x 2cm x 1cm.
with a salty flavour, made from either sheep
3. Thread 2 prawns and a piece of haloumi
or goats’ milk. It has a high melting point and
alternately onto each skewer, and finish with
so can easily be fried, grilled or barbequed.
a cherry tomato.
It is a good source of calcium and protein. It
4. Preheat the bbq on high heat. Place the
can be soaked in milk to remove some of the
skewers onto the bbq plate, making sure to
saltiness prior to use.
INGREDIENTS 1kg green prawns (medium king or banana) 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
SPECIAL THANKS ©Jane Grover – Recipe from Jane’s cookbook ‘NAKED FOOD the way food was meant to be’ w: www.janegrover.net
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ADVENTURE
e r u t n e v d A WOMEN WANT
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ADVENTURE
Adventure as it is seen today is primarily marketed to and aimed at a male domain. Think about it. Most adventure orientated media in all forms is of the Bear Grylls, “Survivor” variety, or the sexy near naked images of young females type - once again appealing to men. As a fit and active adventuress in her forties, I have to ask, ‘why is adventure deemed less appropriate for females?’ IMAGES BY BEN CIRULIS
It’s not because we like adventure less,
S T ORY BY K E R RYA N N H AY E S
Let’s face it though, some outdoor activities
valuable avenues of “Women Only” type
but because our culture doesn’t encourage
do appeal to males more than females. As a
programs, to get females involved in various
women to be physical in the same way it does
female involved in many outdoor recreational
outdoor pursuits. These are often the first step
for men, so we miss out on all the positive
pursuits over a 20 year period, I have seen
for females to get involved when it comes to
consequences that come with using our bodies
many girls and women flourish while engaging
regular participation in outdoor activities.
for reasons other than satisfying the male gaze.
in properly managed outdoor activities
In a time when media influences children as
simply because someone ‘gave them the
much as adults, it’s important to strive for a fair
Travel Play Live is a dedicated magazine on the
encouragement to get started’. As an outdoor
and equal representation of active women to
topic. But before deeming women-specific
lover with a passion to encourage other females
help young girls get excited about outdoor
media an over-kill, think about this: To be
to ‘just give it a go’ it’s a real disappointment to
physical activity and adventure. Everyone,
involved in any adventure activity, to train
me that some may be turned off by one or more
man, woman and child can gain immense
or to write adventure media content, is just
of the reasons above!
as important for women as it is for men. No
benefits socially, mentally and physically from the outdoors. Not only is it a place to gain environmental awareness and to learn about yourself and others, adventure allows you to challenge yourself according to your personal skill level, whatever that might be and gain a sense of accomplishment. The women’s adventure market is rapidly growing. There are increasingly large numbers of women now participating in outdoor activities. Everything from competitive events such as ultra distance trail runs, obstacle races and mountain bike events to the more freespirited ocean water sports & multi day trekking & cycling travel holidays. Research still shows that even with increased participation, adventure is still a male dominated arena. It also suggests it’s due to the following reasons; • Masculine portrayal of the activities via the media • Predominance of men participating • Lack of female instructors, mentors and role models • Lack of knowledge of techniques and strategies for effectively educating women in the outdoors.
In order for women to gain the benefits of
We are in the business women’s adventure,
more, and no less. It’s time to help women in
outdoor activities, there’s a need for an equal
this pursuit with fair and balanced media that
opportunity to engage. Researchers have
inspires women toward athletic, not aesthetic,
also given us the following insights into the
goals.
education of women in the outdoors:
I also personally believe there is a huge
• Females often require education and
potential for adventure companies, adventure
instruction that is designed specifically for
suppliers and event coordinators who first
women.
understand the points listed above.
• Women tend to need encouragement
The girls on the sidelines, the girls at this
to participate, support while learning and
time unsure about their abilities, their skills,
exposure to female role models and mentors.
because they were never encouraged to play
• Women need instruction from leaders who
sport, the ones who watch their husbands and
support the learning pace and style of women.
children participate every weekend, these are
• Single gender groups can be beneficial for
the girls who are the potential future customers
female beginners.
of outdoor brands. Their average age is 35-55,
• Females working in outdoor education and
they make the majority of the families travel
recreation should be supported in order to
and recreational decisions, they have income
boost the number of women in the industry.
that they are willing to invest into diverse
Of course, there are many amazing women out there already involved and doing incredible things. It is many of these women, the girls who
experiences and the products that they need to participate in them. So to the marketers out there, we are
have been there and done a bit, who mostly
definitely interested in your services and
recognise the above points and are doing
products, you may have to attract us a little
something about it.
differently but we are here, willing, able and
Many of the women’s groups and businesses we have aligned ourselves with have created
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most definitely ready. So do your best sell me a great adventure!
EMPOWER
y th l g a n e i y H a t S DESPITE YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
You know this point, we have
Things like pulling an all-nighter, working
normal keep eating every 3 hours. Depending
third shift on call, or an evening that becomes
on the mental clarity and activity level required
all been here. Everything in life
way later than planned can seemingly wreak
these meals may consist of just protein, protein
is going great, your health and
havoc on our sleep schedules, our stress
and fat, or protein and carbs. For activities
levels, our exercise routine and unfortunately,
like studying, protein and fat, are best while
our waistline. It’s not inflexibility or poor
protein and carbs are best for things like
long while, your exercise routine
planning on your part, but more that we get
running around a busy hospital.
is flawless, your work life balance
used to doing things a certain way, a way
energy is the best it’s been in a
is… well actually balancing. However, just when you begin to
that we know works, and then suddenly BAM something gets in the way. So what do we do? How do we live the life
think that you have it together
of an active, healthy, vibrant woman 24/7?
something throws a spanner in
I wish I had a tried and true answer that
the works of your ‘dare you say easy life’ your happy, healthy, fit and vibrant self comes to a BIG halt.
We all know practice makes perfect. As you adjust to your new schedule check in with your energy, cravings and hunger. If you are having intense cravings or feel extremely lethargic then your body likely needs more fuel. Review your day and see if you skipped
worked for everyone, but sadly I do not.
or ate unbalanced meals, they were the likely
Adjusting to a new schedule or adapting to an
cause. Awareness of your daily schedule can
unforeseen circumstance takes practice. Below
highlight some major nutritional flaws that can
are some tips that can help to readjust your
be corrected easily.
formula for late nights and/or very long days. If you are going to be awake much later than
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If your schedule is unpredictable, keep healthy snacks close by. Single servings of
EMPOWER
CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK. EVEN THE MOST PREPARED, ORGANIZED AND COMMITTED WOMEN WILL HAVE MOMENTS AND DAYS AND SOMETIMES WEEKS THAT WILL CATCH US OFF GUARD
If you are having a particularly difficult
to go to bed an hour early for a few nights
can be life savers. Leave a few in your car,
week schedule wise then maintenance is a
following a late night to counteract these
backpack, purse, and/or desk drawer so that
reasonable goal. If you work late or do casual
you are always prepared.
effects. If you find yourself working nights
long shifts on a regular basis try to keep your
nuts, protein bars, beef jerkey and fresh fruit
Stay hydrated. Maybe even more important
meal schedule as regular as possible. You
regularly try to maintain the same sleep ritual in preparation for your sleep hours.
than food, your body needs water when it is
may have your “breakfast” at noon and dinner
tired, drained, and over worked. If you are not
at midnight or later but following the same
in the position that you can sip all day or night
balance of macronutrients during YOUR regular
or even months of schedule turmoil that
then drink whenever you have a free moment.
day will help keep you on track. During longer
threaten our results and our happy place. Our
Consume as much water as possible.
days you may end up eating 7 small meals
fast paced 24/7 culture makes it that much
rather than 5 or 6 in order to support the extra
more difficult. Often times we have no choice
Cut yourself some slack. Even the most prepared, organized and committed women will have moments, days and sometimes weeks
energy demands of the body. Prioritize sleep. Even one night without a
Unfortunately, many of us face days, weeks,
but to suck it up and keep moving late into the night. Accept that this will sometimes happen
that will catch them off guard. Remember
good night’s rest can throw us off balance.
something is better than nothing, even if you
Hormone levels can quickly become
have to make the best choice available in a
unbalanced triggering all sorts of negative
greasy late night mobile service station. Do the
effects from compromised immunity to intense
health and well being is based on long term
best you can with what you have available then
cravings. Unfortunately we cannot really “catch
commitment, accepting and embracing each
learn and move on to the next day.
up” on sleep over the weekend so make sure
step of the journey, and sticking to the basics.
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and try to allow yourself some flexibility . Remember, like most things in life, your body,
DREAM ADVENTURE / TASMANIA
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DREAM
Delicious Adventures in the Apple Isle. WITH JANE GROVER Jane Grover is passionate about food and cooking it well, using wholefoods, home and locally grown, in season and where possible organic and biodynamic produce. She is a qualified chef now home cook, a wife, mother, cookbook author and dynamic presenter. Earlier this year she headed off to Tasmania with her family for a delicious adventure of the apple isle. IMAGES JANE GROVER & MR G
EXERPTS FROM WWW.JANEGROVER.NET
way to Berridale and the MONA(Museum
complete with a winding bush track, starting
to walk the Wineglass Bay/Hazards circuit. It
of Old and New Art) was a great start. A
from our back garden gate and finishing on
was a four hour bush walk, taking in a visit to
casual lunch at The Source Bar and Grill
the shores of Sandpiper beach. A daily walk
the Wineglass Bay lookout, a picnic lunch on
was delightful. It was proving to be quite a
to the beach in the early morning or late
the beach and an icy cold swim in the aqua
hot day in Hobart, so an ice cold Tasmanian
afternoon for a swim, was not to be missed…
waters of Wineglass Bay. You just cannot
apple juice and the smokey BBQ beef brisket
the magnificence of the Hazards mountain
travel all that distance, to arrive at one of the
rolls with a decadent cheesy sauce and
range looming in the distance.
most spectacular bays in the world and not
pickled vegetables were a great choice, they
dive in - it was freezing!
hit the thirst and hunger spot after all that
1 We ventured to Freycinet National Park
2 How absolutely perfect, and rumours of
crayfish, flathead, black bream, harvesting
pedalling.
Not far from our holiday cottage, at the base of the Hazard mountains was 'the shack' belonging to our new friends. Conveniently
5 Our time on Bruny was spent close to
they had a fishing boat, cray pots and a liking
our own mussels and the beauty of the
nature, waking to the sound of the waves
for flathead. We had a wonderful couple of
Freycinet National Park...
lapping on the shore, in front of our campsite.
days sharing food and conversation with a
We harvested wild oysters from remote bays,
taste of freshly caught and perfectly cooked
walked the South Bruny National Park and
cray, a pot of mussels harvested from the
picnicked at the lighthouse... I cooked other
rocks below, cooked in tomato, garlic and
simple food which we ate together by our
white wine and a summer barbecue of lamb,
evening camp fire for two.
enjoyed around the old red wooden table...
3 Whether it be the stunning scenery, the
size of the bream caught, the wandering walks or the refreshing swims at the foot of the mountains, maybe it was the licking of our fingers after eating a pot of succulent mussels, that had been caught just hours
6 We defrosted, redressed and continued
9 Camping by the Huon River was a perfect
before or the cherished memories made
on walking through expansive wetlands, then
base to explore even further south. A day
together as a family on holidays. No doubt
climbed our way back to the coast and down
trip past the towns of Franklin, Port Huon,
the soothing sight of the sun sinking below
to the white sands of Hazards beach. We
Geeveston, Dover, Southport and Ida Bay,
the horizon each afternoon had captivated us
enjoyed the long walk along the beach, then
all the way to Cockle Creek and to the end
and precious times shared with like minded
passing through a stunning forest of dead
of the southern most street in Australia. We
friends will be treasured.
wood trees, we continued along the coast
did an invigorating four hour return walk in
on a rocky path at the waters edge, taking in
the South East National Park, along the south
spectacular 180 degree views of Coles Bay
track to South Cape Bay.
4 Hobart really is such a pretty place,
wedged between extensive mountain ranges, with older style houses and shacks
and beyond.
10 …us girls went for an afternoon drive
sprawled along the hillsides, lots of hipster
8 The coastal town of Swanwick is just ten
in the farmers' ute to the nearby town of
cafes and a bustling city market, with a
minutes drive from the better known east
Triabunna to grab some award winning
stunning harbour and waterfront taking
coast town of Coles Bay. From Coles Bay it is
Spring Bay mussels. Back at the farm house
centre stage. Hiring bikes seemed like a
a short drive to the entrance of the Freycinet
kitchen, our evening began with a cheese
good way to get around and we ended up
National Park, where you'll find the world
board and local wine, along with a starter
with electric powered bikes which just added
renowned and most popular East Coast
of mussels cooked in tomatoes, garlic,
to the fun. An exhilarating ride along the bike
tourist destination, Wineglass Bay. We had
white wine and parsley, with fresh bread for
track that follows the Derwent River, all the
rented a spacious, weatherboard cottage,
dipping. (For the recipe, head to Jane’s Blog.
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INSPIRE
ONE TOUGH CHICKS TRANSORMATION IMAGES JAMES PITMAN
STORY TAMARA HOWLETT
My name is Tamara Howlett I am 38 years old have
me so many drugs I was more like a zombie than a
For one competitor in the inaugural Wildside Adventure Race, leaving the safety of her comfort zone started long before the race even began.
two beautiful teenage daughters and am married
healthy living woman. The few people I socialised
to my High School sweet heart.
with just fed my negative thoughts. In a word I
The Wildside Adventure Race™ is about the journey - discovering that adventure is everywhere. It is about challenging competitors, taking them to new places and out of their comfort zone. Tamara Howlett shares with us her very personal and inspirational transformation story in the lead up to the race.
While driving today I started thinking aboutmy upcoming adventure. In two weeks I will bein
was sad. One day in August of 2011 I woke up and
Forster preparing for the Wildside Adventure
made a decision to change my life. I started
Race. This is a five day, non-stop, multisport race
my transformation. In December 2011 I went
that includes navigation, MTB, trekking, kayaking
to a gym for the first time in my life. I met
and mystery disciplines.
some amazing people who were positive and
Just a few short years ago who would have thought I would be getting ready for an expedition Adventure Race.
encouraged me to make more positive changes to my life. I began to live again. Since then I have learned a lot about life,
Three years ago I was 30kg overweight and
people and myself. Along the way I learned many
severely depressed. I had never been physically
new skills including how to ride a mountain bike,
active. The thought of enjoying exercise was
how to kayak and navigate and I also learned
totally foreign to me. I couldn’t work, drank a
some basic roping skills. Most importantly, I
bottle or two of wine a day and was seriously
learned not to be scared of attempting new
contemplating suicide. The doctor’s were giving
things. I also learnt how to enjoy myself.
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INSPIRE
I AM PHYSICALLY PREPARED STRONGER AND FITTER THAN I EVER IMAGINED I COULD BE, I AM MENTALLY STRONGER THAN I EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. I AM READY. By mid 2012 after much encouragement and with much apprehension I entered my first short course adventure race. My nerves and anxiety nearly got the better of me both before the race even started and several times during the race but I completed the race and fell in love with Adventure Racing. Everything about it from the comradery with other competitors, the teammanship and being outdoors, to contributing to the team when I was the only person who knew how to complete the sudoko which had to be successfully completed before
keen Rogainer competing in events lasting
myself to a bike race let alone an Expedition
anywhere from 6 to 24hrs.
Adventure Race.
Eight months ago I commenced training
It is amazing what you can do when you
under the guidance of Jan Laverton from Tri
try hard. I am definitely not the best or fastest
Adventure; an experience multisport athlete
athlete on the Adventure Racing circuit but I am
and coach. Thanks to Jan’s patience and
capable of doing what is needed to be done
mentoring I have gained a lot of experience
in order to be successful in an adventure race.
and broadened my skills. She has encouraged
I am not a naturally gifted or talented athlete.
me to train outside my comfort zone and train a
I have to train and work hard just to have the
lot harder than I would have on my own.
basic understandings of each discipline but I
Fast forward to today, even though I am
love it and enjoy every minute. I am happy and
you could commence leg - and especially, just
nervous and excited about this race I am
look forward to more adventures great and
finishing, made me feel amazing.
physically prepared, stronger and fitter than
small.
Since then I have completed several more sprint races and five 24hr adventure races. On the side I have completed a trail marathon, an off-road multisport race, several obstacle
I ever imagined I could be, I am mentally
By telling you this, some of which still upsets
stronger than I ever thought possible. I AM
me to think about, I hope to inspire you to DO.
READY.
I want you to believe. I want you to get out
It is almost unbelievable how far I have come
there and do what you can’t believe possible.
course races, and a few MTB endurance
in three years. Three years ago I would never
If I can YOU can.
races. To round things off I have become a
have thought it possible that I would commit
Well done Tamara!
017
Travel Play Live
BEST OF TASMANIA WILDERNESS WALK Jan 26 - Feb 1 2016 Tasmania Australia
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itinerary
Tasmania is a magnet for walkers from all over the world. Boasting several World Heritage Areas, this is the world’s last great temperate wilderness. Vast tracts of isolated forests, alpine meadows studded with a sparkling mosaic of crystal-clear lakes, wild rivers and rugged mountains – unspoilt beauty abounds in all directions. This is a privately guided trip designed for women who would like to get a fabulous overview of what Tasmania has to offer walkers. There is also time for sightseeing en route.
Experienced Female Auswalks Guides & Travel Play Live Sparkle Our Travel Play Live Adventure Director will also join the group once we have 11 participants.
INCLU SIONS.
Fine dining and quality eco lodge accommodations Picturesque walks (approx 4-6 hours most days) to and around the following: Freycinet National Park & Wine Glass Bay, Launceston's Cataract Gorge, Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair World Heritage area and a section of the famous long distance Overland Track Plus plenty of wildlife viewing in the wild! See our website for more details: www.travelplaylive.com.au/travel
Travel Play Live adventures www.travelplaylive.com.au