Christian turns 40

 A fun evening reuniting with hiking friends at The Batch Brewery in Sydenham to celebrate Christian's birthday.

Liz's 50th birthday

A tribute video I compiled for Liz.

At Liz's 50th party

Evans Lookout to Govett's Leap with the Hiking Gang

I hadn't seen the Hiking Gang in well over a year, so it was so lovely to meet up.  I drove up with Lauren and we all met at Blackheath. Zante and Andrew brought there little one who is so cute. After a relaxed hike, we went back to the house that Petros and Michelle were renting for the weekend and had the most amazing lunch.

In loving memory of Graeme Perkes

A dear hiking friend, Graeme Perkes, passed away a week ago after a two year battle with cancer. Graeme lived life to the full more than just about anyone I know. He travelled all over the world, often exploring on foot or bicycle. He was a real inspiration. We will all really miss him.

I attended his funeral in Rouse Hill. It was a beautiful celebration of his life. Lauren did a wonderful speech that made us laugh through the tears.  She represented his friends. Graeme's two nephews also did a tribute, representing his family.

There were three tribute videos, one from his friends and one from the family. And lastly, and most special of all, was a video by Graeme of some of his photos and video footage from his hiking in Nepal. So beautiful and soulful. It felt even more profound because I am about to head to Nepal myself, in his footsteps.  I'll be doing the same hike as him to Everest basecamp.

A poem by Natham Lattimore, written and recited at Graeme's request

Hello God

It's been a while since we talked. A long time, in fact. You're like a distant family member I only see at Christmas. I remember you, though.

I remember the safety of your arms, and the warmth of your company. I remember the security I felt, as you spoke to me of the mysteries of life and the universe. That it all came down to love.

Even though we don't talk much anymore, I do remember that. The mountains I have climbed, and those I would never dare to attempt. The rivers I have waded through. The trees, united in forests that go on as far as the eye can see. All interconnected, all relying on one another for their survival. I see love, and its fingerprints wherever I look.

When I think of you, I think of my parents, my dear mum and dad, who did the best they could to raise me into as good, and kind a person as possible. I know that they credited you with every success they had; though myself, I see that in doing so they never gave themselves enough credit.

I don't claim to know the nature of existence. It's a mystery; an exciting one. Each adventure I have, I discover just the tiniest bit more of it; accompanied by yet more questions that may never be answered.

To leave this body, this shell that has failed me, and to become part of that mystery, to be enveloped by it... that may well be the most exciting adventure I have ever been on. And if you're there to meet me, then it will truly be nice to see you again.

Amen.

Hiking at Centennial Glen with the hiking gang

Govett's Leap

Picnic at Lane Cove National Park

Wonderful to meet up with the hiking gang again and play a fun game of croquet. The highlight was meeting Zante's adorable new baby.  It was good to see dear Graeme too, who is currently in a battle with cancer.

Weekend away in The Southern Highlands

 A wonderful weekend away at Little Forrest Cottages in Alpine with Lauren, Christian, Kim, Derek, Jassenka, Sanchie, David, Maria, Juni and Eugenie.

Highlights included...

• A spread of food for breakfast and dinner fit for a king including succulent salmon, kofta to die for, the best bean salad I've ever tasted and amazing tiramisu.
• A squelchy, damp stroll around the forested circumference of the property where we stayed. The leeches were out in force but we were onto them before they could take hold.
• Lots of laughs and some wonderful deep philosophical discussions.
• Playing a hilarious game called Dirty Minds. Lauren and I were in our element :)
• Sampling craft beers at the local brewery including one with a gorgeous honey flavour.
• Visiting the Berrima market where we met a gorgeous Samoyed dog from Siberia whose fur is used to make beautiful, warm beenies.
• Strolling around the historical section of Berrima. It's a beautiful town with the most visually aesthetic jail in all of Australia.

Lowlight

• It turned out to be a super-spreader event!  JC, Juni, Jassenka, Kim and Derek all came down with Covid.  I dodged the bullet - the 2nd time. The first time was Christina, my housemate, getting it, Martin and I both avoided it that time.

Little Forest Country Cottages where we stayed

A squelchy walk around the property trying to avoid the leeches

We were delighted to meet this very friendly horse who loved being stroked

Cottage life

Sampling craft beers at the local brewery

Berrima market and the gorgeous Samoyed dog from Siberia

Berrima historical town