Day 8 Tarcutta to Holbrook. What a day! Today was the second longest day in all with 69ks. Throw in a lot of hills and the pain has set in. Weve been showing some great photos of all the wonderful moments but its important we share the not so great moments as well. It truly is inspiring as support crew to see both boys push through their limitations, blisters, cramps, sore muscles and freezing cold winds and tackle some hills that even the fittest, healthiest of them all would say no to. Every night they sit in an ice bath (read that as blowup row boat filled with ice - but that is a funny story all of its own), then take a warm shower to aid in muscle recovery. The past 2 accommodation stops have had pools which is just as cold, and seemingly preferable to the ice. (There has also been a trampoline in both so Maddi has been a happy little roadie). They then receive massages from Krysia and Sarah (you will have seen the dubious photos), Andrews blisters are dressed and we head out for dinner, a lager/wine (red lemonade for Maddi) and then a good nights sleep. The mornings are early, Andrew up at 4.30 for lymphodema massage and elevation of his leg, Jay gets his fresh juice in, then breakky at 6am, showers and cars packed again and on the road by 6.45 to the starting point for the first walker and the 2nd walker makes his way to the changeover point 10ks on. The mornings are below 0 degrees or near to it. Some with frost and ice, a couple with rain. Nothing more deflating Im sure than waking to the sound of rain knowing you have to walk 10ks, 3 times during the day, you wouldnt know it though, never any complaints from Jay or Andrew. It seems the weather is looking up and we have had some clear afternoon patches....but I dont want to jinx it so shall say no more. It is downhill from here, literally and figuratively speaking. The walking distances are shorter, there are not so many hills and with the weather clearing the walking hours are getting longer. Tonight we were guests at the Holbrook Bowling Club and met some of the locals. A common saying this trip has been, those with the least give the most. These people work hard, are at the mercy of the elements and Mother Nature, but are always ready to have a chat, hear the boys stories, and spare some hard earned cash. Maybe by the end of the trip we will be used to it, but lets hope not as the surprise each time is truly inspiring. Tomorrow we arrive in Albury for a visit to a junior AFL game, dinner then off to a basketball game. Keep up the words of encouragement and keep sharing the page, the reach has been extraordinary and the words keep the boys putting one foot in front of the other.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:17:50 +0000
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