By Dongyun Kwon
A couple who have been trekking over 5000km are about to finish off their journey in Healesville.
The couple are inviting locals to join their last two days of trekking.
Steph and Daniel with Steph’s horses Future and Karma started off trekking together in April last year.
They’ve been trekking along the National Trail, previously called the Bicentennial National Trail, starting from Cooktown, Queensland and ending in Healesville, covering a total of 5330km.
Steph said it’s been absolutely amazing and they’ve been lucky to be able to turn it into a walk for mental health.
“There’s a youth charity called Freedom Youth in South East Queensland that I’ve done a little bit of work with, and they recently got the ability to receive donations. We’ve been raising money and awareness for them,” she said.
“We’ve been raising funds through our Facebook and Instagram pages as well as different fundraising activities that we did in small towns.
“100 per cent of all the donations go directly to providing children with counselling or support at youth retreats.”
The couple have trekked about 25 to 30km each day on average.
“But it does really depend on the terrain,” Steph said.
“In Queensland, it was quite flat whereas in Victoria, there are a lot of mountains and they are very steep.”
There have been a number of challenges throughout the nine-month journey which the couple have wisely dealt with.
“We take everything one day at a time and we just tackle the problem that’s in front of us,” Steph said.
“If we looked at the whole track all at once, it would be very daunting because there are a lot of things that can go wrong.
“Some of the biggest challenges for me personally have been the steep terrain and caring about the welfare of my horses, making sure they are not too tired and planning enough breaks for the horses not to be sore.”
Throughout the over 5000km trekking, Steph said she learnt to trust herself and her horses and be open to the kindness of strangers.
“I’ve realised most people are really good when you give them half an opportunity to be,” she said.
“We’ve had such warm welcomes in most of the towns that we’ve gone into.”
Steph and Daniel are going to wrap up their nine-month trekking in Healesville on 2 February and are inviting locals to join them for the last two days of the journey.
They are going to meet up in Marysville on 31 January and trek from Marysville to Monda Horse Yards on 1 February, which is about 31km, and from Monda Horse Yards to Healesville on 2 February, which is about 18km.
“People can come for either one or both of those days,” Steph said.
“If anyone is interested in doing a bit of trekking on a horse or off a horse, we’re very happy to help. Unfortunately, motor vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
“You are welcome just to show up but it’d be very helpful if you were able to message us just so we know to look out for you.”
For more information, please visit Steph and Daniel’s Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089936705098 or their website at freedomoffthetrack.com.au
