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THE WAITING ROOM WHY
WAIT?
Recently I was returning home from
work with my mountain bike in the
car when the smooth hum of the
engine turned into a violent clucking
jerking carnival ride. I limped the
poor vehicle a few blocks to the
mechanic where I was delivered the
news. I’d thrown an engine belt and
it would be a couple hundred dollars
and require three to four hours of
work. I was shown into the waiting
room which was an air conditioned
lounge complete with big screen TV,
movies on demand and free tea,
coff ee and biscuits. I settled into a
blissfully soft, cloud like recliner
happy to wait.
It was then that I picked up your
magazine. I am a subscriber already
and have been for awhile so I began
devouring every article. I love the
outdoors and I love the magazine
and as usual it was brilliant. It was
then that I realised, I was here
dreaming about adventure when I
could be living it!
I grabbed a handful of the free
biscuits, fi lled my water bottle and
left the air conditioned comfort of
the waiting room, retrieved my
mountain bike from my broken car
and started pedalling.
It wasn’t long before I found a trail
leaving the bitumen and without a
clue where it went, I followed it.
Hours later I returned to retrieve my
car covered in mud, sweat and a few
scratches. My muscles aching but I
was exhilarated.
Later that night I was lying in bed
reliving my mini adventure and I
pondered the question. How many
hours or opportunities have I
squandered just waiting? I realised
that waiting rooms are akin to
wasting rooms. The opportunity to
experience life is right in front of us
so often, yet we are happy to sit there
and let it pass.The magazine was as always a
great read and the catalyst for my life
changing epiphany. Thanks for the
inspiration – again!
Steve Whitfi eld, QldFAMILY TIES
We are a family with three children
who have just discovered our love for
hiking together on our local trails.
Most Sunday’s are spent picking our
trail, packing copious amounts of
snacks, water and suncream and
hitting the road in our family SUV.
The family benefi ts have been
immense, we are talking more, the
children are encouraging each other
and I have become closer to my 2
year old through the closeness of
carrying him on my back. We have
started to stalk our local camping
supply stores (hide and seek
anyone?) and are busy planning our
fi rst overnight hike with all three
children.
I would just like to say thank you
for your magazine which we have
found to be a source of inspiration
and invaluable information, we
especially liked the article on the
worlds greatest walks (John Mir trail is
#1 on our bucket list) keep up the
good work and we look forward to
the next issue.
Sky Martin, via emailTIME TO SMELL THE ROSES
It’s a term we use too much, without
really understanding it. I’ve just
retired from 39 years in the Regular
Army and whilst retirement doesn’t
come easy after such a hectic and
demanding life, the opportunities
remain endless. Travel, bike rides,
hikes, photography or a gentle
paddle in pristine waterways. Simply
put: you’re never too old or too
broken to enjoy. There is a big world
out there, so enjoy it.
P.S. – Love the mag!
Darryl Kelly, NSWAs a regular reader of your
fantastic magazine I eagerly read
your Duke of Ed gear review by
Justin Walker on his niece’s bronze
trip. Having a daughter embarking
onherfirstofmanyDukeofEd
adventures (pics above and right) I
was disappointed that the gear
tested and chosen represented
the highest end of premium
products that the average hiker
starting out would never have the
opportunity to use, let alone buy.
With a basic kit that did not
include boots, tent/bivy bag or
many essentials the tally was in
excess of $1400 for her first trip,
including a $700 sleeping bag.
I so dearly hope that my
daughters inherit the love of the
outdoors that both my wife and I
share, but wish you would
consider the real world when
doing such reviews. The same
style of review would be a great
future piece to show my girls if it
could be re done with a selection
of low, medium and premium
products sourced, thus making
the items achievable to hikers of
all income levels. We all start out
with the same love but even my
daughter expressed surprise atLETTER OF THE ISSUE
the money spent on the kit in the
article. I am sure we all know the
love of the outdoors is not just the
domain of the wealthy.
Keep up the excellent work.
Brad Robertson
The equipment featured was only
chosen to show general examples of
particular items, but you do raise an
excellent point, Brad. Stay tuned for a
follow-up story on gear at diff erent
price points! Until then, enjoy your
The North Face duff el bag (RRP$180).10 | AG Outdoor
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