Friday 2 December 2011

DAY 6 -Civic to Surf

Day Six: Friday 2nd December 

After almost dying on the way to the starting point, due to Henry's crazy driving, the team was met by Seb Robertson (Batyr's founder) who was sporting some very fluorescent running shoes. Today was a physically tough day for Bronti, Evan, Jack, Harry and Calder. With over 245 kilometres under their belts little niggles were becoming constant aches and pains. The team decided the best way to physically and mentally tackle today's 50 kilometres was to break up the run into 8 kilometre blocks.

With Seb's constant flow of conversation the team set off at 8am by jogging the first 10 kilometres along a fire trail within the Royal National Park. Running along the higher points of Wollongong the team were kept busy listening to Seb's IB stories, his experiences with Batyr and the good old days at John XXIII College. Needless to say there was no listening to ipods today.

Bronti, Jack, Harry, Evan and Calder stopped at Sublime Point for lunch where it was only due to Seb's motivation that the tired and very sore team were able to get up and start running again. Continuing their 8 kilometre blocks the team ran through an eerily quiet christian camp, saw hang gliders jumping off cliffs and Calder, true to form, tried to pick up an echidna. According to Evan, after the echidna incident Calder proceeded to tell echidna facts for the next half an hour much to Jack, Bronti, Evan and Harry's dismay. The team was also joined for a couple of kilometres by Jacko. His presence boosted morale as the team worked their way out of the national park.

The support team of Henry and Jacko were replaced by the inseparable Dean and Lucy upon reaching the top of the park. Bronti was thankful to have another girl around. A sudden surge of energy, or maybe it was desperation to reach the end, caused the team to run an astounding 10 kilometres in under an hour. During this time Harry took 3 energy gels. Unfortunately this was before the team hit Orderly Hill, a steep 2 kilometre long hill. Whilst Jack, Evan, Calder, Bronti and Seb were steadily conquering Orderly Hill, Harry was melting post energy gels. However he made it to the top and to the end point of Loftus.

Finishing their 50 kilometre day at 9.30pm the team are staying at Dean's holiday house in Bundeena which is located in the Royal National Park. They were cooked a delicious meal by Lucy and are looking forward to a good night sleep before they begin the final day in their 330 kilometre journey.

Tomorrow Bronti, Jack, Evan, Calder and Harry will get up at 5.30am to leave camp at 7am to begin their 35 kilometre run to Bondi. Aches and pains aside the team remain in high spirits. Tomorrow the team will be focusing on running the last 35 kilometres together and reflecting on the journey that was the last 6 days.

Jack, Harry, Bronti, Evan and Calder would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support. They look forward to seeing you all at Bondi tomorrow. So please come down to the Bondi Pavilion at 3pm to welcome them home.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME


So far the Civic to Surf team have raised $2,535!! You are able to donate tomorrow at Bondi so please be generous in your support for Jack, Harry, Bronti, Calder and Evan.

Thursday 1 December 2011

DAY 5 -Civic to Surf

Day Five: Thursday 1st December 2011

Much to Bronti's delight the boys were ready on time and the team was able to roll out at 7.30am. Calder, Jack, Harry, Evan and Bronti started the day off strong with a solid 8 kilometre jog to warm up their tired legs. Upon reaching the fire trail they had planned to take they discovered that there was an $11,000 fine for entering the catchment area. After much discussion on whether to risk the fine and continue with their plan or change the route the team decided it was not worth the risk. Now they had the big task of re-routing their 50 kilometre run for the day. A job that the team did not want to waste time doing however they had no choice.

After deciding the continue along the Illawarra highway for 5 kilometres it seemed luck was on their side when they ran into some very friendly bushwalkers. It was these bushwalkers who informed them that there had been a murder along one of the trails in the catchment area earlier this week. It seemed their choice to change their route had been a good one. The kind bushwalkers helped them re-plan their route for the day showing them the Macquarie Pass through the mountains which would get them to Wollongong by nightfall.

Leaving the highway at Macquarie Pass the team bush bashed along a narrow path. Surrounded by beautiful bushland the team scaled down a steep cliff and found a waterfall. Stopping for a quick dip in a rock pool the team decided to mark the occasion by taking a group photo 'au naturale'.

Emerging from the fire trail Jack, Evan, Harry, Bronti and Calder met up with the new drivers Henry and Jacko along with Sari (Evan's mum) for lunch. As the team had faced the task of re-planning their entire day's route they had only covered 15 kilometres by lunch. This meant that they had a monster 35 kilometre afternoon, much of which would be running if they were to make it to camp before dark. Although faced with this monstrous task, the team were in great spirits after their adventure through Macquarie Pass and the fresh faces of Sari, Henry and Jacko.

The team cut their lunch short to begin their 35 kilometre run to camp. Running for a solid 25 kilometres the team made good time. Even indulging in a shirtless run on the outskirts of Wollongong. In true humanitarian style they saved many animals, turtles included, from becoming road kill along the way. Calder was happy to report that they saw no ducks on the road. Arriving at a caravan park in Bulli at 9pm the team were greeted by Jacko and Hentry who were ready with a delicious meal for them.

Tomorrow the team are running just west of Wollongong through the Royal National Park to end up on the outskirts of Sydney by nightfall. They are looking forward to being joined by Seb Robertson (Batyr's founder) tomorrow. He will run with them for the whole day to show his support and appreciation for what they are doing.

The Civic to Surf team would like to thank Harriet Royle for her kind donation of Lululemon shorts. They are much appreciated as according to the boys "its like running with nothing on" and Bronti is happy that her shorts are improving her previous shorts tan.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME

Please come down to the Bondi Beach Pavilion at 3pm on Saturday to welcome the Jack, Harry, Calder, Bronti and Evan home!

Wednesday 30 November 2011

DAY 4 -Civic to Surf

Day Four: Wednesday 30th November 2011

The plan was a 7am start. 7am came and Bronti was packed and ready out the front of Simbra Cottage Bed and Breakfast. The boy were still sound asleep in their bed. Solution? Bronti playing her alarm on repeat. Outcome? They were up and running by 7.30am. Evan would like it to be noted that he was the first boy ready.

Relieved to have a run with no packs (Richo and Krishna would bring them at lunch time) the team started out feeling light and refreshed after sleeping in a bed. They ran at a steady pace however according to Harry it grew boring so everyone put their ipods in. The team ran 24 kilometers sonly stopping for a quick morning tea outside Pemrose Primary School.

6 kilometres from Exeter Kirra and her mum Karin met the team laden with cold water and copious amounts of fresh fruit (classic Kirra). Kirra joined the team for the day, adding fresh conversation and news from the outside world. Due to car issues Richo and Krishna were stuck in Wingello unable to bring the team their much needed packs and water. Upon reaching Exeter the team hungry and needing to rest their tired legs were saved by money donated by Karin. This allowed them to buy a make-shift lunch consisting of a loaf of bread, jar of peanut butter, honey, ham and refreshments.

Feeling fresh after food, water and a brief chat with Seb (Batyr's founder) the team left Exeter and began their 24 kilometre journey to Robertson. Alternating between running and walking the team were in high spirits with constant chatter from Kirra who provided Bronti with some much needed female company. Afternoon highlights included hitting the Illawarra highway in record time thanks to Harry and Bronti's quick pace and Jack's excellent navigation. Calder continued to demonstrate his love for ducks as he attempted to save ducklings from being road kill. Evan provided never ending quick wit and the team were happily surprised from a brief drive by visit from Caity McDougall.

As Richo and Krishna were still trying to fix the problems with the car, the team was fast running out of supplies. Ensuring the team had enough food and water to last the last 14 kilometres to Robertson, Karin dropped off the teams packs and supplies when she came to drag a reluctant Kirra home.

It was as Jack, Bronti, Evan, Calder and Harry were nearing Robertson that they encountered one of many random acts of kindness that they have experienced over the past 4 days. After seeing them jogging along the Illawarra Highway, Nathan (a random passerby) returned equipped with 5 gatorades and many words of encouragement. Nathan's kindness didn't end here, upon passing by the pizza shop in Robertson the team were given 3 pizzas which had been organised and paid for by Nathan. It is acts of kindness that give the Civic to Surf team added strength to continue towards their goal.

Arriving at 7.30 the team were greeted by Gillie (Jack and Harry's mother) who had cooked a wonderful meal for them and kindly booked a cabin so they could have a much needed hot shower. According to Kirra the team is in good physical form, are maintaining high morale and have such a strong sense of camaraderie. Tomorrow the team will head towards Wollongong.

Jack, Harry, Calder, Evan and Bronti would like to thank the 'Skins' Company for their very kind donation of full body skins.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME

The team cant wait to see everyone at 4pm at the Bondi Beach Pavilion!

Tuesday 29 November 2011

DAY 3 -Civic to Surf

Day Three: Tuesday 29th November 2011

Day three found the Civic to Surf team in good spirits ready to take on the challenge of another 50 kilometres. Even though Evan was wishing they had a spare pair of legs, the team was feeling strong and optimistic for the days ahead. Leaving camp at 7.30am to beat the heat, Bronti, Jack, Harry, Evan and Calder started off well running at a steady pace through Towrang National Park. After trespassing on private property and almost getting shot the team steam rolled along their planned route.

Yet it seemed their luck was not to last as this is when things turned pear shaped. Unfortunately as they were using maps from the 1980s, the team took a wrong turn and ended up running around in circles for 3 hours! It was only after running into a random tradesman that they realised they were on a different road than they'd previously thought. With the mornings efforts wasted, tradesman dropped the team off 4 kilometres from where they started at 7.30 that morning.

11am and the team was back where they had started. Spirits were low and the team were facing a long 50 kilometres ahead of them. The arrival of Richo and Krishna acted as a huge morale booster after what was an incredibly tough morning. Richo and Krishna would be replacing Victor as the support drivers for the next two days. Sari (Evan's Mum) dropped by with a delicious lunch for the team. According to Jack, Sari provided some much needed food, love and support.

Inspired by the fresh faces, stories and enthusiasm, the team's spirits were reinvigorated. Jack, Harry, Calder, Bronti and Evan punched out a good run after lunch getting back on track and making up time. After a decent run along Jerrara Road, just south of Marulan, the team welcomed the sporadic showers and spent the afternoon alternating between running and walking. It seems Calder used up two of his nine lives as he almost stepped on a red belly black snake and very narrowly escaped being hit by a train.

Although the team faced a three hour set back earlier they were able to make up enough time to arrive at Wingello at approximately 8pm. This is the earliest they have arrived at camp for the night yet. Tonight, courtesy of Sari, the team are staying at Simbra Cottage Bed and Breakfast. According to Calder the owner is lovely. The boys and Bronti have already charmed her into making them ANZAC biscuits and showing them her beloved collection of patchwork quilts!

Tomorrow the Civic to Surf team will be leaving Wingello and head east along railway parade to Bundanoon. From Bundanoon they will pass through Exeter (10 kilometres south of Mossvale) and continue towards Mittagong. Jack, Harry, Evan, Bronti and Calder are very thankful of everyones ongoing support and donations and are looking forward to sharing a beer with everyone on Saturday at Bondi.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME

Monday 28 November 2011

DAY 2 -Civic to Surf

Day Two: Monday 28th November 2011

Having to manoeuvre through the mud bath on Lake George yesterday added another 15 kilometres onto their run, totalling to a huge 65 kilometres for the first day. Although stiff, sore and tired the Civic to Surf team walked out camp around 8.30am drained but excited for the day ahead. After walking for the first couple of kilometres to warm up their aching muscles Jack, Harry, Bronti, Evan and Calder ran at a steady pace for the first 18 to 20 kilometres.

Breaking for lunch around 1pm the team were facing very hot conditions with little to no shade. The heat was taking its toll with water supplies running low, muscles aching and morale dwindling. With no real shade the team were only able to huddle under a random tree on the side of the road, eat as much food as they could stomach and rest for about 30 minutes. However their dwindling water supply didn't allow the team to rest for long as they could not risk dehydration.

Although reinvigorated by food, rest and water it wasn't until Flemmo and his mum dropped by that the teams spirits rose. Providing Jack, Harry, Bronti, Calder and Evan with ice cold water, Solo and fresh conversation the teams spirits soared and was further lifted by Flemmo joining the run for 5 kilometres. According to Jack it was a 'game changer' in the days run, the support making the world of difference.

Spirits still soaring the team turned right off Braidwood Road onto Brisbane Grove Road just south of Goulburn and began the long walk to Towrang National Park. Reaching camp around 9pm the team was greeted by Victor who had incredibly prepared an enormous dinner of steaks, carbonara and of course a vegetarian dish for Bronti.

The team remain in good spirits happy to have completed day two. Hoping to leave camp earlier to beat the sun (Bronti is concerned about her growing shorts tan), tomorrow they'll run along the railway lines then hit the road again for a total of 50 kilometres.

Please continue to donate:
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME

Sunday 27 November 2011

DAY 1 -Civic to Surf

Day One: Sunday 27th November 2011

The Civic to Surf team headed off about 8.45am, sent off by Hannah, Crowey and Trad. The team steam rolled through the first 20 kilometers along the federal highway and had a more chilled 10-15 kilometer run along the old federal highway. The team broke for lunch at the Lake George lookout at about 2pm feeling strong and ready to take on Lake George.

However Lake George proved to be the first challenge the team had to overcome. After days of heavy rain Lake George had turned into a mud bath. Bronti, Jack, Evan, Harry and Calder worked out the best way to get through the mud bath was to go barefoot. So the team spent 3 hours walking barefoot across Lake George.

As they were crossing Lake George they passed approximately 100 to 200 dead ducks. Jack's theory is they get stuck in the mud, cant get out and die there. So in true humanitarian style Calder picked up the first duck that was alive. After this small act of kindness the team felt so bad for not picking up other ducks that were struggling in the mud that by the time they reached the other side of Lake George they were carrying over 10 ducks between them to safety! Unfortunately Calder had to lay one to rest as it died in his arms near the older side. However he reported that the duck was laid in a peaceful manner facing the setting west sun.

As of 7.15pm Bronti, Jack, Harry, Calder and Evan were still 7 kilomters from camp having just walked under the wind turbines. They plan on staying the night in a shed on a property called 'Willaroo'. According to Evan its been a long day but the real test will be when they get up and start running tomorrow morning.

Please continue to donate: 
Online via netbank -Account name: John XXIII College
Account number: 100 852 82
BSB: 062 902
Make sure in 'TO ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION' you put C2S followed by YOUR NAME