What a phenomenal experience

The six months of training culminated in the most amazing event last weekend. I had been initiated into the KC last year as the supervisor for my daughter, Celia's, Cav Rd School team. Last year we made it to Numinbah Hall and had to pull out due to fatigue.

This year we were determined to give it another crack. Three of us in our family decided to forge ahead in our own direction. I formed a team (Koan Ness) with Jenn, Carly and Pete. My husband Mark formed a team as well (50 is the New 40), and Celia signed up for another go to compete in the Stan Bisset Cup - with 5 Cav Rd teams this year.

Koan Ness did amazingly well. We made it to Syd Duncan, where Jenn removed her socks to reveal the most amazing blisters I have ever seen - how she had managed to walk as far as she did (without complaining) blows me away. Carly's knee was painful - but she was determined to walk as far as she could - making it to CP 11 (with that neverending, punishing descent) - what a woman!. Pete and I joined one of the St Andrew's school teams and made it to the end - what an amazing experience crossing the finish line and looking at all of the ecstatic faces.

50 is the New 40 did fantasticly well also - Craig had to pull out at CP 9, Mark, Denzil and Paul finished in a great time of 28 hours and 5 mins.

All the Cav Road teams finished this year. Celia and her mum and dad made it to the end - we are on top of the world and so proud!!! So proud also of all the high school teams and the Kokoda Kids. An event like that tests your very metal - you have to dig deep to find the strength to go on. It just goes to show how strong our kids are - they will be able to draw on that strength and courage for the rest of their lives. I think they have realised that if they can do this - they can really do anything.

Thanks to everyone along the way - the volunteers, the teams, the fantastic support crews. Koan Ness' support crew was one man - Tristan (Carly's husband) - he was awesome!