Sunrise at Table Mountain as the clouds roll over Devil's Peak, giving the table cloth name.

The Table Mountain Cable Way.

Cable Cars on Table Mountain.

Preparing to climb Arrow Final on Table Mountain.

A Cable Car whizzes past Jenesse rockclimbing Table Mountain.

Jenesse reaches for more powder high up on Table Mountain.

Cable Car passengers watches us climb Arrow Final on Table Mountain.

A hole in the wall.

Dennis on one knee at the summit of Table Mountain. Jenesse said yes!

The happy couple.

Thousands of Aussies camped on Kingsmeads Cricket grounds in Durban.

Fans blow their vuvuzelas at Green Point stadium, Cape Town.

Aussie supporters in a full body suit. Amazingly they could drink their beers through the suit!

Australian Pride: Supporters display their colours at the Rustenburg game between Australia and Ghana.

The food court at the Canal Walk Shopping Mall, Cape Town.

The Uraguay goalkeeper leaps to save a shot on goal by the French.

Our rendezvous was at Warwick where we ate pizza outside in the chilly night. By 10pm we had all safely arrived at Girraween National Park. We chose the Castle Rock campground as opposed to the Bald Rock camp site as it is much more open and we were more familiar with the facilities. The full moon and clear skies enabled to setup a campsite within 10 minutes.

The next morning, we all had a cooked breakfast and decided to go for a hike up Mt Castle Rock. The 2 hour hike was mostly uphill but rather easy going until you hit the rocky mountain proper. At this point, a little rock scrambling is required which can be overcome with less difficulty by following the white painted lines dotted on the granite rock. The lines lead into a cave where you exit out the other site and continue right and then up to the summit. Notable park features can be seen on the 360 degree summit views: The First and Second Pyramids, the campsites right below the mountain, Bald Rock, Mt Norman and Sphinx and Turtle Rocks. The walk back is thankfully downhill all the way back to camp. The weather today was perfect with clear blue skies. Any rock scrambling should not be attempted in the wet where the mix of granite and moss make the textured rocks very slippery.

Beak Vs Knife

Bird 1, Campers 0

Nicole and Dylan decided on having an early lunch ahead of our planned Winery tours around the Granite Belt in Stanthorpe. Little did we know that flies would be least of their problems. The friendly looking birds decided to swoop and dive at us while Nicole and Dylan prepared and ate their lunch. Nicole armed herself with a bread knife to fend off the Kookaburra that swooped her multiple times. A short time later, a Kookaburra hops up on the picnic table bench right next to her, unafraid of the knife or Nicole. Another bird, a female Satin Bower bird joins the attack. This bird comes from a far and is super stealthy and fast. I later found out that the female is attracted to the colour blue, which was the colour of Nicole’s cutlery and dishes.

Tora! Tora! Tora!

Bird 2, Campers 0

Meanwhile, Jenesse returns from her shower and wonders what all the commotion is about. Just then the Kookaburra swoops down flying between Nicole and Dylan. Instinctively Dylan pulls back his sandwich from the birds flight path but over balances and falls backwards, landing on his butt.

Under the Radar

Bird 3, Campers 0

Shane arrives also from the showers and despite the news of attacking birds, he decides to make an early lunch too. He does quite well making the sandwich without any bird approaching or diving at him. But, half way into eating his sandwich a Kookaburra swoops through the middle of all us at the picnic table and snatches the half eaten sandwich straight out of Shane’s hand!

The Granite Belt winery tour

After securing the campsite from foraging wildlife we all piled into Dylan’s car where our driver Nicole chauffeured us to the first winery at Glen Aplin. We aimed to visit the wineries over two days and split the tour based on their locality. We noticed during our visits that most wineries are most renown for their whites as opposed to the reds. Also, if a winery had a dog it was a good sign.

Harrington Glen Estate, Glen Aplin

The white or red wines here didn’t stand out at me, but we did purchase the White Port which was very nice. During the tastings, the very informative and sometimes over the top wine connoisseur told Nicole to slurp the wine to obtain the full taste as she was the designated driver. This prompted Shane to warn Nicole not to expel the wine through her nose (re: the Noodle incident at the Kokoda Challenge this year).

There was no dog present.

Meltaxa rating: **

Felsberg, Glen Aplin

Right next to Harrington’s is the Felsberg Winery situated on top of a hill overlooking their vineyards. Our past experience with Felsberg has always been good. We recently learnt that the winery had been sold and were now wondering about the current state and future of this fine little winery.

Upon entering we saw that a huge tour group “Filippo’s Tour” had invaded the cellar door. We had to wait a little while before the crowd moved on. The new owner introduced himself, telling us this was his second day of trading since the handover. Luckily, he had inherited the previous wines which included the white and red Mead’s which was our main reason for visiting Felsberg. The new owner, previously from the Hunter Valley explained to us his plans for accommodation, a cafe for lunches and a new label which we gave the thumbs up despite our limited marketing experience. As thanks for liking the new labels, the owner threw in a complimentary bottle.

Felsberg’s new family includes a dog.

Meltaxa rating: ****1/2

Wild Soul, Glen Aplin

Recommended by Jenesse’s work colleague, this winery only does Red varieties and is made organically and on site. The owner is self taught and was honest about the quality of his wines which was refreshing. The wines are a tad expensive but seems reasonable considering he does everything himself with passion. We picked up a couple of 2005 Shiraz bottles for $26 each.

Wild Soul has two dogs.

Meltaxa rating: ***

Bungawarra Wines, Ballandean

Part of the recently formed Alternative Wine Trail, we came to Bungawarra to sample their Gewurztraminer which is recommended with Asian cuisine. We weren’t disappointed and purchased a bottle.

Bungawarra has 2 dogs.

Meltaxa rating: ***

Ballandean Estate, Ballandean

Last year, we did a very good and informative tour by one of the owners. This year, we knew exactly what we wanted, the Summertime semi sweet white wine. We also purchased their White Pearl semi sweet.

By now the day was hot and humid. Dylan, Jenesse and I cooled down with some macadamia ice cream while Filippos Tour bus rocked up.

A dog was present. We didn’t offer it any ice-cream.

Meltaxa rating: ****

Golden Grove, Ballandean

We returned to the Golden Grove, where we had initially left because the Filippos tour group had invaded the cellar door and gave us no chance to approach the counter. This time round, we had the undivided attention to a much relieved owner.

During the tastings, the owner asks “Who is the odd one out?” referring to there being two girls and three boys. Shane stepped forward and announced  that Nicole was the odd one out. This would’ve been construed in many ways, notably that Dylan and Shane might have been a couple. Shane was quietly regretting his response. Dylan must’ve thought the same and quickly said Nicole was the odd one out because she was an oddball.

What did we buy here?

Don’t recall seeing a dog here.

Meltaxa rating: ***

Velociraptor Awareness

Bird 4 Campers 0

We eventually returned to camp where most of us were tired and slightly tipsy from all the tastings. Jenesse and Nicole promptly put some wines in the esky while we enjoyed a few beers and snacks. We kept a watchful eye on a couple of birds perched in the tree. However, from the other side a Kookaburra swooped and snatched Jenesse’s biscuit and cheese from her hand nearly taking her finger with it.

Birdie Dumb Dumb

Bird 4 Campers 1

Although the Kookaburra was aggressive in wanting food, I approached the bird as it sat on the wooden log fence. It didn’t seem to mind to much as I inched closer, even patting it on its head and back. Remembering the bird’s past sins, I lifted my drink over its head and slowly poured some on its head.

After that, the birds never bothered us again. We continued eating snacks, drinking copious amount of wine and the next day breakfast was had without incident.

We all woke up feeling seedy from the night before. After a slow start we packed up the camp site and were on our merry way to finish off the winery tour before heading back to Brisbane.

Old Caves Winery, Applethorpe

Has a good and unusual collection of used bottles in various shapes and sizes. We bought the Irish style cream and Shane got some Old Fart Tawny Port. He even spotted a half filled bottle which the owner rewarded Shane with a freebie bottle for his keen Quality Control eye.

No dog here.

Meltaxa rating: ***1/2

Summit Estate Wines, Thulimbah

I wanted to visit this winery as it was the only vineyard that was selling a Malbec this season. I wasn’t disappointed despite the high price tag: 2005 Malbec for $42.

No dog on the property, but the winemaker allegedly has a white dog.

Meltaxa rating: ***

Castle Glen Liqueurs, Thulimbah

A very impressive building and inside also doesn’t disappoint. There are many different flavours and bottle designs to choose from. Too many in fact, that it seems the owner has gone a little overboard in creating flavours. Unfortunately the Lychee liquor was sold out a long time ago but we did buy Matt the Choco Mocha he had requested.

Big lazy dog lives here.

Meltaxa rating: ***1/2

A Storm is Brewing

On the way back home, we did stop in at a Cheese factory nearby and enjoyed their samples and bought a few blocks. Fresh cheese….mmm.

At our lunch stop at Warwick, we saw dark clouds swirling overhead. We managed to keep in front on the storm and even had 30 minutes to unpack the car in Brisbane before this severe thunderstorm crashed into the city. Fortunately for us, we watched the lightning show while sipping on the Irish Creme while the northern parts of Brisbane got battered pretty hard.

More pictures can be viewed at Meltaxa’s Picasa gallery.

The guests were all their friends only. No relatives other than the immediate family were present. The weekend before a lunch was held at “Asian House” Chinese Restaurant for the relatives. My bloody brother Derek sporting an ear piercing was approached by one of our cousins, “I didn’t know you had an ear piecing?”

Oh yeah have had this for a couple of years. Des has a tongue piercing and Dennis has a penis ring!

The cousin was in a state of shock. Later she approached me, “I didn’t know about that, you know?”

“Oh yeah, its been two years now”, little knowing she was referring to Derek’s lie and I thought she was talking about something else.

The wedding party consisted of both sets of parents only. Because of limited numbers that could ride in the balloon, only the photographer and celebrant were present during the vows which were read a few thousand feet about Byron Bay.

Upon their return, we were all waiting and celebrated their union with a Champagne Breakfast. Both Mary-anne and Vaughn looked stunning and proud parents had huge smiles on their faces. Later the wedding party and families headed to Vaughn’s parents place out near Lismore for a lunch.

Later that night, a huge party was held at the beach house at Fingal Heads. It was informal, yet the house was setup nicely with white tables, fairy lights and a vast array of beers, wine and champagne. Most people arrived via a bus organised by Mary-anne and Vaughn. The bus picked everyone up from various properties around Kingscliff and later would drop them back after midnight.

Catering was provided in the form of a huge BBQ feast which went down a treat with the guests. Two bar staff were also hired to mix and pour cocktails and other drinks.

“Our Journey” wedding slideshow presentation

After dinner, a slide show presentation of the wedding in the balloon and a special clip (see above) on photos of Mary-anne and Vaughn at various stages in their life from an infant to their current lives together. Towards the end of the clip photos depicting all their guests was displayed one by one. Some loud cheers were heard when embarrassing photos were shown.

The party went on til just after midnight when the bus arrived. The timing was perfect too, all the food and drinks had been consumed only half an hour before allowing guests to move on much easily.

Congratulations and best wishes to Vaughn and Mary-anne Hunter!

The Support Crew for Team Insanity consists of Matt Moores, Jenesse Valentine and Dennis Mellican. Team Insanity consists of Nicole Keegan, Shane Hollaway, Brock Janiczak and Wayne Van Eyk.

Although capable of doing all the tasks required, the Support Crew found each had fell into a primary task: Dennis was the driver, Matt the navigator and Jenesse the organiser. Matt’s prior experience with being part of a Support Crew for Team Vodka in the 2007 Kokoda Challenge was a valuable part of this years Support Crew, especially his advice on timings, checkpoint locations and setups. Jenesse and Dennis were part of Team Vodka last year and drew upon their experience of the event to empathise with what a competitor will require when they descend upon a Support Crew checkpoint. As the Support Crew our goal was to give to them everything the team required and to provide moral support in ensuring the whole team makes it to the end.

A detailed Team Insanity Kokoda Challenge plan was documented by both the team and the support crew to plan and cater for each checkpoint.

Transport in the form of a Toyota Tarago was hired for the weekend.

One week prior to the event, both the Team and the Support Crew met after work one Friday night to discuss the plan, logistics and any requirements each group had from the other. There was probably more drinking than thinking though.

Rendezvous with Insanity

Around 2:30am, the Support Crew were in various parts of Brisbane picking up members of Team Insanity. At one point outside of Brisbane – Brock lives on the other side of a worm hole. Despite the size of the Tarago we were still at capacity: bags, esky, pillows, doona, boxes and people all crammed into this so called people mover. But it was much better than last years when we all crammed in Matt’s Lancer. The handling of the Tarago was quite impressive, it had the power to accelerate fast enough, had great handling and was very comfortable inside.

Dennis and Jenesse were running 15 minutes behind schedule but were glad it took less than 10 minutes at each pick up point to load the car. The Support Crew found that using Google Maps was not as good as other online travel trip planners. The print outs for directions do not display the destination’s actual address! A simple phone or text message to others resolved the problem on the fly. This was our first beef with Google Maps, later on in the day we were to discover another problem.

The Start

CP0 – Mugeerba Village Green
0 kms

The Team Insanity Tarago arrived at the Mudgeerba Village about 5:30am with ample time to prepare for the 7 o’clock start and sit down for a coffee in a cafe. I bumped into Whytey near the shops and wished him and his team well. Whytey told me he had done almost no training or preparation for this years event. I was astounded by this, and had to wish him even more luck!

It wasn’t as cold as last year, but still cold enough. The Last Post was played on the trumpet and guns were fired into the air from the army to officially mark the start of the Kokoda Challenge for 2008.

At 7am, the first group left and shortly after two more big groups left respectively. The organisers staggered the start because this years event had attracted over 1200 competitors! We saw the formidable Nike Hammer team jog past and a team carrying a 60kg dummy in a stretcher! The crowd was too thick to spot Team Insanity, but we got a glimpse of what we thought was Shane amongst the sea of heads. Hence why Shane is called the Crane when he is out climbing.

The supporters dispersed quickly as the competitors left the scene. We had plenty of time to eat the hearty big breakfast at the nearby Woodchoppers Inn before proceeding to the first major checkpoint for the Support Crew.

Matt’s decides to call Nicole for an update, no service. Not an issue, we have all the team member contact details and they are all on different networks. Shane answers and informs Matt of their progress in a breathless manner. “Geez, Shane sounds like he is doing it tough already!”

A short time later at 9:16am, Nicole texts us:

About 20 mins out from CP 2. Wayne would like his hat!

Red Snakes Gives You Wings

CP2 – Mt Nimmel Lodge
12.5 kms
2008-07-19 09:34:19

There was limited parking at Mt Nimmel and we had to park on the shoulder of the road near the entrance. This meant a few hundred metres of walking to the checkpoint area carrying chairs, bags and other supplies. We managed this in one trip without having to ferry goods to the spot in multiple trips. But I then remembered the earlier text message, “…Wayne would like his hat!”. Bugger, I forgot the hat. I asked Jenesse and Matt which bag was Wayne’s, “Blue I think”. I hurried back to the car, there were two blue coloured bags. I just rummaged through them until I found the first cap. Upon returning to the checkpoint spot, Matt says “That’s my red cap”. Bugger! “Fuck it, he can wear mine. Same. Same. But different.”

We had a good view of the track that approaches the checkpoint and soon spotted our team bouncing their way in. There was the unmistakable aeroplane arms as Nicole negotiated a small but steep dirt terraced area between two trees. Could be a weird balance thing or too many red snake lollies. They all walked strongly and smiled as they saw the checkpoint and their support crew waiting.

Shane explains his earlier “breathless” message to Matt, “I was trying to get a bite from you when we last spoke”. Matt did bite, but didn’t want to tell Shane that he sounded like shit already! Instead, Matt kept it to just the Support Crew.

Everyone seemed to be high spirits. Brock noticed a blister forming but he bandaged the area and changed socks which should help slow the inevitable. Shane’s knee was holding up okay, but requested an extra knee brace at the next Support Crew checkpoint. The Support Crew had two spare in our first aid kit, and offered them to Shane but he was adamant he would only require it at CP5. Wayne was hesitant in wearing my cap because of his sweat factor. He explained that his hat was in a David Jones plastic bag. Jenesse and Matt both made separate trips back to the car to fetch additional supplies the team was requesting. We eventually got Wayne’s hat. Nicole was pleased with the schedule so far, they were on time.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ plus water.  Water can be ferried in 2L bottle rather than the huuuge 12L container which will be in the Support Crew Vehicle
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ & water.  Hand light jumper back.  Put on sun screen.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ – 2x600ml water bottles, super sandwiches and snacks (not hammer time yet…).  Headlamp if it is past 10:30 or 11:00
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ – Bag contains 2 muesli bars/bananas, 2 Brock’s secret super sandwiches, 2 tins tuna, Lolly bag. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle.

The team left shortly after 9:30am. The next checkpoint’s estimated time of arrival for the Team was at 3:46pm. We decided to watch the 12:50am movie Hancock at the Robina shopping centre. About an hour later into the movie, Nicole texts “We think we’re about 1 hr from Polly’s. Will let you know when we’re about 20 mins out”. We decided this was a gross under estimation. Matt concurred and recalled this happened the last time he too was the Support Crew for Team Vodka while watching a movie. The movie finished just before 3pm and we drove straight to Polly’s Country Kitchen.

Team Insanity Sizzles!

CP5 – Polly’s Country Kitchen
36.5 kms

Parking spots at Polly’s Country Kitchen was also scarce despite the big parking fields. The Support Crew had to queue up and wait for other vehicles to leave the parking area before another could enter. We weren’t in a rush and waited patiently for our turn. We were soon directed to a park and proceed to setup our first Support Crew camp. Out came the chairs, each persons Checkpoint bag of goodies and we rearrange things for easy access when any of Team Insanity requested something.

It was interesting seeing other setups. Next to us a friendly support crew had their own generator which was powering a microwave! They offered power to me when they saw me fiddling around with the car battery to attach the 300W inverter for the laptop. Jenesse and Matt headed towards the lodge and purchased coffees and a sausage sizzle for the team.

Meanwhile as I was still fiddling around with the inverter and laptop, Team Insanity had arrived and walked past me heading towards the Checkpoint 5 check in. In this year’s event, each competitor is being tracked electronically by RFID which is used to check in and out of checkpoints. Online at kmltracks.com the public can visually see the teams progress through the checkpoints and  an approximation of their position on the course track. This was a helpful tool but doesn’t beat the team announcing their arrival 20 minutes out from the next major checkpoint.

Luckily, Shane spotted me and knew where to go once their check in was complete. I got a nice surprise when they rocked up almost unannounced. Almost caught off guard, I greeted them “Hey guys!”

“Hey I’m not a guy!”, Nicole retorts jokingly.

I got the Team seated and handed out their checkpoint bags. Soon after, Jenesse and Matt were back with the coffees and sausages. We all started to prepare them for the course ahead by refilling water containers (packs and bottles), fetching warmer clothing and catering for other needs.

We have supplied them with coffees from the Polly’s Kitchen cafe and fed them a sausage sizzle. Soon they will be off again after a change of socks, shoes and some warmer clothes. Brock has yet to have his GU Hammer and therefore go nuts, but he is holding off. Shane is doing well and now has two knee guards to protect the knees from injury. Nicole has her head torch in anticipation for sunset. Wayne has replenished his Gatorade and is still going strong.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″, brown jacket and spare shoes.  Maybe coffee and noodles.  Also 2L water bottle (with water!).
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″, water, bottle of poweraid & light jumper.  Put thermal top in backpack.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″ – 3x600ml water bottles, fruit, snacks and one pack of gu for the ascent, head lamp and light jacket (assuming no rain).  Consider taking spare running shoes.
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″ – Bag contains 2 muesli bars/bananas, 1 sandwich. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Fresh socks. Fresh beanie/hat. Fresh shirt. If we are late getting here, say after 5pm I would like heated up spag bog please. If we get here before 5pm I will have it at checkpoint 7. Spag bog will be in labelled Tupperware portions separate to numbered checkpoint supply bags.

Before Team Insanity went on their merry way, the Support Crew took any orders for Hungry Jacks. A special treat for anyone doing the Kokoda Challenge! Nicole and Wayne were the only takers though: one Cheeseburger and a Whopper junior.

The Support Crew took a leisurely drive back to Robina, ordered Hungry Jacks and generally hung around for a bit before heading back out into the Gold Coast Hinterlands towards Numinbah.

Nose of Noodles

CP7 – Numinbah Hall
50.7 kms

At 7:23pm, the Support Crew receives a text from Nicole, “Will be maybe a half hour”

We had already parked and setup the checkpoint camp. Matt went to the hall to greet the team while Jenesse was boiling water for any hot drinks they wanted, cooking their meals over the gas stove, and even the thinking about how to warm up the Hungry Jack’s burgers. Unfortunately, we had the displeasure of cooking Brock’s meal: some concoction of soup he had whipped up. Geez, it was smelly!

While waiting, we witnessed a very irate driver who was attempting to leave the car park. The path in to the section of the car park we were in was now blocked by other Support Crew vehicles. She got out of her car and starting abusing a person in another car. This person just got out and walked away. She then hops back in the car screaming blue murder and debating with her friend on what should be happening. I walked up to her and calmly told her I would fetch a traffic marshal to assist her. Unfortunately, the traffic marshal then copped an earful. The poor guy who is volunteering his time is trying to help this maniac of a woman. To his credit, he too remained calmed and told her to do a U-turn and follow him down the opposite path. This person obviously requires anger management counselling and how to resolve conflicts in a more positive away. Her approach was totally unsuccessful, the driver she yelled at simply walked away. Maybe I should have left her to work it out herself, would’ve been entertaining.

But entertainment was provided later by Nicole when the Team arrived. While eating her noodles, someone said a funny joke (which I can’t recall). Nicole gasps trying not to spit out a mouthful of noodles. She covers her mouth but starts to giggle uncontrollably.

Suddenly a noodle is expelled through her nose!

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″ and water, plus gloves and scarf and beanie (these will be in the bag).  Also coffee and noodles (and sausage sizzle?)
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″, scarf, beanie, gloves (should be in the bag), water & poweraid.  Put on thermal top (if haven’t already). Also want some spaghetti – preferably warmed up.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″ – GU (with caffeine), 3x600ml water bottles, fruit, snacks, heavy jacket, beanie.  Force me to eat noodles.  Remind Nicole that this whole thing was a bad idea.
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″ – Bag contains 1 sandwich, lolly bag, 1 cup of beans. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Maybe put thermal vest on. I would like heated up spag bog please even if I have already had it at CP5. Spag bog will be in labelled Tupperware portions separate to numbered checkpoint supply bags. Hot cup of Milo too.

It was good to see their spirits high. The next major checkpoint will be a seemingly unrelenting uphill battle.

Google Maps was used to navigate the Crew to Syd Duncan Park. Matt compared the trip planner against the UBD map and it looked sound initially. Untill we took the turn off suggested by Google and found ourselves at a dead end. That was the last time we trusted Google Maps. I was glad we packed the UBD as a backup.

Zombie Hill

CP10 – Syd Duncan Park
66 kms
2008-07-20 01:18:55

Syd Duncan Park was nearly at capacity and twice the Tarago had to do U-turns to find a better parking spot to set up the Support Crew camp. Both times it was dodgy. The first attempt was on a narrow dirt road with a sloping shoulder. Matt and Jenesse guided me into doing an 8 point turn. The second time I had the Tarago on the grassy hill which the competitors were using as they entered the Park. Unbeknown to us, the green grassy field was very soft and boggy. The Tarago had wheels spinning as it tried to ascend the slope. With careful manoeuvring I managed to find traction and park the car on much firmer ground.

The course had changed dramatically up to the Syd Duncan Park. The Support Crew watched everyone who approached the checkpoint drained of energy. This brought back some memories of 2007 and Jenesse empathised with a competitor as he dragged his walking poles behind him as he stumbled forwards deliriously. “That was exactly me last year at this same spot!”

Jenesse received an unfriendly and grumpy Nicole as she walked up the hill, “Where’s the checkpoint?” Nicole barks. Luckily Jenesse had empathy and withheld the bitch slapping

We seated the team down and brought them their bags, food and drinks. All were not in a happy state but we had empathy and the experience of what its like getting to Sid’s despite any course change. We congratulated them on their progress. I think because it was in the wee hours of the morning (like around 1am) the Support Crew were also tired and just did our jobs quietly and patiently. It was Jenesse doing most of the running around while Matt and I stepped back a bit and tried to keep warm on this cold exposed hill. Jenesse knew by keeping busy it kept her warm. Matt’s beard was failing him miserably.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″ and water, plus noodles and coffee.
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″, water, poweraid & noodles/spaghetti (haven’t decided which).  A lovely cuppa tea.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″ – GU (with caffeine), 3x600ml water, snacks.  Force in more noodle goodness.  Leave as soon as possible.
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″ – Bag contains 2 sandwiches, 1 tin tuna. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Hot cup of Milo too please.

The team had hit the wall at Syd’s and now were just in a zombie state. Sore and limping their way off into the darkness. The Support Crew tried to lift their spirits and give them the moral support they needed. Not long to go!

Battle Stations

CP12 – Nerang Beaudesert Rd
78.5 kms
2008-07-20 05:07:21

Since none of us had any sleep at Syd Duncan’s we knew we had at least 4 to 5 hours before seeing Team Insanity again so we went straight to Checkpoint 12 from Syd Duncan’s Park (Checkpoint 10). Our plan was to sleep in the Tarago until we got the phone call from the team.

Checkpoint 12 is actually 800m away from where the Support Crew could park. As usual, parking spots were hard to find. We ended up mounting the curb and parking on a footpath in front of an estate.

Inside the Tarago we were all asleep. Then Jenesse’s phone rang.

She woke up in a groggy state and hit the answer button, “Hello?”

Good morning, this is your 4:30am wake up call, Nicole happily says.

“Oh no! Your not outside the car already?” Jenesse says in a panic. The windows inside the car were all foggy and it was still dark outside.

“No, No! We are about 40 minutes away”, Nicole responds.

By now both Matt and I were awake, “Battle stations!” Matt declares.

Jenesse and I started to unpack the car. We setup the mat, chairs, started the gas cooker and organised their checkpoint bags. Meanwhile, Matt made his way towards the Checkpoint 12 Support Crew entrance to meet and greet our team as they arrived.

We fed them their food and drinks, they changed socks and we’re on their way again. This time they picked up a hitchhiker – a lone person who had lost all his team mates. I tried to convince one of them to keep going, but he didn’t want to be the one to call the SES in the middle of nowhere on the side of a track. I told him not to be disappointed, just partipating and getting this far is a fantastic effort and achievement. As the team left we noticed Brock shuffling and limping in a bad state.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″, plus water.  Maybe coffee and noodles.
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″, water, poweraid.  Cup of tea.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″ – more Gu… 3x600ml water, fruit
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″ – Bag contains 1 muesli bar, 2 sandwiches, lolly bag. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Hot cup of Milo too please.

The End

CP14 – Nerang Velodrome
96 kms
2008-07-20 09:33:44

The best park we got for the entire event was here at the Velodrome, right in front of the finish line. We setup the mat and chairs on the hill next to the Tarago. Various organiser tents were set up: A projection tent showing current competitor team positions on Google Earth, a coffee tent, a food tent, a massage tent, a first aid tent and then the stage and checkpoint tent. We headed straight to the coffee tent!

The sun finally rose and we welcomed the warmth.

During the day, the MC had trouble with directing teams to check in first, before greeting their supporters, this was especially true for those teams that wanted to finish under 24 hours with only minutes to go. We were waiting directly in front of the finish line where the army cannons were. The team walked straight past us, towards the Checkpoint tent. Only Wayne saw and acknowledged us. The photos shows their state of mind as they approached the finish line, all eyes are looking straight at the Checkpoint tent.

“Where is our support team? I can’t see them anywhere”, Nicole asks standing in front of the Checkpoint tent.
“Right here”, I say standing a couple of metres away. Matt chuckles loudly beside me.

The first thing they now wanted to do was sit down at our support crew area, but we were told by the organisers to wait for 2 minutes for their presentation of the dog tags. They proudly received their medals and then we ushered them to our support crew area. Everyone immediately sat down on the chairs, except for Nicole who crashed to the ground. Shane spied the massage tent and decided to pamper his sore muscles with the free physio and massage service that was being offered. Wayne wasn’t keen on stripping in the open tent to take up the offer. We don’t think his crusty feet were eligible for a foot massage anyway. Brock was nursing his blistered feet but otherwise enjoyed the rest in the hot sun. Nicole lay on her stomach too sore to move despite the sun’s hot rays.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Brock will collapse here and swear never to do it again.  Someone should keep a record this.
• Wayne will give hugs and handshakes whilst keeping a frail grip on consciousness. Heed what Brock is saying. Wayne will want bag labelled “Hooray” Bag contains 1 cup beans, 1 sandwich. Hot cup of Milo too please, probably two.

At this stage, the Support Crew did not have to do much to pamper our team but just let Team Insanity have a well earned rest. Nicey started to repack the Tarago which was in a bad state with bags and gear everywhere. She did the best she could to put things in their rightful bags. Matt who had the most sleep (he had a quick kip at this checkpoint), agreed to drive the Tarago back to Brisbane.

The Support Crew congratulates Team Insanity on completing the Kokoda Challenge 2008. An awesome effort!

For more information about Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge vist their Urban Crag blog.

Afterwards, the tour took us to the Royal Selangor factory where we all had a chance to make our very own pewter bowl. This involved engraving our names on a tin metal plate and then bashing into a shallow bowl. I would have had more success making it into a metal ball. Adrian power hammer throws put a hole in the bottom of his bowl. The factory workers patched his bowl up with a bit of soldering work. Jenesse’s bowl looked better than mine with not so many dimples and dints. The best handiwork was from Liyan, a perfectly smooth bowl. This little pewter workshop session was entertaining and I would recommend it. You get to keep your piece of pewter art and a souvenir workshop apron.

By early evening we had diiner at a Chinese restaurant where we had a banquet and Liyan’s dad offered his wine for the tables. The chilli crab was the highlight, however I found it was too much effort crunching the shell for the prize meat.

That night after the bus dropped us off at the Prince Hotel, some of us went out to the Sky Bar at the Traders Hotel. During the day, this is a swimming pool and recreation area on the 33rd floor. By night it turns into a swish night club. The view of the Petronas Twin Towers is awesome from this vantage point. Despite the high drink prices (expect to pay about 38 ringgits for a beer) the experience is worth it. Because Jenesse and I were lacking sleep from the previous night (I only had 2 hours), we had a drink and excused ourselves.

The next day we woke up late and didn’t bother about trying to make it for breakkie in the hotel. We did a bit of shopping during the day, but the highlight was receiving a 20 minute fish spa, where these little fishies nibble on your feet! It felt like pins and needles and the little buggers tickle the hell out of you. We took a while to stop giggling, but finally got used to the hundreds of fishes swarming around our feet and eating the dead skin.

Shane & Liyan’s wedding reception was at 6:30pm in one of the Prince Hotel’s ballroom. Over 250 guests gathered to celebrate their KL wedding. The banquet was mostly seafood, which included some exotic dishes such as Shark fin soup, Abolone and Sea Cucumber. I liked the Shark fin soup, wasn’t fussed on Abolone and the Sea Cumcumber was almost tasteless but the wobbly jelly looking food was off putting for Jennese and I. The best dish was the Australian Groper, it was cooked to perfection and was very tasty. Other  wedding celebration highlights included a seven tier wedding cake, 3 piece band, an impromptu Chinese style of toasting where the in laws lead the crowd into a sort of two tone cheer but for as long as the toaster can cheer for in one breath.

The next day, Jenesse and I woke very early for our departure from KL. The flight home was uneventful which was good. We arrived back home in Brisbane after our transit from the Gold Coast Airport at 11pm on Sunday night. Jenesse had the next day off, but I had to return to work.

The first night in KL we caught up with Shane and Liyan at the Prince Hotel. Along with their entourage (family and friends) we went to a Chinese restaurant at the new Pavillion Shopping Mall.

On Wednesday, we went to the KLCC Aquaria to remind ourselves of the fishes we left in the Maldives. This aquarium had some interesting fishes and even reptiles and creepy crawlies.

On Thursday, we did the KL Hop-on Hop-off city bus tour. This was good value and despite the 22 stops, we only got off once for the Central Markets. As the bus continued around town, Jenesse slept for most of the way. That afternoon we went for High Tea at Carcosa Seri Negara, a very fancy pants hotel where the famous (Presidents, Royalty, celebrities and CEO’s) stay. After our three courses of cucumber sandwiches, tarts, apple crumble, scones with cream and jam, and strawberries and cookies we had a private tour of the hotel suites. This was quite impressive, both the tour and the rooms. For 1500++ ringits a night, you have your own butler and driver as part of the B&B package.

That night Donny and Mitzy joined us for some dinner and drinks at the Rainforest Sports Bar. There was a birthday party at the next table, where we saw the birthday boy drink two flaming lamborghinis, four tequila shots and copious amounts of beer. He held up quite well but alas the alcohol caught up to him and he rocked his way to sleep on the table.

We did well ourselves and downed two Calsberg Beer Towers and a bucket too. Responsible binge drinking? Especially when happy “hours” runs from 11am til 9pm!

Unfortunately by Friday, Jenesse had caught the KL Belly bug. At 5am we rushed to the Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, where the doc gave Jenesse a cocktail of prescriptions to settle her tummy. We were supposed to go on a bus tour with the wedding entourage but Jenesse has been ordered to rest and take it easy on Dr Mellican’s orders.

KL photos are on Picasa Web.

The weather was a bit unstable this morning, but has fined up again. We spent the day strolling around the island and then enjoying the view from the Rangali Bar. We are now packed and ready for a late afternoon sea plane flight out to Male, where at 10:20pm we will then fly to Kuala Lumpar. Despite being sad to leave this awesome resort and making promises to come back real soon, we are looking forward to the sea plane flight over the atolls.

Last photos of Conrad Maldives are on Picasa Web.

Our last night on Conrad Maldives was celebrated with a Candle Light Beach Dinner. The setting was very romantic, table and chairs setup on the edge of Rangali island, with our own butler and chef. We chose a seafood menu which had five courses, champagne and a bottle of Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Cullen, Margaret River). This was a feast, so much food no one could possibly eat everything.

This was the menu:

Glass of Champagne
Canapes
Warm Garlic Bread

Grilled Tiger Prawns
Marinated Vegetables Salad, Feta Cheese, Sun Dried Tomatoes

Seafood chowder

Whole Baby (Rainbow Runner) Reef Fish
Black & Green Olives, Garlic and Herb Butter
Baked Potato and Wok Fried Vegetables

Tiger prawns, Indian Ocean Lobster & Squid Rings
Steamed Rice

Plate of Tropical Fruits with Creme Fraiche

The experience was very special and ended our last night on the resort on another high. It was almost not to happen, with the late afternoon monsoon showers threatening the event. But we got a few hours repreive from the weather to go ahead with the dinner. Afterwards, we had a cocktail at the Rangali Bar and talked to the bar staff about their resort and famous guests who sometimes can spend up to 6 months staying in the US$4000 a night Sunset Villa! By midnight, the monsoons came and it poured all night with fierce winds and lightning.

When we arrived back to our Beach Villa, we discovered a letter from the resort telling us they had extended our check out time til the last seaplane out, 4:15pm tomorrow afternoon. Sweet! One more day to soak up the resort luxuries before our late flight out to Kuala Lumpar at 10:20pm that night.

Check out today’s pics on Picasa Web.

Throughout the channel the reef fishes are spectacular, but until you hit the house reef you will see large schools of fish, colourful coral and if your lucky like us, a White Tip reef shark.

After our early morning snorkel we had earned out breakfast at the Atoll Market. The rest of the day was spent hanging out in front of our Beach Villa.

Later that night, we had dinner at the Mandhoo Spa restaurant. This was a third visit, and everytime we are astounded by the food and service. Once again, Ostrich was ordered along with a Crab salad and a Rainbow runner (fish) dish. On all three visits, we always ordered three entree size dishes to share instead of the usual entree and main each. We found three entree’s was enough to satisfy us.

Afterwards, we had a cocktail each during happy hour at the Rangali Bar and then stumbled our way back to our Beach Villa. When we arrived, we found a very pleasant surprise on our bed. Idrees our room cleaner had created a heart shape out of the bed sheet and outlined it with bougainvillea, frangipani and hibiscus flowers! It actually took us 5 minutes to realise the decorations on the bed, since we just rushed inside the villa and busied ourselves getting ready for bed.

Only two photos today, of the flower decorations on the bed: Picasa Web.