We’re back with another community story! This week, we’re hearing from the wonderfully delightful Julie Ewing, who I think should be an inspiration to us all in her ability to put her fears aside and give things a go. Although she’s only been adventuring with TSA for a little over a year, she quickly became beloved by our guides and staff for her infectious personality and iconic Facebook Community posts. So have a read to hear about her journey!
Hey everybody, I’m Julie, a.k.a. the serial pest-poster on the TSA Community page! My journey with Take Shape Adventures started in Christmas 2022, when I purchased myself a 3 Short Hikes package – I’m always a deal chaser. My purpose was to make myself get out and try something new after my Sunday morning cycling, Rail Trail, Around the Bay, and MS event buddy of the previous 16 years decided she was no longer up to it at the ripe age of 80; what a legend she is. It took me a grand total of 8 months to use those vouchers as I spent most of 2023 travelling back and forth to Sydney as I was packing up and moving my parents, and I didn’t even use my first one for around 7 months.
I did my first hike at the You Yangs on July 31st 2023 with Kellie as my guide. I remember her being so lovely, friendly and welcoming, so I’m very glad we’ve done quite a few hikes together since that first fateful day! I then did the rest of my short hikes on consecutive weekends and have continued most weeks to get outside and give myself an adventure, give or take. I think I originally fell in love with the idea of having a guide who knows the trail and provides strong backup support if anything happens, like a twisted ankle or there are too many lollies to carry!
I decided to take a leap of faith and become a member very early on in my time with TSA, I reckon right after those first 3 short hikes ran out! Why? I mean, It’s $55/month and includes a free short hike, why not?! A short hike is normally $74, so you do the maths. I’ve also loved meeting other people from the TSA community (members and not) at their free members outing every month. I can especially remember the Hike and Vino at Studley Park Boathouse, HikeFit, and a kayak evening in Summer as particularly special ones, either because they were just lovely, or they pushed me outside my comfort zone and let me try something new and fun. Plus, as I said before, I’m a bargain hound, so getting 10% off all the other hikes and trips made it a no brainer. I figured at the very least I was getting a short hike each month, including fun, friends, fresh air and morning tea!
I’ve met so many lovely like-minded people along my journey with TSA. I’ve hiked with some regular friendly faces, met new people every hike, made new friends, and enjoyed almost every step! I say “almost” because steep descents don’t agree with my legs much. Looking at you, Donna Buang. All along the way, TSA owners Tracey and Adrian have been very encouraging and supportive, as have all the other members of the fantastic TSA Team. If I start trying to name them I’ll embarrass myself by missing someone, so I’ll simply say ALL.
I’ve purchased other special offers to get the most out of it and I’ve set myself some challenges this year, including summiting Mt Koszciousko in January. I even managed to drag a friend along for those 4 days of unforgettable hiking. It was awesome! I also tried the overnight camp, kayak, and hike in Lake Eildon recently, which was equally fantastic. Now, other than my usual Grade 3 and 4 hikes, I have Larapinta to look forward to and train for in late July. I’m still hoping my sister in Scotland can join me on that one – hopefully she won’t be too shocked by the vastly different landscapes!
For anyone sitting on the fence thinking they can’t do it, they won’t keep up, or any other worry you might have… I say just do it! You won’t know until you try and I bet you will actually surprise yourself with what you can do. You will hear so many tips, tricks and knowledge from the guides, and walking and talking with everyone else on the trail makes the kilometres pass by so quickly. Some are very fit, some are in the middle (like me!) and some are starting their hiking adventures and improving every time – I was that person 8 months ago.
Now there are SO many places I want to see and now I know I can do it with the strength of my own two legs, my mindset, and sense of adventure. I’ll just need to keep working to get there.
By the way, if you’ve even read this far…
I’m 58. My grandmother lived to 109, which is not a goal I hope to match; she was amazing! But I do hope to be active and adventurous for as long as I can. I have always been physically active but never thin! I live in hope for one day.
I hospital trained as a Registered Nurse at RNS in Sydney as my first career, backpacked for two years far and wide, and studied photography for four years. I’ve worked as a professional photographer and had my own business for thirty years: Lifeworks Photography and PAWtraits of Pets. I recently combined my two careers, so I’m working a few days a week as a medical photographer and loving it! Strange, the twists life takes us on!
So, I hope I will see you out there on the tracks! Please say hi and have a chat, I’d love to meet as many people out there as possible!
We’re back with another community story! This week, we’re hearing from the wonderfully delightful Julie Ewing, who I think should be an inspiration to us all in her ability to put her fears aside and give things a go. Although she’s only been adventuring with TSA for a little over a year, she quickly became beloved by our guides and staff for her infectious personality and iconic Facebook Community posts. So have a read to hear about her journey!
