Bloody Long Walk, Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia 2021
Just because its winter,
doesn’t mean you need to be holed up. If the only time you’ve seen the sun come
up is when you’ve been on your way home from a night out, you need to sort your
life out. The thing about sunrise though, is that it’s just so early that if
you’re going to drag yourself out of bed before most coffee shops are even
open, it had better be worth your while. We were up and early Sunday with
hundreds of like-minded people who took part in the inaugural Sunshine Coast,
The Bloody Long Walk. Renowned for being a fun community event with stunning
scenic walking routes, the national fundraising series of the Mito Foundation
had Coast residents trekking from Coolum to Mooloolaba Beach. The name is a
great drawcard and it’s also a good distance.
Mito is a debilitating
and potentially fatal genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to
convert food into the energy needed to power muscles and major organs; 1 in 200
people are at risk of developing Mito. One Australian child born each week suffers
a severe or life-threatening form of Mito making it the second most commonly
diagnosed serious genetic disease after cystic fibrosis.
In our busy lives we
still make time to volunteer for a variety of reasons like giving something
back to the community, making a difference to the people around us. Gain a
sense of purpose and become happier, meet new people and develop lasting
relationships. The walk started at Tickle Park, Coolum, situated right on the
beach, where you can bring the whole family for a play on the swings, cook up a
storm on the electric BBQ"S, have a swim in the ocean or just lay back and
take in the sunshine. After helping out at the start line we headed to Pit Shop
2, Marcoola Surf Club. 10.67km from start Marcoola Beach is located just north
of Maroochy River and boasts quiet uncrowded beaches, which are best suited for
serious surfers and walkers.
Marcoola Beach is a great
escape - unwind for a quiet barbecue or picnic with open grassy parkland, shady
trees and children's park. Apartment style accommodation, as well as a range of
hotels are available with eateries within easy driving distance. Marcoola Beach
is close to the Sunshine Coast Airport, and about 10 minutes' drive south of
Coolum. The Event Volunteers were essential to keep the walkers motivated,
hydrated and fed.
The walkers moved down
the coast line and alongside the beautiful Maroochy River through to the
picturesque Alex Forest conservation area. We then moved forward to Nelson
Park. 30.54km from the start Nelson Park is a lovely little getaway in the
middle of the Sunshine Coast. If you get sick of the beach it's the best place
to cool off on a walk, a quiet place to have a picnic or just a great place to
let the kids burn off a bit of energy.
From Nelson Park the
walkers had 14km to go before reaching Mooloolaba Beach. Mooloolaba Beach is
one of the most picturesque on the Sunshine Coast with its clean, white sands
and azure waters. The beach is patrolled every day of the year by lifeguards
and is perfect for those a little more timid in the sea as the waves aren't too
big.
The Bloody Long walks are
a great way to fundraise for the Mito Foundation, as well as a healthy activity
that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Participating in a charity
walk is a great way to bring people together.
Tony and Kim Outdoor
Adventures acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we live and
work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and Elders from
other communities we may visit and walk beside. (Tony) as a Bidjari Descendant,
recognise their connection to Country and their role in caring for and
maintaining Country over thousands of years. May their strength and wisdom be
with us today.
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