1 day to go...

I can’t believe it’s only one day to go. We arrived safe and sound in Alice Springs.  Boy, did they put on a good day for us, the weather is perfect.  And the crew is all ready for action!

Other than having a fear of heights (which I’m sure I’ll overcome for this challenge), I would say my next biggest fear is snakes!!!!  And would you believe it, YIP, just after lunch, Rex from Alice Springs Reptile Park, introduces us to Olive. That is an Olive Python!!!!!! Unbelievable...

After the initial shock of 'I have a real live snake on me', I relaxed … a little … and started to thoroughly enjoy the experience. Nothing like having a python draped around your neck to get your adrenalin going.  Nick also enjoyed the experience with Olive, but I’m not sure if he would rush into it again.

Next up was Quad biking. Again, something I’ve never done before. The boys in the support crew, Nick and I had a quick '101' in how to actually ride these 'crazy' bikes.  I say crazy as I ended up in the ditch! Yes, that’s right. The only girl out there and I end up in the ditch! I was getting the hang of it more towards the end, but I don't think I'd ever make a good farm hand. The boys came back a bit after us, with smiles to boot and covered in red dirt.

What an amazing day! Today highlighted to me that it is the fear of the unknown that is worse than the actual 'thing' itself.  I can’t wait for tomorrow...

Almost ready for take off........Nick and I are extremely excited and really just want to get there now and start this journey of a lifetime. 

I remember reading a quote once that read..... 'Aim for the stars, because you might just reach them'...... It is an appropriate quote for the task at hand, to raise a million dollars for lung cancer patient support groups and to make the world first attempt to cross the Simpson Desert in a standard hot air balloon.  It is also a quote that I love to read in regards to my own battle with lung cancer, and my personal goal to keep pushing the boundary with survival and to stay as healthy as possible.

Our bags are being packed today to ensure we have everything we need.  I am quite impressed that for this trip there will be absolutely no sitting on the suitcase (in this case backpack) to make it shut. 

To all of you reading my daily diary, thank you.  Make sure you keep reading as we make our way across the desert  - I can assure you it will be interesting reading. I have heard camel riding will be included and there is a mysterious donkey that rumour has it is somewhere out there - I will let you know should I find it!  I will take the photo for evidence and then I will be running.

Kylie

4 days to go.....

Today was a day of getting all my jobs done before our last weekend on solid ground for 9 days!!!  I made sure I had a check list so I was not distracted.   I managed to tick off half the to do list, and only have to pick up another thermal, sunscreen, insect repellent and much needed chocolate (to keep my energy up).   It is my one vice, which a good friend reminded me chocolate does have antioxidants in it, so in small amounts, can actually be good for you....well that's my story and I am sticking to it.

As the messages of support continue to roll in, my confidence about the journey is growing.  With all that support, I am sure we will achieve everything we set out to.  I was so happy to receive a message of support from my 10 (nearly 11) year old nephew, Johnty.  He had just broken his arm, so would have been a challenge to type the message, so that really made me smile.

I have a massage booked in for tomorrow, to get me relaxed and ready for the big day.  I am thinking I will probably be needing one more so when I get back. 

I continue to hope that people will donate generously and that we get close, if not reach our target of raising $1 Million dollars.  Where's Eddie Maguire when you need him....