Carys English
Award Level:
Bronze
Favourite memory of the Award:
My favourite memory so far of the award was stargazing during my practice hike. We were sitting at a waterfall near our campsite and with almost no light the stars were so bright and clear. It was so peaceful just sitting there listening to the water and looking at the sky.
Age:
15
Biggest challenge from doing the Award:
My biggest challenge so far in the award was completing my goal for physical recreation - riding the 900 kilometre Mawson Trail from Blinman to Adelaide in South Australia. It took 18 days (15 riding, 3 rest days) with no car and only what we could pack onto our bikes. It was a challenge both physically and mentally to complete, but completely worth it for the amazing things we got to see and experience.
Country:
Australia
Have you continued any of your Award activities? If so, what:
I have continued mountain biking since completing the physical recreation and even competed in a mountain biking event where I finished second in my category.
Tell us the story behind your photo:
This is a photo of the first day of the 900km Mawson Trail ride. For me, this was one of the more challenging days of the trail. It was a (hot) 68km day with a lot of climbing and the first of 15 full days of riding. I was beginning to think that if every day was this tiring, would I even be able to finish the trail? The descent in the photo was the first time I was really able to appreciate where we were and how lucky we were to see the amazing scenery of the Flinders Ranges up close. It realised that yes, the riding would be long and tiring, but we were getting to experience the land in such a beautiful and unique way that it was completely worth the challenging days.
Award Role:
Participant
