Thoughts on the journey of travel.

Here are some thoughts on travel that have been passed onto me from my new friend in Chile, Consuelo.

Travelling is not merely to move to another place or distance. It is a journey where we leave behind the life that we are used to, and suddenly be able to watch from afar. Remoteness makes us feel different, it opens the possibility of looking at who we are, and also to those around us. The distance allows us to be spectators and watch our life like a movie.

When we get to the destination we recover our capacity for surprise and astonishment at the novelty of where we are. We do not only discover unknown places, we discover ourselves in the process. The trip is not only distances covered, but a journey into ourselves. And when we leave, when the experience ends, a part of us stays there is some place and a part of that place will be alive in us.
- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Desert Landscape

June was an exciting month with our Women's Own Desert Trek in the Larapinta. The sky is just so blue and the landscape is just so orange!

The early hours of the morning saw a group of 11 women set off for the start of our outback adventure. Dressed for warmth against the coolness of daybreak, we boarded the 4WD vehicle and drove 5km past Telegraph Station.

The days of walking that followed saw us meander through spectacular gorges, camp alongside dry creek beds while gazing at the stars, walk through beautiful red earth country, rise to ridges with panoramic views as well as ascend Mt Sonder in the dark to reach the summit for a spectacular sunrise.

The group enjoyed delicious campfire meals every evening and were also treated to some amazing scones baked in a camp oven. Yum! The company of women was outstanding and the chatter around the campfire as well as while walking made the trip very special for everyone.

- signing off, Marika Martinez -

Women's Own Adventure

On Elephant back in the Chitwan Jungle

After spending two relaxing nights in Pokhara, with time to catch up on some laundry and shopping, we began our journey to Chitwan, in the south of Nepal. The last part of our journey was by 4 wheel drive through small, rough tracks and crossing rivers.

Arriving at the eco friendly Jungle Lodge in time for lunch, we are struck by the peace of the jungle and the array of bird calls. Our home for the next 2 nights is comfortable with hot showers.

Our first afternoon was spent on elephant back and we were treated to a remarkable sight of a mother and baby one horned rhinoceros in the wild.

The jungle experience was great with jungle walks and elephant washing in the river.

Our time in Nepal is coming to an end with one more day to be spent in Kathmandu where we visit Hindu and Buddhist Temples and manage some last minute souvenir shopping.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Trek in the beautiful Annapurna region of Nepal

We left Pokhara for the one and half hour bus trip to the start of our trek. With small day packs, walking poles and sturdy boots our group of 8 women joyfully began a 5 day trek through hills and villages, starting from Birethanit.

Walking straight uphill for the first two and a half days, through the many small villages, along roughly formed stone steps and dirt tracks, we were greeted along the way by many faces with the local greeting of "Namaste". Our group was also accompanied by 3 young and very strong porters who carried all our gear, our leader guide and 2 helper guides, as well as our wonderful cook. Our cook created delicious and healthy meals each day, even delighting us with his famous apple pie, which was cooked on an open fire place.

In the evenings we stayed in lovely, clean Teahouses. These are run by local families and provide twin share rooms for weary bodies seeking a good nights sleep, before rising early for another day of trekking. The scenery along the way was beautiful and dramatic with an ever changing landscape. We walked through dense forests past waterfalls, traversed along the side of hills and took in amazing views of snow capped mountains.

We also enjoyed High Tea and High Yoga as you can see in the photos.

On Day 3, our group of women adventure seekers, rose in the darkness at 4:30am to climb Poon Hill. This peak sits at 3,210 metres and offers a stunning sunrise view of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South and Fish Tail. I love the mountains!

Just as rain clouds started gathering, we stopped for a late lunch at a small family run Teahouse within a deep valley.

The rain began and very quickly developed into hail. The roofs and ground became enveloped in white. The decision was made to stay and hope the weather clears by morning, as the steep descent from the mountains is not wise to negotiate in wet conditions. The afternoon was spent playing cards with our porters, joking and eating.

The following morning did dawn clear and spoiled us with beautiful snow capped mountain views for most of the day.

Our descent on the final day was a little hard on the legs, but we all managed with smiling faces and a great sense of achievement.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Stupa of Pokhara

Our group of Women's Own Adventure in Nepal had to make a slight change of plan today. There were demonstrations outside the town which prevented us from reaching the start of our trek. So we had the pleasure of an afternoon spent in Pokhara.

This beautiful town is a contrast to Kathmandu. At a much slower and peaceful pace, it is surrounded by mountains. Our journey to Pokhara was via a half hour flight on a small aircraft which afforded magnificent views of the snow capped mountains.

This afternoon we crossed the lake by boat to walk up a steep track to the Budhist Stupa which overlooks the town. It sits at 1,100 metres above the lake. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the way and marveled at the view. There were a handful of colourful paragliders on the opposite peak enjoying plenty of thermal lift. Nepal and its people are bright and colourful, with splashes of colour everywhere.

Tomorrow we leave for our trek with our wonderful guide Ang. So you can read all about it in on our return to Pokhara in 6 days time.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Shangri-La Nepal

After travelling for what seems like such a long time, our group of 8 women adventurers have arrived in Kathmandu. Upon landing at the airport we are struck by the local smells and sounds of a bustling and chaotic city. Kathmandu has a population of two and a half million people. The narrow roads are home to all manner of vehicles armed with very loud and incessant horns.

Today we explored the market area of Thamel and some, shyly tested their bargaining abilities in purchasing well priced Pashminas and other assorted items.

Tomorrow, early in the morning we fly to Pokhara an begin our trek in the beautiful Anapurna region. As internet access will be limited on our 6 day trek through the villages, the next update will be quite some days away.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Departing for Nepal on 4th April

A group travelling with Women's Own Adventure are ready to embark on a 6 day trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. These adventurous women will enjoy trekking around spectacular mountain scenery through charming villages.

April in Nepal and especially around the Annapurna region is the season of the brilliant rhododendron flowers.

Our adventures will then take us to the Chitwan National Park where we will search for the white horned rhino on elephant back through the jungle.

We will keep you up to date over the next 2 weeks with photos and stories of our journey as much as access to the internet allows.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Trekking and Wildlife Adventure in Nepal

Adventure travel company for women only;
Women’s Own Adventure embarks on a trekking and wildlife adventure in Nepal.


NEPAL
Nepal's acronym of Never Ending Peace And Love, does well to characterize this nation of good natured and accommodating people; a land of majestic Himalayan scenery comprising eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mt Everest: the uppermost place on earth at 29,029ft (8,848m).

Nepal is well endowed with glorious scenery - verdant terraced valleys, rushing rivers and ice-blue lakes that originate in the Himalayas. The uplifting sight of soaring mountains is a magnet for mountaineers and trekkers, offering some of the greatest challenges and most scenic walking opportunities on earth.

The Annapurna Sanctuary is the most intensely scenic short trek in Nepal. The trek starts from Pokhara, a natural jewel in the heart of the Annapurnas and winds through lush, subtropical forests and traditional farming villages. Every ridge boasts a Himalayan panorama while Annapurna South and Huinchuli soar above you. A trek up the narrow Modi Khola valley will bring you almost to the base of Machhapuchhre and into the Sanctuary where you can gaze in awe at the snow-covered peaks above and the beauty of the landscape around. Wherever you stand in the Sanctuary, the 360 degree views are unspeakably beautiful.

Director of Specialist Adventure Travel Company for women only, Women’s Own Adventure, Marika Martinez has tailored her Nepal trips to accommodate the female travelers seeking to incorporate cultural interaction and wildlife experiences with a sense of adventure. “This is why Women’s Own Adventure focuses on packaging the very essence of Nepal’s diverse scenery and culture into our adventure holiday,” she said.

Enjoy trekking in the spectacular mountain scenery through charming villages. April in Nepal and especially around the Annapurna region is the season of the brilliant rhododendron flowers. After the trek, indulge in a day of yoga and meditation in beautiful Pokhara.

Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park is among Asia’s most famous national parks, renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife. With images of rhinos emerging from the mists, and elephant safaris cutting across waves of tall grasses an early morning game viewing on elephant back provides the best opportunity of seeing the many animals that reside in Chitwan National Park. You will search for the white horned rhino, tigers, leopards, bears and dear. In the afternoon you can enjoy a river trip in local dug-out canoes while searching for crocodiles and the many bird species along the riverbanks.

Women’s Own Adventure is an Australian company, which specializes in adventure travel for women only.

In the company of other like-minded women there is a sense of freedom to be just ourselves, to laugh, sing, relax and chat. Women want to experience the journey and the friendships along the way, not just to conquer the mountain.

In recent years women have taken on travel experiences in a big way. More women are leaving the men at home. More than 50 percent of adventure travellers are women and most fall between ages 41 and 60, according to a 2006 survey by ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association).

Women’s Own Trekking and Wildlife Adventure in Nepal
- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Contact: Marika Martinez
Ph: 1300 883 475 or 0449 570 102
E: info@womensownadventure.com.au
W: http://www.womensownadventure,com.au/

Cultural and Historical Adventure in beautiful Sabah, Borneo

If you are a woman who enjoys adventure travel, this Women's Own Adventure might be for you.

Explore a mystical land on our journey into Sabah, a place teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Malaysian Borneo is one of nature’s most exciting playgrounds. From rugged mountain tops to idyllic islands, this land is a blueprint for true adventure. Pockets of pristine wilderness cover much of these Malaysian provinces, but there are also some fascinating modern cities and contrasting traditional villages to be explored. We visit remote communities where our local friends introduce us to their traditions and customs. You’ll remember every minute of this unforgettable adventure!

This special trip combines the best elements of a wildlife adventure, cultural interaction with the local people as well as an important moment of our history. This trip is fully escorted by renowned Historian Lynette Silver, author of the internationally acclaimed book ‘Sandakan - A Conspiracy of Silence’.

In 1942-43, over 2,500 Allied prisoners of war were transferred from Singapore to Sandakan, Borneo, to provide slave labour for an airstrip. Three years later, at war's end, only six were left alive. The fate of the others remained shrouded in uncertainty and mystery until 1998, when Lynette Silver broke the conspiracy of silence which had lasted 53 years. Join her as she unravels the story behind Sandakan's tragedy - one of world War II's most deadly secrets.

Australian history and Australians at war in the Far East have been the passion of Sydney-based author Lynette Ramsay Silver for more than 20 years. Lynette, who has published a great deal of her research, has amassed comprehensive archival material on all her specialised subjects, particularly information on the fate of many hundreds of Allied soldiers and prisoners of war who died in Borneo (Sabah) in the Sandakan and Ranau POW Camps, and on one of the infamous death marches. Using data not readily available to the general public. Lynette is able to provide replicas of POW Death Records as well as other relevant information.

Lynette will provide expert historical commentary on the Death Marches of Australian and British POW’s during World War Two. She knows the Sabah region like the back of her hand, having travelled there extensively over many years. Experienced, local English and Malaysian speaking guides also accompany this trip.

The track cut for the death marches soon became completely overgrown and for sixty years defied all efforts to locate it. However, in August 2005, Australian investigative writer and historian, Lynette Silver, and Tham Yau Kong, Sabah’s premier trekking specialist, combined their considerable talents to identify the path taken by the prisoners of war. After sixty years, you too can now walk in the footsteps of the Death March heroes.

This trip offers a unique experience for those who are reasonably fit and with a spirit of adventure. The scenery is fantastic, and the historical and cultural experiences unforgettable.

You will also learn about ancient traditions, Homestay with the Dusun people, Get close and make friends with the amazing Orangutans, Witness sea turtles lay their eggs, Trek the Mt Kinabalu Heritage Walk, Be inspired by incredible views, Stay at the Sabah Tea Plantation, Enjoy scouring the local markets in Kota Kinabalu and spoil yourself with a massage and spa treatment.


Cultural and Historical Adventure in Sabah, Borneo
12days departing 31st July 2009
Price: $2,755 (land content only)
Package Price: $4,490 (including airfares and taxes)

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Contact: Marika Martinez
Ph: 1300 883 475 or 0449 570 102
E: info@womensownadventure.com.au
W: http://www.womensownadventure.com.au/

Share Your Travel and Bushwalking Stories

This blog is for you to share your travel stories with others. The stories can be as long or as short as you wish, you can make comments, or let us know of bushwalking tracks. Over to you!

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

WINNER

Women's Own Adventure is the WINNER of the Working Women's Network OUTSTANDING INNOVATION, 2008 award. This was awarded to Marika Martinez on Wednesday 10th December 2008 at the Gala Dinner and Awards Night held in Killara.

Amazon Jungle, the Final Frontier

Dawn in the Tambopata National Reserve, accessible only by boat, one and a half hours up river from Puerto Maldonado we find ourselves in the heart of one of the best preserved tropical rainforests in the world. The songs of hundreds of birds resonate in the ancient trees and the unique sound of the Howler Monkey reverberates in the jungle. So the peace of the early morning fog lifts in the jungles of the Peruvian Amazon.

After a 30 minute boat ride along the Tambopata River from our Eco Lodge we arrive at Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake with the anticipation of seeing for the first time the giant Otter, Caiman, Horned Screamers and an array of birdlife. The elusive Otter remained elusive this morning, however we were treated to a spectacle by the Horned Screamer and the Black Caiman while gently and silently floating across the lake.

For those with a quick reflex, a spot of fishing saw us catch Piranha from the Lake. These small fish with very sharp teeth turned out to be not quite the man eating fish that Hollywood has been known to portray, but I still would not like to be in the water with them.

The 3 days spent at the Eco Lodge were amazing, with our comfortable accommodation open to the sights and sounds of the jungle. Our group of women's own adventure travelers were treated to nature walks through the jungle where we observed the Parrot clay lick from a specially built blind. To our amazement there was a flurry of birds frightened away, and in the blink of an eye we had the absolutely unique sighting of an Ocelot (a large cat related to the Leopard) attempting to pounce on the unsuspecting Parrots and Macaws. It was right there in front of our blind, a mere 15 metres away and in clear view. We held our breath as the sighting lasted about a minute before the Ocelot disappeared back into the jungle.

That was certainly a once in a lifetime experience for us all. The Amazon Jungle, The Final Frontier was also the final part of our amazing Chile and Peru Adventure.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Machu Picchu - through the Sungate

The first view of the Citadel of Machu Picchu is absolutely amazing. You cannot help but to marvel at the sight. The lost city of the Incas is built on a saddle shaped ridge slung between 2 giant peaks. Near vertical slopes drop away on either side, down to a massive bend in the Urubamba River.

Looking down at the Citadel of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate

Looking up at the Sun Gate in the top left corner of the photo

Our group of adventurous women hiked up to the spectacular Sun Gate (INTIPUNKA), this is where the Citadel is viewed for the first time by those that trek the Inca Trail.

The second day visit to the Citadel saw us catch the early bus at 5.30am from Aguas Calientes, in order to experience the quiet and mystical feel of a sunrise over the Citadel. Even though the morning was shrouded in clouds, the surreal and spiritual experience was overwhelming.

Three members of our group led by our fearless leader Jose climbed the towering Huayna Picchu which is the pinnacle peak overlooking the Citadel. Pan, Sharn and Robina achieved the very steep climb to the top in 45 minutes, from where the view is spectacular.

We enjoyed a tour detailing the fascinating history and archeology of Machu Picchu, and the rest of the morning was spent walking through the ruins imagining the life that existed there. Machu Picchu should be experienced at least once in your lifetime.

The small town built over the Urubumba River below the mountain is called Aguas Calientes (meaning Hot Waters). It enjoys hot springs, a melting pot of people and plenty of market stalls, this was our overnight stopover.

Our journey then takes us to the bustling city of Cusco, filled with restaurants, shops, churches, museums and people from all over the world.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Across the Andes to the Sacred Valley

On the 28th of September we flew across the Andes mountains from Lima which is on the coast to Cusco which is in the mountains at 3,000 metres.

From here we traveled to the Sacred valley, a most beautiful valley with the Urubumba River flowing through the centre. We had the privilege of visiting the local Sunday markets in Chinchero which has got to be the most beautiful outdoor market in all of Peru, surrounded by snow capped mountains and spectacular scenery as far as the eye can see. Both Liz and myself were fortunate enough to celebrate our birthdays in this special place.

The following day we visited some of the archeological sites at Pisac and Olyantambo, along the Sacred valley. There is so much fascinating Incan history all around.

The next 2 days were spent trekking through beautiful hills and valleys with a backdrop of mountains and the most stunning vistas to arrive at a small community village where our group of Women's Own Adventure were greeted with the warmest welcome possible. As honored guests we helped the families plant 5 trees as a memorial of our visit to their community and had a wonderful opportunity to interact with these lovely people.

We stayed in their homes and spent time at the pre-school with the beautiful children. In the morning we trekked back to our lovely hotel in the Sacred valley to enjoy another wonderful Peruvian meal.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Our Chile and Peru Adventure has begun.

A group of 10 women travelling with Women's Own Adventure arrived in Santiago ready to practice our Spanish and get into the culture of South America. After a walking tour of this beautiful city we visited the Pre-Columbian Art Museum which has the most amazing art pieces from the whole of South America.

Today we had the pleasure of visiting the artisan market at Pueblitos Los Dominicos where beautiful arts are crafts are made by the very talented local artisans. The variety of creative pieces is amazing.

We were then met by our local chef who took us shopping for an array of fresh seafood and herbs for our cooking class of a mouthwatering Chillean meal. The afternoon was filled with plenty of local wine, great food and lots of laughs.

Tomorrow we leave for Lima, Peru where we will be met by Carmen and a group of small children from nearby villages. With Carmens help we are able to give gifts of clothing that we have brought to Peru for the poor families.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

In the Jungles of Borneo

The journey in Sabah, Borneo for our group of women adventure travellers is coming to a close after 14 days of adventures, challenges, new friends and exciting times. We have travelled by boat to our rough jungle camp on the Kinabatangan River where a night jungle walk reveled the Civet Cat near our camp. Having spotted an abundance of birdlife, monkeys and crocodiles on the river, we enjoyed a hot meal and a good nights sleep to the sounds of the jungle in hammocks.

The following day we were treated to a cooking class by the local village women where we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch and were entertained with a traditional dance. A homestay experience with local families really allowed us to appreciate the way of life in a small village.

One of the highlights of our trip was to see a large turtle lay her eggs on Turtle Island in the cool of the evening. Some 44 turtles came to lay their eggs on the island that night, with each turtle laying up to 100 eggs each.

Women's Own Adventure and the group of 11 women on this journey have jointly adopted a baby orphan Orangutan from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. These amazing creatures are fascinating to watch as they are rehabilitated back into the jungle. The wildlife experiences in Sabah, Borneo have been fantastic in a country that has very strong conservation policies.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

We climbed Mt Kinabalu

The summit of Mt Kinabalu at 4095 metres is the goal. Ten of us started the steep climb from the base at Kinabalu National Park from where the lofty peak can be seen through the fast moving clouds. The track winds over steep and rough terrain for 6km to Laban Rata at 3,250 metres, our overnight resting spot before the final 2.7km climb to the summit. The climb to Laban Rata took up to 8 hours of uphill slog. What a welcome sight was the lodge on the hill, with a hot meal and a warm bed waiting.

The final climb to the summit started at 2:30am the next morning (yes it was dark). We rugged up against the cold and climbed for up to 4 hours, I reached the summit at 6:45am to watch the beautiful sunrise. The view from the top was exhilarating and certainly worth the effort. To feel as though you are at the top of the world on a beautiful clear morning is absolutely fantastic.

However we were not done yet, as we still had another 7 hours of downhill to get back to the base of the mountain. The downhill was very hard on the legs, by the end of which we were limping along on sore knees and weary muscles. Relief was in sight in the hot springs of Poring, where we spent the next day recovering.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Good times with the Dusun people

We travelled by mini bus and 4 wheel drive vehicle to the village of Kiau Nuluh which is set among the lush green forest on the mountain side. The Dusun people number around 1,000 with another 3 nearby villages. Our reception was delightful with a special performance by the mothers group and a dance by the local children. With a spectacular backdrop of the surrounding mountains it was a wonderful afternoon with many smiling faces. The evening we were treated to the most delicious dinner as special guests of the village. The array of food cooked by the women was amazing, and all from local produce of the village. Then came the very potent rice wine which soon melted away the shyness of everyones attempts at both the Malaysian and English languages. The locals all loved the opportunity of talking to us and practicing their English. There were laughs and singing all around into the night.

The next morning we enjoyed the wonderful hospitality again with breakfast and a beautiful view. A morning village walk was in store where we ascended to a high point that gave us our first view of Mt Kinabalu, the peak forming an awesome rocky outcrop that would regularly disappear into the clouds. This will be our challenge in 2 days time!

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

ARRIVING IN SABAH

Our group of 11 adventurous women from as far afield as Esperance in Western Australia, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney landed at Kota Kinabalu on Friday 22nd August, 2008. We spent our first day and a half exploring the local markets (always a favourite) where beautiful batiks and sarongs were bargained for. The early morning was spent taking a speed boat to 3 of the nearby islands while the water was smooth as glass. The first island was our very own with no other people on it. The sand is white and the water is the most gorgeous turquoise in the shallows, here we happily swam and floated in the warm waters. What a joy after the wet and cold of Sydney. After exploring and swimming on the third island the boat ride back to port felt wonderful with the wind in our hair, the salt spray of the sea on our faces and the sun on our backs.

A little more time was spent exploring the local shops then for me and some of the others, a reflexology session was in order. An hour long foot massage...heaven. Tonight we are celebrating 2 birthdays, so there will be a special dinner with some local Lyche wine and a birthday cake. A celebration for us all!

The Malaysian people are friendly and beautiful. It is a joy to walk the streets and the markets without being harassed by street vendors.

Tomorrow we travel to the base of Mt Kinabalu and will stay in the homes of the Dusun people.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Sabah Advenuture in Borneo

We are to begin our Women's Own Adventure trip to Borneo on 22nd August. This trip will see us climb Mt Kinabalu. There are 11 women adventurers, 6 from Western Australia, 1 from Queensland and 4 from New South Wales. I will keep this blog updated during our trip.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure