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Isabella and Stav - Great North Charity Walk

By Isabella Vasiliou

Please help me raise vital funds for Médecins Sans Frontières

Dear family, friends and colleagues,


On the 9th of April, my Dad and I will be undertaking the 260km Great North Walk, as a duo unsupported trek. A journey of two weeks, ascending nearly the height of Mt Everest while carrying all our food, water and camping equipment to sleep under the stars.


We are doing this to raise vital funds for Médecins Sans Frontières Australia (doctors without borders) which exists to save lives by providing medical aid where it is needed most – in armed conflicts, epidemics, famines and natural disasters. This money will go towards supporting the most vulnerable people in need including those affected by the devastating Turkey and Syria earthquake.


Please consider donating, big or small - any contribution will make a difference. 


Thanks so much for your support!

Isabella & Stav :)

Please Support Medecins Sans Frontieres' work

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$9,759

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$10,000

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My Updates

Day 13- 21st April

Saturday 22nd Apr
Wow, we both can't believe this adventure is nearly over! Time has been an interesting thing since we've been out here - it feels like so long ago since we were home yet the individual days have flown by. There was a feeling of excitement as we packed up the tent for the last time this morning. We have gotten into such a routine - each evening Dad would cook dinner and clean up while I'd set up the inside of the tent, the sleeping bags, mats and pillows. And vice versa for the morning. Today was a long and hot day, however, involved a lot of streets and fire trials which made for quick walking. We were also greeted by a familiar friend once again- leeches. There were a lot of beautiful sections in today's walk and was a reminder that nature really is on our back door even if we live in a busy city. After a wrong turnoff, which added a few extra kilometres to our walk, we arrived at South Turmurra Girl Guides where we are staying the night and set up our mats and sleeping bags. We have a big day ahead of us and will start walking at 6 am tomorrow! Thank you to everyone who has been following the blogs! There will be one final upload and a reflection of the trip tomorrow! 

In total, we covered 23.5km and 700 metres of elevation! 

P.S. If you would love to come and see my Dad and me finish the walk, we will be at the Opera House stairs at 4 pm tomorrow!

Day 12- 20th April

Thursday 20th Apr
This morning started off in the rainy weather that we weren't able to escape all day! We hiked through Berowra Waters and Gaston Gorge, both providing spectacular views despite the fog! We were also greeted by many sections that felt more like rock climbing than hiking! We also had a bit of a precarious water-crossing due to some unstable pillars but we made it across nonetheless. Despite Cross lands Reserve being our original camping spot, we decided to push on and cover more kilometres, ending up at Tunks Crossing campsite for the night! Crazy to think that there are now only 2 days left! 

In total, we covered 21km and 685 metres of elevation! 

P.S. Less than 45km until Sydney!

Day 11- 19th April

Wednesday 19th Apr
This morning started off very foggy, presenting an eerie mood as we packed up camp at Brooklyn Dam. The first part of the day presented fairly flat walking before we descended down to Jerusalem Bay which provided stunning views of the entire bay. It was here we met a few different hikers undertaking various lengths of the GNW. It is always interesting to meet fellow hikers and hear about their experience of the track and any tips or tricks. After this, we had to climb up to Cowan train station where we filled up our bottles and had a great lunch from the nearby cafe. We were then greeted by a hard 4.5 km to our campsite at Ridge Top Campground. This provided flat walking for the first 2km before having to undertake a huge climb lasting for about 2.5km all the way to the ridge from the creek. This was extremely slow going and felt like it wasn't going to end. We eventually reached camp and had a lovely sunset over the valley. After dinner, we were invited by another Duke of Ed group to play games and warm up around the fire, which was great fun. 

In total, we covered 19.1km and 736 metres of elevation. 

P.S. The last 5 campsites in a row have all involved a steep climb of about 1 hour before reaching the camp. This a pattern we have noticed but are yet to properly comprehend when we say "Oh we only have a few easy kilometres left". 

Day 10- 18th April

Tuesday 18th Apr
Day 10 was a great day. It started off with a nice sleep-in after getting into camp very late the night before. We ended up leaving camp at around 9:45 am and heading to Wondabyne Station. This included a really steep climb out of where we camped before descending to the water line for the train station. We were also lucky enough to go past a beautiful waterfall where we filled up our bottles. Once reaching Wondabyne Station we caught the train to Brooklyn. This has become the updated version of the NW after the ferry from Patonga to Brooklyn stopped operating. It was very exciting getting on the train and realising that we are now getting into more familiar territory closer to Sydney. At Brooklyn, we enjoyed a great meal at the pub before having a final climb to our campsite at Brooklyn Dam. It was here I met some silver Duke of Ed students and played some mafia late into the evening. This was really fun and something different from a usual night on the GNW. It was also our first time camping with people. 

In total, it was a short day covering 8.5km and 292 metres of elevation. 

P.S. Fun fact! Wondabyne station is the only train station in Australia that doesn't have vehicle access. It can only be reached by boat or through walking 

Day 9- 17th April

Monday 17th Apr
Wow, it's day 9, crazy to think how time has passed! So slow yet so quick at the same time. It feels like we've been out here for ages! Today we started off early, leaving our campsite at 7 am and heading to Somersby Store. We were very happy to find the store open and enjoy a good tomato and cheese toastie as well as orange juice for my dad and chocolate milk for me! We were also able to fill up our water bottles which was much needed. Just as we were about to leave, we were approached by a man asking us where we were going, and we were quickly informed that the next section of the GNW that we were about to undertake had been closed just this morning due to infrastructure being washed away. This effectively means we would have had to take an extended route down a main road with no shoulder at all. Instead, he generously offered to give us a lift 10 minutes down the road, saving us so much time and effort. We were also given maps by Paul who had done the GNW 3 times! So thank you so much to Paul for helping us and Mark for driving us! We then crossed under the old Mooney Mooney Bridge and enjoyed pleasant but rocky walking for the rest of the day. It was a beautiful change of scenery and was very enjoyable with a few waterfalls along the way. 

In total we covered 21.5km and 809 metres of elevation! 

P.S. We have less than 100km to go until we reach Sydney Cove!

Day 8- 16th April

Monday 17th Apr
Day 8 was a long and hard day. We left Yarramlomg bright and early at 7 am determined to make the most of the morning and get in easy kilometres. After multiple landslides occurring on the main GNW track, we decided to walk the main road which was parallel to the original route, the infamous "Bumble Hill". This was a challenging first climb with not much shoulder on the road. However, lucky for us it was fairly quiet on this Sunday morning. After this road section, we finally passed into the bush again, staying on a fire trail with a bit of bitumen road for the next 15km. Today we saw our first walker in 4 days and were happy to have a good chat and hear all about the terrain we had yet to cover. We ended the day by setting up our tent in Palm Grove Reserve and enjoying lentils for dinner! 

In total we covered 22km

P.S. Today we saw bins labelled "Central Coast" instead of "Newcastle." This means we are one step closer to Sydney!

Day 7- 15th April

Saturday 15th Apr
Today was an exciting day! We were motivated to get up and get moving early at the excitement of seeing the family! The first 5km of the walk was filled with leeches which we are very much sick of now. We then ended up getting off track for about 1km before realising our mistake and turning back and getting on the right path. After this, we popped out of Cedar Brush Forest and started walking along a bitumen road which was much welcomed. This road provided quick, flat but most importantly leech-free territory! We were also lucky enough to see 3 kangaroos, lots of horses, cows and so many pretty butterflies! It was then extremely exciting and really nice to see the family and have a good meal with them. We are now all stocked up on food and a few fresh clothing items! Looking forward to the second week ahead! 

In total we covered 13km. 

P.S. We have exactly one week until we arrive at the Opera House!

Day 6- 14th April

Friday 14th Apr
After waking up with our tent covered in leeches, we were happy to be leaving our campsite behind. Today was a short day and what we called our "semi-rest day," as we were only covering 13.4 km. We were able to complete today by 1 pm due to the mostly flat fire trails which made for easy and quick waking. It was a nice change of pace once we reached Walkers Rest Campsite where we took our time in having lunch and slowly setting up the tent which was quite wet due to rain from the night before. We ended the night with a great fire. Hopefully enough to keep away the leeches and mosquitoes away! 

P.S. Tomorrow we are seeing Mum and Giselle for a food drop-off and a good meal as a family!

Day 5- 13th April

Friday 14th Apr
Day 5, although the shortest day so far, was definitely one of the hardest. We started the day with 500m of elevation out of Congewai Valley to reach the ridge line. This was incredibly slow going and left us with a low average pace of less than 3 km an hour. This was also where we entered some serious leech territory for the first time!! Even with our pocket knives constantly on hand, we weren't able to stop one without more gathering on the boot. We eventually finished this section and continued on a fire trail where we had lunch at Flat Rock Lookout which provided a great view. As soon as we were finished we were treated to a down poor of constant showers for the next 2 hours! We ended up setting up camp 2km earlier than expected due to fatigue and a slow pace! In total we covered 17.5km and 887 metres of elevation. 

P.S. We finally started going south today after days of going West!!! Also, it turns out my Dad had never played sudoku before, so I taught him how to play! 

Day 4- 12th April

Wednesday 12th Apr
Day 4 was a mixed bag. It started off with a bit of apprehension when getting out of the tent after spotting two snakes the night before in our cooking area. We then headed along a fire trial for about 6 kilometres with constant ups and downs. This was followed by another 6km on a single file trial which gave off eery vibes and was very isolated. After this, we finally completed our first National Park, Watagans National Park! We then followed a dirt road for the next 6.5km which provided a lovely change of scenery with horses, cows and the surrounding mountains! Overall we are pretty exhausted but are enjoying the beautiful scenery and each other's company. In total, we covered 18.5km. 

P.S. There may be no blogs in the coming days due to low reception. We have also been told by some passing hikers that we are about to pass into serious leech territory! 

Day 3- 11th April

Tuesday 11th Apr
We woke up to a chilly but sunny morning at a beautiful lookout. We immediately descended into the forest of Watagans National Park. This route was a single narrow track in dense foliage with numerous ups and downs. It was extremely hard going and we covered very few kilometres early in the day. After about 12km of this terrain, we finally emerged onto a fire trial for the rest of the day walking. Unfortunately for us, we had estimated about 16km until our camping spot, however, we discovered that only once we had completed the 16km there was still 12km more to go! We were lucky enough to pass by some generous mountain bike riders who after seeing us discover the water tank was empty, filled up our bottles and gave us a can of Coke. We then decided to keep going for another 5km and camp at a stunning lookout point- Narrow Place Lookout. We had our first leeches today and lots of wildlife including 2x wallabies, 1 sugar glider possum and 2 snakes right outside our tent! 

In total we covered 21km and approximately 1200m of elevation doesn't show up due to dense foliage).

P.S. Less than 200km to go! 

Day 2- 10th April

Monday 10th Apr
Day 2 began with a few sore bodies from the first day's long hike. We began with hiking along a busy road careful to use the shoulder to avoid any ongoing cars. Unfortunately, there was a lot of litter on the side of the road which is always disappointing to see! We then entered SugarLoaf State Park for about 7km. There were mainly fire trials and a lot of trail runners and motorcycles! After exiting the park we stopped at a petrol station for our final snack before heading up into Watagans National Park. This particular climb I had been dreading after first attempting it on a Duke of Ed hike. However, we took our time and I was really proud of how we overcame it. We then set up camp for the night at Heaton's Gap Lookout where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset and porcini mushroom and mashed potato for dinner. In total, we covered 21 km and 924 metres of elevation! 

P.S. A spider just crawled across my phone when I was writing this! That's how you know you're really in the bush!

Day 1- 9th April

Sunday 9th Apr

We couldn't believe the day had finally arrived after months of preparation! After having one of our last proper breakfasts, we set off from The Obelisk in Newcastle filled with nerves and also excitement! We first hiked along the coastline with great views of the beach and ocean. We were so lucky with the beautiful blue skies!! We had quite a few questions from adults and children alike about where we were going when we said Sydney they thought we meant the train until they were shocked to find by foot! We were lucky to pass through a few small towns today and picked up all the last-minute essentials we needed before heading into the proper bush in the coming days. We then travelled through some light bush sections before reaching Lake Macquarie and Teralba, our home for the night! We set up our tent in the caravan park as our last proper camping ground. In total, we covered 27.1km and are absolutely exhausted and quite sore! Looking forward to the next few days! Thank you so much to everyone supporting us! 


P.S. My trusty friend Jennet will be uploading these blogs whenever I have the reception to send them to her 


Isabella and Stav! :)

Route of the Great North Walk

Sunday 12th Mar

Thank you to my Sponsors

$527.50

Anonymous

Good luck from the whole Aboud family

$527.50

Haralambis Management Pty Ltd

good luck!

$500

Glenn Braid

Congratulations on such a great achievement in spending that much time with your Dad lol What a great school holiday you will never forget It definitely wasn’t a walk in the park all power to you both x

$500

Katina Vasiliou

So proud of you both and such a good cause

$274.30

Kate Vasiliou

Giselle and I are super proud of you both. You are both amazing inspirational people. Love Kate & Giselle xxxx

$263.75

John Georgopoulos

You’re both beautifully insane. May God bless you both and keep you safe. Love J

$263.75

Eras, Lara, Stephen

Stav and Isabella, you are both champions in our eyes for undertaking such an adventure! We wish you every success with your fundraising efforts and hope that the wind stays at your backs. Best of luck.

$250

Jennet And Family

So proud of your amazing efforts in this, can't wait to see the amazing things you'll continue to achieve in the future

$211

Vanessa Hurley

Am so proud of you Isabella. You are an inspiration! This is such a powerful cause and you and your Dad are special people. Best of luck. Take care!

$211

Dietmar Tucha

It’s going to be hard but I hope you enjoy it.

$211

Sharyn Kitchener

Congratulations Isabella & Stav - incredible achievement.

$211

David, Nicole & Remy

A very worthwhile cause and a wonderful adventure to share with your Dad. Incredibly inspiring, good luck!

$211

The Price Family

Wonderful - very proud of you.!

$105.50

Giselle Moore And Louise Jackson

$105.50

Go Souths!

$105.50

Jo, Rog, Marley & Jazzy

You are such an inspiration to our family and all those who know and love you. We are with you all the way! ❤️

$105.50

Chris And Anna Georgas

Well done, such an inspiration 🥰

$105.50

Brice Lacker

Congratulations Isabella and Stavros - great cause and good luck for the walk. All the best. Brice & family

$105.50

Nick Brown

Well done on undertaking this and I'm sure completing it too. I hope you're having a wonderful time with your dad. Say hello to him from me!

$105.50

Roger Jowett

Great job!

$105.50

Drew Beer

Great effort guys!

$105.50

Tracey Hamilton

Good on you both for supporting such an important charity

$105.50

Anonymous

$105.50

George Masselos

Good luck Isabella and Stav, great adventure and cause!

$105.50

Sia Goutzas

$105.50

Zara Dean

How inspiring. Have a safe journey for a worthy cause.

$105.50

Greg And Jackie

Amazing effort team. Love you guys! X

$105.50

Calista Burrowes

Best of luck guys! So proud of you my friend

$105.50

Lucy Jackson

$105.50

Scott & Alli Falconer

You are both an inspiration to us all. Congratulations on your epic success xx

$105.50

Andrew Murdock

What an incredible experience awaits you both. Good luck. And aloha!

$105.50

Olivia Aristides

$101

Chris Pocock

$100

Christine Cody

Amazing idea, tenacity, strength and willpower! Go Isabella and Stavros! Much love from S + C + A XXX

$100

Anonymous

$100

Leigh

What an absolute legend you are Isabella. An adventurous spirit and the will to help those less fortunate. I hope you get the most out of this wonderful experience with your dad. So proud of you! Leigh

$100

Seda

Congratulations and well done Isabella!

$100

Jeff Coulton

All the best for the walk Isabella & Stav!

$100

Kevin And Maragaret Culbert

Great work Isabella and Stav, we are very proud of you. Love Nanna and Pa xxxx

$100

Jw

Inspirational Stav and Isabella. Well done!

$100

Daniel Beadle

Have fun!

$88.62

Alex Rosenwax

$88.62

Anonymous

You are truly inspiring, keep going - you are almost there! Just 300km to go

$84

Jason Watts

You guys are crazy, Wishing you a safe journey on your adventure. Jason & Polona

$79.13

Jack James

From Jack and Linda, Great job guys! What an awesome adventure it must be!

$73.85

Gordon Shanon Higman

GO ISABELLA, YOU CAN DO IT!!

$52.75

Andrew Sexton

An inspiration to us all, thank you

$52.75

Campbell Fuller

$52.75

Zahli Webber

Good luck on your huge trek Isabella and Stav. Hope it all goes well and the weather stays dry for you. Giselle will give both you and your dad an hour long foot massage when you get back ; )

$52.75

Hayley Gunsberger

Amazing! You got this!

$52.75

Gunsberger Family

Good luck from the Gunsbergers!

$52.75

Sarah

So proud of you!

$52.75

The French Family

Go Isabella and Stav! Great cause ❤️

$52.75

David Messum

Well done Isabella and Stav!

$52.75

Jessica Ruan

Keep it up!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

$52.75

Penny Whormsley

Amazing effort. Very inspirational. You should be so proud of yourselves.

$52.75

Nicola Steele

What an amazing effort Isabella!!

$52.75

Campbell Fuller

$52.75

Jude N Steve

Brilliant well done you two!!

$52.75

Kirran & Rebecca

Get after it!!

$52.75

Patricia Oswald

Great cause Isabella and Stav ! Good on you both for making such an effort !

$52.75

Alison

I hope you have an amazing and memorable walk Isabella and Stav, this is awesome.

$52.75

Sue Davies

Brilliant.

$52.75

David Alam

$52.75

Clea And Shanon

Good on you Isabella

$52.75

Jordan Russo

Good luck Isabella!

$52.75

Natalie Watts

GO ISABELLA!

$50

Lauren Culbert

You are amazing for doing this! Have a great time!!!! Xx

$50

Poppy

Amazing work Stav and Isabella

$50

Rachel Dennett

What an inspiration!

$50

Amy Smith

Such great work!! Well done

$44.31

Eric Ravier

Bravo Isabella, you are really brave or reckless to commit yourself on these 269km with your father! What a fabulous moment of sharing, what unforgettable memories of wonderful moments and of course of difficulties with rain or lack of water, tiredness and wrong directions. But you are fantastic! Good luck to you all!

$44.31

Mike Kwok

Awesome work and all the best for the walk!

$44.31

Barry Mourad

Well done Warriors massive achievement!

$44.31

Hue Ling

Congrats Stavros & Isabella. Great works❤️

$44.31

Lara Beer

so proud of you friend!!! literally one of the coolest things anyone could ever do with their time and effort. can’t wait for you and your dad smash it! i love you 🫶

$44.31

Ben Heuston And Family

Go Stav and Isabella!

$44.31

Lily Taylor

All the best Isabella!

$42.20

Byron O'connell

Great work Isabella and Stav!

$42.20

Adrian Todesco

Congratulations Isabella and Stav! Great work!

$42

Leigh B

What a great adventure and a great cause Isabella. Relish these special moments with your dad, you’re going to make some awesome memories together 👍👏❤️

$31.65

Julie Dilger

$31.65

Paul Arundel

$31.65

Ellen

Congratulations on your achievement!

$31.65

Michele Mcgrath

You are amazing Isabella - what an inspiration!

$31.65

Darren Crouchley

$31.65

George And Licia Pappas

Bravo good great cause

$31.65

Jon Bloomer

Good luck with the walk, great challenge for a great cause well done.

$31.65

Eddy

Go girl!!

$31.65

Tamsin Hunter

Go Isabella and Stav, what a great cause! Have a wonderful hike.

$30

Maurice Pantaleone

So proud of you both and wish you all the very best in your journey.

$30

G.i.

Good on you guys have a great walk.

$30

Izzie

Congratulations Isabella on such an amazing achievement!

$30

Claire Crowe

Ye guys just ROCK !

$21.10

M Ireland

Keep hydrated

$21.10

Bev Gait

Great job Stav & Isabella!

$21.10

Lucy

Good luck both of you. So proud of you, Isabella, what you're doing is super cool. I hope the weather is good for the hike, good luck <3

$20

Nikki

Great work Isabella and Stav

$20

Anonymous

What a wonderful adventure for such a great cause! Good luck to both of you.

$10

Steph

Good luck from England :)

$10

Tahlia

Keep walking and doing an amazing job

$5.28

Riad Agnache