Adventurers of The Eventurers Number 8

 Adventurers of The Eventurers Number 8

Warburton Trail Festival 2021

The Warburton Trail Run Festival is a three day celebration of all things trail and mountain lifestyle from Saturday, 6 March to Monday, 8 March 2021.

The festival features a range of trail runs from 4.5km through to 50km and includes a feature film screening, a trail seminar, live music and the Lilo Dash 'n Derby, where trail running meets water-sports.

The event is in the Warburton Valley, only an hour and a half from Melbourne's CBD, and is centred on the quaint valley township of Warburton with all its quality cafes and accommodation making it the perfect long running weekend getaway for all the family.

Organiser

Tour de Trails

This Event is Fun and we test all of our skills new and old at this event/s. Our logistics is tested and after last years event we decided early for our accomodation was to be very close to the action. So we booked the Warburton Lodge, found right in the middle of Warburton, 6 weeks in advance. 

We arrived 1 day before the event to recheck our plan. We had decided that we would attempt to get every runners, to the best of our ability. This meant, Saturday, 50km lumberjack, 25km Redwood run and the 4.5km run. Velta to photograph the runners through the Redwood forest being there well ahead of the runners and get a lift back to the finish line. Ian to photograph the 50km Start, River crossing at High Lead. Make his way back to the finish line to get all the 4.5 and 25km finish line and the 50km finishers. 

Experience also tells us that water and shade were needed at the finish line. Ian always enjoys hanging out with the MC's Pete and Nathan and enjoying the tunes. (bonus) He also like capturing all the runners with the highs and lows of trail running being captured. (Spare Battery and Card at the ready) 

Velta had fun at the Redwood forest and was challenged by the lack of light but struggled on and still captured great shots. The other photographer at the Redwood Forest was KRYSTLE WRIGHT. We had the opportunity to listen to her story so far which we found in some ways aligned to our journey but without the Antarctica adventures and National Geographic and Base jumping, so similar!!!

Velta returned to the finish line with assistance from the Cello player (who played in the Redwood Forest) and we discussed between runners coming in our day so far. Many photos were taken capturing all the emotion/s of the peoples success on the day. Ian's bright orange hat with the Pink vest blended in with all the colorful garments worn at these events.

Part of the plan was to capture runners crossing the final river crossing. Ian was ready to go and proceeded to the crossing. Waist deep into the water he went to take photos from over the log placed by nature enhanced by Warburton Adventure Company.

Half way through the allocated 2 hours Ian was going to be there, "CARD FULL". yep spare in the car!!! off to the car, no spare card, it was at the finish line. Spare camera was there, thank goodness, wide angle lens attached. Ian took that and got even better photos, fortune favors the lucky...2 Hours passed and as agreed Ian headed back to the finish line. Pizza from the Food van/s was consumed between runners and water consumed. Once again a great vibe was felt at the finish line a great group of people. We are so glad we know them all. Day was done.

Plan for the next day was mulling over in our heads. Sitting outside our room, we decided that we should attempt to get all the runners on the Sunday. Including the two 4.5km runs, the Double Donna 22km and the 14km Sawmill Grove Run. How to make it happen?

Ian drop Velta up on the aqua duct trail, make her way along the trail and rove to the location the Double Donna come down the mountain across the aqua duct trail.

Ian proceed to the Little Redwood Grove and capture all the 4.5km runners. Ian The rush back to capture the finish line for all events.

Back with the MC's and finish line crew and tunes (happy place). Velta to make her way back to the finish line before 230pm.

Ian serenaded Velta with the INXS song Never tear us apart and finish line photos were taken by the dozen. The Little Redwood grove was perfectly lighted and great photos also taken. At 2.30pm the Event Known as the Three Thong Thang was taking place on the oval. This is a 800m sprint where the participants are to wear three thongs from start to finish. Included in this sprint is a jump. Velta selected the jump Ian the start and Finish lines. This is a really fun and revealing event where speed is essential. More Fun!

Off to the seminar. LIFE THROUGH THE ADVENTURE LENS

Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Krystle Wright is an adventure photographer and director whose clientele includes the likes of National Geographic, Red Bull and Patagonia. On Sunday afternoon, she'll be sharing tales from the trail (and mountains and rivers and cliffs and even paragliders) giving insight into what it takes to be regarded as one of the best adventure photographers on the planet, along with revealing the behind the scene stories to some of her most well-known images and a few tips on how to capture the best adventure imagery be that on an iPhone or a pro DSLR. This was very insightful.
A small break, some food and then we prepared for the 8pm - 9km Little Joe’s Terror Night Run START from Cog Café.

That night the weather was good, we set up our flash equipment on stands, measured our spacing, set up fairy lights and the camera. We had some great test models including some ever helpful medics and a group of young people who were with their parents. We set this up on the rail trail for safety and ease of carrying. Went off very well. Finally decided to pack up at 1015pm as it had been a big day. Off to bed! zzzzzz
Monday: 10am* - 3km Lilo Dash ‘n Derby / start from Footy Club after we packed up the car to make a quick exit.
Event rules: Any inflatable that can float YOU will suffice. We suggest sturdy ones that can take a rock bruising, something like a 'surf lilos' or tyre tube. One person per inflatable. Children U/12 require adult supervision. EVERYONE MUST have mandatory HELMET and FOOTWEAR!!
Last year we sat at the finish line and waited. This year we decided to capture the run section and some of the up river antics. Then the finish line. Laughter was abound as was the colour and different craft designs, some good, some anchors.

Finally it was over, many a story to be told. Photos of the overall winners taken and farewells exchanged and we set off for home.

Arrived home 3hours later, greeted by the Cats and Chickens. Unpacked car, cleaned clothes, cameras and charged batteries. Let the Processing begin. This was a big three days and many many many photos taken. We worked until unable on Monday, Ian up at 4am to do some more, Velta up at 6am, we stopped to buy a car at 1pm. A red Subaru, no more UTE. Had been informed that the Razorback time slot had been given a cold weather alert so we purchased some new thermals. Back home and continued on with the photos. We finish them at 12 lunch time on Wednesday, all up (or so we thought) the power went out a few times through the processing process and some did not go on. We were told by helpful competitors that some were missing and this was corrected. GRRR. Any way all done. Teasers put on and the reactions were pleasing.

Lessons learnt: Card and Battery close by (AGAIN). Check up loads twice. New spots on the course were great. Redwood Forest is hard in low light. Having Accommodation close is a great idea.
Best bits: The whole event is a great occasion, great people, vibe, supporters, volunteers and participants. So much Fun. Our Night shots were what we had planned for. :)
Already planning for next year. Thank you to all the photo purchasers! It is what drives us to get great memories for you.

Adventures of The Eventurers Number 7 Baw Baw Run Fest

 Adventures of The Eventurers 

Number 7 

Baw Baw Run Fest

Forming part of the Running Wild "Alpine Runs" Series the Mt Baw Baw Trail Run offers something for everyone. Whether you're new to trail running or are a seasoned marathon runner you're sure to have a fantastic experience.

Distances: 1 km—4 km—7 km—15 km—21 km—36 km—44 km
Date: Saturday, 27th February 2021 — 15/21/36/44 km runs
Sunday, 28th February 2021 — 1/4/7 km runs
We have photographed this event several times. We like to think that we can capture it differently each time. to ensure or even attempt this we have to appreciate the actual region. Mt Baw Baw is snow gums and boulders, single tracks and hills. Misty (cloudy) mornings, and alpine days. So we decided that we capture the runners in this. 

Plan. Saturday: Ian to go to Shelter Rock in the morning with Velta. Velta to stay at the board walk region out of the Baw Baw border and Ian stay at Shelter Rock and capture all runners going through the three ways. Ian had also volunteered to be the marshal. Velta was to be the roaming photographer and Ian was to capture all the runners and return when the Sweep had passed him for the final time.

Saturday morning we were given a lift form Amon from the resort to the edge of the National Park. We made our way to our allocated spots. Ian did not have to wait long before the first three runners made their way down to Mt Erica. Lucky Ian has learnt from the many times of being caught unprepared, get your camera ready first. Test camera..... be prepared!. Velta found a rock to stand on to get a different perspective and also found the mud patch that all runners had to tiptoe through. Photos looked great!

At Shelter Rock, Ian had runners coming from all directions and this kept him busy. the cool weather had settled in and he was wearing all layers to keep the cold out. He also heard a thud when a runner fell on her way out to Mt St Gwinear. She seemed to be ok despite the black eye and blood pouring from her mouth. Ian asked every runner who would have passed her if she was ok. She was!

The sweep made his way to Ian on the return from Mt Erica Carpark. I had noticed that the two slower runners had not made it before him. This bought about some confusion. No comms with Race director, we made all effort to contact him, luckily the two runners appeared and the race continued. The Sweep made it quick time out to Mt St Gwinear and back. Ian was free to return to the finish line. A good day. Velta got some great photos as well. 

Sunday: 1, 4 and 7km runs. 

Plan: Ian go up the trail, capture 7km and move down for the 4km and 1 km. Velta at the finish line..

All went well, event finished, we packed and helped Paul pack and home we went, 1.5 hours, Arrived home to Cats and Chickens happy to see us, Unpacked car, Photos processed, batteries charged, cameras cleaned clothes washed. Ready for Warburton Trail Festival.

Photos all on Geosnapshot Tuesday 330pm.

Learnt: Always pack cool weather clothes (We had and happy we did). Take what is there, do not try to make it what it is not.

Favorite bits, Warm accommodation, (Thanks Paul) Good food and a great group of runners. 

The Adventures of The Eventurers Number 6

The Adventurers Of The Eventurers 

Number 6

Oscars Hut 2 Hut and The Archie

2021

Well, here we go again. Once again our endeavour is to capture Trail Runners in different stages of out on the trails having fun and experiencing life. The Oscars Hut 2 Hut and the Archie at Mt Buller was and is a great challenge for us.
Having completed the Recon to the Crosscut Saw and made a good plan we were organised, or so we thought!
The announcement that there was to be a snap Covid-19 lock down for 5 days put everything into disarray.
While the organisers where also in "Plan B" mode so where we. Waiting for the new plan and then waiting to see if it was going ahead. 
As Plan B was announced we went into our Plan B as well. We chatted with Chris Ord about Plan B and we changed accordingly. 

1. Arrive Mt Buller Thursday evening, get into accommodation (really nice)

1. Check in with Race Director and Medical crew to get a radio

1. Pack gear.

1. Awake at 0400 to move to top of the mountain to obtain light trails of 5 am runners start of Hut 2 Hut day 1.

1. Velta to stay at Mt Buller

1. Ian to go to 4 mile, (1 hour Drive). Park Ute and capture runners as the make their way up 4 mile spur. Camp the night and capture day 2 on the way back down 4 mile spur. Reverse of day 1. 

1. After getting the day 2 morning shots race down the 4 mile spur, get into Ute drive to Pikes flat and then walk into Richie's hut and capture runners at river crossing and along the trail, Velta to get morning shots of Day 2 Hut 2 Hut and Archie's runners. including finish line.

1. Ian make way back to Ute, drive up to Mt Buller and help with finish line.

That was the plan....... But!!!!
First 5 steps worked great. Ian had not been to 4 mile camp ever. Missed the turn off and arrived at 6 mile (yup 2 miles further along) Burty Burt is nearly always the 1st runner when he is at an event. Did not want to miss him and who ever was chasing him. So stop, park, get camera out and there he was! Got the shots, chasing him was Tom Dade and two other runners not far behind, Phew got them. Put on the pack..

The Pack. Over night in the mountains means tent, sleeping bag, mat, extra food, extra clothing, spare batteries and camera gear, first aid kit, 3 litres of water, PLB (Personal Location Beacon) and the Radio. A few extra Kilos..
Ian made his way around the trail to 4 mile (3 km away) capturing runners as they progressed in the same direction. 


It is a very picturesque trail high along the Howqua  river, curving with the winding flow. A hot day but shady along the trail. Arrived at 4 Mile check point, The Westfoldians' were doing a great job and service here. 









He departed to the river and enjoyed the cool river before the trek up 4 MILE SPUR!!
                                    
4 Mile Spur:










Having had discussions and listened to many peoples thoughts and experiences on this Spur, Ian had considered this to be an adventure and challenge. Boy was he right! The approximately 45 degree incline up this spur with the oppressive heat and the weight on his back made for an interesting trek. Stopping to take photos on the way of the runners (walkers) making their way capturing the smiles and grimaces plus giving the encouraging words to urge them onward to the top.  Ian enjoyed the break to take this shots. As the incline seemed to never end, breaks were taken more often. 
        
                                    

Ian met two of the wonderful Medics on the trail. Karen and Julie looked at him and ask if he was OK? After a discussion and finding out he still had 4 km to go, Ian decided to sit on a beautifully located log across the trail and take a break, eat, take photos of runners and contemplate THE PLAN.  
We are always changing the plan to suit the situation. In this case the ambitious plan was to be changed. Taking into account all the other parts of the plan mentioned above, this was not going to work!
New Plan...
Walk back down 4 Mile Spur. Make way back to Ute. Rethink the Plan.


                                    

Made it down to the River to find the Sweep team enjoying the cool river.
Hot, tired and weary Ian decided a warm shower, warm food and warm bed would work nicely and start the next day with another plan. No phone coverage to let Velta know the new plan. Drove out and got into phone range to let Velta that we needed a revised plan. Velta was going to make her way to the summit of Mt Buller and leave the finish line to Ian. Ian arrived back at finish line and thunder was heard from above. Race stopped. Poles were given in to check points and The summit was closed for safety reasons..
All runners in the Briefing for Archies had begun.

















Velta was part way up summit and was turned around. She made her way back to the finish line.




 Once this precaution was lifted and Velta was finally with Ian at the finish line, food was had and it was time for the new Plan. 
Day 2. Archie and part two of the Oscars Hut2Hut.
Plan: Velta and Ian to go to the base of Mt Buller. Capture night shots, light trails and sunrise. Once all the Oscars had left, Velta stayed to get the Archie runners and Ian to drive to the start line and get the Start of the Archie. Ian then drive to Eight mile (1Hour away). Capture runners and make his way to Richie's Hut and get photos at the 10 river crossings. be back by 2pm to help with finish line and or summit photos. 





Great plan. all good until the 10 river crossing and the walk to Richie's Hut. Arrived at Eight Mile check point. Geared up captured some runners and made his way to the river and all of the crossings. This was great. Got some great photos. 

Arrived half way and in the middle of the river when the little message on his camera stated that CARD FULL!...Lucky he done the Mobile phone course (Back up camera!)  Ian made his way to the river bank, changed cards, checked battery! LUCKY! that was close to flat. Changed all and back into the river to capture more runners. It is a really beautiful area and the river was clear and scenic.
Finally Ian found Richie's hut. Greeted warmly and with Coffee! WooHoo! 


Ange and Martin did a great job. 

Ian stayed and hour refuelled and capture runners at the hut. Ian asked Angie what time it was expecting it to be about 930ish.....NO 1130...! No way was he going to make it to Mt Buller by 2pm. Off he went to capture all the remanding runners and sweeps! Did this and made haste to get to the Ute and return to Buller. 
 On return to Mt Buller Velta was on her way to the summit again, but was turned around due to a storm producing thunder and lightening. Ian drove to the summit car park when this was safe to do so.  The Fire watch guy at the top said to be aware as more storms were on they way (Bewdy great photos). Did not eventuate.

Ian came down from the mountain After capturing the emotion of the runners getting their page as proof they had made it to the top of Mt Buller, Ian came down from the mountain and met up with Velta. Our Rory Lights were running low, spare batteries were in the room.....grr. Fixed and improved photos.
We then captured all the emotion of a finish line. 




So glad we were both there as there was a lot happening. It is quite magical when the emotions are running high and the crowd are cheering every runner to the end line. Smiles, tears and relief is everywhere. These people, the trail running community are such a positive group, it is a pleasure to be around them.

The sweeps made their way in. 

The Sweeps are the guardians in the field, they provide the evidence that all have made it and all are safe. Our cameras can rest. Back to our room for a rest before the journey home the next day.

Up early Monday morning, breakfast had, ute packed and off we go home 5 hours. 

Arrive home, Cats and chickens greet us. So begins the next phase, processing the photos. Plus unpack car, charge batteries, clean cameras, clean clothes.

Photos processed and uploaded by 0530 Tuesday morning. Phew!

Things learnt from this event. 

It is a long way up Four Mile. Always have spare card and battery within reach. 

Best parts..... Early morning shots, Emotion at the finish line, we both survived! Our flexibility shone through again, accomodation was grand, Thanks Andy!

Things to improve. The river crossings could be better, can we carry less? Carry Spare cards and Battery on ones self!

Thank you to all involved and especially the purchasers of our photos, we are doing our upmost to capture you in the event.

Rest and get ready for Mt Baw Baw!