What is Bluff Knoll?

Well, the definition of bluff and knoll literally means “a little round hill presenting a nearly perpendicular front”.

Geographically it is located in the Stirling Ranges, about 80 km north of Albany in the southwest of WA. It rises to an impressive 1,099  meters above sea level… a “little round hill”… I don’t think so!

To our enthusiastic group of Adventurous Women, Bluff Knoll meant an unforgetable challenge – an opportunity to push themselves way outside their comfort zones and do their first ever multi-pitch abseil down the 280 meter face! Without doubt, one of the most challenging abseils possible in WA!

So, did we just rock up (pardon the pun) and throw ourselves off the top? I don’t think so. Under the wonderful guidance of our friends from Adventure Out, we started with a bit of horizontal abseilling between some pillars. Yes, horizontal abseiling… but this was more complicated than it sounds because we were learning and practicing the necessary new techniques required for a multi-pitch abseil. This involved making sure we were “C for safe” before the extensive use of our “carribeans”, and “pushits”. Translation – checking our harness straps were doubled-back forming a ‘C’, and using carabiners and prussics! Phew – everyone’s got a lot to learn!

Having mastered the horizontal abseil it was off to the real thing. Castle Rock – here we come with all our ropes, very flattering harnesses, helmets etc… we’re ready! Coming together as an incredibly supportive, encouraging team after some hesitant starts we all mastered the ‘baby slope’ in no time. We’ve graduated to the next step - the 50 meter drop, complete with freefall past the overhang … Castle Rock! Awesome! So awesome in fact that we all did it multiple times. No stopping us now!

The next day, it’s off to Bluff Knoll – how gorgeous it is through all the beautiful color changes of the sunrise. But, no point hanging around admiring from the bottom… off up to the top we go! After some huffing and puffing, onwards and upwards we go… soon to reap the rewards of amazing views, a full 360 degrees for miles in all directions.

Now to put all our newly acquired skill into practice… one by one,  it’s over the edge we go, down the first 50 meter pitch. The views… unbelievable! The adrenalin rush… fabulous! On down we go, tagging off one rope, onto the safetly line, then onto the next rope, a thorough check by our abseil buddy, then off down the next pitch!! Yee ha! TIme for a breather… a bit of a re-group and “High Tea” on a ledge aptly named Prickle Traverse. Yes, we really did have a lovely cuppa up there.

Three more pitches to go – we’re real pros now, and having an absolute blast. But watch out for the trees, they don’t make soft landings.. they have sharp pointy bits… and they pick-pocket unsuspecting water bottles!

Bitter sweet feelings as we reach the end of the rope on the 5th abseil pitch. We’ve all done it, but there are no more abseils, we’re done!!

Oh wait, no we’re not… we’re part way down the mountain, we have to trek back UP the 280 meters to the top.. No worries, we head off following “Brendan Grills” as he leads us on a merry chase, bush bashing and scrambling our way to the top.

From the bottom as the sun sets we look back up over the mountain, and reflect on our amazing experience.

We came, we made new friends, we saw, we challenged ourselves, and we conquered… together!!

…as you can see by our video below…he nearly kissed her!!!

Bearded Pig of Borneo

Packing for a summer holiday must be one of the most enjoyable varieties of organisation but as with anything that involves decision making, it can be fraught with stress.

One in three women admit to becoming more of a “stress-head” in the lead up to a holiday, according to research from online travel agent Lastminute.com.au.

Our Inspirational Speaker:  West Aussie, Sue Oldham

While best known for becoming the world’s oldest woman to cross the English Channel at the age of 65 in 2010, Sue got a very late start in the sport.

Jumping into the ocean in her 40′s, Sue simply gathered steam over the next two decades and has improved from someone who could barely swim 25 metres in a pool, to setting the bar for those in the second half of their life.

More people successfully climb Mt Everest than complete the swim across the English Channel, therefore to achieve such a feat, particularly at her age & given that she is epileptic, is nothing short of inspirational and amazing!  Come and listen to Sue’s story…Age is No Limit and some adventurers just get better with age!!!

Part Proceeds of this event will go towards Sue’s chosen charity – Medical research at the Menzies Research Institute in Tasmania

Cost: $50 Public Admission or
$35 Adventure Plus Member Price …..and includes:

• Guest Speaker – Sue Oldham (around 6.30pm)
• A glass of Bubbly on Arrival
• Mouth Watering Canapes
• Lucky Door Prize

To Book Your Place (Numbers are limited), please click on the YOUNG AT HEART link.

1) Forget The Number

The size on your sports bra doesn’t matter — it’s the fit that’s important. So, forget what’s on the tag. As any woman knows, sizes can vary wildly between companies and even styles from the same manufacturer. The most important thing is how the bra fits. After all, no one but you knows what number is on the tag.

2) Is Your Bra Too Big?

Whether you purchased the wrong size or you’re wearing a bra that’s been stretched out beyond recognition, there are ways to tell if your bra is too big. A bra that’s too big will gap, sag and bag all the while leaving your breasts unsupported as you exercise. If your straps are too big, they’ll be constantly sliding off your shoulders, something that’s annoying no matter what you’re doing. However, the opposite is true — if your straps are digging into your shoulders, that’s a key sign that your band size is too big because your shoulders are carrying the load, so to speak.

If the tops of the cups stick out from your breasts or bunch up, then you’re likely wearing a bra with the wrong cup size. The bra is also too big if your breasts are moving around within the cups or while you jog in place. If either of these occur, take your cup size down a letter.

3) Is Your Bra Too Small?

If you’re wearing a bra that’s too small, you could be plagued with unsightly rolls of ‘back fat.’ Even the most slender women can have their skin bunch up if the band of their bra is too small. Have you ever seen a skinny girl wearing jeans that are too tight? Even a size two can have the dreaded muffin top if she’s wearing a pair of size zero jeans and the same can happen with your bra. Also, check your skin after you remove your bra. If you have a red band around your torso or difficulty breathing, then it’s too tight.

If your breasts are spilling out over your bra and look lumpy under your shirt, you’re probably wearing the wrong cup size. Also, lift up your arms and make sure your cup is fully covering the side of the breast. If your cup isn’t, the cup size is too small so size up.

4) How To Find The Perfect Size

Having a professional bra fitting is the best way to know if you’ve got the right size. Although you might be embarrassed about having a stranger measure your breasts, don’t be! The women who conduct professional bra fittings have seen it all — it’s very likely you don’t have anything they haven’t seen before.

If you’re feeling shy though, just get out your tape measure. Your perfect bra depends on your bust measurement minus your rib cage measurement, plus 3 or 5, depending on your size. Then, if possible, try on the bra before you buy. If you like to shop online (and who doesn’t!), buy multiple sizes and styles so you can ensure you’re receiving a perfect fit.

Wearing the right size sports bra does more than just keep you supported. The right bra can help you look great, even at the gym. If you’re not thinking about your sports bra while you exercise, you’re probably wearing the right one. If you’re bouncing or sliding around, or you’re having problems breathing, it’s time to get shopping!

More Bra Resources:

Five Specialty Bras to Fit Your Healthy Lifestyle

Six Shapewear Tips For Getting A Slim Look While Staying Healthy

The Ultimate Bra Fit Checklist for Looking Good and Feeling GREAT

About the Author:

Cindy Prosser

Cindy Prosser is a former underwear model turned freelance writer and mommy. She’ll happily commit to wearing her Enell Sports Bra so long as she’s not obligated to do any exercise She does occasionally get out for a run with the jog stroller when she’s not busy writing for Bare Necessities.

With more than 700 pages of the best info, independent advice and great fun you’d expect from Kaz Cooke, author of Up The Duff, Kidwrangling and Girl Stuff this is THE book every Australian woman truly needs if they want to know anything about everything from confidence, body image, eating, health, hormones, bosoms, hairy bits, love, heartbreak, to sex, mental health, wrinkle creams, cosmetic surgery, friends, sleep, home, false eyelashes and menopause.

Best of all, there’s no fibs, faff or fakery…

Women’s Stuff also includes more than 2,000 illuminating, amazing, hilarious and heartbreaking quotes from real women who shared their own secrets and stories.

Catch Kaz Cooke on tour talking about her new book Women’s Stuff between now and early December in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth :  Adventurous Women check her out … Click here for date/venue

Media Release

November 08, 2011

Adventurous Women has been named one of Australia’s ‘Coolest’ businesses in Anthill Magazine’s Sixth Annual Cool Company Awards.

Specialist Travel & Adventure Company just for the girls, Adventurous Women has scored a place among Anthill’s Top 50 in its 2011 Annual Cool Company Awards, a national program developed in 2006 to recognise Australian companies that are doing things differently to bring about positive change.

Over 700 aspiring ‘cool companies’ were nominated for the 2011 awards, making ‘The Cools’ one of Australia’s largest business awards programs. The winners will be announced at an award’s function on Thursday 24 November 2011 and published on AnthillOnline.com.

“The Cool Company Awards are extremely egalitarian,” said James Tuckerman, Editor-In-Chief, Anthill Magazine. “Previous winners have included two-person start-ups, not-for-profit social enterprises, large private companies and publicly-listed corporations.”

“Judging takes into account far more than mere business variables, such as revenue and wealth. The criteria is geared to consider other qualities, from the disruptive nature of the product or service to the culture of the organisation.”

“Applicants either nominated themselves or were nominated by peers, work colleagues, family, friends and other ‘admirers’. A field of hundreds was examined (and cross-examined) before our judges were able to isolate three Finalists for each of our seven categories.”

What are Cool Company Awards?

The Cool Company Awards was launched in 2006 as a way for Anthill Magazine to publicly acknowledge and celebrate Australian organisations that are doing things differently to bring about positive change. In its sixth year, the awards attracted nominations from over 700 organisations, making it among the largest business award programs in Australia.

What is Anthill Magazine?

AnthillOnline.com is a digital business magazine that celebrates creativity, inspiration and commercial ingenuity, providing a fresh, exciting and practical perspective on Australian business in a global world. It is among the Top 50 Business & Finance websites in Australia, as ranked by Nielsen Online Ratings, and is home to the Cool Company Awards, the 30under30 and the Smart 100. It’s where ideas and business meet.

For further information:

Sue Hile, 1300 388 419, sue@adventurouswomen.com.au

After relaxing with a few bevvies and snacks on the bus, lots of chatter and laughs and already new friendships were blooming. One of the best parts of every AW event is definitely the fabulous group of women!

Discovery 2: Damp wood at the deer farm generates more smoke than fire… but after much huffing and puffing (and a tweak of the ‘on switch’) Dave surprises us all with a toasty, roaring fire.

Discovery 3: Mother Nature is a fabulous woman!!  Saturday starts in the best way possible with a gorgeous walk… and within minutes of arriving at the Walyabrup Sea Cliffs Mother Nature turns on a fantastic show with 3 breaching whales and a pod of at least 20 dolphins frolicking, surfing and jumping through the waves!!

But back to business, we’re here for abseiling, and what a fantastic time we have!! After a bit of practice and overcoming some butterflies on the nursery slope we all graduate with style up to the big cliff. Those dolphins watching would have thought we were all pros… eventhough most of us  were definitely still on our L plates! Woo Hoo – that makes Discovery 4 –  we can do it!!

Discovery 5: Taking one small step at a time, trusting each other and not looking down, is definitely the way to succeed at rock climbing. And, it’s harder than abseiling!

Discovery 6: The wines at Vasse Felix and Voyager are fabulous thirst quencher after an active day. So of course we HAD to buy a bit to savour through the evening….ah…. Thanks to the AO guys for  your fabulous deviation from the weekend’s planned itinerary

Discovery 7: This one comes on Sunday – Caves are cool, as in awesome!! They are amazingly beautiful, very much alive, evolving and changing  over many, many years. But especially for us Adventurous Women they are fabulous playgrounds, great places to walk through, scramble over, duck under, get very dirty in and find teeney weeney little spaces to crawl through.

Discovery 8: Combining abseiling AND caving is unbelievable!! With great excitement and encouragement  we relished the opportunity to abseil through a dark hole and down 50 meters INTO Giants cave!! And that’s where we found Discovery 9 – caves can be VERY dark and are great fun to play in when our torches are turned off!

But the best Discovery of all, if we didn’t know it already… Adventurous Women are Awesome, and definitely know how to have fun!!!!

Author – Sue O’Connor / Photo -  Beverley Campbell

Who is Sue? – Well, no frills here…It’s me…just an ordinary girl with a passion for travel, a zest for life and an unwaivering desire to create my own destiny!  My childhood was ‘interesting’, the word ‘gypsy’ comes to mind and I have no doubt that this has played some part in what I have chosen to do today, but it would take waaay too long to tell this story…perhaps another time, another blog!

What’s the Deal? – In short, the deal is that I had a mid-life crisis at the age of 42.  No, I didn’t run off and have an affair, leave my husband or buy a sports car…I just did what came natural to me, donned a backpack and headed off overseas for three months.  The idea being to re-claim my soul and work out what it was that I wanted from the next phase of my life.  Again…there is more to it, like leaving my job, my family and it goes on, but I’m hoping you’ll get the general idea.

Why is she doing this?  After returning from my overseas jaunt with a renewed zest for life (yes..I had reclaimed by soul, sorted my head out and settled back with my hubby & boys!), I had a clearer picture of the way I wanted to spend a good part of the ‘next phase’, which included lots of travel, adventure, challenges to keep me feeling alive and fun times with girlfriends! .. It had also became apparent to me that there must be so many other women out there who could benefit from this, but I could see that there was nothing available to them..hence the ‘aah ha’ moment and the idea for Adventurous Women came to light!

What’s in it for her?   I get to live my passion, follow my heart and share it with other women all over the world, how satisfying is that!!!…Never once did I think that Adventurous Women would be a million dollar business, ok yes IT IS A BUSINESS and to be totally transparent, we generate income through commissions from tour operators & service providers, selected businesses pay us to advertise their services on our website (why wouldn’t they with an audience of  2000+ out-there women ???) and although our social network – www.womensadventureclub.com.au is Free to Join, we do have ‘paid access’ areas which are exclusive & beneficial to paying members.  None of these is going to make us rich anytime soon, but for me…it’s a lifestyle choice, one which I’m incredibly proud of creating.

More in depth stories about my life journey and the creation of Adventurous Women have been published in past magazines such as Grazia, Finally at Fourty, Oxygen and more.  You may just stumble upon one of these while sitting in a Doctor’s Surgery or Hairdressers ….or for those who don’t know ‘the real me’ I may even disclose a little more in future blogs …who knows!!

After driving for the rest of the day we arrived at Stony Creek camp ground where we had the choice of swags under the stars or dongers.  This was to be our last night as a total group as some would be leaving Adelaide the next day immediately on our arrival.  Party night in the communal area around the pot belly stove.  The camp caretakers were a lovely couple who welcomed us with foot massages and plenty of entertainment.  We had darts, a mini pool table, music and more…then it was back around the camp fire for more bonding time prior to hitting the sack.

Adelaide

The drive to Adelaide the next day was a very emotional one, with everyone sharing their experience with others from the group.  I truly believe that we have something special at AW and the girls confirmed this when they did a little speech about how grateful they were to me for starting this group and being the ‘glue’ that had brought them together.  How different we all were, all different ages, all different backgrounds, no judgement and how we learnt so much about ourselves by being in this environment.  I’ll never forget this fabulous group of girls and the amazing guide Steve, who made every one of us feel special.  This guy was amazing….nothing was ever too much trouble and we appreciated him so much.
Sad Goodbyes……….

Our last night in the Swags