Dear Supporters,

I am currently in the nation’s capital, Canberra, enjoying my second week off the trail (5 days left).

While here I have been promoting my journey, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, enjoying the city
and also catching up on a little medical study. Although I have enjoyed my journey so far on the
national trail, this time off has been amazing. Being able to experience everyday things like a bed,
real food and a roof over your head are true gifts that we often take for granted.

The horses also have been enjoying their time off the trail. Once we arrived in the city, I arranged to have the horses inspected by a qualified VET to make sure they didn’t have any underlying condition that I might have missed. All the horses passed the examination and are currently in an amazing huge paddock full of great grass and being fed extra feed twice a day to get them ready for the next leg of the trail. Fortunately, I have been told by numerous people who have completed the trail that “the worst is now behind us”. The trials and tribulations of the steep mountains are now memories and now we can look forward to different challenges.

I would now like to talk about another amazing part of undertaking this trail. While doing my
research before leaving home I tried to factor in everything, both good and bad. But one thing I
couldn’t predict were the people I would meet along the way. Without exception, everyone I have
met on the trail has been great and have been a continual reminder of what makes Australia great. Whether it be offering me a hot meal after a long days ride or support and encouragement on the journey ahead, the everyday Australian is still something to be proud of.

The horses and I will soon be back onto the trail (15th of May, weather permitting) and I welcome anyone who would like to join me for the ride out off Hall. I also welcome anyone who would like to join me between here and my next major stop on the journey at Scone. In addition, I also am seeking the help of any volunteers who would like to be involved in this journey by providing horse feed drops along the trail (costs will be reimbursed). I will hopefully have an estimated travel itinerary online before leaving Canberra.

Finally, a very generous individual has donated a second hand English Wintec Saddle towards my
journey. This kind donation will be placed onto eBay within the week to be auctioned off with all
funds going towards the Royal Flying Doctors Service, thank you Andrew.

I wish everyone safe travels and all the best,

Sam

Started the trail in Healesville on the 25th of Feb with a great send off crew and 2 additional riders (Ken and Jamie).