Today in Meet the Escapees, we hear from the inspirational and talented Sarah Wilson – someone who is unafraid to meet life’s challenges and teach us all something along the way.
Who are you, where are you based, and what do you do for fun?
I’m a single forty-something based in Seaford on the Mornington Peninsula. By day I sell fun and get to play on jumping castles, on the evenings and weekends when I am not involved in EYCZ activities I run pamper sessions. I’m currently working my way towards a Bachelor of Business – Marketing (very slowly as study severely encroaches on my fun time). Somewhere in amongst all that I fit in adventuring with friends finding new craft breweries, boutique wineries, stand up paddleboarding & cycling.
Sarah enjoying living it up at the VicSport awards earlier this year.
What are the top three achievements in your life to date?
I can’t think of three specifically but my biggest achievement would have to be finding the courage to buy my first home on my own (always thought I would get married and do that with my lifes partner).
I have made lots of little achievements through life, its hard to separate one out more than the other but the sense of achievement has come every single time from escaping my comfort zone – doing a 4 day hike of an 80ish km section of the Bibbulmun Track in WA, doing a voyage on the Alma Doepel (a tall ship) in my teens, completing a triathalon, completing a half marathon (walking it – but it was a lot harder than I thought it would be!)
Sarah dealing with the weather ruining her chance to do the luge at Rotarua, New Zealand
What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know about?
I’ve had multiple appearances on television – X Factor, Dancing with the Stars, Carols by Candlelight, AFL Grand Final for 3 years, Good Friday Appeal, Starstruck singing with the Melbourne Gospel Choir.
You are trapped on an island for a week with three people, living or dead. Who would you choose and why?
What does being outdoors mean to you?
Being active outdoors is the best form of medicine. It ensures my mental health stays stable, it helps me to feel alive and it helps me put things in perspective and I believe boosts my immune system to keep the nasty colds and flu at bay.
Sarah (left) dancing in the creek with Richelle Olsen at the Mount Buller weekend
Why did you become a volunteer hike leader? What’s the best part of being a hike leader?
What I’ve learned from EYCZ is that it is ok to be slow, it is ok to come last and that there is joy in just turning up. Being a leader enables me to help others overcome their anxieties and encourage them to try new adventures.
Where is your favourite place to hike?
I don’t have any favourites – there are so many fantastic places to explore. I love coastal clifftop walks but also being up the the hills, dwarfed amongst the giant trees. If there are trees or water I am happy!
Do you have any future goals you want to share?
I’m looking forward to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in August of this year – it will be a bonus when I make the Summit. In order to get up there I will need to build up my leg strength and work on a few feet and knee issues I’m having at the moment. [Editor’s note: Sarah wrote this some time ago – she’s currently in Tanzania, climbing Kilimanjaro as I write this!]
Not Mt Kilimanjaro, but here’s Sarah showshoeing at Lake Mountain.
What’s your favourite piece of gear to hike with?
Why would someone want to join one of your hikes?
They are fun! Everyone is welcome no matter what your fitness level is. Like life – I take each hike one step at a time, some steps take longer than others and that is totally ok with me!
Want to meet Sarah and hear about her amazing adventures? Want to get to know other positive women and gender diverse folks to encourage you to achieve your goals? Come hang out with us!
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