Bear’s Birthday Treat

Ever since we saw the movie “Wild” when it first came out, the hubster has dreamed of doing a similar hike.

For those not familiar with the movie, it stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, a young woman who sets out on an 1100 mile hike in a bid to get her life back on track (excuse the pun!).

Despite her complete lack of experience, the main character tackles the Pacific Crest Trail all the way from Southern California to the border of Oregon and Washington, on foot – a feat (oops I did it again!) which takes her 94 days.

So with the hubster’s 50th birthday looming, he announced that for his “birthday treat”, he wanted to go on a multi-day hike. With me. In the bush. Camping. In the middle of winter.

I’m sure you can guess what happened next.

I freaked out!

While the idea of going on a hike did have some appeal for me, the roughing it overnight, definitely didn’t. I’m a delicate little petal and would only consent if there was the prospect of a comfy bed, hot shower and flushing toilet at the end of each day.

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

So we negotiated a compromise: the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

My Bear’s Birthday Treat will start with a night at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, before setting out the next morning to hike 21 kilometres to Binna Burra. After a 2 night stay, we’ll head back to O’Reilly’s on foot once again (we thought it might be wise to have a bit of a break in the middle).

We’re nervous, but excited! I walk 4 to 5 kilometres most mornings, which I’m hoping has helped to prepare me. Plus, my Bear and I have done a couple of extended walks (over 10km) on recent weekends, as a bit of a “shake down” to see how we would fare, and to help us sort out what essentials need to be in our backpacks.

By the time this post goes live, we will have completed the first day of our hike …

The Difference Between Men and Women

We couldn’t help having a bit of a giggle though, over the stark contrast of our chosen 50th birthday treats – just another example of how men and women see things differently.

As a fairly typical woman, my 50th birthday was a time when I want to feel pampered and special. So I chose a holiday at a 5 star resort in Bali to celebrate – wining and dining, relaxing by the pool or at the beach, massages every day … pure bliss!

But it seems that for a man about to turn 50, what they really want is to prove they’ve “still got it” – that they’re young, fit and strong. Instead of lazing in luxury, this is a time when they seek out a challenge – which is why for my Bear’s Brithday treat, we’re going hiking.

No doubt I’ll be sharing just how it went, in due course …

Would you go hiking with your hubby for his 50th birthday treat or am I completely mad?!