Exodus Expert in the Spotlight
This month (November 2011) Lou Day – Exodus’ new Australasia Territory Manager and avid trekker, steps into the spotlight...
Mountain / Desert / Jungle / Polar Regions?
Mountain
Which passport stamp are you most proud of?
Tough one – Ethiopia would win JUST over Rwanda
Which passport stamp would you most like to have?
Bhutan
What are your favourite three places in the world?
The Summit of Island Peak | Lac Blanc – Mont Blanc | Ras Dashen – Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
What has been your most exhilarating travel moment?
Another tough choice… I can’t decide between seeing gorillas in the wild in Rwanda or reaching the top of Island Peak in Nepal.
What is your altitude record?
I have climbed to 6,189m to the summit of Island Peak in Nepal’s Himalaya.
What are your top tips for successful high altitude trekking?
Go slow then go even slower.
Hydrate! You should be taking in at least four times the amount of fluids than you would back home.
Take one day at a time and try not to get overwhelmed by the summit – one switch back at a time!
Tell us about your most challenging moment on trek.
Making it up an ice wall – again on the Island Peak trip.
What is your must trusted / used bit of trekking kit?
Sadly, I just retired my favourite pair of Zamberlan leather boots after 12 long, happy years – I still haven’t managed to commit to another pair!
What items are you never without when on a serious trek?
Vegemite, barley sugars, wet wipes, lucky socks for summit day and a down vest.
Trekking poles – good, bad or indifferent?
I’m not really a fan, but they are essential on certain treks – I would not want to come down Kilimanjaro without them – it is like skiing but on scree!
What is your travelling guilty pleasure?
Books! I always carry too many when trekking but there is nothing better than getting to your lodge and curling up in your sleeping bag after a long day of trekking with a good book.
Which trips you would recommend for those with New Year ‘get fit’ aspirations?
Getting motivated can be tricky after Christmas. It is important to get your trekking holiday locked in as soon as possible as it really helps to have something to work towards.
In the run up to your trip make sure you get out on trail – weekend hikes and day walks are the best preparation for a trekking holiday.
Don’t make excuses - you are the only person who can do the hard work. Set yourself small and achievable goals.
The trips I recommend are:
CAMINO DE CUBA
See the sights of fascinating Cuba, get some winter sun, enjoy a few mojitos and improve your fitness!
SINAI DESERT TREK
A week long trip including a trek to the summit of Mt Sinai – an ideal first peak bagging expedition as it is challenging but non-technical.
HIGH PASSES OF EVEREST
Three weeks of point-to-point trekking in stunning scenery amongst the world’s highest peaks will leave you stronger, leaner and much happier.
