AN ALL AUSSIE ADVENTURE
6FT TRACK, JENKAT46 CHALLENGE
by Mark Henderson
Often, when we consider the
word adventure, we think of far
off places; places yet to be
explored or discovered.
Rarely, do we consider that we,
in Australia, live in one of the
most beautiful and unique
places on the planet.
Let by expedition leaders, Shane Pophfer and
Darren Wise of Peak Potential Adventures, the
JENKAT46 challenge took myself and a small
group of adventurers along a trail blazed by
Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson, and William
Charles Wentworth in 1813, as part of their journey across the Blue Mountains.
The trail itself was beautiful. There was lush scenery, as we carved our way up the mountains,
and down into valleys, travelling from the magnificent Jenolan Caves right through to Katoomba. We saw little rivers, and were captivated by
the wildlife, with birds, wallabies and even wild
cows making their homes in the mountains.
However, Australia offers many opportunities for
adventure. We have oceans, desert, rainforests, Despite the beauty, 46 kilometres is a tough ol’
and vast landscapes, often untouched by peo- slog, even across two days.
ple. Recently, I was privileged to join an adventure, here in our own backyard.
The challenge, dubbed the JENKAT46, based on
the fact that the trek runs for 46 kilometres from
the Jenolan Caves, through to Katoomba, took
place in the historic Blue Mountain’s, located
one and a half hours from Sydney CBD, which
makes it fairly accessible to anyone interested in
tackling it.
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