A few weeks ago I read that a Tasmanian father and son (Chris and Kelvyn Linton) were planning an unsupported long-distance charity walk around the perimeter of Tasmania. This huge ambition filled me with excitement, and I hoped they would be able to achieve their goal.

While his son walked 20 of the 46 days it took for the walk, Chris Linton battled around every metre of the coast line.  Chris is reported as saying ‘Out of Queenstown, that hill is unforgiveable. The weather through that mountain pass was quite extreme – lots of snow and constant rain for two weeks.’ Refer to http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/epic-blues-beater-puts-dad-on-the-map/story-fnj4f7k1-1227357590621 for the arrival story, at Salamanca on the edge of the Derwent River.

I believe his walk is a significant achievement in one of the most challenging environments in the world. I am in awe of what has been done, and even more so because much of the walk was undertaken during one of Tasmania’s most bitterly cold and stormy periods.

More information about this trek, to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute, can be read at http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/TasmanianresidentsChristopherandKelvynLinton.pdf

You can read more about an earlier stage of the walk at: http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/chris-linton-nears-end-of-walk-around-tasmanias-perimeter/story-fnj4f7k1-1227351866303

As a war veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, I hope the soothing effect of Tasmania’s wilderness environment and the flood of positive endorphins encouraged by the continuous activity, have been healing forces for Chris. An amazing personal achievement! Congratulations Chris Linton!