There’s something uniquely powerful about tackling a challenge side by side with someone you love. The experience of sharing a trek together creates lasting memories, deeper bonds, and a sense of achievement that stays with you for life.
In this heartwarming Q&A, we hear from Kitty, who trekked the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu for Mission Australia as a teenager for charity with her Mum, Judie - a journey that opened her eyes to the world and created unforgettable memories. Years later, Judie's spark for adventure continues, and she is gearing up for another charity trek with the Heart Foundation in Nepal. Kitty reflects on how those moments shaped their relationship.
What was it like doing Machu Picchu with your Mum as a teenager?
"As a teenager I was very independent but looking back I realise how much of the ‘travel stress’ was taken on by mum, which allowed me to have an amazing carefree time. Being 16, I had so much energy and was able to just do things without preparing too much. Thinking about doing the same trek now as an adult, I realise how much harder it would be and I admire mum for not only taking on a trek like that, but also for deciding to take her very talkative teenage daughter with her. Seeing a different country and experiencing a different culture at that age opened my eyes to how big the world was, and it is an experience I am forever grateful for.
Sharing such a unique experience together is always something that will help bond you as mother and daughter. You have exciting moments, really hard moments, and everything in between and you go through that together. We also had our own individual experiences during the journey, as well as group experiences with the others on the trek. Sometimes we still reminisce about people or moments from the trip. We remember the group members and the Peruvian guides and laugh about things they said or did. The physical side of the challenge is memorable but even more so are the people we did it with."
Now that your mum is doing another charity trek, how does it feel watching her take this on?
"It is no small thing to take on a trek like this 20 years later than the last one. I am proud that she still has the same passion for adventure that she had when she was younger and our whole community wants to see her succeed. I have no doubts that she can do it and I hope she has the best experience!"
Judie and her best friend Sandy are taking on the Heart Foundation’s Annapurna Nepal Trek this year with a fundraising goal of $7,000 (but aiming high for $10,000!). Jude is rallying support through Sandy’s Grooming Tails & K9 Cafe, where she’s been promoting her journey. She’s also reaching out to local businesses for sponsorship opportunities, with $500 for a logo on her trek shirt and $250 for other contributions.
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