The Botanic to Bridge Experience

Queeny and I had our Botanic to Bridge community walk/run recently at neighbouring Gladstone. There were 1,300 doing the 8 kms. and a further 3,200 doing the 3 kms. It was organised  to raise money for the Tannum Sands Surf Club and local schools. Response far exceeded expectations for this inaugural event. We entered into the longer event, after training daily on the hill at home.

It was a wonderful morning. The weather was perfect for such an event. Queeny and I had no friends participating, so at various times, I asked several people to take photos with my camera. Everyone was most supportive that we had accepted the challenge.

Queeny was absolutely amazing! We covered the 8 kms in about 75 minutes. I gave her driniks at each drink station, which were spaced every 2 kms. She didn't stop giving all the way. She stepped out at her normal speed, and seemed to relish being amongst so many other walkers.  We passed more walkers than passed us.

We didn't have any media interviews, but when we passed the 5 kms marker, we arrived at the start of the 3 kms event. There were thousands of participants lining the road,  clapping and cheering as we passed through. Debbie, (who had befriended us), said to me,"All that cheering is for Queeny and you!"

It was not a hot morning, but sunny with cooling breeze. I stopped after passing the 6 kms mark, as she coughed a couple of times, although not slowing at all. We were in the main street of Gladstone at that stage. Debbie guided us to a spot in the shade where we could take a break. She explained she has a new 12 week old black Labrador, and was fascinated by Queeny. I let Queeny rest, have another drink and we got underway again in ten minutes. She was fine.

Obviously, lots of people were taking photos, as there were many participants in fancy costumes, just out for a good time. I was told there was even someone dressed as a cow! Media helicopters continually passing overhead.

When we came to "The Bridge", it was one of those that raises to let ferries pass beneath, (or through, I imagine). It was a grated surface at that point. It was explained that the water below was visible through the grating.  To my surprise, Queeny carried on without concern! The rest of the route was on bitumen, but Queeny has taken no ill-affect from that. I checked her paws regularly, and she was not at all touchy on the pads.

It was a good route. Mostly through the Gladstone ‘green belt’, with a couple of hills, but our training gave us good stamina to manage them. At the Finish, the timer recognises your electronic ankle device, and through a speaker you hear a personnal message as you pass the line.. In my case, "Well done Dave Byars" I felt so proud of Queeny to have such a wonderful guide.  Each anklet must have your name encoded. You pass them in at the end or cop a $50 fine. We were given Sports drinks and fruit at the finish.

Debbie stayed with us for 30 minutes, she took photos on her digital and will email them. Because there were road closures for the event, I rang Pedro and gave my phone to Debbie to talk to him about the best place to pick us up. She walked us back to the Yacht Club and left Queeny and I sitting in the shade waiting for Pedro to collect us. By that time, Queeny was settled and I gave her a much deserved pig's ear!

Queeny worked beyond my imagination, (I’ll never doubt her). It just filled me with praise for her work ethic and dedication. She still had playful energy at home after an early nap. A truly wonderful dog, who I adore. She has changed my life in many ways. Thanks so much Guide Dogs Victoria.