Wizards Walks Completed

Before the sun rose, on Wednesday, the 24th July, 2024, wizards from various locations woke early and packed their cars to begin their long journey into central, western Queensland.  

Wizards arrived in the afternoon at Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge  and initiated their experience with Wizard Wesly’s outdoor Zenley Yoga experience.  Wizards received their showbags that evening, which included a special edition “Wizards Go West” T-shirt, and the 2024 custom-fitted wizard uniform, consisting of a top and bottom psychedelic leisure suit. 

Wizards woke early on Thursday to begin Day 1 of the Hero’s Journey, which included an uphill walk to the scenic vistas of Boolimba Bluff, followed by a guided breath-work “gratitude” session. 

Wizards pushed on from the first walk to Warrumbah Gorge which offered wizards their first taste of  Carnarvon’s many  meandering and mystical green canyons.

A Wizards Platter was then presented by Ello-Catessan, which included an assortment of delicacies and delights.   Wizards later took a moment to rest  on the grass in the visitors park as they digested the feast.  After lunch, wizards took a brisk dip in the icy Rock Pool before returning to the lodge.  The common room at the Lodge served as the perfect  setting for some wizard group work before dinner, with a splendid fireplace bordered by a grand stone-wall.

Wizards set their intetions for “Preparation Day” through the healing and cleansing process of Hawaiian prayer, Ho’ oponopono, before ascending into a sound-bowl and drum guided shamanic breathing session.  The opening prayer and breath-work intervention became the perfect gateway for open discussion around the theme word for wizards in 2024, which was Re-Generation.  Wizards shared heart-felt perspectives about what the community means to them, and how they see the community evolving.  The integration of wizard partners and family-members was a shared notion amongst those who gave feedback.  

Wizards enjoyed a Greek Feast in the evening, largely thanks to wizard Pete’s kitchen skills and prepartory enthusiasm.

Friday, the 25th of July, was “Journey Day” for the 2024 annual event, and wizards departed early for the 25km, main event.  Wizard Patrick guided the 15 strong crew seamlessly through the twists and turns of the long and impresive gorge, stopping frequently to give wizards orientation to ancient indigenous artwork, and awe-inspiring geographical insights.  Wizard Crofty lifted the wizard experience this year with a generous offering of “silent-disco” headsets, which served as the perfect tool for pre-recorded stories to be delivered to wizards ears throughout the day.  Wizard Danno’s story of spiritual synchronicity and sporting glory brought tears to the eyes of the wizard as they listened and cheered in synchrony along the picturesque trail. 

Wizards enjoyed a pre-prepared lunch, courtesy of wizard Kirky and wizard Ford, which was served alongside the tranquil setting of a torqoise creek, at the base of a towering cliff-face.  Wizards enjoyed some quiet time after lunch, with a Palo Santo smoke-bomb and the joyful sounds of the “Prickly Pear” song. 

Wizard Croft gained wisdom during the Main Event, around the  importance of qualtiy walking boots, after resorting to strapping tape to hold his sole (and soul) together for 23 of the 25km!  

Wizards celebrated with the swift delivery of a few cold beers in the car-park after the enduring event, and quickly transitioned into uniform and celebratory mode with dinner at the Lodge restaurant on Friday evening.  Having “slayed the dragon”, wizards carried on rightly, with celebrations and festivities until their hearts were content. 

Saturday was a day for wizards to rise slowly, and the optional walk to Moss Gardens was well received by those who chose to participate. 

On Satruday afternoon the much-anticipated wizards Wine-Tasting experience unfolded in the lodge common room.  Wizard Rhys bestowed upon the wizards an impressive depth of wine wisdom, along with some personal favourites from his wine collection. 

The awards night followed the wine experience, with special mention to award recipients wizard Angus, wizard Pete, and Golden Wizard 2024, wizard Dan.  The Golden Wizard award this year was given for outstanding displays of courage and vulnerabiliy, along with an exemplary enthusiams and participation in wizard activities throughout the event.  

Special mention was also given to wizard Rhys for his dedication to the operations of the Carnarvon event. 

Some wizards chose to return to the “ordinary world” on Sunday, however, wizards who had signed up for the Triple Platinum Package extended their experience with a stopover in Roma on the return trip, whereby they enjoyed a country rugby-league and cheap hotel experience before returning to base on Monday.