Following the article on Col Rathbone’s quest to ride from Victoria to Cape York [Big adventure for Col], The Bugle has learned that two of the less than 60 people who have completed the 5,333km National Trail have local connections.

Sue Clifton, who lived in Jamberoo for over 20 years, began the Trail in 2014 and completed it in sections over an 18 month period.

She travelled with her horse Bob and was accompanied by several different people throughout her trip, including her husband, Bill.

“I was 62 and hadn’t ridden a horse since I was 12,” says Sue.

“I did it to show my grandkids that if you really put your mind to something, you can do it.”

While in Lazarini Spur, Sue met 24 year old Kimberley Delavere, who was just beginning her time on the Trail.

The pair quickly realised they were from the same area and had both attended Kiama High School. They even shared the same PE teacher more, than 40 years apart.

Beginning in 2017, Kim walked and rode the trail unassisted with her horse, Archie, over 14 months and raised over $6,000 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

“I was 24 and working in a bakery apprenticeship on the Far South Coast,” says Kim.

“I wasn’t really enjoying it, as I thought by that time I’d be doing something amazing with my life.

“Then I realised that these things actually take a lot of focus and planning, so I left my job and spent the next 12 months getting ready.”

Her parents, Gai and Neil Delavere, wrote to The Bugle after reading about Col’s plans.

“As parents we are intensely proud of our daughter’s achievements. The extraordinary strength, courage and resilience she showed on the Trail is unbelievable,” says Gai.

“This was a dream which Kimberley wanted to pursue despite not having much involvement with horses in her early years, like Col, and being very nervous at that first step in Healesville. It was an experience that changed her life.

“We wish you happy trails Col, this will be the biggest and best thing you will ever do. The caretakers of each section of the Trail will look after you well and you will make many friends along the way. Follow your dreams.”