The gang

Wednesday 5th Aug "Welcome to the game, everyone! Get ready to meet your new best friends and ultimate teammates.First up, we have Wilbur the Wombat, built like a brick wall and ready to bulldoze through any obstacle in our path. Keeping us afloat is Paddles the Platypus, our quirky, semi-aquatic secret weapon for navigating tricky waters. Looking out from above is Gary the Galah, bringing sharp eyes and loud laughs to scout the trail ahead. And finally, brace yourselves for Tilly the Tasmanian Devil, a tiny whirlwind of pure, chaotic energy who never backs down from a challenge. The morning sun peeped brightly through fluffy, cotton-wool clouds, painting the beautiful outback community of Morven in brilliant shades of gold. Gary the Galah led the charge, his pink and grey feathers catching the breeze as he soared just above the historic town. Down on the footpath, Wilbur the Wombat trundled along at a steady, determined pace. Waddling happily beside him was Paddles the Platypus, while Tillie the Tasmanian Devil brought up the rear with bursts of hyperactive energy, doing quick, excited spins. The energetic gang had just joined the incredible 300-kilometre trek across the red dirt roads of Queensland. Now, they were strolling into the heart of the welcoming Morven community, ready to celebrate a wonderful day. As they walked past the heritage buildings, friendly tourists passing through the region slowed down to wave and cheer. Caravan travellers and holidaymakers parked along the main road, eagerly buying local treats and souvenirs to support the tiny outback town. Kangaroos watched from the shade of the eucalyptus trees, while a curious mob of emus bobbed their heads near the town limits, completely unbothered by the cattle being transported by passing road trains. Wilbur called a halt right in front of the town's parklands. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bright red, foam nose, slipping it onto his snout while Gary, Paddles, and Tillie immediately did the same. "Alright, crew!" Wilbur announced cheerily, his voice echoing across the beautiful town. "We walking 300 ks, together. The sun is out, and the community is with us! Let's finish this journey strong. Tillie did a jubilant spin, holding up a bright donation bucket. With the whole town backing them, the gang smiled wide, encouraging everyone passing through Morven to pull out their wallet and donate generously to Red Nose Day! https://www.rednoseday.org.au/fundraisers/jamesmcinnes Together, let’s make a difference! Share

Look after yourself

Sunday 2nd Aug must be shorter, a gentle compromise with a body pulling up sore after yesterday’s grueling 19-kilometre trek. Yet, the challenge within me continues. My mind still wanders back to yesterday’s path, where I walked among the ghosts of a bygone era. Weathered fence lines, rusted posts, and skeletal old buildings stood as silent monuments to lives once lived. I couldn't help but wonder about the stories buried in this soil, land that now lies barren, slowly baking under the vast Australian sun. Today, the earth feels kinder. It is a breathtaking winter morning, blessed by a rare stillness as the biting winds finally grant a reprieve. Cloaked in just two layers of clothing, it feels less like the depths of winter and more like the first warm sigh of spring. In the neighboring paddock, a solitary grey horse, wrapped in her winter rug, grazes patiently on non-existent grass—a quiet symbol of endurance in the dust. Beyond her, massive road trains thunder past, their trailers laden with hay and cattle, cutting through the silence of the regional centre. I passed the local school this morning, struck by the heavy quiet of the grounds. No laughter of children echoed from the yard; no mothers lingered for their comforting morning chats. The streets belong only to the early-rising grey nomads, their caravans slipping away from their overnight rests, continuing their rhythmic pilgrimage north to chase the sun. On the rocky trail beneath my boots, nature offers its own quiet company. The air is alive with the sweet, symphonic chorus of birdlife. In the distance, a lone kangaroo crosses my path, its small, deliberate bounds mirroring my own cautious steps. But the ache in my leg begins to deepen, whispering a warning I cannot ignore. Turning my back on the open trail, .Turning my back on the open trail, I decide to listen to my body and guide my steps back home. Dedicated to my grandson on his 6th birthday—thank you for bringing so much joy to my world. And to my colleague Milly, thank you for your beautiful friendship. Share

I am me..

Thursday 30th Jul Share

I am me..

Thursday 30th Jul

My thoughts today came from a photo I took years ago of my daughter. Titled… I am me.

The walk today will be broken up into two parts, as there was a concern from followers of this post that I need to look after myself first and foremost... then the charity walker within me second. The morning sun was just starting to pierce through the eucalyptus branches along Charleville Road as the two versions of myself walked side by side, matching each other stride for stride.

"Keep the pace up," the Fitness Walker said, checking on the fitness tracker. We need to hit our target heart rate before we reach the highway loop. This journey is about building discipline, clearing the mind, and finding that perfect life balance.

The Charity Walker smiled, adjusting the bright red nose shirt. The pace is great, but don't forget to look up. See those kangaroos over there? That’s the real balance. Taking a breath, appreciating the trail, and remembering why we are out here. Every step we take together today is raising awareness for families who have been through the unimaginable.

The Fitness Walker slowed slightly, looking at the iconic red emblem. I get it. But sometimes, you have to focus on yourself first to be any good to anyone else. I need this walk. My body needs the movement, and my mind needs the escape from the daily grind.

"And you deserve that," the Charity Walker within replied gently, stepping over a fallen branch. 

Taking care of your own health isn't selfish. In fact, your strength is what fuels my mission. When you push through the fatigue on these trails, it gives me the energy to keep advocating, keep fundraising, and keep supporting Red Nose Day. We are two sides of the same coin.

As the trees began to thin, revealing the distant roofs of the new Morven Health Centre and the community school ahead, the Fitness Walker nodded, a feeling of shared purpose settling in.  So, my sweat pays for your cause, and your cause gives my steps a deeper meaning?

"Exactly," the Charity Walker said, pointing toward the historical pioneer buildings coming into view across the highway. We build our own strength so we can help carry others. Now, let’s pick up the pace—we've got a maze of billabongs to conquer this afternoon. Hopefully another post this afternoon. Please follow the link.

https://www.rednoseday.org.au/fundraisers/jamesmcinnes

Together we can make difference.

Share

Animal highway crossing

Monday 27th Jul My walk today leads me to animal Outback Highway. The track beneath my boots was fading, disappearing into the vast stillness of the Australian bush. For hours, I had been tracing the fence lines, walking paths born from old firebreaks that now belonged entirely to the wild. The signs of life here were quiet but clear. In the loose dust, long, sweeping drag marks looked like the heavy track of a giant snake—but I knew better. These were kangaroo trails, left by heavy tails hitting the earth as they grazed. I passed remnants of a different time: an old gate, rusted tight and hanging off its hinges, untouched for decades. Further on, another gate stood wide open in the middle of nowhere, a silent doorway between endless paddocks that all looked beautifully the same. Eventually, the track grew so faint it simply ran out. I stopped. High above, the faint roar of a jet plane cut through the silence at 30,000 feet. Looking up, I couldn't even see it against the glare. The sudden thought hit me: If I got lost out here, how would anyone find me? Turning back, I realized how true the old bush saying is—everything looks completely different on the return journey. I focused on my own footprints, reading the ground to find my way home. Along the path, small bursts of yellow and purple bush flowers grew in the dirt, bright beacons against the red earth. Nearer to the main track, the ground became a maze. Five different animal highways crossed over each other within ten meters of the fence, worn smooth by kangaroos slipping through the wires. I paused, wondering if I sat there like it was a train line, what would pass by. Then, a sudden beep broke the quiet. My phone had found a signal. I pulled up and sat down on an old, weathered log to rest. Opening the screen, an email was waiting for me—congratulations from the Red Nose Organisation for achieving my gold milestone. Sitting there in the dust, I sent a reply to a friend in Alice Springs, thanking them as memories of times gone by filled the quiet afternoon. Huge thanks to everyone who helped me smash my original target. I am out here in the Morven dust completing my 300km walk for kids in need. Because the support has been so incredible, I’m raising the bar and extending my target to $2000 Let’s keep saving little lives together. Every dollar counts! ❤️ If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, or want to share my journey, your support keeps me moving down these red dirt tracks. Let's finish strong! People that know me, my short stories are never short. https://www.rednoseday.org.au/fundraisers/jamesmcinnes Together we can make a difference! Share

The joys of walking

Saturday 25th Jul Cold toes couldn't stop me—yesterday's goal is officially in the bag! 💪 I am stepping out again today to keep the momentum going for Vision Australia. Every dollar gets me closer to my first fundraising target!" Share

Old Charleville Toad

Thursday 23rd Jul My journey continues walking along the old Charleville road near Morven. The red dirt, cattle grids, early morning sun, and kangaroos create a strong sense of place and history. This morning, as the early sun cast golden rays over the red dirt of the old Charleville road near Morven, I found myself surrounded by silence, broken only by the soft hopping of kangaroos crossing ahead. There must be hundreds of Eastern Grey and Red Kangaroos in these quiet hours—nature’s gentle reminder of life’s resilience. As I walk this 300 km challenge, every step takes me back to the rich history of this land. The old Charleville road wasn’t just a dusty track—it was a lifeline. Built by tough road gangs who braved harsh conditions, this road opened up vital opportunities for settlers and farmers. It connected remote grazing lands to markets and railway lines, making the movement of cattle and sheep possible across vast distances. After World War One, returning soldiers were given a chance at new beginnings through soldier settlement schemes. Roads like this one enabled them to access their land, supplies, and community. The cattle grids along the way mark the old stock routes where drovers drove cattle, carrying on a tradition essential to Australia’s rural heart. But my journey is about more than history. It’s about walking for those who need hope today—the little kids facing challenges every day, who need our support, and who truly matter. Your generosity helps bring comfort, care, and smiles to these children and their families through Red Nose Day. Join me by supporting the cause—every step I take is for them. https://www.rednoseday.org.au/fundraisers/jamesmcinnes Together, let’s make a difference. Share

Left, right or turn around.

Sunday 19th Jul I walked this morning. A Sunday morning along a never-ending gravel road, feeling the soul of the Australian outback beneath my feet. Out here, there is no communication with the outside world. Just the ultimate luxury of listening to the silence, peacefully interrupted by the sound of birds in the trees and the morning sun piercing through the crisp air. The cool breeze is a perfect companion today—gently pushing me along rather than blowing in my face.When you walk long distances alone, your mind starts to wander.I hit the 10 km mark, surrounded by scrub in the middle of nowhere, and my brain drifted back to suburban reality. I started picturing everyone back home waking up, checking Facebook, and lining up at their local coffee shop for Sunday morning coffee and cake.I had to chuckle thinking about the classic barista struggle. You know the routine: they call out "Jones" instead of "James." You sit there stubbornly refusing to make eye contact, making them bring it to the table just to see if they'll correct themselves. When they finally drop it off, you just smile and say, "Cheers, have a good day everyone!"It’s funny the things you think about when you're walking.Then, the outback snaps me right back to reality. The daydream fades, and suddenly I’m standing at the end of this incredibly long gravel road. I need direction. Do I turn left? Do I turn right? Or do I turn around and just keep continuing down the track?With 300 kilometres to conquer this month for Red Nose Day, the answer is always to keep moving forward. Every step on this gravel is to help save little lives and support grieving families.If you’d like to walk with me in spirit and support this wonderful cause, please consider donating through the link below. Every dollar helps! https://www.rednoseday.org.au/fundraisers/jamesmcinnes #RedNoseDay #300kmChallenge #OutbackWalking #GravelRoads #SupportRedNose Share

My big mistake..

Saturday 18th Jul

1. I’ll put my hand up.. I failed a golden rule of walking. Do not go out in uncomfortable shoes. Some slight discomfort at the beginning may develop into stinging pain over time and your stroll will be compromised. So continue to walk with me in comfort. 

Share

Morven town centre

Friday 17th Jul Enjoy a meander around this interesting township, discover its unique and interesting treasures. Walk with me through my journey to raise awareness to help save little lives. Share

The smell of fresh air and the occasional cattle truck.

Friday 17th Jul Cold brisk mornings In which ever way you turn seems to be a headwind. With freedom space and time to think what a way to start the day. Share

Walkingthe streets in Morven

Thursday 16th Jul Share