JOEL Willems is on a mission to raise awareness for beyondblue and this week his journey brought him to Muswellbrook.
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The Adelaide resident got into small business at 19 and worked very hard, including working seven days a week for the first year.
Constant customer service began to take its toll over the years.
“I was just so consumed by my work, and daydreamed of doing some sort of adventure,” he said.
After some consideration, he made a decision to go for it, and walk along the national trail, beginning in Canberra, chosing to walk in support of beyondblue.
It was a cause close to his heart which he knew would motivate him to continue along the rollercoaster that would be his journey.
His first night on the trail was a chilly -5 degrees, which completely froze the fly screen on his tent, requiring him to cut through it.
Mr Willems aims to stay on the national trail, which usually places him in a national park.
However, sometimes he is required to detour to a town, for things like clothes and food.
There have been ups and downs to the trip.
One time he was having a particularly cheery day, listening to his iPod with a bit of dancing thrown in the mix.
The beautiful scenery was interrupted when he fell in mud, and hence had to wear his pyjamas for two days until he could wash his walking clothes.
On Monday afternoon, he arrived at Muswellbrook and, upon departure the following day, left feeling great about the local response.
Mr Willems went in search of a place to stay and settled at Muswellbrook Hotel.
He went upstairs and had planned to return to the restaurant for dinner but was too tired and went to sleep.
In the morning, he was amazed to discover those at the hotel had passed around a bucket that night raising $100 for him.
It is moments like this, when he has seen kindness from complete strangers that have restored his trust in people.
“I’ve met so many people,” he said.
“People pull over to make sure you’re doing okay.”
For a man who hasn’t left South Australia much since he was 13, travelling through NSW country has been a different experience for him.
Especially different, is the “bizarre” feeling of not talking to another person for days- a contrast for someone used to bustle of a capital city.
“It’s been great to see another side of life,” he said.
“I’ve never done a trip on foot before.
“Every single day I’ve got no idea what’s in front of me.
“The bad times are incredibly bad but the good times are incredibly good.
“I’ve seen some very beautiful sights; it’s all been a big adventure.
“I get lost a little bit every now and them.
“I don’t have any map skills; I wasn’t a scout or anything.”
His next destination on the trail is Ebor, NSW- west of Coffs Harbour.
Seeing the generosity of people has changed his mind on strangers being something you avoid.
“I think it’s changed my perception of people,” he said.
“Everyone’s got a really interesting story.”
He believes, on returning to Adelaide, he will be more social, trusting and happy because of his journey on the trail.
For more information visit: www.give.everydayhero.com/au/joel-willems-walk-for-beyond-blue