I taught a boy in year three who was incredibly insecure. I could never have imagined his becoming an alpinist, yet he is, somewhere in Canada.

The closest I have come to being that daring was up in the Blue Mountains when we had to climb a series of rock ladders from Wentworth Falls, to get back to our car.

I was petrified.

We met many people hoping to do the reverse and when they asked u what it was like, not one took up the challenge.

I'm glad I did it though.I had to muster a courage I had no idea was inside me.