Hi Shepherd,

I feel that I must share my views with you. I am a family friend of this 5 yr old child who will be on your trek! I can understand how you may have initially felt when you were made aware of this child's inclusion in the tour!

What you need to remember is that each child and their abilities differ from one another! You do not know the family or their life situation, these things shape individuals and mould them into the people that they are! The reason that I say this is simple, this child is an amazing child!

This child has white water rafted, has trekked through Africa, has sky dived, is in the Nippers and has travelled the world more extenstively than many adults. His mother would not take him unless she felt it appropriate, she would not take him if he were potentially at risk she would simply not take him if advised not to do so by the organising operators. I can tell you that he is currently in training with his mother and walks on average at least 5-10km's a day. He understands that the track is special and will be honouring his pop on Anzac day with the support of his mum.

Shepheard, to be honest if it were me, I would more concerned about the eldery trekkers that will be on the trip rather than the child.

So having said all of that, perhaps take some inspiration from this young man, you might feel differently once you have spent some time with him.

If your not prepared to do that, change your trek dates!