🌞 Deforestation rates drop

We made it to the end of a massive news week. Now all you have to do is spend your Sunday morning reading about Hephner the Alpaca and all the joy he has to spread.

Have a fabulous day!

Here’s a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. 88-year-old New Zealander Garth Barfoot completed the New York Marathon this past week, after failing to finish in 2023. He was this year’s oldest finisher, completing the route in 11 hours.

Barfoot was not the last finisher this year, either – five runners were slower.

The NY marathon was not his first race. Barfoot has competed in many marathons, and has also competed in international triathlons in his 80s, winning the 80-84 age category at a competition in Spain in 2019.

He told RNZ: “People congratulate me even before I do anything, 'Oh, it's great that you're starting a marathon' Especially when they see how old I am.”

Amazingly, Barfoot is not the oldest person to complete the NYC marathon, nor is he the oldest New Zealander! Those honours belong to Jonathan Mendes (then 96) and fellow Kiwi Colin Thorne (then 89). Thorne, now 100, completed a 5.5km race in April

The rate of deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, one of Earth’s most diverse biomes, is down significantly on last year.

Around 60% of the South American rainforest falls in the country of Brazil, which has recently made efforts to limit how much of its land is cleared.

Under President Lula da Silva, who took office in January 2023, Brazil’s Government has pledged to stop deforestation in the country by 2030.

According to a Government release, the rate of deforestation in the Amazon from August 2023 to July 2024 was down 30.6% on the previous year. It’s the biggest reduction in deforestation in 15 years. Measured over two years, deforestation is down 45.7%.

In case you missed it, chart-topping UK band Coldplay has been touring Australia over the past week for their ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour. At their Melbourne shows, the band had a special guest: a community choir based in the city’s inner west.

Pitchface was brought on to sing with the band during their song ‘GOOD FEELiNGS’, alongside co-vocalist Ayra Starr. The group describes itself as “a community choir made up (almost entirely) of women and non-binary peeps“. They say on their website: “We belt songs you wouldn't expect from a choir, have a particular love of late-80s ballads and the dance hits of the 90s, and collectively make a strong case for double-denim to be an acceptable wardrobe choice.

Choir co-founder/journalist Tamara Oudyn wrote about the experience for the ABC, saying: “We still can't fully grasp how the… experience came to be for us. We're a non-auditioned, community choir of people who simply love to sing together.”

Experience Travel at a Different Pace

There’s something special about taking the scenic route. Intrepid’s new rail journeys offer a slower way to travel, fostering real connections with people and places. With 75% of travellers preferring train travel for a relaxed experience, it’s easy to see why! 

Go Off the Beaten Track

Imagine traversing Vietnam’s lush hills or travelling from Paris to Rome, stopping at mediaeval castles and enjoying farm-to-table dining in Italy. These trips celebrate the journey, with local leaders sharing memorable insights along the way.

The Journey to Responsible Travel

Intrepid’s rail journeys swap short flights for trains as part of their broader decarbonisation efforts to help minimise environmental impacts, helping travellers make informed decisions! 

Check out their range of rail trips here.

King Charles met lots of important figures when he was in Australia last month. He met political leaders, cultural leaders, advocates and…Hephner the Alpaca. In a video that went viral, you can see the King petting Hephner before the alpaca unleashes a big old sneeze.

So why was there an alpaca (who relatably must also be struggling with the Spring pollen) at a ceremony for the King? Well, it turns out that Hephner is all about spreading good vibes and happiness. A quick squiz of his Instagram shows that Hephner visits older Australians in old age homes and hospice care on a regular basis, putting a smile on the faces of many.

If Hephner wasn’t doing enough for society, he’s also currently fundraising for Dolly’s Dream, a charity that aims to change the culture of bullying through education and direct support to young people and families.

Confused? Same. Pictured above are participants wearing historical costumes and riding their high-wheel bicycles during an annual penny-farthing (that’s the bike they’re on) race in Prague, Czech Republic. I love when people get involved in things like this!