tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72853646675809153422024-03-19T19:48:42.322+11:00Safarihiker.Hiking, journeys and audacious adventures in lesser known places.Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-10307631071266810722023-12-10T18:16:00.004+11:002023-12-11T15:16:16.125+11:00Great South West Walk. Victoria, Australia. 250km, 8 days.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBqpVLJAVKILFyYGrCVAMuOHUTkKBZSuZXQGmmF6F5hb0ZP3JjsU6JptAjv0FmhbWNHadJFrxbgiGRgoEhRPIW4EtXhG0DKJXVDk4mcZGCP41CIWV8Ft5yYz0My_OhGhSXIJ9C25HR1nCMs8lWShLE1_39s6wdDpLlORxoQLSXr5wTVGBChg6iC3_iZdq/s4080/IMG_20231121_095723059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBqpVLJAVKILFyYGrCVAMuOHUTkKBZSuZXQGmmF6F5hb0ZP3JjsU6JptAjv0FmhbWNHadJFrxbgiGRgoEhRPIW4EtXhG0DKJXVDk4mcZGCP41CIWV8Ft5yYz0My_OhGhSXIJ9C25HR1nCMs8lWShLE1_39s6wdDpLlORxoQLSXr5wTVGBChg6iC3_iZdq/w301-h400/IMG_20231121_095723059.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Great South West Walk.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Is it great? well it's.... pretty good! </div><div>And yes this mostly flat, easy 250 kilometre loop path designed for walking is located in the South West of Victoria, Australia.<div><br /></div><div>You get a terrific variety of natural environments to explore; the trail passes through dry forest, hugs the winding, green Glenelg River and slogs along the wild coastline of Discovery Bay.</div><div>Add in a couple of National Parks, pertrified forest remains and stupendous views all round.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's a shit ton of wildlife and great camping spots on the trek and conveniently sited shelters with water tanks and dunnies every 15 to 20 kilometres.</div><div><br /></div><div>I first walked the GSWW in 1999 as an over confident tourist fresh off the plane here in Aussie. </div><div>It was my first hike over 200 kilometers and kicked off a 25 year obsession of wandering long trails and working as little as possible.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgbglZqDYCOV3-78eCucZXKt4i80ZmVxjYFH_hBRf3EaBPn_Ltqf1bthrBiQivxNS1Yh5mkx21J2_He5BKYO7JGd6FEUZc2Ex3_KiRU07RrMHLpeMz0QbxcaRh7MQWxdZcaRateCQU1xG8Iwm3E_z27FK8v_4WvgOO6039HUIWtG-IqfiQ8iMZIFHif1Y/s4080/IMG_20231126_083616554-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgbglZqDYCOV3-78eCucZXKt4i80ZmVxjYFH_hBRf3EaBPn_Ltqf1bthrBiQivxNS1Yh5mkx21J2_He5BKYO7JGd6FEUZc2Ex3_KiRU07RrMHLpeMz0QbxcaRh7MQWxdZcaRateCQU1xG8Iwm3E_z27FK8v_4WvgOO6039HUIWtG-IqfiQ8iMZIFHif1Y/w400-h301/IMG_20231126_083616554-EDIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD:</div><div><br /></div><div>You can jump on the GSWW anywhere there is road access but the 'official' start and finish is the Portland Visitor Centre. </div><div><br /></div><div>I walked counter clockwise, knocking over the inland section first however you can head West if you like, whatever floats your boat. </div><div>Either direction works.</div><div><br /></div><div>I flew Launceston to Melbourne, Skybus into Southern Cross Station, grabbed a gas cannister from one of the outdoor stores in Little Bourke Street and took a pre booked Vline train and bus to Warrnambool and Portland, respectively.</div><div><br /></div><div>The train journey takes 3.5 hours, bus is 90 minutes, they are timed to link up together and thanks to the current stunning deal courtesy of Vline the cost is a paltry $10. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's it, a maximum of $10 per person, capped for travel with Vline, anywhere in Victoria. </div><div>Bargain. </div><div>Yip, you may encounter 'interesting' types and have loud annoying nonsense blaring from mobile phones drilling into your ear canals while slumming it in public transport, but it's $10. </div><div><br /></div><div>I travelled the same route in reverse after the hike. Vline bookings <a href="https://www.vline.com.au/Plan-trip-buy-tickets" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>And of course you can drive your own vehicle and park somewhere for the duration of your walk. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiJvQsgBkwJfgydia_pzbo_V_Ef3fsP0duRd0FsWCRu9f1yBfN5-5MVQDbaik897l0cEh9wdL3z2o96dmo9Wpl-tSn1a5mcedQEdD5sN-Nmfp_rAeeKmx4s9mMHejr3l8SGXDjn3ItplOe08Nb0w2QYQqn18tZfJxwhckVrWqe9c9EVYUj1mDRrkZG_Uv/s1122/GSWW%20Overview.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1122" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiJvQsgBkwJfgydia_pzbo_V_Ef3fsP0duRd0FsWCRu9f1yBfN5-5MVQDbaik897l0cEh9wdL3z2o96dmo9Wpl-tSn1a5mcedQEdD5sN-Nmfp_rAeeKmx4s9mMHejr3l8SGXDjn3ItplOe08Nb0w2QYQqn18tZfJxwhckVrWqe9c9EVYUj1mDRrkZG_Uv/w400-h311/GSWW%20Overview.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqsyH10gStCilD02mfN_OESVC0blbWUiZQM1lSyFyE6xOQjddJOv-rqUzLnRhTiKiSuUpJm6rsbtPHJcxyRgYDrcvR3wGGI9FRhiFVt9OCPwNQY9P5uPOh4U7gddRdUGE1InuRH08aUfVQwAgDcWHWiCrClRjR5MauhySReaxt7Vjlf5y31-vek3uQ5qE/s1279/GSWW%20Map.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1279" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqsyH10gStCilD02mfN_OESVC0blbWUiZQM1lSyFyE6xOQjddJOv-rqUzLnRhTiKiSuUpJm6rsbtPHJcxyRgYDrcvR3wGGI9FRhiFVt9OCPwNQY9P5uPOh4U7gddRdUGE1InuRH08aUfVQwAgDcWHWiCrClRjR5MauhySReaxt7Vjlf5y31-vek3uQ5qE/w400-h285/GSWW%20Map.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from <a href="https://greatsouthwestwalk.com/" target="_blank">GSWW website</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">RESUPPLY:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I initially carried 5 days food with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I picked up a parcel containing another 4 days worth of supplies at the Nelson Post Office which is at the half way point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took 8 days to hike the GSWW so that worked out great. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most people I encountered were taking 14 days to walk the trail so I guess they started out with a weeks worth of supplies and sent themselves another week to collect at the Post Office. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or they just tolerated insanely heavy packs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a few motels and caravan parks in Nelson, a pub with a bottle shop and there is fast food takeaway at the General Store/ Post Office kiosk, no supermarket options.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Put something like this on the package:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">General Delivery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nelson LPO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PLEASE HOLD FOR GSWW HIKER *SAFARI* </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Estimated collection November 24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">26 Leake Street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nelson</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">VICTORIA 3292</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Hours are 9 -5 Monday to Friday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 9 - 12 Saturday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Closed Sunday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or if you are 100% sure of your itinerary and have pre booked accommodation in Nelson you can ask if your hotel will hold a parcel for you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I smashed a delicious lunch of fish and chips and salad at the Cape Bridgewater Cafe on day 7.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cafe <a href="https://www.bridgewaterbay.com.au/" target="_blank">website.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2tdtUEmZLaoCJH1p-uWHfjZ7MSGBs1QuerTGOg-q9I1gusWL1wLO9e_zAuLIhkJK9P3ZTP1os6F5myb3ErwVjCdKj_8yzHs-MLrgRAbczfLIw3FDX-KGgvh4ROvSz-Vov9vGrj0KEzTKlU193odfhyjpvBFZ7E2ht6rkHLIsoNbOh_4KW9h1mIEbY5iT/s4080/IMG_20231122_085150192_HDR-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2tdtUEmZLaoCJH1p-uWHfjZ7MSGBs1QuerTGOg-q9I1gusWL1wLO9e_zAuLIhkJK9P3ZTP1os6F5myb3ErwVjCdKj_8yzHs-MLrgRAbczfLIw3FDX-KGgvh4ROvSz-Vov9vGrj0KEzTKlU193odfhyjpvBFZ7E2ht6rkHLIsoNbOh_4KW9h1mIEbY5iT/w400-h301/IMG_20231122_085150192_HDR-EDIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FLORA AND FAUNA:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dJZvZSSEpPI5M3kTy6Ra1qGOISL4asewVXlFniyrGV2KwQOWN24Dx67Vv1dVb_M9ZA-m9JT1bmdQNEy6rW9u7pda4HksgyhEqFRlEtSgogy-UXR1WmiLBPbz6Qz71RfYyzawQYk-uu1I-p1OLvyKasp_jBhG0ga0q6CMou1cNqLybUyGbheaIUskidJ2/s4080/IMG_20231121_154202454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dJZvZSSEpPI5M3kTy6Ra1qGOISL4asewVXlFniyrGV2KwQOWN24Dx67Vv1dVb_M9ZA-m9JT1bmdQNEy6rW9u7pda4HksgyhEqFRlEtSgogy-UXR1WmiLBPbz6Qz71RfYyzawQYk-uu1I-p1OLvyKasp_jBhG0ga0q6CMou1cNqLybUyGbheaIUskidJ2/w301-h400/IMG_20231121_154202454.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was genuinely blown away by the diversity and proliferation of native wildlife on this walking path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I encountered: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emu, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eastern Grey Kangaroo, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Swamp Wallaby, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Koala,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Echidna,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flies, flies, loads of flies,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gang Gang Cockatoo,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Black Cockatoo,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blue Tongue Skink (photo above),</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rufous Bristlebird,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pied Oystercatcher,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hooded Plover,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tiger Snake,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Red Bellied Black Snake,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flame Robin,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cormorant,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crescent Honeyeater,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fur Seal,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heron,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gannets...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and more colourful birds and reptiles that have slipped my memory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to the legitimate native fauna I occasionally sighted fox and feral cat lurking about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEw90rrYv9DSuHL2NoQceD4XkHy8l8sSY3AymcoxIIF3H0nwhEmY-3qD2Ix4XbQHei65zeGEBIPX5c4lnyy1Lt7PEHigY1nGg-0zXPp6lo0HJLjYgVi57qiBU-fWl8mt6qs0C7L5i8nf6KtS4x7hPrCRodMsN_6cQBFiQnWhExAfeMirl1vfmXIMT3TY6/s4080/IMG_20231123_114138107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEw90rrYv9DSuHL2NoQceD4XkHy8l8sSY3AymcoxIIF3H0nwhEmY-3qD2Ix4XbQHei65zeGEBIPX5c4lnyy1Lt7PEHigY1nGg-0zXPp6lo0HJLjYgVi57qiBU-fWl8mt6qs0C7L5i8nf6KtS4x7hPrCRodMsN_6cQBFiQnWhExAfeMirl1vfmXIMT3TY6/w400-h301/IMG_20231123_114138107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNLgsp1xKaBx5o7CADXWuHQ9QEAB8zGArHJ_-yMcmUHxGml0d94G4ZNVL0uC37oTs0iFi1qFchf-uwb6QDgKVcgLxDZrfOgOgIC1HhU3tkmuruv_aSmeMpWMOU5_Z6lb2nFr2tKc6dIzp10K0Ji6FXd5XaNGv8e0Bf32XWDb9943fgmz-ouq_Ez8pUjbR/s4080/IMG_20231123_153013683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNLgsp1xKaBx5o7CADXWuHQ9QEAB8zGArHJ_-yMcmUHxGml0d94G4ZNVL0uC37oTs0iFi1qFchf-uwb6QDgKVcgLxDZrfOgOgIC1HhU3tkmuruv_aSmeMpWMOU5_Z6lb2nFr2tKc6dIzp10K0Ji6FXd5XaNGv8e0Bf32XWDb9943fgmz-ouq_Ez8pUjbR/w400-h301/IMG_20231123_153013683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApvcYdPZKq3Qyjv7WKvr99chrXF_FwK7s2R3hV9UFvFnp8-9nywzC4Vej-io-ADYyGgeGk1hInITuUQg97E4Sp19xoP3cFFOH-Qlx46ZUplqUyb1MiWJ_1581TrSmx1WL4CdBh4ol17qc-Qqo-36Rt5RPA50icXY7pSXZJ6ycK5p9dWpN28CCSyWiEEH1/s4080/IMG_20231121_154441286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApvcYdPZKq3Qyjv7WKvr99chrXF_FwK7s2R3hV9UFvFnp8-9nywzC4Vej-io-ADYyGgeGk1hInITuUQg97E4Sp19xoP3cFFOH-Qlx46ZUplqUyb1MiWJ_1581TrSmx1WL4CdBh4ol17qc-Qqo-36Rt5RPA50icXY7pSXZJ6ycK5p9dWpN28CCSyWiEEH1/w400-h301/IMG_20231121_154441286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">NAVIGATION AND RESOURCES:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Friends of the Great South West Walk maintain and promote the walk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They do fantastic work and their website is far more informative than my ramblings if you are seeking specific information on the GSWW. <a href="https://greatsouthwestwalk.com/" target="_blank">Website.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a simple trail to follow with solid signage and markings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dirt bikers and mountain bikers churn up the inland portion of the track so it's highly visible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I carried the official map below, hardly needed it, never got lost. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are digital GPX files online if you want to download them onto your phone and an official guidebook for sale via the GSWW website too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Great South West Walk <a href="https://greatsouthwestwalk.com/shop/" target="_blank">shop</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y53Yvni9f4xz6pqPQ1AVxhQNVSMpVkDJ46F053i3wBFAwP-tm-8rwyzD7LZHTCahMtbSdQs_vvwRBrjW1-HwEkub-wosUqQtYG5PPHe4PqvplkVnanSw9ZZuLI1QX39tOH-qWLq5wCO9_ucGOhTitdzCkngVCuIBoYk-84Sh1V5Fwwr_I1_2Fzl_-qyV/s4080/IMG_20231108_075927325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y53Yvni9f4xz6pqPQ1AVxhQNVSMpVkDJ46F053i3wBFAwP-tm-8rwyzD7LZHTCahMtbSdQs_vvwRBrjW1-HwEkub-wosUqQtYG5PPHe4PqvplkVnanSw9ZZuLI1QX39tOH-qWLq5wCO9_ucGOhTitdzCkngVCuIBoYk-84Sh1V5Fwwr_I1_2Fzl_-qyV/w301-h400/IMG_20231108_075927325.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyrI5S7QPUFmeJw4LyfkvA3K4I9XpCl6Mu5Egg8UkvYsbEDpNORm82FqrEbzWDqBTjvka4GPOfL6YT1646wD8OFwTOjZlFa_la0jlpgcH3jVJWpDnpXAjdEgupNby6vXWaBfAieFtzT7zzXWDvlJBnXCq9Ddveh4hl7_P5Gjt-1jHOZ85I_QOVArkiQPF/s4080/IMG_20231128_082357863.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyrI5S7QPUFmeJw4LyfkvA3K4I9XpCl6Mu5Egg8UkvYsbEDpNORm82FqrEbzWDqBTjvka4GPOfL6YT1646wD8OFwTOjZlFa_la0jlpgcH3jVJWpDnpXAjdEgupNby6vXWaBfAieFtzT7zzXWDvlJBnXCq9Ddveh4hl7_P5Gjt-1jHOZ85I_QOVArkiQPF/w400-h301/IMG_20231128_082357863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CAMPING:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I free camped wherever I wanted. That's just me and how I hike.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I walked the trail the official shelter sites were chock full of large groups of school age children and older walkers constantly talking about gear, but you are encouraged to utilise these sites and pre book them on the Parks Victoria website <a href="https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/great-south-west-walk#/accom/33309" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo4Th1fOAD1inlomhAUsh39UbYfKG6qaPJq4-qujj5sYFB6z5nl1LtOdXrQ9nTxKnJNntil4pLAObU3F-0H2m6_vSufrIHoBZxKkBXJZvKsTi9aoBXWOCm_ly-XIGp0yR0cqTVTSKCz6WkFOOawhOQIrCYf1AEH3sK0Oh6NeZ6oNUUG6qCB-9Y1-g-R6S/s4080/IMG_20231126_104607147_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo4Th1fOAD1inlomhAUsh39UbYfKG6qaPJq4-qujj5sYFB6z5nl1LtOdXrQ9nTxKnJNntil4pLAObU3F-0H2m6_vSufrIHoBZxKkBXJZvKsTi9aoBXWOCm_ly-XIGp0yR0cqTVTSKCz6WkFOOawhOQIrCYf1AEH3sK0Oh6NeZ6oNUUG6qCB-9Y1-g-R6S/w400-h301/IMG_20231126_104607147_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMsZbcWgU9BfqBJ4-EPdCCOd3zBvW5lI_0VxbAaDOxtw6I0EbD11X5eL-aVrV2aoBKUxGpR3t6JpfMhq4xJRpB9-YYkHTAYlY38tA5ymWRsUo5XLIIh7ePNRXQterci5_dmXO2143SSKkx1psK5hBB7W1Qmtx1xMDMXBbNXmAd_kSIg9nqiE3YHeQ3ppk/s4080/IMG_20231124_064242821_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMsZbcWgU9BfqBJ4-EPdCCOd3zBvW5lI_0VxbAaDOxtw6I0EbD11X5eL-aVrV2aoBKUxGpR3t6JpfMhq4xJRpB9-YYkHTAYlY38tA5ymWRsUo5XLIIh7ePNRXQterci5_dmXO2143SSKkx1psK5hBB7W1Qmtx1xMDMXBbNXmAd_kSIg9nqiE3YHeQ3ppk/w400-h301/IMG_20231124_064242821_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>WATER:</div><div><br /></div><div>There are not many streams or natural resources to draw on. </div><div>I filled up exclusively at the shelter sites from the rainwater tanks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21m30gQOY2IAA1XLdCk2DNgkpNFcfEYRkc1eW9aD7_OwjIqljc-qMTxhc44JLz-iYPpFDR7lOQp9ml2SIL8lbF9dnchXSa0K_GcFKS3hLiy-Pc8wZ83ZLihabZhd7N3zlsHoXmkKYMvA8esCnWOXC7oWx8WbubRgcZ_ZXClOCAs7dq4IymIWjX6tksplF/s4080/IMG_20231123_190309329_HDR-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21m30gQOY2IAA1XLdCk2DNgkpNFcfEYRkc1eW9aD7_OwjIqljc-qMTxhc44JLz-iYPpFDR7lOQp9ml2SIL8lbF9dnchXSa0K_GcFKS3hLiy-Pc8wZ83ZLihabZhd7N3zlsHoXmkKYMvA8esCnWOXC7oWx8WbubRgcZ_ZXClOCAs7dq4IymIWjX6tksplF/w400-h301/IMG_20231123_190309329_HDR-EDIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">WEATHER AND LANDSCAPES:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Portland is located on the Southern coast of Australia, producing a moderate, maritime climate over the surrounding area. I hiked the GSWW in November, before the Summer heat kicked in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wore shorts and long sleeve shirt, sandals on the beaches and hundreds of very friendly flies on my back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were a few days of rain but it never felt truly cold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a couple of hours of road walking on the first day heading North along the coast, then it's fire trails and single track through regrowth forest to the Glenelg River. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some great cliff top trail sections lead to the small coastal town of Nelson and then you are searching for the firmest bits of the sand as the GSWW leads you along Discovery Bay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Try to time the tides right for these couple of days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's choose your own adventure at the dune buggy camping area of Swan Lake: head inland up to Mt Richmond National Park or continue chugging along the coast to Cape Bridgewater. I went the Mt Richmond route, filled up my water bags at Tarragal Camp and camped near the Bridgewater Lakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Petrified forest and windfarms greet you as you meander into Portland, the trail keeps you off the roads for the most part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWx5QDtJmkl_AUrdTE6ypipRgnE4A1mtuIEU_FT4hxiWdleb7LOGHTN4jotmXUaT7hYGdpCQwf83ySH3jWTWNuvCiCQUbZld7JmWnPLIBQKDa1xn2P0RLGX5tzjOeN1By42ZE5oHhde7vrfZewzDC26n6Zway6FGMV773qFyJgQwU38alVUFzYxSB4er9/s4080/IMG_20231127_111243134-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWx5QDtJmkl_AUrdTE6ypipRgnE4A1mtuIEU_FT4hxiWdleb7LOGHTN4jotmXUaT7hYGdpCQwf83ySH3jWTWNuvCiCQUbZld7JmWnPLIBQKDa1xn2P0RLGX5tzjOeN1By42ZE5oHhde7vrfZewzDC26n6Zway6FGMV773qFyJgQwU38alVUFzYxSB4er9/w400-h301/IMG_20231127_111243134-EDIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCFsIuskTXGlar1HqYgu2STBGpHe6rJIRcPk-IqIAtxFBhC1Icr8z-W5XNNI-milOKuTgiwZwdJABu07pIM183RfFjRDUPQkMIDth1ExWAylHaTLaJSb0AInSyLNHcm5C_tfNT-AKdZZp1v_PppFCU6Bj3OGzN7ebAY12_xUq89HAgJmS9R-CRhXlOOku/s4080/IMG_20231128_092854814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCFsIuskTXGlar1HqYgu2STBGpHe6rJIRcPk-IqIAtxFBhC1Icr8z-W5XNNI-milOKuTgiwZwdJABu07pIM183RfFjRDUPQkMIDth1ExWAylHaTLaJSb0AInSyLNHcm5C_tfNT-AKdZZp1v_PppFCU6Bj3OGzN7ebAY12_xUq89HAgJmS9R-CRhXlOOku/w301-h400/IMG_20231128_092854814.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">THOUGHTS:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was following in the footsteps of my 24 year old self as I re-hiked the GSWW. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not that there was a whole lot of nostalgic navel gazing and contemplation- I barely remembered the GSWW and I was just keen to get another hike in after my month long romp on the Sheltowee Trace in Kentucky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>The Good:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A mostly level, well marked, attentively maintained pathway accessible to anyone that can walk upright. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crazy amounts of enchanting wildlife hanging around and a changing landscape. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bit of bush, bit of beach, a nice balance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A loop track is always easier on the transport logistics.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>The Not So Good:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I encountered far too many very large private school outdoor education groups on this hike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dozens of kids encamped in every single shelter taking up every single square centimeter of space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Morning, noon, night- whenever I rolled through a shelter to grab some water; 20, 30, sometimes 40 school kids. They were mostly kind of polite but always visibly relieved when I explained I was just passing through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lucky I was never planning to actually stay in one of these campsites, that would have been my idea of hell. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However all of the other walkers I met said they camped overnight with the kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the yelling, and the chaos, and the mess. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I get it, the next generation needs to be exposed to the outdoors in order to cultivate connection to our wild places. I'm not convinced throwing young people out in large, rowdy groups and taking over whole public shared areas is the correct means for this instigation. But I hate large, rowdy groups in remote places anyway so that's just me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My advice is to check the booking system carefully if you plan to stay at one of these shelters and see how many others are booked in for a particular night too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAe271FlD4xiGbfOHRT-mRri1wq6PGZ4u7ei2qdhe4U2VXApGunrIeM1HlQadE1PA2MSmnrrS5vDtov8sY3iWRJ8lt23XHbeg1sLvoc4vZGdVDOmOR2WkHErAwjjetZm0WMrce0x11aRkFymHq5zNblsSxtMZEPMYIwBubFKVqtkZYL1_8bpacvJx9lQ4/s3264/IMG_20231128_155223197_PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAe271FlD4xiGbfOHRT-mRri1wq6PGZ4u7ei2qdhe4U2VXApGunrIeM1HlQadE1PA2MSmnrrS5vDtov8sY3iWRJ8lt23XHbeg1sLvoc4vZGdVDOmOR2WkHErAwjjetZm0WMrce0x11aRkFymHq5zNblsSxtMZEPMYIwBubFKVqtkZYL1_8bpacvJx9lQ4/w225-h400/IMG_20231128_155223197_PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Portland Visitor Centre at the 'official' start/ finish of the GSWW, nearly 25 years after my first trot around the loop.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg3iPremAbiz6nyXk2pxZ52NtiKc4riNXsR7KcVF4LbcgZTLAQRGbVFWYzs2dWOQvaWZH7_wS_jqwBr8mvoYBOF6yucBXBsJj1qPGK8s5ys4A0PQ-HKe96QCNUmMyavqhn2zTeMy2jgKv_PlvqbfFdortPbIYOTbyyjYibr51QIWTA6jRq4nlev1OiKJ8/s1099/GSWW%201999%20Certificate.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1099" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg3iPremAbiz6nyXk2pxZ52NtiKc4riNXsR7KcVF4LbcgZTLAQRGbVFWYzs2dWOQvaWZH7_wS_jqwBr8mvoYBOF6yucBXBsJj1qPGK8s5ys4A0PQ-HKe96QCNUmMyavqhn2zTeMy2jgKv_PlvqbfFdortPbIYOTbyyjYibr51QIWTA6jRq4nlev1OiKJ8/w400-h318/GSWW%201999%20Certificate.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blast from the past! The visitor centre doesn't hand out completion certificates anymore and I'm quite amazed I still have this one.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0wYWcG7MKwtWf6-9n6M_XYY6ZVt7dV2iwtSHeUq9NwshCp3CsnjsoaGqOipb27eQ66Nvysd8odkt5qbywfkGRBUEb6Aoq0OYVh2zR_JcnXNDmI7fEua6XH5P1TggDnUT-XW-OP_6n3IcRI3pK-k3gz-dQbRxSCZcAI-Wj5CQlBMhfyMoigIOTXvLdi3h/s4080/IMG_20231207_081201767~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0wYWcG7MKwtWf6-9n6M_XYY6ZVt7dV2iwtSHeUq9NwshCp3CsnjsoaGqOipb27eQ66Nvysd8odkt5qbywfkGRBUEb6Aoq0OYVh2zR_JcnXNDmI7fEua6XH5P1TggDnUT-XW-OP_6n3IcRI3pK-k3gz-dQbRxSCZcAI-Wj5CQlBMhfyMoigIOTXvLdi3h/w301-h400/IMG_20231207_081201767~2.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 1999, note the heavy old school water filter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PrLKEHo10-YE86R5kI5MhaVcMa6z4ot-80D4-WEnQ27Kx9EjwMA2hlwsl3lsgQ7yXgZcAOjDpejRsGsvv72CBkEbKV0PQ9iV-jeWDljIdBbwAAk8o2GjVSkILKl0z7fQWn6cazc9TNIRZByi5GqfVR2VhuBAEPJ9hdAvqHjP7RfOhOIQz_hwx7OZ6kTD/s4080/IMG_20231207_081216176~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PrLKEHo10-YE86R5kI5MhaVcMa6z4ot-80D4-WEnQ27Kx9EjwMA2hlwsl3lsgQ7yXgZcAOjDpejRsGsvv72CBkEbKV0PQ9iV-jeWDljIdBbwAAk8o2GjVSkILKl0z7fQWn6cazc9TNIRZByi5GqfVR2VhuBAEPJ9hdAvqHjP7RfOhOIQz_hwx7OZ6kTD/w400-h301/IMG_20231207_081216176~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's this dude dressed in itchy polypropylene with the 100 litre Macpac Torre backpacks? 😁</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-50381997954110767322023-11-18T14:04:00.010+11:002023-12-07T04:22:39.394+11:00Sheltowee Trace Trail- Kentucky, USA. 343 Miles/ 552 Kilometres<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eohU0vte_yhyphenhyphenvW28nKSQuINHK9RZw97J2xi38FGHxWUJYMHu4zcJmKzM1IrnNWVPIJtwKZTsGvxPuJ3kSiVntKiB7b9LXMBvJ4K-QTZVK3siJQJf7uHe0eJGog8qOJklPAJO0sNs4f_uQcFvBk7nFyRRLySIfOEvMGMVS5JwEN2L2_eu65o9OXvOYsfF/s4080/IMG_20230922_112218607_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eohU0vte_yhyphenhyphenvW28nKSQuINHK9RZw97J2xi38FGHxWUJYMHu4zcJmKzM1IrnNWVPIJtwKZTsGvxPuJ3kSiVntKiB7b9LXMBvJ4K-QTZVK3siJQJf7uHe0eJGog8qOJklPAJO0sNs4f_uQcFvBk7nFyRRLySIfOEvMGMVS5JwEN2L2_eu65o9OXvOYsfF/w301-h400/IMG_20230922_112218607_HDR.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Gigantic rock formations and easy trails. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Serious solitude and clean, clear air. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Welcoming locals, quiet campsites.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the relatively unknown and untrampled Sheltowee Trace Trail, one of the most relaxing, chill long distance walks I have completed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Sheltowee threads it's way up and down the State of Kentucky from the Northern Terminus near the University town of Morehead, spilling over the Southern border into Tennessee and the splendid Big South Fork Recreation Area. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You are in the green tunnel of the Daniel Boone National Forest for the most part with an occasional State Park and short road walk thrown in to break things up. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Signage and trail maintenance is excellent and your fellow hikers are non existent. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I tackled the Sheltowee with my girlfriend Fiesty Hippie over the months of September and October 2023.</span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct28ivg2GJQ_3DhZiDZ9c_MWG2UA4yjh8957Wh1WXQuqT6xaMDLMUepWfz-TEz8Tp186y0GgDPBBMOVwhlaJB6QZbrgmJZD657TnZZ4hgXzfgST7nv9k5JwNyKnNJE5iDhZC4dIryXwCBE8o6Qmsro0PxP3Kttp3e1odBQATsyWlpkIZoyezYoJvVwWMm/s1178/Sheltowee%20USA%20overview.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="1178" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct28ivg2GJQ_3DhZiDZ9c_MWG2UA4yjh8957Wh1WXQuqT6xaMDLMUepWfz-TEz8Tp186y0GgDPBBMOVwhlaJB6QZbrgmJZD657TnZZ4hgXzfgST7nv9k5JwNyKnNJE5iDhZC4dIryXwCBE8o6Qmsro0PxP3Kttp3e1odBQATsyWlpkIZoyezYoJvVwWMm/w400-h138/Sheltowee%20USA%20overview.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Hiiker.com<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33wrKZOCpNHEtpsdp-pkIitg4Az7cmq3_tjbjNkyxgDPB_dXvGnzXT6vipDC5b_LNTG6M3UrTtyupGPaj_vgJsD-XU1DZL8UhyphenhyphenEZaGgg00BOHfh8F0poCU6AUzOYPx0g-62Nvg2cXFqY95J2svwAiLcjffhUsOoW7btXnpKoIxqpa5Plr9793IYmeQlnN/s508/Sheltowee%20route%202.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="358" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33wrKZOCpNHEtpsdp-pkIitg4Az7cmq3_tjbjNkyxgDPB_dXvGnzXT6vipDC5b_LNTG6M3UrTtyupGPaj_vgJsD-XU1DZL8UhyphenhyphenEZaGgg00BOHfh8F0poCU6AUzOYPx0g-62Nvg2cXFqY95J2svwAiLcjffhUsOoW7btXnpKoIxqpa5Plr9793IYmeQlnN/w283-h400/Sheltowee%20route%202.png" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from visitjacksoncountyky.org</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Getting to the Trailheads:</b></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Cranston Road- Northern Terminus.</u><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We flew to St Louis, Missouri and picked up a rental car which facilitated collecting supplies and getting organised for the hike far easier than running around on foot or utilising public transport. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The drive to Lexington, Kentucky via the I64 is around 550 kilometres. (Note- we could have flown directly to Lexington but I was keen on a slow, multiday road trip driving through Illinois and stopping in Indiana for a night)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We dropped the car off at Blue Grass Airport and were shuttled to the Northern Terminus on Cranston Road by lovely trail angel Denise, driving time is about 90 minutes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We paid Denise $100 USD. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There is Sheltowee signage, parking for 5 vehicles and not much else at the Northern Terminus.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There is no public transport to the start of the Sheltowee Trace at either end of the trail so if you don't have friends or relatives in the USA willing to drop you off then contacting the wonderful Sheltowee Trace Association and asking nicely for some help to arrange a shuttle is your best bet. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's what I did and Lucy was super cool and efficient chasing down Denise for us.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://sheltoweetrace.org/" target="_blank">Sheltowee Trace Association website.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There is extensive information under Shuttle Services.<br /></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I am surmising that a taxi or Uber from Lexington could be an option as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Burnt Mill Bridge- Southern Terminus.</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the Southern end for now- the trail is being extended 10 miles or so to the small town of Rugby, Tennessee. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We arranged a pick up and shuttle to Knoxville Airport to pick up a rental car upon completion of the Sheltowee with friendly local Tiffany. Cost $150 USD.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There is parking for around 20 vehicles, trash cans and primitive bathroom facilities at Burnt Mill Bridge.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPm9XZ1O5D6cSQhtaLcl7xpeAqoECx2ahtIqcVj05sSQ2KaEKtQv8YLViBVS4RuLCijDUe9njaJWYI9uy4xiKdQ6FYLVOvhvC-TIyJ76NlBF0SI-DJFJqWHzalRhUnNzyXiBzSRPphtTGWYbiV3KAxi0A28GDvCNaZkXwXxC8I4W1-SF9uBmFmg6w3A2Y/s4080/IMG_20230922_175842826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPm9XZ1O5D6cSQhtaLcl7xpeAqoECx2ahtIqcVj05sSQ2KaEKtQv8YLViBVS4RuLCijDUe9njaJWYI9uy4xiKdQ6FYLVOvhvC-TIyJ76NlBF0SI-DJFJqWHzalRhUnNzyXiBzSRPphtTGWYbiV3KAxi0A28GDvCNaZkXwXxC8I4W1-SF9uBmFmg6w3A2Y/w400-h301/IMG_20230922_175842826.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqj9wzQJ60l7ip7VNDI9OB0b-6sAClQYBkD6BgyQs1NBnr-5Q0rBF46J0H91NVWH6OG0kUvqNyPf4H3ryW0h7xAMDbedjsPiv4FY4mnTK5xNpUAz_b3KWErnFXKAB4Pu6k3fuJdpuZfBoAsVYYl1m8A28_0IHzLxFmNly1gK74CPWCcCknjKH861l2l5S/s4080/IMG_20230920_150108840_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqj9wzQJ60l7ip7VNDI9OB0b-6sAClQYBkD6BgyQs1NBnr-5Q0rBF46J0H91NVWH6OG0kUvqNyPf4H3ryW0h7xAMDbedjsPiv4FY4mnTK5xNpUAz_b3KWErnFXKAB4Pu6k3fuJdpuZfBoAsVYYl1m8A28_0IHzLxFmNly1gK74CPWCcCknjKH861l2l5S/w400-h301/IMG_20230920_150108840_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Resupply and Trail Towns:</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">We resupplied in the following Kentucky towns, North to South.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Morehead.</u> Mile 25 / Kilometer 40</span> - <span style="font-family: arial;"><i>on trail</i></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Supermarkets, hotels, fast food.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">Red River Gorge, Slade.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 87 / Kilometer 140 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">on trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Small tourist minded convenience</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> store, laundry, hotel in State Park.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">Linda Lago RV Sites.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 104 / Kilometer 167 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">1 mile off trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Camping, cabins, hot food, basic supplies.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">McKee.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 141 / Kilometer 227 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">2 miles off trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Supermarket, Dollar General, Air BnB's, fast food.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">49er Truck Stop. </u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 177 / Kilometer 285 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">on trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Gas station supplies, diner food.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">London.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 202 / Kilometer 325 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">16 miles off trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Walmart, many hotels, fast food.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">Holly Bay Marina.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 205 / Kilometer 330 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">.5 mile off trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Small store with snacks and hot food.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">Cumberland Falls State Park.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 223 / Kilometer 359 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">on trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Free Wifi, food kiosk.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">Whitley City.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 254 / Kilometer 408 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">4 miles off trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Supermarket, restaurants, post office.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: arial;">Bandy Creek Campground.</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mile 312 / Kilometer 502 - </span><i style="font-family: arial;">on trail</i></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Free Wifi, basic supplies and beer at the camp store.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEJbyP4VnxD1hG9uziArQHXtMo1GYlJppoInihKFV6f-lVtOsCfg3k_TIwatB-KK6xRxx3P0FEPB5mnohOn1hRw3nO5jxbemc-ytoZhouMDI5yQJ2F8Gn1KMtF0fnf-VRFuCU46_Q7hf-Mpab3tsoV4hQyyzH_LYz-ttO2vZom5ZY4ZTHBrWpJr5oyvh_/s4080/IMG_20231004_110257677.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEJbyP4VnxD1hG9uziArQHXtMo1GYlJppoInihKFV6f-lVtOsCfg3k_TIwatB-KK6xRxx3P0FEPB5mnohOn1hRw3nO5jxbemc-ytoZhouMDI5yQJ2F8Gn1KMtF0fnf-VRFuCU46_Q7hf-Mpab3tsoV4hQyyzH_LYz-ttO2vZom5ZY4ZTHBrWpJr5oyvh_/w400-h301/IMG_20231004_110257677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-BZvEUDuqzliPp-qs4o4FMPCM81_zdmnO5SOhhbq_ry-yBp7cd_E8EeIM5G6-4DURFfMmP-EyrUBRYC_TKwa7B2eCc0QZcml0lNy9eo4taRkoqGmwYeFhcMJe2Dua5AvW1h9nU7eVZ7tRJEiS9aQQwMVxsZ-CV3VmAp3c5mOv5B72x9l1Oq0CpXZgNWp/s4080/IMG_20231004_182953713_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-BZvEUDuqzliPp-qs4o4FMPCM81_zdmnO5SOhhbq_ry-yBp7cd_E8EeIM5G6-4DURFfMmP-EyrUBRYC_TKwa7B2eCc0QZcml0lNy9eo4taRkoqGmwYeFhcMJe2Dua5AvW1h9nU7eVZ7tRJEiS9aQQwMVxsZ-CV3VmAp3c5mOv5B72x9l1Oq0CpXZgNWp/w400-h301/IMG_20231004_182953713_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Flora and Fauna:</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The woods of Kentucky are very lush, very green. Very pretty. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We walked under Hickory and Beech trees, Oaks, White Pines, Yellowwoods, Maples, Yellow Poplars and alongside Dogwoods and Holly's. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was constantly on the look out for poison ivy and poison oak and fortunately only got licked once while falling over like a dickhead. I treated the impending blisters with hydrocortisone cream and pretended I wasn't scratching like a loon when the itch got too much.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ticks were a non issue on our hike. We treated our shoes, packs and tent in Sawyer permethrin, checked each others filth encrusted bodies at the end of the day and had no dramas. Chiggers on the other hand gave our legs a bit of a hiding. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Liberal coatings of Sawyer Picaridin insect repellent made no impact and my calves were nailed with bites.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">No visits from Mr Bear and no racoon sightings which was weird. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Actually not much in the way of typical Eastern State wildlife was encountered aside from copious amounts of scurrying squirrels, a few whitetail deer, an abundant birdlife and hundreds of spider webs strung across the trail at times.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Crawfish and frogs were seen often in the clear waters and we occasionally helped an Eastern Box Turtle off the trail into the scrub.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I reckon the hunting enthusiasts of Kentucky have possibly done too enthusiastic a job of annihilating the larger native mammals in the trail locale. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Or they are just super shy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMoeUzsqzbIJORaU1dqqd5yC6irynvQZFPp6sfJq86LhK4b3HkLB4phQMHHG2cdqOfj3CQ_0wqnu3Dvy_qNgqUU7N9VVJ4vOhTQm1ncmU3uFVfXbbrB6qqdFfnOJSoYr2uCwJcFCoB_AGgGX8GL4GHUsUGcAZ_1cGeaLSOOqY6uwlCS3D1FU8SLmQ267V/s4080/IMG_20231004_114552114_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMoeUzsqzbIJORaU1dqqd5yC6irynvQZFPp6sfJq86LhK4b3HkLB4phQMHHG2cdqOfj3CQ_0wqnu3Dvy_qNgqUU7N9VVJ4vOhTQm1ncmU3uFVfXbbrB6qqdFfnOJSoYr2uCwJcFCoB_AGgGX8GL4GHUsUGcAZ_1cGeaLSOOqY6uwlCS3D1FU8SLmQ267V/w400-h301/IMG_20231004_114552114_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzMsgAfd3f5tJMgmwqjJtbttOvBDRtDQt2T2WWcAYiT-f5FdWJvoxH1fuLeuAioVrgLXvUAMjkn3Dz33lg6ykIbxZIaqyqkcCCUWjiSzBS1VUwAQFSI2EF2qlIGzct__WWp5tj9_mtb5KTBvbuqCmLdUD_M1RDoWowj-M51ah1o4wIiYEWvKSEvKamSSy/s4080/IMG_20231004_124120709_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzMsgAfd3f5tJMgmwqjJtbttOvBDRtDQt2T2WWcAYiT-f5FdWJvoxH1fuLeuAioVrgLXvUAMjkn3Dz33lg6ykIbxZIaqyqkcCCUWjiSzBS1VUwAQFSI2EF2qlIGzct__WWp5tj9_mtb5KTBvbuqCmLdUD_M1RDoWowj-M51ah1o4wIiYEWvKSEvKamSSy/w400-h301/IMG_20231004_124120709_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Navigation and Resources:</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I used the Farout App and the Sheltowee Trace guide on my phone. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Loads of information on there from other hikers. <a href="https://faroutguides.com/sheltowee-trace/" target="_blank">Farout Sheltowee guide.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I purchased a T mobile pre pay Sim card for my phone in St Louis. Coverage was spotty but most of the time there were a few bars on the high points of the trail when required, such as booking a room or chasing a weather forecast.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Again, the STA website is the best place to gather information. <a href="https://sheltoweetrace.org/" target="_blank">STA website.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Jupiter's Youtube clips of his hike in 2019 are worth a watch too. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF4tUYhhVMY&list=PL-16j-eThVI_sKNKHh5oZcR00jG4jjSc_&index=1" target="_blank">Jupiter 2019 Sheltowee Thru.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Sheltowee Trace Association Facebook group was really helpful in answering my queries regarding ticks and shuttle services.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRrYkTo39vzdUKvxXq7K7GYi_Pl_fCsYHEenWAHnKDGmTotMdukEtVl_Mm5QNsMemZ_I3SX6JX3iO4M4X_sXRTHSYmc_XO1T93QbkQBWIKxEFf4wILkfH1Ws2jbwffEdTZh3OpfMOiDuLTX8JmdiVctNd9gtot9K6XR5Hhglimh_E8Xy2BOhWFPX0xjRF/s4080/IMG_20230917_142910580_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRrYkTo39vzdUKvxXq7K7GYi_Pl_fCsYHEenWAHnKDGmTotMdukEtVl_Mm5QNsMemZ_I3SX6JX3iO4M4X_sXRTHSYmc_XO1T93QbkQBWIKxEFf4wILkfH1Ws2jbwffEdTZh3OpfMOiDuLTX8JmdiVctNd9gtot9K6XR5Hhglimh_E8Xy2BOhWFPX0xjRF/w301-h400/IMG_20230917_142910580_HDR.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenv3FMFiQw4aPhTcQstYLPgJcyYgePA8L4T6YgpFEfkdnp-yoqEy9CVw8VcIvbPzn3Mrp4DpFGYXrI79DAvW-DmDEB0XYr7-Wxe5fWf5TdZFcNcxf2cGyAmMsj3C4fpy9ruy_lJnaWoRqoOUycrDKHU8Z7UiBxfKlh98CrFeNyQB0jRCgmkk_4-Ao6XKN/s4080/IMG_20230917_123200671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenv3FMFiQw4aPhTcQstYLPgJcyYgePA8L4T6YgpFEfkdnp-yoqEy9CVw8VcIvbPzn3Mrp4DpFGYXrI79DAvW-DmDEB0XYr7-Wxe5fWf5TdZFcNcxf2cGyAmMsj3C4fpy9ruy_lJnaWoRqoOUycrDKHU8Z7UiBxfKlh98CrFeNyQB0jRCgmkk_4-Ao6XKN/w301-h400/IMG_20230917_123200671.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Camping:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I had a blast camping on this trail.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Farout guide lists some established sites suitable to throw a tent up but really anywhere on public land is fair game. At times we would do a little 'chickening'; light clearing of leaf and branches to clean a space for our Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We often had a fire, sipped some skanky Fireball and chewed a gummie. No issues with hunters or other trail users as there weren't any other people on this trail, we were alone every single night.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Worst case was when we were rained on by acorns being dislodged by squirrels high up in the canopy. Big deal right!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Every now and then you stumble onto an established site complete with table, fire ring and wood stacked up which is a bonus. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Water:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Depending on when you head out on the track the creeks could be flowing or you may be restricted to scooping from puddles. The occasional spigot is listed on the guide and for the most part the water sourced from streams and creeks was clean and clear. I filtered with a Sawyer Squeeze every single time. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And no I am not sponsored by Sawyer, I just really like their stuff, it's what I used and it's widely available at REI and Walmart.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ht_B49Qg5pWMjQ8_XvdfJF65NeHthfSxBHStbuzm3WsiOSWPW_ul64ONt74ZXpWqPKRCRhncnb5jW9our9grCkKp2VfTVDakNtSMOg9TiXVtJ4ia6nugf8uf59EDZl8uh116lQKTi8dVUidcCz2rPUrYoNReWiJncVXr5mT61m9fP5Ex_RBwnuSn5vP/s4080/IMG_20231007_172232623_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ht_B49Qg5pWMjQ8_XvdfJF65NeHthfSxBHStbuzm3WsiOSWPW_ul64ONt74ZXpWqPKRCRhncnb5jW9our9grCkKp2VfTVDakNtSMOg9TiXVtJ4ia6nugf8uf59EDZl8uh116lQKTi8dVUidcCz2rPUrYoNReWiJncVXr5mT61m9fP5Ex_RBwnuSn5vP/w400-h301/IMG_20231007_172232623_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsIjCkUcuLyndp_iAHwKpbDHXQzcJfk0k8-IM_32wEGDYRFX455YDP4i0OlUgW118hSySPF6Jar3oNI3RLD6F0wYKWeehaF9aXy52hH4BIXEZyKRZaSiOy1M-j-Xg8eY_ZzWSODOfpnW-XTxEXGgkTGAYhStA4-nbqJek8InJ4qvERUhGZZbMk_QYfDGW/s4080/IMG_20230928_125131037_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsIjCkUcuLyndp_iAHwKpbDHXQzcJfk0k8-IM_32wEGDYRFX455YDP4i0OlUgW118hSySPF6Jar3oNI3RLD6F0wYKWeehaF9aXy52hH4BIXEZyKRZaSiOy1M-j-Xg8eY_ZzWSODOfpnW-XTxEXGgkTGAYhStA4-nbqJek8InJ4qvERUhGZZbMk_QYfDGW/w400-h301/IMG_20230928_125131037_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Weather and Landscapes:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">September and October proved an optimal time for us this year. Not too hot, not too cold, bit sweaty on the uphill climbs, mostly shorts and t shirt weather. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Fiesty wore a $1 Goodwill dress and I bumbled around in synthetic running shorts and shirt most of the time. A few days of rain had us hauling our jackets out of the bottom of our packs but we were blessed with stable climatic conditions for the most part.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I would classify walking the Sheltowee as easy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Aside from the churned up boggy ATV tracks strewn with garbage (shame on you Kentucky locals who desecrate your beautiful lands with beer cans and Arby's wrappers) the forestry roads and single track are mostly well maintained and conducive to really nice walking.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A few dilapidated bridges and also some missing bridges add a little adventure to river crossings and a couple of steep hill climbs worked me over, however it's a trail anyone could walk.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There is a chunk of road walking south of Heidelberg unofficially known as the 'dog walk section' where you can meet every variety of ferocious, unchained, off lead redneck canine possible. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">They race out to greet you with a mouth full of sharp teeth and a bad attitude for around a 40 mile stretch. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was forewarned of these pesky critters and had a small canister of pepper spray at the ready every time an angry dog intent on eating my nutsack charged at us. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Fortunately we never had an serious problems and managed to shoo the rascals away but then again there were 2 of us and I am guessing that previous attacks on hikers running the gauntlet of Lamero Cruise Road and Crestmont Road has influenced local authorities to enforce these lazy owners of the dogs to restrain and contain most of them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I love dogs but not these arseholes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">They wouldn't stop me from hiking the Sheltowee again but it really shouldn't be an issue, even in the back blocks of Kentucky. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Obviously it's the owners that are the root of the problem, the true arseholes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But in any case you have been informed.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAtFtkT65bjfafnuvSp18ey08l7U6Q7rMbvdlLKfXmSVcuvCydcKejL2PxB8sWJO2O9w91E-ogkiLnx8haFMfzk-F767cxGBnqWkO12T2AhrK-zUPIlLUGfskvDAjp_VjDA8-Qgj0KMeQyYGRH0tBh-UlUCRXm4sv2WgTqW6FlG0qDep8_8jiaFNaGU9y/s4080/IMG_20231011_125527955_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAtFtkT65bjfafnuvSp18ey08l7U6Q7rMbvdlLKfXmSVcuvCydcKejL2PxB8sWJO2O9w91E-ogkiLnx8haFMfzk-F767cxGBnqWkO12T2AhrK-zUPIlLUGfskvDAjp_VjDA8-Qgj0KMeQyYGRH0tBh-UlUCRXm4sv2WgTqW6FlG0qDep8_8jiaFNaGU9y/w301-h400/IMG_20231011_125527955_HDR.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Thoughts:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This was my first hike in the States since before the pandemic thing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Quite a bit has changed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Prices for everything are far higher; food, hotels, fuel, rental cars. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The word is that there are far more people on the popular trails, hence why I chose to go wander where most don't. Crowded trails suck.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Some things haven't changed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Southern hospitality and people wanting to help me on my journey is still mind blowing amazing, I mean it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Kentucky has some of the kindest trail enthusiasts in the country, thank you legends!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This was the longest timeframe I have hiked with another person; we took a cruisey 28 days to complete the Sheltowee with 2 zero days thrown in there. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was forced to compromise my ingrained hiking habits that hankered for long walking days and higher mileage and slow down, enjoy the woods and another persons company. Sweet! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Sheltowee Trace is a fantastic walking path, totally recommended and thoroughly enjoyed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you trail angels and STA members for your kindness and helping us on our way. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvHg6_tbDQezIN9ygGI4lu0h5h6vac_R6hyK_NfdHEuHnIDJS4ILq5GH2NKFV9NnwvgR578mbigTO7hXsI_9PhnOJN3QZhXYQqUrANpeUbCPkObkGj4VAtE51hCk173VA_vUO2WHGcRC3vQW3S05YNNUQKo6ptV2R8DPC1JJ_eXTLaXNOd4Fo_tAVNYTT/s4080/IMG_20231012_101133716_BURST003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvHg6_tbDQezIN9ygGI4lu0h5h6vac_R6hyK_NfdHEuHnIDJS4ILq5GH2NKFV9NnwvgR578mbigTO7hXsI_9PhnOJN3QZhXYQqUrANpeUbCPkObkGj4VAtE51hCk173VA_vUO2WHGcRC3vQW3S05YNNUQKo6ptV2R8DPC1JJ_eXTLaXNOd4Fo_tAVNYTT/w400-h301/IMG_20231012_101133716_BURST003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-27484258396783377582023-07-25T13:24:00.002+10:002023-07-25T13:24:44.527+10:00Cooloola Wilderness Trail, Queensland. 88km. July 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Cooloola 'Great Walk', is located within Great Sandy National Park in Southern Queensland.<div><br /></div><div>Utilising the established campsites gives you an easy 20km a day mileage with a variety of spectacular and changing coastal landscapes. Definitely suitable for beginner hikers and those looking to take it easy and cruise.</div><div><br /></div><div>This point to point trail is accessible by public transport and requires pre booking of overnight campsites to ensure overcrowding doesn't occur.</div><div><br /></div><div>I jumped on the Cooloola with a companion in July 2022 straight after my thru hike of the Heysen Trail and thoroughly enjoyed this more touristy, well groomed track located between rivers and sand dunes and swampy marshlands with the Pacific Ocean roaring in the East.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw3qzolCN1tPm04jH6YRyHLSu8jqOuVpG1v0UYq3oJLu6da55lcX3SFgBB3GHwiXdRlXb6mstDeL7uCiiIPC5xbNoChwtri1Zr6GwcEVui_s2nTINzNzPf16TFbF2pv2ZTlsMNabmCZB88xuKZE4yt1nQbuBwrlTTkZhSXt3ZpYfiBznsIWXBJbZ48H_8/s4160/IMG_20220726_085535850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw3qzolCN1tPm04jH6YRyHLSu8jqOuVpG1v0UYq3oJLu6da55lcX3SFgBB3GHwiXdRlXb6mstDeL7uCiiIPC5xbNoChwtri1Zr6GwcEVui_s2nTINzNzPf16TFbF2pv2ZTlsMNabmCZB88xuKZE4yt1nQbuBwrlTTkZhSXt3ZpYfiBznsIWXBJbZ48H_8/w400-h300/IMG_20220726_085535850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">GETTING TO AND FROM THE TRAILHEADS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Starting locations are Tewantin (Noosa) in the South and Rainbow Beach in the North.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both would be fantastic starting or finishing points, however I chose to go Northbound and spend a few days kicking back at Rainbow Beach afterwards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I caught the Premier Motor Service bus from Roma Street Station (Brisbane) to Tewantin I jogged to an outdoor gear store in Fortitude Valley and scooped up a gas cannister. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bus departed at 2pm, arrived at Tewantin shops 4:30pm, cost $34 per person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://premierms.com.au/timetable/brisbane-cairns-pm16/" target="_blank">Premier Bus</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stayed at an BnB for the night and paid for the hosts to shuttle us out to the Noosa River ferry which is about 5km away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/au/robyn-39-s-nest.en-gb.html?aid=357029&label=yho748jc-1DCAsoD0IPcm9ieW4tMzktcy1uZXN0SDNYA2gPiAEBmAEJuAEXyAEM2AED6AEBiAIBqAIDuALF6vylBsACAdICJGE0ZGVlNWEwLTI5NmQtNDlhZC05NGU5LWVhNjNhYTY2Y2UwMNgCBOACAQ&sid=7e74fe296789ae553e1a51729ee0117d&dist=0&keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&type=total&#tab-main" target="_blank">Robyn's Nest B&B Tewantin</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You cross the Noosa River via a vehicular ferry, cost $1 for pedestrians. <a href="https://www.noosanorthshoreferries.com.au/" target="_blank">Information here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wander up the road for a few kilometres and you're at the Southern Terminus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To return to Brisbane the Premier bus from Rainbow Beach to Brisbane is $34 also, depart 7:40am, arrive 12:30pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKaP_yT9AHGULbP0GkcH9u-pv_vS0EYmOnVC5oIqyarhaJ_Rr1IZAjvWTedLbIvz3swU3aHsUJkH1x3qaNnQhXYYNjWrZL5Ohh6GxV8R46z-buNpC4lOO_wv817MGdQ_DAJ5_nM-yBzHzKNg3kFz8j32flq790MJF1nQKNIWT0pOMsH-cv31ZnTWCbhsh/s1060/Cooloola%203.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1060" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKaP_yT9AHGULbP0GkcH9u-pv_vS0EYmOnVC5oIqyarhaJ_Rr1IZAjvWTedLbIvz3swU3aHsUJkH1x3qaNnQhXYYNjWrZL5Ohh6GxV8R46z-buNpC4lOO_wv817MGdQ_DAJ5_nM-yBzHzKNg3kFz8j32flq790MJF1nQKNIWT0pOMsH-cv31ZnTWCbhsh/w400-h310/Cooloola%203.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">NAVIGATION AND RESOURCES:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I printed the free map on the QPWS site <a href="https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/164206/cooloola-gw-topo.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. The trail is blindingly obvious, no issue getting lost. Keep the ocean on your right for the most part if you are heading North and enjoy the beautiful flora..</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqspDRxuw6DTsC8LTP2IKgEyf-uZUt5Krvje7BQr2XUN4BujT0FTMgMpYpSHzHEmmXZijpHrreJyyRxhFZwTrKFuAPbaZbZsG9bIOKTRbLFtYboFXFV34MFJPiRU23vjKNkVETdqGKqfWrdMm45728rC3udvMlfgnmjyV9AllJjU9aKTVI6SX-9i33zh-j/s785/Cooloola%20Walk%20Map.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="247" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqspDRxuw6DTsC8LTP2IKgEyf-uZUt5Krvje7BQr2XUN4BujT0FTMgMpYpSHzHEmmXZijpHrreJyyRxhFZwTrKFuAPbaZbZsG9bIOKTRbLFtYboFXFV34MFJPiRU23vjKNkVETdqGKqfWrdMm45728rC3udvMlfgnmjyV9AllJjU9aKTVI6SX-9i33zh-j/w202-h640/Cooloola%20Walk%20Map.png" width="202" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from: <a href="https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-cooloola/maps-resources" target="_blank">parksqld</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m2N2ZocPPHmaPw1vCXZGpaeZcCpi6DJ_WouKk45CrwmNW5sJpzwwHafDzJktdY3DIHmT0MgV5vTDSG8GY8c_8TQteikH2HNEmYJz-bFVrLk0cuF5lq7Ps4ZVkgJO2HbJV-eVUzff7VlUSKyOwCJIQBTv8gZTM_GsfMD_3U338uhR1Tiou8eTBSjWRxvf/s4160/IMG_20220729_094634361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m2N2ZocPPHmaPw1vCXZGpaeZcCpi6DJ_WouKk45CrwmNW5sJpzwwHafDzJktdY3DIHmT0MgV5vTDSG8GY8c_8TQteikH2HNEmYJz-bFVrLk0cuF5lq7Ps4ZVkgJO2HbJV-eVUzff7VlUSKyOwCJIQBTv8gZTM_GsfMD_3U338uhR1Tiou8eTBSjWRxvf/w400-h300/IMG_20220729_094634361.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">WATER AND CAMPSITES:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pre booking camping sites is done on the QPWS site <a href="https://qpws.usedirect.com/QPWS/Facilities/SearchView.aspx" target="_blank">here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You will have to create an account first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enter the region you are chasing- Southern Queensland Country, then choose Cooloola Great walk and starting date and your campsites are displayed according to vacancies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stayed at each of the following for one night each:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brahminy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dutgee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Litoria</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kauri</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Price was $6.85 per person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rain water tanks and long drop toilets are provided at each site, plenty of flat spots away and spread out to choose from.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIMmhbcbwdkZTJJtPa00b4-vBjUNeBvadM8UAMcGJ4kpq_-CA0mhavAPrimAsL0c4-iFc3NsJrKSt4PTFgpezdk-3nHDwInJk0KdYmPtaubr3BjeOaOkt4_2knxV-qY990OnxndMMOzfBOis-t4TBFSe2gxO1ooWcxNKJ7XgSMl3c0gcld-o_a_CTqj5I/s4160/IMG_20220727_091139933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIMmhbcbwdkZTJJtPa00b4-vBjUNeBvadM8UAMcGJ4kpq_-CA0mhavAPrimAsL0c4-iFc3NsJrKSt4PTFgpezdk-3nHDwInJk0KdYmPtaubr3BjeOaOkt4_2knxV-qY990OnxndMMOzfBOis-t4TBFSe2gxO1ooWcxNKJ7XgSMl3c0gcld-o_a_CTqj5I/w300-h400/IMG_20220727_091139933.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHd0G0VtzZfUUcNLbF5pdmQ74NP9zL0dxBoizPAHzAdhrjpkNJmOvXOR5JLWoAZoDAYwxxvg4kJomgL41WKYmvaKWMyOHOKvh6cxBpnusZFosmUiOf56eehPx0eV4U0HMJzTqS9bCLbsyhspdnhV7C42CzjKuSrM3sxWi78W3FuEzSnxFER5DhZPfmke49/s4160/IMG_20220726_151351890.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHd0G0VtzZfUUcNLbF5pdmQ74NP9zL0dxBoizPAHzAdhrjpkNJmOvXOR5JLWoAZoDAYwxxvg4kJomgL41WKYmvaKWMyOHOKvh6cxBpnusZFosmUiOf56eehPx0eV4U0HMJzTqS9bCLbsyhspdnhV7C42CzjKuSrM3sxWi78W3FuEzSnxFER5DhZPfmke49/w400-h300/IMG_20220726_151351890.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">LANDSCAPE:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The track winds around over sandy hills, on duck boards through boggy wet areas and under magnificent towering trees. There are frequent ocean views and a crazy amount of native wildlife bouncing about. Nothing too strenuous from memory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WCFRK7G8g5GLTmwBjzJIKk2zMVOkCsSDAdD1R2cPQpRydjejOOluT8ld-JgpsquFoTM9M_-R6lbeAsckb1Do_XSldoi9byxdSDNQMsa5lpIyLpGuJwaw4TQpgno6JJ5hAWQxwW9LuwOYafqrhggM6k-DsVEQzHan0-_PvP89Zo59uaIcsTGNfihNZj-3/s4160/IMG_20220725_112303405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WCFRK7G8g5GLTmwBjzJIKk2zMVOkCsSDAdD1R2cPQpRydjejOOluT8ld-JgpsquFoTM9M_-R6lbeAsckb1Do_XSldoi9byxdSDNQMsa5lpIyLpGuJwaw4TQpgno6JJ5hAWQxwW9LuwOYafqrhggM6k-DsVEQzHan0-_PvP89Zo59uaIcsTGNfihNZj-3/w400-h300/IMG_20220725_112303405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx8gJ2-S9v_YRT2rmQ0LnYJG3IccTvpNVCjzjpgt-oHRbqIyf9ce-jIdrJCfxrlLK8sbKLuxuZbBwvMlO4rVFycmgjBTOs5bSHGCrDKYwUyJoP4Uv4MW5PISktORNjxY7po-L8qhWyZ-p1Lvuw-FxX-KlkqvpNIbAvwzajD33JFPVCzKoscMINwwRFeHU/s1600/IMG_20220725_163607945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx8gJ2-S9v_YRT2rmQ0LnYJG3IccTvpNVCjzjpgt-oHRbqIyf9ce-jIdrJCfxrlLK8sbKLuxuZbBwvMlO4rVFycmgjBTOs5bSHGCrDKYwUyJoP4Uv4MW5PISktORNjxY7po-L8qhWyZ-p1Lvuw-FxX-KlkqvpNIbAvwzajD33JFPVCzKoscMINwwRFeHU/w300-h400/IMG_20220725_163607945.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>THOUGHTS:</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a fun wind down hike with my girlfriend after 40 solo days wandering South Australia's Heysen Trail. </div><div>Although I couldn't get used to sharing a campsite with other hikers every night and the short walking days frustrated me a tad, this was a trail I had on the tick list for years and I would absolutely recommend it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sunshine Coast is crowded and popular for very valid reasons and the Cooloola is a brilliant way to escape the crowds and meet like minded folk while exploring a delicious chunk of protected coastline.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgh4upUAaZNpserdCjnl9RsmpceSHzpj6TmuGBzAZbC5WjTjwDjNaFvbdRjuLMhw-JuHJtaRcehHRk4A6-ygv-LUktslKvbLFRU8Pf2vfrYxbPp3oSdxs-pqqjMAYTA1HqgxC6BdLLPtXNCRYqjHOgtoTEP-OhV0IMzragU9EFPiCYu5qV0vZsdG8jmD1/s4160/IMG_20220725_104307451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgh4upUAaZNpserdCjnl9RsmpceSHzpj6TmuGBzAZbC5WjTjwDjNaFvbdRjuLMhw-JuHJtaRcehHRk4A6-ygv-LUktslKvbLFRU8Pf2vfrYxbPp3oSdxs-pqqjMAYTA1HqgxC6BdLLPtXNCRYqjHOgtoTEP-OhV0IMzragU9EFPiCYu5qV0vZsdG8jmD1/w300-h400/IMG_20220725_104307451.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSo7YUM3C0XOt41euJuZ328xw5RNW7c0T9nbye_Pa7KLZEvqBRnnKGQS80kcoWaOqKFTouy-I8mdUHrwIQvz28euXPhydCSoVBd7Ge-17e503IVUXp4oOl5DPVgqBpTPXeV4S8Pr-YoRksoPsVCv3L7igPh1g2IpqdiyzJ-BvGYkINzU_EoZANBcY1MyU/s4160/IMG_20220725_100913803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSo7YUM3C0XOt41euJuZ328xw5RNW7c0T9nbye_Pa7KLZEvqBRnnKGQS80kcoWaOqKFTouy-I8mdUHrwIQvz28euXPhydCSoVBd7Ge-17e503IVUXp4oOl5DPVgqBpTPXeV4S8Pr-YoRksoPsVCv3L7igPh1g2IpqdiyzJ-BvGYkINzU_EoZANBcY1MyU/w400-h300/IMG_20220725_100913803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-81559893870653876282022-08-26T17:55:00.003+10:002022-08-27T12:28:30.732+10:00Heysen Trail Thru Hike. 1100km, 40 days. South Australia.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVo_a_2zTMoFyG1TKqAWxDFVWnLhEGr9MhQxfyB4MqmkRVFSvNIN-nM7sSkRCi_-pnSrQpuw4u1nAWIUWkmfv671eNBhQDUnb94b9XCiwmAph1TujnsjvGo7oeh6GEbNtFKg3Z3DBRJYcacPkmpWh7iixHIdwIdhQl16yz61gOb2oOlJ7ronuqn0t8w/s4160/IMG_20220617_124700733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVo_a_2zTMoFyG1TKqAWxDFVWnLhEGr9MhQxfyB4MqmkRVFSvNIN-nM7sSkRCi_-pnSrQpuw4u1nAWIUWkmfv671eNBhQDUnb94b9XCiwmAph1TujnsjvGo7oeh6GEbNtFKg3Z3DBRJYcacPkmpWh7iixHIdwIdhQl16yz61gOb2oOlJ7ronuqn0t8w/w400-h300/IMG_20220617_124700733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Heysen Trail; Australia's longest marked footpath at around 1100 kilometres of rough desert, dirty sheep paddocks, country roads and outback towns and a banger of a Southern coastline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hilly, it's dry, it's peppered with huts and fantastic lookouts and for now, right now; you can have the whole righteous ramble to yourself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The popularity of the often crowded Bibbulmun Track (Australia's other 1000 kilometre walk in Western Australia) hasn't transferred over to the Heysen and hopefully it stays that way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hiked the Heysen Southbound over 40 days in June/ July 2022 with a couple of zero days in Quorn and Victor Harbor, respectively.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3bucsw_8ok7GF3X2lCb7dZHaGyZWECmH-oCSkEEZezTuXk7kMqsXp3UrTRjVZetm7tC_2eZ4hc0YogncVcX9sX2zayq7seLZxwhQUaBggN6qkMght86KTTbF9hlfi1kZtJ2T4aFdY3b16ZQUXUcqBL-foHImKYLgmPlBMhvlyV8oySHi62kpNKMz-g/s654/Screenshot%20(326).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="654" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3bucsw_8ok7GF3X2lCb7dZHaGyZWECmH-oCSkEEZezTuXk7kMqsXp3UrTRjVZetm7tC_2eZ4hc0YogncVcX9sX2zayq7seLZxwhQUaBggN6qkMght86KTTbF9hlfi1kZtJ2T4aFdY3b16ZQUXUcqBL-foHImKYLgmPlBMhvlyV8oySHi62kpNKMz-g/w400-h303/Screenshot%20(326).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUS_fUuqlEikZVGqKEDR1h28S6VMHpn5M-sRwQMQ1R-1dlfRVCTLLYc64J1mb1vvme4foHdFN6rBfE_L4FtIGZyMRk278521QdyTUW9aP0bK5K19P9HWKm3L8wc9ReT3anRGg7KumAW6TBmr84JResL7UzLzrsilsqbv9WlsHBeSVooFlr_OipspObA/s967/Screenshot%20(288).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="967" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUS_fUuqlEikZVGqKEDR1h28S6VMHpn5M-sRwQMQ1R-1dlfRVCTLLYc64J1mb1vvme4foHdFN6rBfE_L4FtIGZyMRk278521QdyTUW9aP0bK5K19P9HWKm3L8wc9ReT3anRGg7KumAW6TBmr84JResL7UzLzrsilsqbv9WlsHBeSVooFlr_OipspObA/w400-h244/Screenshot%20(288).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Friends of the Heysen Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Getting to and from the Trailheads:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>North-</u> I pre booked the once weekly Genesis shuttle from Adelaide central bus station that departs 7:30am on Thursday's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a smallish vehicle that contained 3 of us would be end to end Heysen hikers (only one hardy legend made it to Cape Jervis which gives you an idea of the strike rate) and a variety of other passengers jumping off at various dusty towns on the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bus spits you out at the Parachilna turnoff and the last 17 kilometres is a choose your own adventure between thrifty road walking for a few hours or paying a boofy bloke in a boofy 4WD blasting Beyonce shizz a fist full of dollars for a speedy drop off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached the Parachilna trailhead around 1:30pm via boofy guy in boofy 4WD.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The return journey back to Adelaide from Parachilna for Northbound hikers runs on Friday's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.genesistransport.com.au" target="_blank">www.genesistransport.com.au</a> for all lowdown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>South- </u> The Sealink bus makes a daily run to Cape Jervis departing from the Adelaide central bus station at 3:30pm, arriving at the Southern trailhead around 5:15pm, $27.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I caught the daily Cape Jervis up to Adelaide shuttle with Sealink ($27) departing 9:30am, arriving Adelaide 11:25am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.sealink.com.au" target="_blank">www.sealink.com.au</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7LI5YLd8j1vMlQxsxnwulwK3GF8aMkN2XhHA8JvKBdcPkMsfsZoTZ_AOxj2tf2KhHP-7shRGwZR3AT9BraGsWJu0_7rzR62Q6hJoQRthSU3x8tPJ_p2dJX904MGG-v9qVfO6j7h0tKMZfJqR9r5bYOLW-DJlVtCAUyRelKhsCtWP1NOtzQ4XUJxKLQ/s4160/IMG_20220613_110955963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7LI5YLd8j1vMlQxsxnwulwK3GF8aMkN2XhHA8JvKBdcPkMsfsZoTZ_AOxj2tf2KhHP-7shRGwZR3AT9BraGsWJu0_7rzR62Q6hJoQRthSU3x8tPJ_p2dJX904MGG-v9qVfO6j7h0tKMZfJqR9r5bYOLW-DJlVtCAUyRelKhsCtWP1NOtzQ4XUJxKLQ/w400-h300/IMG_20220613_110955963.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmuVSVm2asNWQ-mH95PNddYmppv5buhwwD-p2SNrceF7KMv2rvGW1FGEiQc2pQ_mNjE_tDDpGOegIuyvzWwYWHrquvNRa5j2yOYEVpJIzupGUOv_IEPPOThTkiQjMI2tMCkOKL13W5B8m7hyog9LQMCcbSazwwl51PY0uSvuy1Jsq6e5sSODNHnruMw/s3264/IMG_20220617_172954976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmuVSVm2asNWQ-mH95PNddYmppv5buhwwD-p2SNrceF7KMv2rvGW1FGEiQc2pQ_mNjE_tDDpGOegIuyvzWwYWHrquvNRa5j2yOYEVpJIzupGUOv_IEPPOThTkiQjMI2tMCkOKL13W5B8m7hyog9LQMCcbSazwwl51PY0uSvuy1Jsq6e5sSODNHnruMw/w300-h400/IMG_20220617_172954976.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvgVzyx8fGMue-M8SGBZueBL6bVlrNau9C_CyoiDPL3oqPq3NMPXFSELiy2F4o9R5pVebAdkC-nR5srCKbACuubD6JNNO6ffKPnPh_Q2QyAL1gGQbV_jL9mtRDXZKLLS2rb3YroxZljkwTnRzm0JzVJwclS_0fK-hsr37srUy8xuUyn4MC4oWsBzajg/s3264/IMG_20220627_141459275.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvgVzyx8fGMue-M8SGBZueBL6bVlrNau9C_CyoiDPL3oqPq3NMPXFSELiy2F4o9R5pVebAdkC-nR5srCKbACuubD6JNNO6ffKPnPh_Q2QyAL1gGQbV_jL9mtRDXZKLLS2rb3YroxZljkwTnRzm0JzVJwclS_0fK-hsr37srUy8xuUyn4MC4oWsBzajg/w400-h300/IMG_20220627_141459275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Resupply and Trail Towns:</b><p></p><p>The second best thing about the Heysen is the crazy little outback towns the trail pokes through on it's wiggly route.</p><p>I carried 3 or 4 days food at a time and stocked up at:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wilpena- Good IGA supermarket. Butane gas cannisters.</li><li>Quorn- Small supermarket and great hiker hostel; <a href="https://elizabeth-house-backpackers.business.site/" target="_blank">Elizabeth House</a>. Gas.</li><li>Melrose- Adequate general store and spacious, cheap camping/ caravan park. Gas.</li><li>Crystal Brook- Good supermarket, pharmacy. Gas.</li><li>Spalding- Adequate general store. Gas.</li><li>Burra- Good supermarket and town with full facilities. Gas.</li><li>Kapunda- Large supermarket and my favourite trail town. I stayed overnight on a whim and had a blast. Gas.</li><li>Tanunda- Large supermarket, full on tourist town.</li><li>Bridgewater- Coles supermarket.</li><li>Mt Compass- Good supermarket.</li><li><a href="https://heysensrest.com.au/" target="_blank">Heysen's Rest Hiker Cabins.</a> Great overnight stop between Mt Compass and Robinson's Hill campsite. Definitely go the full breakfast next morning. No resupply.<br /></li><li>Inman's Valley General Store- No resupply but 100% recommend grabbing a feed off the menu if the kitchen is kicking. <a href="https://inmanvalleystore.com/" target="_blank">Cafe.</a></li><li>Victor Harbor- Largest town near the Heysen (7 kilometres off trail), Coles and Woolworths. Gas.</li></ul><p></p><p>All towns have somewhere to procure water and food to go. There is usually a pub room and/or campsite to crash in too. </p><p>Dining is generally restricted to simple Aussie pubs with a generic menu and general stores flipping a toasted sandwich at you but the larger tourist towns such as Tanunda and Victor Harbor contain many fast food options and a higher standard of accommodation if that floats your boat.</p><p>Water is scarce on the trail.</p><p>I completely relied on the tanks situated in the walker campsites. Camel up and fill the bottles when you can. I never filtered any water and never got sick. Your call, you do you.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnehzxPi7U2Uul_i8WkUihRH3dyS4NNCTCDMiJxuiUB82O0LCDTOnxAaivXm-IPz0MAej72oSS7G3xVPuTNnY1TmSvuHoUnheDRCoWfa7NesYjVG2jcXdJvKSZN8bwvvnn8Ue57et_Dv31fU79RpGV0RWbypzfhDsvYaTCWLc0pA_glF9_lpChYtC3sA/s4160/IMG_20220628_081029575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnehzxPi7U2Uul_i8WkUihRH3dyS4NNCTCDMiJxuiUB82O0LCDTOnxAaivXm-IPz0MAej72oSS7G3xVPuTNnY1TmSvuHoUnheDRCoWfa7NesYjVG2jcXdJvKSZN8bwvvnn8Ue57et_Dv31fU79RpGV0RWbypzfhDsvYaTCWLc0pA_glF9_lpChYtC3sA/w400-h300/IMG_20220628_081029575.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5ULWcEeoM6Hbre4s8iGEYL9I82vlQk2Nx-yTRP_EHojVWtHcD9BB60P4Shbi6CZB_fPdKTp-JCuzNjW2PfIkgHwKGNnhAaOF48HT1dwfrtVTBRZdN96Txk4gHTm4Tvc_rVltTVMI2mQE3tjL1kZMdgtDvlnlQmo4r4uxxTyTMTEe8-j-dI8S3FSqfA/s4160/IMG_20220717_095823694.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5ULWcEeoM6Hbre4s8iGEYL9I82vlQk2Nx-yTRP_EHojVWtHcD9BB60P4Shbi6CZB_fPdKTp-JCuzNjW2PfIkgHwKGNnhAaOF48HT1dwfrtVTBRZdN96Txk4gHTm4Tvc_rVltTVMI2mQE3tjL1kZMdgtDvlnlQmo4r4uxxTyTMTEe8-j-dI8S3FSqfA/w300-h400/IMG_20220717_095823694.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Navigation and Resources:</b><p></p><p>I gave up my curmudgeon ways and downloaded the Far Out Heysen Trail mapping file, shunned all paper maps and kept a sharp eye out for oft sighted Heysen marker posts as I bumbled along fencelines and dry creek beds.</p><p>The Friends of the Heysen are a bunch of super cool walking heroes that maintain and protect and improve the trail. Kudos you badasses!</p><p>The website is <a href="https://heysentrail.asn.au/" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p>Strongly consider throwing them a donation after walking on the Heysen. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCQhwdcGgcgg6ZXiJ0yMSM0U_nhwWoxCC6_8XJhcl2GplQ3sgSSGg22Leo6y17yiyfvTwAi9kKfnqxIcJYnbRO4dWOiDwJLk_6DlYf_9Jotgc7-WbTJSYibpX3m2HYwx6XQKMenuPxmo-IiTzPGmRB-I_NTgA2uN-Kvfp5j72lFGe-vzmt1lq7Bmblg/s4160/IMG_20220718_085350108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCQhwdcGgcgg6ZXiJ0yMSM0U_nhwWoxCC6_8XJhcl2GplQ3sgSSGg22Leo6y17yiyfvTwAi9kKfnqxIcJYnbRO4dWOiDwJLk_6DlYf_9Jotgc7-WbTJSYibpX3m2HYwx6XQKMenuPxmo-IiTzPGmRB-I_NTgA2uN-Kvfp5j72lFGe-vzmt1lq7Bmblg/w300-h400/IMG_20220718_085350108.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB0XgMUrgVdWfTjJ_ponMtPRUDsG6G02j-PSPll5JfRzoOyAjHAka2kbkYAsYQEozFEK1wXumi9JCHl0Mm8bUPkrYXMD88sHWTsFxOytWUjry_Dkx_GzXMjniOvtdRLJSVyEUP_KAGxHCqhakXT93pdtSygRiJO5W_R0Z6-MfELMfqOqT7_RvzBOkTA/s4160/IMG_20220611_100943406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB0XgMUrgVdWfTjJ_ponMtPRUDsG6G02j-PSPll5JfRzoOyAjHAka2kbkYAsYQEozFEK1wXumi9JCHl0Mm8bUPkrYXMD88sHWTsFxOytWUjry_Dkx_GzXMjniOvtdRLJSVyEUP_KAGxHCqhakXT93pdtSygRiJO5W_R0Z6-MfELMfqOqT7_RvzBOkTA/w300-h400/IMG_20220611_100943406.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHh98mibr4koLl5RuBeLYjvnnOdKNcVuZ-xCqjK1ZnnAH0OAmdtqXLGTv7_su8tT6L8dJPe_dWdqgz4lib6fH_LodkJFKXcf8Gs0JMVlssNGqEKhlM8lbwsSBI9N7xdm4Dk0er81c1djgl1qvE1cXCgWDNRMChisDBvlNa7jYnjqQudwJLE2FjYMdpA/s3264/IMG_20220612_074128922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHh98mibr4koLl5RuBeLYjvnnOdKNcVuZ-xCqjK1ZnnAH0OAmdtqXLGTv7_su8tT6L8dJPe_dWdqgz4lib6fH_LodkJFKXcf8Gs0JMVlssNGqEKhlM8lbwsSBI9N7xdm4Dk0er81c1djgl1qvE1cXCgWDNRMChisDBvlNa7jYnjqQudwJLE2FjYMdpA/w300-h400/IMG_20220612_074128922.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Camping:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most nights were spent plonked out in a super quiet spot either stealth camping in the bush wherever I pleased or in the official hiker walk in sites. These official sites are often located on private land and consist of a bench and water tank and flat ground to throw up the tent, like the photo below of Eyre Depot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are loads of huts and shelters as well. I avoided these like herpes as most hikers seem to gravitate to a roof and walls when it's available and I value my solitude. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I dunno, I spend enough nights indoors so when I am finally out hiking in the woods the nylon walls of my tent and the stars twinkling above seem like bliss. But the backcountry huts are there if you get excited about mice running over your face in the middle of the night or drunk bogans playing bush warriors on a Saturday evening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All hut hate aside, I'm the first to admit they are great for holing up or taking a break when the weather is hooting down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ8lb0aTenGJs0476Ja1_UdHUZ4YvGkw_hQPqXkyGQkPhlvSTr0mmXHHRp5DWjw6MdfP3aRLgZgp1ahtqhKkVQSpg0ep8ZZboCoeY3MJ__VX_UquUd_VgG23grhT8o9-61BiWhXAVp3LDMvum69gXurad59kDVwmXNwyNAdL_NkN55dvpqW5uzPd0sQ/s4160/IMG_20220615_103625268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ8lb0aTenGJs0476Ja1_UdHUZ4YvGkw_hQPqXkyGQkPhlvSTr0mmXHHRp5DWjw6MdfP3aRLgZgp1ahtqhKkVQSpg0ep8ZZboCoeY3MJ__VX_UquUd_VgG23grhT8o9-61BiWhXAVp3LDMvum69gXurad59kDVwmXNwyNAdL_NkN55dvpqW5uzPd0sQ/w400-h300/IMG_20220615_103625268.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs1MFGzIG63Aj8EGTEGDpvF14OEg2_peCB5qHmPB_8G2QZ3mk0knOkWoagAVYtwziqAFkYmSJPrBlFqHv5dmj58mKNk7D5cU5SIMTo3F6f31qarCmeqgrA1cUhaRv5jMTk-fTmJiiY3An4NMiDKhnztuQJH8jDMk9UyIYdPvVnIE0aKP6jQqr2XfHrQ/s4160/IMG_20220628_102620421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs1MFGzIG63Aj8EGTEGDpvF14OEg2_peCB5qHmPB_8G2QZ3mk0knOkWoagAVYtwziqAFkYmSJPrBlFqHv5dmj58mKNk7D5cU5SIMTo3F6f31qarCmeqgrA1cUhaRv5jMTk-fTmJiiY3An4NMiDKhnztuQJH8jDMk9UyIYdPvVnIE0aKP6jQqr2XfHrQ/w400-h300/IMG_20220628_102620421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo4e2AL9wW_QvTVTIOwN0DdengkaVXzvXnbWRi1WVuvGcCtjq9p8E5NK29LWBTftm45JVdqxfdcxpPeLRlqdEJ6qVEDS-XzSR3A2CRhucZo6aKf9tFnecPp6vnkOsfnhmMy5sWNlQZguslApb2HmHRHd8M3-HmetV_2NCoGnIWNwkcSFydupv4aHJ0w/s4160/IMG_20220704_071638051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo4e2AL9wW_QvTVTIOwN0DdengkaVXzvXnbWRi1WVuvGcCtjq9p8E5NK29LWBTftm45JVdqxfdcxpPeLRlqdEJ6qVEDS-XzSR3A2CRhucZo6aKf9tFnecPp6vnkOsfnhmMy5sWNlQZguslApb2HmHRHd8M3-HmetV_2NCoGnIWNwkcSFydupv4aHJ0w/w400-h300/IMG_20220704_071638051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Weather and Landscape:</b><div><br /></div><div>Most of the Heysen Trail is closed during the Summer months due to bushfire risk, particularly where it wends over private land.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hiked it in the Winter and lucked out with mostly fine, settled weather. Temps slid down to single digits in the early morning and up to early teens mid afternoon. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Northern area around the Flinder's Ranges National Park features alpine desert forest, spiky spinifex, rocky bluffs and many kilometers trudging in dry creek beds.</div><div><br /></div><div>After descending Mt Remarkable and rolling through Melrose it's green farm country with a few small conservation parks dotted about. </div><div>I witnessed loads of slippery lambs being born and the sound of baaing sheep was the soundtrack to my walk.</div><div><br /></div><div>South of Adelaide you are charging towards the coast and beautiful sheer cliffs and sandy beaches.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's much variation in landscape and plenty of surprises. If you don't mind a bit of quiet road walking and straddling 2000 odd fence stiles then a Winter walk of this path through South Australia is a solid choice.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhVL1cccNx7F2lhmi2p58YSO_pXNos8oC174A9qiAgSqHYin26yul9YnwmSaZ9Um9F7F-LuKwkO4QKHK2oU_rtfUxz43c63xs8hazSrTYSdHjEWR-UjYPeR6X9uNISwOJajaH4vafgHVy6LsmQJlz5KvIJE5O_2wGebyWffL-MVMhE1yd-ylv9y3RrA/s4160/IMG_20220707_133652588.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhVL1cccNx7F2lhmi2p58YSO_pXNos8oC174A9qiAgSqHYin26yul9YnwmSaZ9Um9F7F-LuKwkO4QKHK2oU_rtfUxz43c63xs8hazSrTYSdHjEWR-UjYPeR6X9uNISwOJajaH4vafgHVy6LsmQJlz5KvIJE5O_2wGebyWffL-MVMhE1yd-ylv9y3RrA/w300-h400/IMG_20220707_133652588.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVCnCOP6m2dFbDh6yxUlcrGfV96_7UUKUYakyu5VqgPrmuK_OXK9YEp1OUfPZSDUA3it7uGTg9tE1lkXpbH5asKXtERPPSaRAGLDUjgHb49fIxzq-yeoQUMLX-raoKbQA3zDA3OQxkWyBAGfGBS465e7er1Hcs1CiT99fD_XtVDzDBO69uIrfHr03og/s4160/IMG_20220709_072847182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVCnCOP6m2dFbDh6yxUlcrGfV96_7UUKUYakyu5VqgPrmuK_OXK9YEp1OUfPZSDUA3it7uGTg9tE1lkXpbH5asKXtERPPSaRAGLDUjgHb49fIxzq-yeoQUMLX-raoKbQA3zDA3OQxkWyBAGfGBS465e7er1Hcs1CiT99fD_XtVDzDBO69uIrfHr03og/w400-h300/IMG_20220709_072847182.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Thoughts:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was never bored on this hike. Never wanted to be somewhere else. Didn't really want it to end either. I slowed right down in the South and dragged out the last 200 kilometres as long as I could.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Positives:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It's unpopular but that's changing, evolving. You get solitude but increasing trail services and friendly locals that kind of know what your doing. </li><li>Empty campsites and great intel via the Far Out app.</li><li>Well marked trail, easy resupply.</li><li>Mobile coverage is good. If you want that.</li></ul><div><u>Not so positive:</u></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I heard the occasional bit of gunfire on this walk, as you do. One Saturday night while attempting to stealth camp outside Wilmington a drunk bogan in a 4WD skidded to stop near my tent and proceeded to blast away into the bush, probably random Roo shooting. I froze and hoped for the best and listened to him swear and stomp around and completely miss seeing me and after Mr Trigger-happy Fuckface departed in a hail of gravel I packed up quick smart and bailed into Wilmington, camping on the Golf Course. There are a couple of reports floating around of wild Friday and Saturday nights around Wilmington involving firearms experienced by bewildered hikers.</li><li>The trail is quite exposed. Not many bug out spots aside from the trail towns and no shelter other than the huts.</li><li>If you are chasing a wild landscape with dreamy mountain vistas and alpine lakes then the mundane agricultural land in the middle of the Heysen may disappoint. I just loved being out there but that's me.</li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Would I hike the Heysen again? Fuck yes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any questions, give me a hoy. safarihiker@gmail.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YdS28LgxlPRXtBY1MVRGqb3wW5LxLclCq6Yos3RJHBIjIsLZQFfPYVFMGriIzCVDhu8w869_Tb541FIz7R6MpbArOvG-EO6D-F46Y4oEqBxHPHP0vAdYOv2a5pEJvLr3OTXaZ1kWvkiahUQ7bsHSTYNRIrLUgTeGcDYHIfJfWAz7NdpYE23kuHMilQ/s4160/IMG_20220708_160510460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YdS28LgxlPRXtBY1MVRGqb3wW5LxLclCq6Yos3RJHBIjIsLZQFfPYVFMGriIzCVDhu8w869_Tb541FIz7R6MpbArOvG-EO6D-F46Y4oEqBxHPHP0vAdYOv2a5pEJvLr3OTXaZ1kWvkiahUQ7bsHSTYNRIrLUgTeGcDYHIfJfWAz7NdpYE23kuHMilQ/w400-h300/IMG_20220708_160510460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-41210841139211177052022-05-25T11:45:00.005+10:002022-05-25T11:45:57.289+10:00Great Dividing Trail- Bendigo to Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia. 200km.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8bJeAZe-mQ21d0iFxCN5CDxT8A5BWsnvC04bl-6vj3iFCsT_6vBnEjtYzx6NqSSrfkzA1dDSAUfh6S2u13-02OY9oMu88hEzp72gvjoLT0U3OqWSGwjl8IifiN3PYufcbhYcUIy5a335cPcZOy1LOyCPo1pmuSLd-zOZUpguiElfoA_jXYUcPwD_ag/s4160/IMG_20220430_140459268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8bJeAZe-mQ21d0iFxCN5CDxT8A5BWsnvC04bl-6vj3iFCsT_6vBnEjtYzx6NqSSrfkzA1dDSAUfh6S2u13-02OY9oMu88hEzp72gvjoLT0U3OqWSGwjl8IifiN3PYufcbhYcUIy5a335cPcZOy1LOyCPo1pmuSLd-zOZUpguiElfoA_jXYUcPwD_ag/w300-h400/IMG_20220430_140459268.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv1QnXGPXfk7RUgHo_WXPb-JheK7la0a5gxr83pq21ZK64hzR9m1o1CTMbJCv68bW0q3LCsz_cT0n_qziEkb3lLbcyunny6qofIEx86pNb5mviqK1Oiu9Fjv2_DKCF3Nx4nkUD2xsutysxKIwAbvQbQ3keXKjFpA2XX0Zc7DIwJ_5bYIpGeMCse1eNw/s563/Screenshot%20(323).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="438" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv1QnXGPXfk7RUgHo_WXPb-JheK7la0a5gxr83pq21ZK64hzR9m1o1CTMbJCv68bW0q3LCsz_cT0n_qziEkb3lLbcyunny6qofIEx86pNb5mviqK1Oiu9Fjv2_DKCF3Nx4nkUD2xsutysxKIwAbvQbQ3keXKjFpA2XX0Zc7DIwJ_5bYIpGeMCse1eNw/w311-h400/Screenshot%20(323).png" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from <a href="https://www.gdt.org.au/" target="_blank">www.gdt.org.au</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">An hours train ride North West of Melbourne is the 300 kilometre long, 3 forked Great Dividing Trail Network linking the country city of Bendigo with Daylesford and onward to either Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat, depending on the direction you choose.</span></div><p></p><p>The softly undulating track winds through ripped up mining traces, gigantic eucalpyt tree forests, lovely looping singletrack and rutted forestry roads. </p><p>There are large populations of bouncy native mammals crashing about and abundant birdlife squawking and flapping and yahooing around.</p><p>Resupply is easy but water can be scarce. </p><p>I walked from Bendigo to Bacchus Marsh in May, 2022. Almost always alone, I met no other walkers, only a few mountain bikers and camped where ever I wanted. </p><p>No access issues, no dumb bogans, very little road walking.</p><p>If you want a budget friendly, easily accessible, week long hike near Melbourne then the GDT is a fantastic option. I had a mighty time, lets crack on...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_cX-SFup2g-tBN0jbTAfAs6k338qmpUZ9sKKX_K8ynPbm_6vyfEB9ORrXXZ5pS9b2irGZUZzsxVROgZ_kYLBFYc3eQ_X3Fckwdb83zbHHU7VjVsBcOUrmbxc-GXTUvR7AeUljQnGn9aNoBWJRKqWtkEskCdjo9P1mHRNRm7vRXh2u8wZ3aKcPivwCw/s539/Screenshot%20(324).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="539" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_cX-SFup2g-tBN0jbTAfAs6k338qmpUZ9sKKX_K8ynPbm_6vyfEB9ORrXXZ5pS9b2irGZUZzsxVROgZ_kYLBFYc3eQ_X3Fckwdb83zbHHU7VjVsBcOUrmbxc-GXTUvR7AeUljQnGn9aNoBWJRKqWtkEskCdjo9P1mHRNRm7vRXh2u8wZ3aKcPivwCw/w400-h365/Screenshot%20(324).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Getting To the Trailhead:</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bendigo and Bacchus Marsh are served by regular Vline trains that shuttle back and forth many times a day to and from Southern Cross station in central Melbourne.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The trip up to Bendigo took around 2 hours and cost around $24, off peak fare. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I purchased a Myki card from a machine for $6 (non refundable) and added $32 credit onto it to cover the fare to Bendigo and also the fare from Bacchus Marsh back to Melbourne a week later (around $6).</p><p style="text-align: left;">Vline train fares and timetable <a href="http://www.vline.com.au" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>Note:</u> There is no formal signage at these train stations announcing the GDT terminus'. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZogEJBr97CrPAJbpkWC-U08kMhZXbL6rrEP5KADAZAITFkJifG1aGECy5fuVIP0g7vvIfVESqEEglg3RjQxW9uLL68hAr0TcmmET1QErNICyVtftmcouqdUPznB7OwP49crcfaHX3AzGqtUhyFj6P5ZReEv6oNyaR7rEIEFJz3S2pugumK0GII28gKQ/s4160/IMG_20220501_114747797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZogEJBr97CrPAJbpkWC-U08kMhZXbL6rrEP5KADAZAITFkJifG1aGECy5fuVIP0g7vvIfVESqEEglg3RjQxW9uLL68hAr0TcmmET1QErNICyVtftmcouqdUPznB7OwP49crcfaHX3AzGqtUhyFj6P5ZReEv6oNyaR7rEIEFJz3S2pugumK0GII28gKQ/w300-h400/IMG_20220501_114747797.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cnq4KiQGn3mCiO_-I1vqyur5rIqFAughEtz1sq2-D8fKfMqp9n_sWEClUbsWucKQoAA0IKazP59aFUX-VAjbNSAdSerhNxlXTU781CwDt92qT5un9uVWb12FJ7BoWtbR8LfTAna43Epni2f7UNHKJxnXbOuTKaxlIdaQusTMPGl4FEgDhZ-MTZmFHw/s1600/IMG_20220501_114843426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cnq4KiQGn3mCiO_-I1vqyur5rIqFAughEtz1sq2-D8fKfMqp9n_sWEClUbsWucKQoAA0IKazP59aFUX-VAjbNSAdSerhNxlXTU781CwDt92qT5un9uVWb12FJ7BoWtbR8LfTAna43Epni2f7UNHKJxnXbOuTKaxlIdaQusTMPGl4FEgDhZ-MTZmFHw/w400-h300/IMG_20220501_114843426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>Water Situation:</b><div><br /></div><div>This is the kicker. Although the trail crosses many streams and creeks, many of them are seasonal and dry for much of the year. I sourced water from public taps and faucets in parks and picnic areas around the towns and localities and made sure I was carrying enough to get me through 15km or so of walking. At the end of a day I loaded up with H20 where possible in case I ended up dry camping on a ridge which is what I usually did.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are also quite a few mineral springs with public faucets you pump up and down for a bit that I encountered and utilised. You won't die of dehydration on the GDT but I suggest grabbing every opportunity that pokes it's head up for a drink.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of the picnic shelters have a power socket to charge your phone too if you search around hard enough.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5TB6VQLiSt0lUr0mYgt3b2VhiWAWRgtr27j2PCd_Xq5TzT4EE5s1Gx_PpgAs_5JEHfkXToN1Cu-KdgM3fPj2ZxHgMyO_ecBFPi4PbwEGFCMzuApmwAL4rYTC81535fAWgnSStzG87mGCqQC_HUzoBkVbGmQUaw5MoKoZ0m9Uwwb4e42690fTN6Bl0Q/s4160/IMG_20220502_075834869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5TB6VQLiSt0lUr0mYgt3b2VhiWAWRgtr27j2PCd_Xq5TzT4EE5s1Gx_PpgAs_5JEHfkXToN1Cu-KdgM3fPj2ZxHgMyO_ecBFPi4PbwEGFCMzuApmwAL4rYTC81535fAWgnSStzG87mGCqQC_HUzoBkVbGmQUaw5MoKoZ0m9Uwwb4e42690fTN6Bl0Q/w400-h300/IMG_20220502_075834869.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG2LCII-Y02uFKJZ0rlF4ue0mV8uH7YxGfGNX_5MMYV--XNDmQEhyqcEx-zixVWNdP15M_TTFaWWRAGbBMLaZChi3ir6oPjBaif-j9NG9aUKSrifk0-UtOSh9MXiConmQwt-ICdBReSJf-CDOnqv9LLmA7IxPMHAJmtwvJZue64ctLO64IRiSdcKDLQ/s4160/IMG_20220503_084806479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG2LCII-Y02uFKJZ0rlF4ue0mV8uH7YxGfGNX_5MMYV--XNDmQEhyqcEx-zixVWNdP15M_TTFaWWRAGbBMLaZChi3ir6oPjBaif-j9NG9aUKSrifk0-UtOSh9MXiConmQwt-ICdBReSJf-CDOnqv9LLmA7IxPMHAJmtwvJZue64ctLO64IRiSdcKDLQ/w300-h400/IMG_20220503_084806479.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkQyHBxsXNb3ijzdLdi0FOPTtM7l2vecYjVbj2c6twbIJqyQH_iJ_1_OJXXBER0ecptwx6SWuWBa91iei8LaTKuuX834MjhfZvbR6xFyyCi_LoUPw-xC_ux1OIGA2bFYx0Aai2JDDW2JAGha61haxogdoZ2VAriuLh6iea3xntNf_IzDzudIPv8hbpQ/s4160/IMG_20220502_170641377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkQyHBxsXNb3ijzdLdi0FOPTtM7l2vecYjVbj2c6twbIJqyQH_iJ_1_OJXXBER0ecptwx6SWuWBa91iei8LaTKuuX834MjhfZvbR6xFyyCi_LoUPw-xC_ux1OIGA2bFYx0Aai2JDDW2JAGha61haxogdoZ2VAriuLh6iea3xntNf_IzDzudIPv8hbpQ/w400-h300/IMG_20220502_170641377.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Camping:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Plenty of trees and flat spots and privacy to camp wherever you want.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 1-</u> Bushland 10km South of Bendigo near the water race.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 2-</u> Slope below Mt Alexander.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 3-</u> Bushland 2km North of Fryerstown. (Fryerstown has a Community Hall with toilets and water and undercover area, camping permitted.)</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 4-</u> Bushland above Hepburn Springs.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 5- </u> Bushland 10km South of Daylesford.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 6-</u> Nolan Creek Picnic Area. (I didn't see the no camping sign until the following day but no one disturbed me and a small fire on a frosty night was welcome.)</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 7-</u> Bushland along Nolan's Track. (Locked gate, walkers only.)</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Day 8-</u> Pentland Council Sports Oval Toilet. (I rocked into the outskirts of Bacchus Marsh on a Saturday evening and it was either $45 for an unpowered tent site or $556 for an Air BnB. Instead, I chose a fairly clean toilet cubicle that the security guard didn't check was empty and then neglected to lock it correctly, thankfully for me. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen3UcX4RPBhPULBkIpcFj2mOdqhwc_UVaWGxuK2JlAv5JFaNVyxRTdToKVoBoT2HBmxnxKsTgPkDFBI27vAgIzEQlYN9GiRmLHwicObricoEV6J74Q6sLL8gbjbbxmcSlMKoh93dMPYBZTw8zy0lzRW1diZgK0SQwLJKbNty2U9UAUIJGDfujo3USlw/s4160/IMG_20220503_112340911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen3UcX4RPBhPULBkIpcFj2mOdqhwc_UVaWGxuK2JlAv5JFaNVyxRTdToKVoBoT2HBmxnxKsTgPkDFBI27vAgIzEQlYN9GiRmLHwicObricoEV6J74Q6sLL8gbjbbxmcSlMKoh93dMPYBZTw8zy0lzRW1diZgK0SQwLJKbNty2U9UAUIJGDfujo3USlw/w300-h400/IMG_20220503_112340911.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTn99BR3OOQIzWus2k29yT77AocBvScStF43RaqAcAqTp6z4Nb538LmXuF9ndfwitNkhLXLth_TgmL-boSrfdhmXeZ9HAurVS4mgs0QVtQIkStfHDXJ323_hdGX-b88ULOyFu88lTnu9zQlS6Vn56Z6m9G6vvrQWeafZxr0POmQ7MpD7FphDd39bOAw/s4160/IMG_20220503_123343335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTn99BR3OOQIzWus2k29yT77AocBvScStF43RaqAcAqTp6z4Nb538LmXuF9ndfwitNkhLXLth_TgmL-boSrfdhmXeZ9HAurVS4mgs0QVtQIkStfHDXJ323_hdGX-b88ULOyFu88lTnu9zQlS6Vn56Z6m9G6vvrQWeafZxr0POmQ7MpD7FphDd39bOAw/w400-h300/IMG_20220503_123343335.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4k-IURYDJCiuCSm22XbJeSzNKAAZuB6hpWMgftmO8VfK6FiyiBjmRydIS5z_1MoZdeZfCtny2s86JJOrrH4YuwmBY2UdQTFGKDXW5gmzEQ068lXhW_Ej5MZt-KSGVRjQZy6H8-9T0vgaSkA65FO03gKYDI1poO1RXw1U9VdtWvZbc0M9wplJ8-i8SQ/s4160/IMG_20220504_090520248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4k-IURYDJCiuCSm22XbJeSzNKAAZuB6hpWMgftmO8VfK6FiyiBjmRydIS5z_1MoZdeZfCtny2s86JJOrrH4YuwmBY2UdQTFGKDXW5gmzEQ068lXhW_Ej5MZt-KSGVRjQZy6H8-9T0vgaSkA65FO03gKYDI1poO1RXw1U9VdtWvZbc0M9wplJ8-i8SQ/w300-h400/IMG_20220504_090520248.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Resupply:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Options galore.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bendigo itself has a Woolworths supermarket and shops right beside the train station.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Castlemaine has IGA supermarkets and shops and the trail goes right into town.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Daylesford is a really cool and yes, touristy town with a Coles supermarket and loads of cafes.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Blackwood has a great Post Office/ Cafe with a good bakery and coffee.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bacchus Marsh has a Coles supermarket and shops and is easy to navigate.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>I purchased a butane gas cannister from Bogong outdoor equipment store in Melbourne before boarding the train to Bendigo.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BpRdTkj2wi5Ef5B8vwHFOhh5HcvncxYzPXDYcQASaccq9NLApuqGLfxmR8sYfiDgsCtMZqpMYbN62unJ7wADWfee71Jmwa7frbXiMwDXC75fONjwF1GggRSWyWq1qwc8G7e_2gcMWaeJbi7v9d6YhPM_8aWBCxd1bThB6uUGrIp97DhvWzHeoUOgdQ/s4160/IMG_20220504_104103627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BpRdTkj2wi5Ef5B8vwHFOhh5HcvncxYzPXDYcQASaccq9NLApuqGLfxmR8sYfiDgsCtMZqpMYbN62unJ7wADWfee71Jmwa7frbXiMwDXC75fONjwF1GggRSWyWq1qwc8G7e_2gcMWaeJbi7v9d6YhPM_8aWBCxd1bThB6uUGrIp97DhvWzHeoUOgdQ/w400-h300/IMG_20220504_104103627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAOqv1yzj_x0HnMHTFU76zAqLh8Faf6TF7TLA6jkXETGhEiP6zaWqpxytP9RzypUUv3iqIxyJZ__nSICQqch4aDCodHgbNjbmVe7_cwuL8m5uufHPWfT7_iZxXLpa-LIlzmjusS8-8Hu_qln4EvSM1laJ1KIB514PAXmgxiCl0ILIaEwYXqcie3m3VQ/s4160/IMG_20220503_113431634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAOqv1yzj_x0HnMHTFU76zAqLh8Faf6TF7TLA6jkXETGhEiP6zaWqpxytP9RzypUUv3iqIxyJZ__nSICQqch4aDCodHgbNjbmVe7_cwuL8m5uufHPWfT7_iZxXLpa-LIlzmjusS8-8Hu_qln4EvSM1laJ1KIB514PAXmgxiCl0ILIaEwYXqcie3m3VQ/w400-h300/IMG_20220503_113431634.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Navigation and Resources:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>There are maps available from the official Great Dividing Trail website <a href="https://www.gdt.org.au/shop" target="_blank">here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I chose to download the free GPX files from the website of the Lederderg Track (Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh), the Dry Diggings Track (Castlemaine to Daylesford ) and the Leanganook Track (Bendigo to Castlemaine) and open them on the Gaia app. GPX links <a href="https://www.gdt.org.au/gpx-files" target="_blank">here.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>This was free and ample for working out where I was on trail. </div><div><br /></div><div>Track signage is excellent. </div><div><br /></div><div>The guides are available in the Visitor Information Centres in the major towns along the trail as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also purchased the Lederderg Park map (below) from Bogong in Melbourne for $11.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuPHjKOGdItK5jqboGCF3f0E-9m24-Ak80Xv8HWSWuj8bZCRMOFfloTlQB46c-JUfoJVkLZd3YymrUCKJ2TWERtD62FFklgWrnrBTNzx01pnTKJ_jSnShiOreauA0jkcshH1rEbXiAE_R4gyDG-1HijZluxxoWBtP8eKUGBqZtlHt1A-7AzUqkGllJQ/s4160/IMG_20220525_100342512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuPHjKOGdItK5jqboGCF3f0E-9m24-Ak80Xv8HWSWuj8bZCRMOFfloTlQB46c-JUfoJVkLZd3YymrUCKJ2TWERtD62FFklgWrnrBTNzx01pnTKJ_jSnShiOreauA0jkcshH1rEbXiAE_R4gyDG-1HijZluxxoWBtP8eKUGBqZtlHt1A-7AzUqkGllJQ/w300-h400/IMG_20220525_100342512.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Final Thoughts:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I did this walk on a slim budget, wanting to see how cheap I could take things and still have a great time out in the woods. This hiking area so close to Melbourne and a sizeable local regional population was for the most part uber peaceful and all about the solitude. </div><div>I exchanged a few greetings with the odd mountain biker or dog walker but was mostly alone and I had a blast heading Southbound.</div><div><br /></div><div>Big thanks and hugs to the legends who maintain this trail network!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiGe5Zdt0zzfhqXGwQ0Omi65CRsSdvV8MY2HNKeoJqNZZ2o43VpfuP04D-0vXcuje3T7aA7Jshc4hAjv8h_QkBQK3qd9HJ8qh3KNums4Emlyrv-pD0LgER0PRLEgVwY1yvOZmPuA5UdJ3p-DGsXPzMX32M_QsCSGRU9Y-_BzVM-KQBUzvh1bMQRSJzg/s3264/IMG_20220501_082046810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiGe5Zdt0zzfhqXGwQ0Omi65CRsSdvV8MY2HNKeoJqNZZ2o43VpfuP04D-0vXcuje3T7aA7Jshc4hAjv8h_QkBQK3qd9HJ8qh3KNums4Emlyrv-pD0LgER0PRLEgVwY1yvOZmPuA5UdJ3p-DGsXPzMX32M_QsCSGRU9Y-_BzVM-KQBUzvh1bMQRSJzg/w400-h300/IMG_20220501_082046810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-19019872979384916412022-03-20T18:10:00.008+11:002022-03-28T17:09:31.832+11:00Cycle touring: Melbourne to Kangaroo Island and Walk The Yorke Trail 2000km, 4 weeks.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div>Safari the hiker rolls off on a tangent and becomes Safaribiker for a while. <p></p><p>I've knocked over the first leg of my push around the big island (Australian mainland) and that includes a smaller one too; Kangaroo Island off the Southern coast of South Australia where I rested my red raw arse and briefly made a bit of coin. </p><p>-I'm not a 'cyclist'.</p><p>-I don't wear lycra.</p><p>-I briefly considered walking around Australia but cut that idea loose as too much of a dreary trudge.</p><p>So a blue steel gravel bike with 4 lime green panniers was my mode of transport and fuck me it's been a wee bit of fun. </p><p><u>THE ROUTE: </u> I rode off the Spirit of Tasmania ferry and pointed the bike North West to Ballarat via some C roads (minor roads, both paved and gravel), through the Wimmera and across South Australia to Cape Jervis where I hopped another ferry to Kangaroo Island, Australia's 3rd largest island. </p><p>The last time I was at Cape Jervis I was heading off on the Heysen Trail from the Southern Terminus located there.</p><p>After poking around the windy interior and the wild coastline I pushed North through Adelaide to the Yorke Peninsula and followed the 500km Walk The Yorke trail from Port Wakefield to Moonta Bay.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhowztOTfLbsC0cEmVupcsFJos3r_NCsVjkUwLygUqrShWT4Yng2u8t3-r5SE2HTMm9z_p090OX6sNYkAwnpX7ykbt-2uOh8Ca2NTAUb8Il82IIwkHOH8fo992ctssE8LkquFDrABCSMCXEaq8BeRp1Dkb-CHAj_TsQZ5KWbSrFspY2g474mfRYJi1xGQ=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="960" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhowztOTfLbsC0cEmVupcsFJos3r_NCsVjkUwLygUqrShWT4Yng2u8t3-r5SE2HTMm9z_p090OX6sNYkAwnpX7ykbt-2uOh8Ca2NTAUb8Il82IIwkHOH8fo992ctssE8LkquFDrABCSMCXEaq8BeRp1Dkb-CHAj_TsQZ5KWbSrFspY2g474mfRYJi1xGQ=w400-h229" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy map of my riding route sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><u>THE EQUIPMENT: </u></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Marin Four Corners Gravel Touring Bike. </li><li>Ortlieb panniers, large ones for the rear, small for the front.</li><li>Tubus pack rack carriers.</li><li>Heaps of spare inner tubes. Slime. Tools to hopefully fix shit that went wrong.</li><li>Camping and cooking kit I always use for hiking.</li><li>A fuck ton of sunscreen.</li></ul><u>REALITY OF BICYCLE TOURING:</u><p></p><p>There are plenty of silly Youtube videos and pretty pictures all over the interwebs depicting long distance bicycle touring as this isolating, beautiful experience where amazing vistas are constantly stumbled onto and friendly fairies and unicorns are only a short 5 kilometre ride away. </p><p>While some of this is true some of the time, I discovered while riding around rural Australia at the tail end of Summer; </p><p>that the roads can be very busy, </p><p>the roads are mostly narrow and crap with minimal shoulder, </p><p>many Australians have a pathological hatred of cyclists </p><p>and bike repair shops are few and far between when out of the major cities.</p><p>when I reached purpose built/ designated bicycle trails such as the Ballarat to Skipton trail and the amazing rail trail from Willunga to central Adelaide the fun factor increased by 10. </p><p>Regardless, I had a very positive experience. Hell yeah!</p><p>On the whole people were very encouraging and drivers courteous. Even if they weren't I reminded myself that I had chosen to be out there, on the gravel shoulder of the road pedaling away like a loon and no one owed me anything. </p><p>I actually got sick of the waving and fist pumps and friendly tooting, I just wanted to be alone and stop being looked at. </p><p>That's the difference between hiking and riding that is the deal breaker for me; I can disappear into the woods on foot. I'm an extroverted introvert that prefers my own company.</p><p>But I had plenty of serendipitous moments and reasons to throw fist pumps of my own.</p><p><br /><u>PROS & CONS OF BICYCLE TOURING:</u></p><p><b>PROS:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Potential to eat far more healthy than hiking due to the access to fresh food and at times, regular shopping outlets.</li><li>Plans can be made up on the fly, changed, totally shit canned and resurrected with minimal energy expenditure. Going an hour out of your way unintentionally isn't the imagined mood breaking disaster it might be if you had done it on foot.</li><li>Stealth camping only requires a little push into the bushes.</li><li>You can carry more stuff and more weight without breaking your back. For example I packed a small collapsible chair to use when camped out which was pretty much every night. </li><li>Mileage wasn't consistent but I averaged 120 kilometres a day. Enough to feel you are a long way from where you were yesterday.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>CONS:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The absolute reliance on mechanical componentry. Granted mine was mostly bombproof and well suited but constant niggles and flat tyres can detract from enjoyment. The what if factor.</li><li>Being stared at by everyone. People driving past. People sitting in their caravans. The roo's in the paddocks. And the sheep. Nah, they're ok. People in caravans driving past. Staring, staring.</li><li>The potential for catastrophic disaster.. Like I said though, most folks are courteous and it's more the draining hyper awareness on busy main roads that grinds.</li><li>As a solo shopper I was always pushing it to get back to my bike. The potential for theft of gear is always there. In one obviously dodgy town in South Australia I pulled the panniers off the bike and stuck them in a trolley and wheeled it around the supermarket, the risk was too high.</li><li>Wind sucks.</li><li>Hills suck. When they face uphill.</li><li>Corrugated roads suck.</li><li>Rain sucks.</li><li>The broiling, brain splitting Summer Sun sucks. Whine, whine, whinge, whinge. </li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT43dUeAw7VaQVcV9IuYdcTvIcrKfgLlqChtxRBlw7RgEsOL1IyqMPQQyE3GR2_rp3V6oleHmb-XaJmM7cN2hMNRGRtjtQcIzDJSmekhR7RkVS3HGS0a3nTz4j_5ieDYa7nJOeAWp711qC0-wKZDPoKnwyb1OyuTCNIG4ka5FBnyzG8I2aKhY_mP8Zpw=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT43dUeAw7VaQVcV9IuYdcTvIcrKfgLlqChtxRBlw7RgEsOL1IyqMPQQyE3GR2_rp3V6oleHmb-XaJmM7cN2hMNRGRtjtQcIzDJSmekhR7RkVS3HGS0a3nTz4j_5ieDYa7nJOeAWp711qC0-wKZDPoKnwyb1OyuTCNIG4ka5FBnyzG8I2aKhY_mP8Zpw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVO_EzUtCwXsfWOMm5kQwQoC1NHu63qAhlaWWaepKJPOcEw7fvwEYkj7PbgZuDAVusz792of5jvU1dqLlm7ZMnVWgiPrEF35jt2c8d_HLbzA6b1PMIeIEsKuTCR4cbCc627I1HJ05vzqrTcCr5vXX4Y6UDSlFuHvMNqpypgiLdLm2An9L_C1x6rTW5Aw=s4160"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVO_EzUtCwXsfWOMm5kQwQoC1NHu63qAhlaWWaepKJPOcEw7fvwEYkj7PbgZuDAVusz792of5jvU1dqLlm7ZMnVWgiPrEF35jt2c8d_HLbzA6b1PMIeIEsKuTCR4cbCc627I1HJ05vzqrTcCr5vXX4Y6UDSlFuHvMNqpypgiLdLm2An9L_C1x6rTW5Aw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiblIn1HA0a482mMrDwaWItNShYB-QKNH19pJlSpbZ0urC4mz4dy9AyKLqxicwuvZdhCagODSJLYU75L-x-5CwiSNbY6T_mioOu92qnqRo0NXDzSb3MeBsQAWD69nwvf4a2l1NCZ3kMQjmp-SMbi9_9_yN3RMKfZMMW6DocU6wed4eRMG12sRyGrDQxpQ=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiblIn1HA0a482mMrDwaWItNShYB-QKNH19pJlSpbZ0urC4mz4dy9AyKLqxicwuvZdhCagODSJLYU75L-x-5CwiSNbY6T_mioOu92qnqRo0NXDzSb3MeBsQAWD69nwvf4a2l1NCZ3kMQjmp-SMbi9_9_yN3RMKfZMMW6DocU6wed4eRMG12sRyGrDQxpQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8vQDPviqkOzHXTF21ikV-YrHtbfKOjdIWHdqSSW42SB61dQmVQ2_vrAj5sdXCWs6g1FK4Nkcs069y8qcdenFQE2H6A6J0OHtkwMyuNn_9SQ3dCE9129OD6MAfPsKm8wQ6NXcRBwQFDDDKnrYbAlmfHnMpkLhgqYCtzcBG1GVSFKieDL1hofhmmbmLCA=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8vQDPviqkOzHXTF21ikV-YrHtbfKOjdIWHdqSSW42SB61dQmVQ2_vrAj5sdXCWs6g1FK4Nkcs069y8qcdenFQE2H6A6J0OHtkwMyuNn_9SQ3dCE9129OD6MAfPsKm8wQ6NXcRBwQFDDDKnrYbAlmfHnMpkLhgqYCtzcBG1GVSFKieDL1hofhmmbmLCA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOXwP4TtcVIEPBcQKamMQczhhwaMOIhqV6OHXp0YnIW_c5Thjh8K3mwTULDWipRMk_SmnsCYm07llxKHvTkudT-HvfFBHdpb17wWyczg4MvCDV0DS698fHY7aMyja4kw5li3PV21Brcycd-UgVbfYvaLk2H32xmRjDl8yak4iMNJ1CGaq7AKjfNp5vmA=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOXwP4TtcVIEPBcQKamMQczhhwaMOIhqV6OHXp0YnIW_c5Thjh8K3mwTULDWipRMk_SmnsCYm07llxKHvTkudT-HvfFBHdpb17wWyczg4MvCDV0DS698fHY7aMyja4kw5li3PV21Brcycd-UgVbfYvaLk2H32xmRjDl8yak4iMNJ1CGaq7AKjfNp5vmA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><u>IMPRESSIONS OF THE WALK THE YORKE HIKING/ CYCLING TRAIL:</u><div><br /></div><div>The Walk The Yorke trail is a dual walking, cycling route that utilises quiet roads, purpose built pathways and coastal tracks. At 500 kilometres in length it sticks to the very edge of the boot shaped Yorke Penninsula and is well signed with open sided shelters scattered along public road side stops.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a good GPS mapping service; Far Out, I used that pinpoints where you are offline. The official maps are quite pricey. </div><div><br /></div><div>The entire pennisula is desert like. Flat. Dry. Very, very little shade. Water can be sourced from occasional faucets and taps in towns and from rainwater tanks at the shelters if they contain any water at the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The coastline and beaches are very lush. I swam and got excited (pic above), saw dolphins, stupendous sunsets, too many fleshy, well fed fishermen charging around in noisy boats, learned to take the bicycle alternate road routes when confronted with a sandy beach walk and always found a thick grove of trees and bushes to quietly put my tent up in at the end of the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Inland, off the trail, the towns of Mindalton and Yorketown were refreshing to pick up supplies and escape the heavy crowds of caravanners and party people and jet skiers and beach enthusiasts.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are plenty of small towns with adequate shops along the way but water is a bit limited, that would be a consideration if I was walking the trail. Saying that, I probably wouldn't walk this trail. Far too much exposure being out in the open with no cover hardly at all. The caravan parks were fully booked the entire week I rolled around the region, I was fortunate in that I could just keep riding fairly effortlessly until I found an isolated conservation park or wherever to pull up in. </div><div><br /></div><div>However the trail IS in my opinion more suited to walking than riding. The constant bicycle detours that shoot you off on minor roads when the route chugs over a sand dune or soft, unrideable pathway mean you miss out on much of the best scenery and if you accidently judge the upcoming section as bike rideable and it's not then be prepared for a bit of foul language and self flagellation. And deep sand slogging. I had a couple of those episodes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Walking it would be all grunt work with a low fun factor (for me that is) but full kudos to those that do it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifyjA-P-o-YOJOrx0ZFRBLg-zbjHSFSWkw5jkmxv495BPmGHfN_FGb_KKwxUIrl1cyala1j7UPquMYSYMSt8hJHilzvfAU2rKthQPQvlEVxODgZaN6-uNZx_IiAYHmUlotF92nSMnNdVoCrFxWbHmWVHlTdl_VXHoiTNbj8fto2tVHECLRSFlcJpV_IQ=s1200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifyjA-P-o-YOJOrx0ZFRBLg-zbjHSFSWkw5jkmxv495BPmGHfN_FGb_KKwxUIrl1cyala1j7UPquMYSYMSt8hJHilzvfAU2rKthQPQvlEVxODgZaN6-uNZx_IiAYHmUlotF92nSMnNdVoCrFxWbHmWVHlTdl_VXHoiTNbj8fto2tVHECLRSFlcJpV_IQ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Walk The Yorke sourced from www.heysentrail.asn.au</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkmgV67KUTFynmlwbjswp9s-abLrU_newKtijYsxHBoEXaum00LwhYudjseTRVCqYzwXFLAOBMU-gYS2O96HpUKK92JBjbbh2CuxvgvFefFKdl1yymLWsj5b65KLG0ext_k-rHs1J3pckur2k8VQ_6IJFkccBHURH-xvrgTwmqsY-JpIw_w-6RxG0h7Q=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkmgV67KUTFynmlwbjswp9s-abLrU_newKtijYsxHBoEXaum00LwhYudjseTRVCqYzwXFLAOBMU-gYS2O96HpUKK92JBjbbh2CuxvgvFefFKdl1yymLWsj5b65KLG0ext_k-rHs1J3pckur2k8VQ_6IJFkccBHURH-xvrgTwmqsY-JpIw_w-6RxG0h7Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizVgabzuCojwEM4g65MuCO9QmaJdoByuLQO2SK080A-1vC8GybctkuPwsfcs-UBFiww4I8OelwwNwFx4xhWaAoa8ExHFrj37QK4nCqgNeR0GlPW9ivkZVQ-hlqAzoApcCgFkV0CC4t0lyw4FdktY1pvx9e_D_6O4ki8l_2ven6BfQeDoIKPklUvXihcQ=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizVgabzuCojwEM4g65MuCO9QmaJdoByuLQO2SK080A-1vC8GybctkuPwsfcs-UBFiww4I8OelwwNwFx4xhWaAoa8ExHFrj37QK4nCqgNeR0GlPW9ivkZVQ-hlqAzoApcCgFkV0CC4t0lyw4FdktY1pvx9e_D_6O4ki8l_2ven6BfQeDoIKPklUvXihcQ=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shingleback Lizard, also known as a Stumpy tail. Loads of them were sighted crossing the roads.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRBbENHuK0_RyqfTJy6kmWiCn4x1-TNn6FRPLe0w75kgYAdoLcxgrUzzSJ-54n6N0Tks241mQvknPodk6hCINAjFvl9JWGZ6NCcq1YNsKMqjrFSA20DuOarYrspKSYpqL9MnjmTnnXk-L8blDA7lIy704n-Xg7_-DxlGnuAGPuY7of-Ds_L9D85wY-Q=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRBbENHuK0_RyqfTJy6kmWiCn4x1-TNn6FRPLe0w75kgYAdoLcxgrUzzSJ-54n6N0Tks241mQvknPodk6hCINAjFvl9JWGZ6NCcq1YNsKMqjrFSA20DuOarYrspKSYpqL9MnjmTnnXk-L8blDA7lIy704n-Xg7_-DxlGnuAGPuY7of-Ds_L9D85wY-Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB35EUpbgi3YhG7ec2PD2BlD_U2WUSmrLpkUXgSa-r05fiMdF4b1dYHW8RmihWhirIglH0O7Mo6145LIDXBg3K11ZXJrmvtlmevUV9wo6czgemWXYXzEkgLv2GAd7lOzTXF7bA8UsZogC5m0JBfNvI6WIcpB9ps3xY7R-tiFyYeM6zZgBruLyeBb7l5w=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB35EUpbgi3YhG7ec2PD2BlD_U2WUSmrLpkUXgSa-r05fiMdF4b1dYHW8RmihWhirIglH0O7Mo6145LIDXBg3K11ZXJrmvtlmevUV9wo6czgemWXYXzEkgLv2GAd7lOzTXF7bA8UsZogC5m0JBfNvI6WIcpB9ps3xY7R-tiFyYeM6zZgBruLyeBb7l5w=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzy79X1y1n5SLpInHg7foeIXXk7EiZGuTZ7-gVSECvc3YpcRO4PiyqnAFKhkFb4LnWKkpMkBor4hp7MHdDbp_ducgFr8G-kUNsMNaLLhZ70DVdFMarF_Zdb5Rk7DdBH-NajqvcFg3T5-bEwWBlJio-2QkER3CARB4sG4-lYD5GSn5pyABG9vNHvXML7Q=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzy79X1y1n5SLpInHg7foeIXXk7EiZGuTZ7-gVSECvc3YpcRO4PiyqnAFKhkFb4LnWKkpMkBor4hp7MHdDbp_ducgFr8G-kUNsMNaLLhZ70DVdFMarF_Zdb5Rk7DdBH-NajqvcFg3T5-bEwWBlJio-2QkER3CARB4sG4-lYD5GSn5pyABG9vNHvXML7Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBdmIhm5Kr26wix3eXv4WB1hW7A1IZzrMfxjd-uC0VeS0ryTXyrJHFCCsMz3Cwj5iwNyIoLdYsPLvt4gvSOHE7Q90HTwlkpP0y96y-MhEKReY5cCTygYL7rAzQb0kuCn-C_cLj-iSDpFKc5ndGDRxEfpcajbOONCf5ub4ptS5PPjqMcSfOh_dhgT8J-A=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBdmIhm5Kr26wix3eXv4WB1hW7A1IZzrMfxjd-uC0VeS0ryTXyrJHFCCsMz3Cwj5iwNyIoLdYsPLvt4gvSOHE7Q90HTwlkpP0y96y-MhEKReY5cCTygYL7rAzQb0kuCn-C_cLj-iSDpFKc5ndGDRxEfpcajbOONCf5ub4ptS5PPjqMcSfOh_dhgT8J-A=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Vt7vBzrUFHwrXMwPoBaJV-7jFCLz2RmzALf5ByB2vyKtY-OhMIMIv3xOJVwo-8QfoHq5ic5cLJZbmcDDwdw9GsTC1E5cXJxf2ZFjpBuNDUA2NsjSK0i5ObKFgUuj9n8tGtFsTcrjJgNSlwYqgHnMOUZYYy5dutUHBnj5ArmX-iO8yd0BaKn8ASHZcA=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Vt7vBzrUFHwrXMwPoBaJV-7jFCLz2RmzALf5ByB2vyKtY-OhMIMIv3xOJVwo-8QfoHq5ic5cLJZbmcDDwdw9GsTC1E5cXJxf2ZFjpBuNDUA2NsjSK0i5ObKFgUuj9n8tGtFsTcrjJgNSlwYqgHnMOUZYYy5dutUHBnj5ArmX-iO8yd0BaKn8ASHZcA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcQM8XuxlUw---T216aU_6z7lmytBtx-waodk_ku23n-98zR4jF1Za8JchWjnvyZQIJALZEmMngqruA-lAmHrMCGPqr4JVEWs2mfC6R-NyQPmVh9t5pd3JV69alRy9iLlyOslMPaX4yifYrYOvp5tal-dpeilmMQ90Wg-Dlekrw5fFUV_KlqZzf8Nb4A=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcQM8XuxlUw---T216aU_6z7lmytBtx-waodk_ku23n-98zR4jF1Za8JchWjnvyZQIJALZEmMngqruA-lAmHrMCGPqr4JVEWs2mfC6R-NyQPmVh9t5pd3JV69alRy9iLlyOslMPaX4yifYrYOvp5tal-dpeilmMQ90Wg-Dlekrw5fFUV_KlqZzf8Nb4A=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Port Wakefield terminus of the Walk The Yorke.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZwYDhKUVT86lJpm5-XnjgJdUmWBZj4zxdk41vdRffQW_9ihclCjVcM-zN4aE1--Pta4BXCWXO0ts9WnoU0mplIWnLCUcCndxgBQvvoIShngC8RLn6rLXghIrIKq87nh47cegb7qgSE3M-gZCBOgo5CRxqgXbLgm7HRPcudOm5aCtbM6voxBOXnbOgMg=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZwYDhKUVT86lJpm5-XnjgJdUmWBZj4zxdk41vdRffQW_9ihclCjVcM-zN4aE1--Pta4BXCWXO0ts9WnoU0mplIWnLCUcCndxgBQvvoIShngC8RLn6rLXghIrIKq87nh47cegb7qgSE3M-gZCBOgo5CRxqgXbLgm7HRPcudOm5aCtbM6voxBOXnbOgMg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKhASbbcvsstRbQckNoab0cDnrDmU0KTWU4Cj7DShq70OdIRebhAYhwp0gtVEC88P6qz5510pn3Q-OLEyJLMsh2XpxN1Kmd4YTqevZcCDg4gTuhCvreHwPzC-69goliKBLYPLK3i8CYUr-1MMBzUa6jxf674-OQ43bA-zcx7YAaS8L8tahmS8GK4dDqQ=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKhASbbcvsstRbQckNoab0cDnrDmU0KTWU4Cj7DShq70OdIRebhAYhwp0gtVEC88P6qz5510pn3Q-OLEyJLMsh2XpxN1Kmd4YTqevZcCDg4gTuhCvreHwPzC-69goliKBLYPLK3i8CYUr-1MMBzUa6jxf674-OQ43bA-zcx7YAaS8L8tahmS8GK4dDqQ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penneshaw Ferry Terminal, Kangaroo Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJT2C-zyk4nSJxtxIe_RDxe9jOsussHbvIDh9fV0QTZPwCXMnkZdLiM4vlNrMMhXfxFzOfxVY6IkvkoiP-7pwnDEvrQKrUoQRwZxHTHz7g065eqbbEf1nTGkRhEqb5XeBG5A4UEcfHTEfYf_0Q3xP4oZRbBTjBEhPnURwJqyWMHsFudD8_UhrFRx4h3g=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJT2C-zyk4nSJxtxIe_RDxe9jOsussHbvIDh9fV0QTZPwCXMnkZdLiM4vlNrMMhXfxFzOfxVY6IkvkoiP-7pwnDEvrQKrUoQRwZxHTHz7g065eqbbEf1nTGkRhEqb5XeBG5A4UEcfHTEfYf_0Q3xP4oZRbBTjBEhPnURwJqyWMHsFudD8_UhrFRx4h3g=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This puncture incident on the sketchy Duke Highway had me stripping the tyre off and replacing the tube. It looked like an echidna quill had gotten embedded in the tyre somehow! An echidna is kinda like an Australian version of a fat hedgehog or a porcupine with shorter quills. Really fuckin hard tyre busting quills.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-38067526213282406542021-10-12T20:13:00.003+11:002021-10-12T20:20:02.777+11:00Penguin Cradle Trail- October 2021. Tasmania. 78km.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HXdM-PoYd0E4NSQMvSaU3CqobUSTQpZzLwe-oQ4fZPsfTTVi-31Txi9dJ2GSkX6YoXo44TWMHfYqbyaHoXNPkHWpXDICSEmGFmRHv1PRBNPxHYyGk9Ml_9R-wDPa6ALCRUwW3vQ0GG32/s4160/IMG_20211003_110504197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HXdM-PoYd0E4NSQMvSaU3CqobUSTQpZzLwe-oQ4fZPsfTTVi-31Txi9dJ2GSkX6YoXo44TWMHfYqbyaHoXNPkHWpXDICSEmGFmRHv1PRBNPxHYyGk9Ml_9R-wDPa6ALCRUwW3vQ0GG32/w400-h300/IMG_20211003_110504197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>THE PENGUIN CRADLE TRAIL:</u> is a much lesser walked Northern extension of it's more famous bro, the Overland Track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bumping along the Dial Range near Tasmania's North Coast and then chasing the churning Leven River as it snakes Southward, the PCT rolls over the soggy High Plains between Black Bluff and Cradle Mountain Village, taking you through a mish mash of landscapes and rugged track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's wild, it's committing and the great news is that the track is in far better shape than when I last gallivanted along the entire 75+km length nearly 5 years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The North West Walking Club volunteers have really smashed the blow downs and chucked a fuck ton of time and effort into maintaining this uncelebrated, sequestered trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you kind folks. 👍💪</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod-4O52KUgIV2LW0T7wBDdjOE28sFDpV_eCyStwY-9QxVrXhXwKiHypuKpNKFgCeGtX6IJjPj2HWu6bmGrBptR3My6J-wYVIMu_Z4f45M9GD8u8j3ZVaEDilmV7RC4ssHenVDXL_3XXhM/s485/Screenshot+%2528300%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="485" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod-4O52KUgIV2LW0T7wBDdjOE28sFDpV_eCyStwY-9QxVrXhXwKiHypuKpNKFgCeGtX6IJjPj2HWu6bmGrBptR3My6J-wYVIMu_Z4f45M9GD8u8j3ZVaEDilmV7RC4ssHenVDXL_3XXhM/w400-h334/Screenshot+%2528300%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>GETTING TO THE TRACKHEAD:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Penguin is a small coastal town 130km West from Launceston on the Bass Highway or 300km from Hobart straight up the middle of the island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your aiming for Montgomery Road which is 3km South on the left hand side along Ironside Road. If you arrive by bus then this 3km is easily knocked on foot over from Penguin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are dropped off in an automobile by a kind soul like I was then just head straight for the Northern Terminus on Montgomery Road and save the road bash.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNjPqZb5euBU2q2ulbrhb39fICLSViHC-_PLaYdPfRev8LUMwzNOKy8FbxJtEmdXHpertPlxlvU6Y8szt11UaEC_m7WHvDkzo_kTwtfpybTi3zomCqr6cY85FpSR_kCDRBaLHgySvV7QQ/s4160/IMG_20211001_151820823.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNjPqZb5euBU2q2ulbrhb39fICLSViHC-_PLaYdPfRev8LUMwzNOKy8FbxJtEmdXHpertPlxlvU6Y8szt11UaEC_m7WHvDkzo_kTwtfpybTi3zomCqr6cY85FpSR_kCDRBaLHgySvV7QQ/w300-h400/IMG_20211001_151820823.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the 2021 version of the PCT sufferfest,.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ_Z0aRQhMCVhBisyrZyMVBGtJqP3yjozCa6Ka9gwNq2yWQJNKGM70UxDLvT0tFJZZ7wH0CdEYJxsqw07KiyrQaL_VuCcpYR4lvzfzQCOsAusqnYY47Vq3i3I_D3N2bojArsPcogWmLB1/s4160/IMG_20211001_155832534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ_Z0aRQhMCVhBisyrZyMVBGtJqP3yjozCa6Ka9gwNq2yWQJNKGM70UxDLvT0tFJZZ7wH0CdEYJxsqw07KiyrQaL_VuCcpYR4lvzfzQCOsAusqnYY47Vq3i3I_D3N2bojArsPcogWmLB1/w400-h300/IMG_20211001_155832534.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><u>NAVIGATION AND INFORMATION:</u><div><br /></div><div>This time around I opted to use the official Wildcare map and information booklet set.</div><div>The notes were pre 2016 but still mostly solid. Available for purchase <a href="https://wildcaretas.org.au/product/penguin-cradle-trail-map-notes/" target="_blank">here</a>. $28</div><div><br /></div><div>Signage and trail markers are abundant. Exposure is a constant South of Paddy's Lake and thankfully tall snow poles guide the way along lumpy hillsides and through clumps of scorparia. </div><div><br /></div><div>The North West Walking Club based in Ulverstone has a fantastic run down of the PCT and anything you need to be clued up about including recent re routes. <a href="https://www.nwwc.org.au/index.php/penguin-cradle-trail" target="_blank">Website.</a></div><div>This is their baby.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw03KCh-rrpSSOZyNFjVi2VOIsKAWcjLlCU6wMUnrVAQSr09nyB3lS1Sfh4Z2yYbXVUbgduDJfCphsiuiy3PTGfqP-p12T03j82bIdAhBsndY0NCTDJJUJmNT78ivcx0QR1cpZ6LvB6wZ8/s4160/IMG_20210930_051939682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw03KCh-rrpSSOZyNFjVi2VOIsKAWcjLlCU6wMUnrVAQSr09nyB3lS1Sfh4Z2yYbXVUbgduDJfCphsiuiy3PTGfqP-p12T03j82bIdAhBsndY0NCTDJJUJmNT78ivcx0QR1cpZ6LvB6wZ8/w300-h400/IMG_20210930_051939682.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildcare map set.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VxOSakFYVO4PlcZs62306L7V961B3icQ_Lgkm2Hll8WoLRAyR5IHb8B9dQms_0pYUPL8hMfmOTGUsJSfQv_p_gUygdWR_FS6rA8P__70xHpOtuNK6la8EYddG5Gph54WZQ1cnfOKZm_r/s4160/IMG_20210930_052117878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VxOSakFYVO4PlcZs62306L7V961B3icQ_Lgkm2Hll8WoLRAyR5IHb8B9dQms_0pYUPL8hMfmOTGUsJSfQv_p_gUygdWR_FS6rA8P__70xHpOtuNK6la8EYddG5Gph54WZQ1cnfOKZm_r/w300-h400/IMG_20210930_052117878.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>DAILY MILEAGE:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I faffed about and got a late start on a Friday afternoon after a 3:30pm drop off at the Northern Trackhead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The forecast was so so for the first few days and absolute rubbish later on when I expected to be crossing the high, exposed alpine area before Cradle Mountain Village. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But forecasts can be wrong, right? Yeah, maybe. Not this time though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I rolled the dice and I got mighty nailed. Belting winds and constant soaking icy rain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was spicy and definitely Type 2 fun in parts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Friday 1 October.</u> 12km. Wild campsite on old vehicular track near Mt Lorymer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Saturday 2 October.</u> 25km. 8km from camp to Wings Wildlife Park via the new re route, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> then 17km from Wings to Blackwood Camp. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Sunday 3 October.</u> 8km. Blackwood to Taylor Flat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i> *I camped a little way up the track, not in the vicinity of Taylor Flat or the Cabins where camping is not allowed.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Monday 4 October.</u> 24km. Taylor Flat to Fourways Campsite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Tuesday 5 October.</u> 8km. Fourways to Cradle Mountain Village.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkOP9F9xr5IQNJOctg1xK0doYOpx8Lu1w8-hJJGCOqaxfhzDySONmNuvidvo5l9qoW9zzLOnBPWIrLI6BHauPMGWVfBTphSZPw95y64TOdEH1ocB1nEjJ-VFGOxsqXnc1PJpEKYtGULcD/s4160/IMG_20211002_094604507.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkOP9F9xr5IQNJOctg1xK0doYOpx8Lu1w8-hJJGCOqaxfhzDySONmNuvidvo5l9qoW9zzLOnBPWIrLI6BHauPMGWVfBTphSZPw95y64TOdEH1ocB1nEjJ-VFGOxsqXnc1PJpEKYtGULcD/w300-h400/IMG_20211002_094604507.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new logbook on the re-route heading into Wings.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIWxBbNiiz-BtGEnrc00H3cf2H7KldmuD1ebcUifBkZG5arx-I4eOHuxu85vvjRuRkEVJgIiBT_IUVzl0mOhHYJWpLmvmUqcxyKBxGjKCaImR1VEeN4g-WK-oVO2ayb6QfxElBNOM836L/s3264/IMG_20211002_123632334_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIWxBbNiiz-BtGEnrc00H3cf2H7KldmuD1ebcUifBkZG5arx-I4eOHuxu85vvjRuRkEVJgIiBT_IUVzl0mOhHYJWpLmvmUqcxyKBxGjKCaImR1VEeN4g-WK-oVO2ayb6QfxElBNOM836L/w300-h400/IMG_20211002_123632334_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's only 12km of easy walking on quiet roads between Wings and the Leven. No moaning or whining, get it done.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkfZ6NOYhbGyo-PAUESBSFrfg8TGUgFaJE2hc2Zl7lNzpM75ZZlZQ1hUEi4UPRZaqUywVCpLW-kw0hotX3l4S-xfBgonWDvQYBE6DnDjU8PvKogeERXkxAIHjnXsJM_LCwLUHQWixwCSo/s4160/IMG_20211002_104751538.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkfZ6NOYhbGyo-PAUESBSFrfg8TGUgFaJE2hc2Zl7lNzpM75ZZlZQ1hUEi4UPRZaqUywVCpLW-kw0hotX3l4S-xfBgonWDvQYBE6DnDjU8PvKogeERXkxAIHjnXsJM_LCwLUHQWixwCSo/w400-h300/IMG_20211002_104751538.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road bash residents.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68afo5iQTpKEgkg3gB3K9g2cwxgRa8X_N0Utibrn8i63gToaKkx1U32gBsf_LGG9_ruLC5jHmPWR2Kmi2XgfVnT4HYMvLVft9P9OYjJ_fV9NqEymgWh6iM9dXXQtriyAkD4GwB6tj05P5/s4160/IMG_20211002_151352208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68afo5iQTpKEgkg3gB3K9g2cwxgRa8X_N0Utibrn8i63gToaKkx1U32gBsf_LGG9_ruLC5jHmPWR2Kmi2XgfVnT4HYMvLVft9P9OYjJ_fV9NqEymgWh6iM9dXXQtriyAkD4GwB6tj05P5/w400-h300/IMG_20211002_151352208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinONZrYozPVuvjRiW1ZOg3zc8QmeryKn3C72gHQYF4MyYFOJ69lx5OHyuLdEEtygjNvn1mhBYCwz_srUc4vKcYYfvx2be7JAy4bZTYGolBf9wH2LNr3XUpi3Si6TpP8ccCUIvZUgoU5Y3u/s4160/IMG_20211003_075121558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinONZrYozPVuvjRiW1ZOg3zc8QmeryKn3C72gHQYF4MyYFOJ69lx5OHyuLdEEtygjNvn1mhBYCwz_srUc4vKcYYfvx2be7JAy4bZTYGolBf9wH2LNr3XUpi3Si6TpP8ccCUIvZUgoU5Y3u/s320/IMG_20211003_075121558.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackwood Camp.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUsYdCLvER3G4rMdAAg2ZOkdVv59WTj2jjK4YC3o_U_JsG0O7c2JjVolfCzIsIViAkl7cqut1j3Nus55tHTfyTjaycWTDIQ-WINrfycc1uBL8RpTAexIjKQfcTVRk6q0LVf4l-EPQmNfq/s4160/IMG_20211003_092856368.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUsYdCLvER3G4rMdAAg2ZOkdVv59WTj2jjK4YC3o_U_JsG0O7c2JjVolfCzIsIViAkl7cqut1j3Nus55tHTfyTjaycWTDIQ-WINrfycc1uBL8RpTAexIjKQfcTVRk6q0LVf4l-EPQmNfq/w300-h400/IMG_20211003_092856368.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the overnight rain at Blackwood Camp I awoke to a bluebird day and chose the dry river bed beside the island to yank everything that was saturated by condensation out and draw on free, abundant solar power to chase away the damp nasties. Dry quilt!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><u>GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:</u></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A new re route that cuts out Walloa Creek and the Pine plantation pushes you down a crazy slippery hill straight into Wings Wildlife Park. This worked out quite well for me as I was rolling past at exactly 10am when the cafe opens. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The track alongside the Leven River is unrecognisable thinking back to the impediments the 2016 flood dumped on the trail. Smooth and fun wandering next to that lovely river.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The dense scrub leading into and out of Four Ways campsite has been chopped back allowing far easier access. Kudos to the likeable volunteers and there was no ripping off fistfuls of ticks and leeches from my torso this time.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stripping off and going for a dunk in the River with all that green, so green forest and bewitching solitude is up there at the top of my list of this year's memorable moments.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>No huts meant no people and another raw experience. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mwPha4FRMfQrAYwWfFmdP7ib-qxZS-qiWBIs4UIW8AwRN4u75g-qExQTcm6-sC0To2fmt9_ORJk1o1NJS_zBFyaZA3vuiX8B2WjLP7ZRpikvMhDqfsU-_aNAf9WJHDXa_TqUZ4juuqF-/s4160/IMG_20211003_161705372.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mwPha4FRMfQrAYwWfFmdP7ib-qxZS-qiWBIs4UIW8AwRN4u75g-qExQTcm6-sC0To2fmt9_ORJk1o1NJS_zBFyaZA3vuiX8B2WjLP7ZRpikvMhDqfsU-_aNAf9WJHDXa_TqUZ4juuqF-/s320/IMG_20211003_161705372.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signage at Taylor's Flat.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos2tXx6-LK7m7370lWRpmBlhOh29vu5llGPDnq_2-d9Y-J8ZaXcfGcY80twWN5pS1TWODHmMg5d5YvQHPyeMxpjrfgZgZrRuoRC2o8ugrXxNMDODrqMGV4kN4O11OqVSHqzpqPJmcjVXc/s1600/IMG_20211003_140933973.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos2tXx6-LK7m7370lWRpmBlhOh29vu5llGPDnq_2-d9Y-J8ZaXcfGcY80twWN5pS1TWODHmMg5d5YvQHPyeMxpjrfgZgZrRuoRC2o8ugrXxNMDODrqMGV4kN4O11OqVSHqzpqPJmcjVXc/w300-h400/IMG_20211003_140933973.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungi.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk_VeHsiwTvJ_fTi58KcF6MY3QOFkDj6_5HZytMAY01zdpIifs0ymBnhDBQi5LzLSx1ygLLV8sX8Y6ls9ZqVS43wJdnsynMG-kT9yWgRt5b9NmwL1dz-JYhRUhO8FSbkonMB9jMWhH4Lc/s4160/IMG_20211004_132933030.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk_VeHsiwTvJ_fTi58KcF6MY3QOFkDj6_5HZytMAY01zdpIifs0ymBnhDBQi5LzLSx1ygLLV8sX8Y6ls9ZqVS43wJdnsynMG-kT9yWgRt5b9NmwL1dz-JYhRUhO8FSbkonMB9jMWhH4Lc/w400-h300/IMG_20211004_132933030.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime at Bare Mountain campsite.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh605S6339rRfUA305gBhqLSs4BFmJQpdMxJtL58vS-KaGgwLQDOMBG3Lre83qVDJ42MdHtoa_uy7lKSHUsuPFwnIzt_F9Qqnpe-bx57QRfk8Pm2jPHHS6tnLMuyKqeTf5kNG4xCKPZ0Zb_/s3264/IMG_20211004_124032716_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh605S6339rRfUA305gBhqLSs4BFmJQpdMxJtL58vS-KaGgwLQDOMBG3Lre83qVDJ42MdHtoa_uy7lKSHUsuPFwnIzt_F9Qqnpe-bx57QRfk8Pm2jPHHS6tnLMuyKqeTf5kNG4xCKPZ0Zb_/w300-h400/IMG_20211004_124032716_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dude is rejoicing in the after glow of warm tea and not succumbing to hypothermia and having his balls drop off.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN1K2kmrP1vei27shiHo5yqKr6Jwafgzcdr3-3V-vwQ50HEP-rtab8dzdqu9EnJbBi7FruZXjgb2EiJWO3rIwMLp9qjAklqMEb6K-9dLCUGKI-dWyAT6irPnk8u0xDBmF0SJFXtz1S5KX/s4160/IMG_20211005_104608786.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN1K2kmrP1vei27shiHo5yqKr6Jwafgzcdr3-3V-vwQ50HEP-rtab8dzdqu9EnJbBi7FruZXjgb2EiJWO3rIwMLp9qjAklqMEb6K-9dLCUGKI-dWyAT6irPnk8u0xDBmF0SJFXtz1S5KX/w300-h400/IMG_20211005_104608786.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading across the Steeler Plains via the River PCT.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vr5i80OMSjF0pgfNv5VlpfXyWc7mlQSBaqq7wBSWrptjBfH9etRqpb8H5I9wLA9Rivz79YlxBsPvoGIIkDmQVozV6UIb84h_tTkd09nKWIKkyZPsLuw9OuzOcqc6XZGKWg1HqKizXFTU/s4160/IMG_20211005_101118085.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vr5i80OMSjF0pgfNv5VlpfXyWc7mlQSBaqq7wBSWrptjBfH9etRqpb8H5I9wLA9Rivz79YlxBsPvoGIIkDmQVozV6UIb84h_tTkd09nKWIKkyZPsLuw9OuzOcqc6XZGKWg1HqKizXFTU/w300-h400/IMG_20211005_101118085.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was pumping and my crop of photos take during the last 2 days are slim and of dubious quality. I rarely reached for my phone (which is my camera these days) during the constant inundation of rain.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-10450539259579295012021-09-24T18:33:00.004+10:002021-09-27T12:35:17.245+10:00Heysen Trail. Cape Jervis to Mt Lofty- 200km, 8 days. South Australia.<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMpv1nJFRvRqk1gHnc2bgZidddEwJeJI4_NMxHHv7TkGqQCfiT7WCRrKXuotBLzQEHbRne3wLWo4R0WRMPItV9zsLUzAnQmAUCK5YrgPGPDMDuNXFJMrIikxaPT2VeyklY29KHBaD4f0P/s4160/IMG_20210909_160406474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMpv1nJFRvRqk1gHnc2bgZidddEwJeJI4_NMxHHv7TkGqQCfiT7WCRrKXuotBLzQEHbRne3wLWo4R0WRMPItV9zsLUzAnQmAUCK5YrgPGPDMDuNXFJMrIikxaPT2VeyklY29KHBaD4f0P/w300-h400/IMG_20210909_160406474.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>The Heysen Trail:</b> currently the longest marked footpath in Australia at around 1100 kilometres.</span></div><p></p><p>Wholly within South Australia, it waggles it's way up from the Southern Ocean to the mountain desert of the Flinder's Ranges. </p><p>Diversity is the buzz word for this trail and you get the whole shooting match; </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>windswept coast</li><li>vineyards </li><li>lush green paddocks full of fat cows and fatter sheep</li><li>steep sided pockets of protected rocky natural areas complete with twisted eucalyptus trees and bouncing fauna </li><li>trail towns for resupply just when you need them </li><li>and quiet country lanes to connect it all up.</li></ul><p></p><p>The Heysen is oft derided and overlooked in favour of 'proper trails' such as the Bibbulmun and the Larapinta, but, ah, not really so much over the past 2 years. Traffic is increasing.</p><p>The 'thing' and the hiatus on international - and indeed at times, interstate travel- has prompted a sizable contingent of thru hikers and section walkers (like myself) to swing in to Adelaide and check it out bro.</p><p>"<i>Too much road walking!</i>" I've heard. "<i>It's just bloody farmland.</i>" More negativity.</p><p>"<i>You live in Tasmania! Why would you want to go hike that trail?" </i> </p><p>Well, you see; I'm stimulated by the unknown and just a wee bit bored of busy, bogan soaked Tasmania and I had the idea buried somewhere in the back of my monkey brain to knock off sections of the Heysen a chunk at a time over a few years.</p><p>I've stumbled over the Heysen a few times in the past 2 decades whilst wandering around South Australia and I ran some of the Northern section a few years ago during a 100 mile Ultramarathon in the Flinders Ranges. </p><p>Virgin announced direct flights from Launceston to Adelaide for $59 for September (hell yeah!) and I grabbed a seat on the inaugural flight out. </p><p>Fuckin after it.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTGunk6jUkG-6UkNqa16B1lZgZgkrAZ7meGrEWRjPYv91CxD27duZTXc4iqojX5q5GSLU0sK70Hya0VmJ-57h26aIhA-0xWOaQMrUn9Gfa3hWM6UyGYG4TkqxhYJP15D-tyaQeELVoIf-/s547/Screenshot+%2528284%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="547" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTGunk6jUkG-6UkNqa16B1lZgZgkrAZ7meGrEWRjPYv91CxD27duZTXc4iqojX5q5GSLU0sK70Hya0VmJ-57h26aIhA-0xWOaQMrUn9Gfa3hWM6UyGYG4TkqxhYJP15D-tyaQeELVoIf-/w400-h343/Screenshot+%2528284%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQe03iYNwXlccdHI03WcCINMbbOE8KOH2dXXInHr0Vmh12EDyEweh6kZjcIGalKM9kcf9r02fabEQHl2d6z2y1CZn3J8JLgevzcdNC63-tNzfsUQei03drzAxw7gPgHrjR5IirYJbGeIup/s4160/IMG_20210907_172921246.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQe03iYNwXlccdHI03WcCINMbbOE8KOH2dXXInHr0Vmh12EDyEweh6kZjcIGalKM9kcf9r02fabEQHl2d6z2y1CZn3J8JLgevzcdNC63-tNzfsUQei03drzAxw7gPgHrjR5IirYJbGeIup/w400-h300/IMG_20210907_172921246.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Southern Terminus of the Heysen Trail, located just North of the ferry dock on the East side. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQiL4jm0ZF-maNQ_XWcchymBThc0fLBSxg4-tcw4_pfy2g9gCcbTWD12cfsy1TjsgTBiGX-ntKTUzJ-Agt-eToqyk4EDO9v_Kn0xPBQG5p-Uyo1CiRBSUWKqkxo7FPUQahdMbiAM3LZGK/s816/Screenshot+%2528287%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQiL4jm0ZF-maNQ_XWcchymBThc0fLBSxg4-tcw4_pfy2g9gCcbTWD12cfsy1TjsgTBiGX-ntKTUzJ-Agt-eToqyk4EDO9v_Kn0xPBQG5p-Uyo1CiRBSUWKqkxo7FPUQahdMbiAM3LZGK/w400-h320/Screenshot+%2528287%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map showing the wiggly 200 kilometre section from Cape Jervis to Mt Lofty East of Adelaide.<br />Map sourced from www.heysentrail.asn.au</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Getting to Cape Jervis:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cape Jervis is the kick off point for the Kangaroo Island ferry and Sealink is the company that operates the big boat that services the sea route between the mainland and the island. I've been told it's very swish over there, I shall have to check it out one day very soon and wander around and make myself known to the locals and take pretty pictures and shit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyhow, Sealink nudges a bus up and down the road between Cape Jervis and Adelaide daily to drop off and collect passengers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I rode the 3:30pm coach South <a href="https://www.sealink.com.au/kangaroo-island-ferry/timetables/" target="_blank">toggle down for timetable</a>, it costs $27 cash to the driver, departs at the Adelaide Central Bus Station and takes around 1 hour, 40 minutes of stop-start traffic-light induced fun times to get you to the ferry terminal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WFILOGnFtqFBS3FCUKTmHo1h_VR73dEDRq4RCVtM6JeurSMFqMEQwaHoJWRAPuwMfzqoddXuX-XBD2X9ozB7wDaktPn4MGuTZgkIBh0ZsRHLF5Fv_jK7IFQ5vau_vCOuikziibVQMnp6/s4160/IMG_20210914_113209535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WFILOGnFtqFBS3FCUKTmHo1h_VR73dEDRq4RCVtM6JeurSMFqMEQwaHoJWRAPuwMfzqoddXuX-XBD2X9ozB7wDaktPn4MGuTZgkIBh0ZsRHLF5Fv_jK7IFQ5vau_vCOuikziibVQMnp6/w400-h300/IMG_20210914_113209535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>Navigation and Information:</u><div><br /></div><div>I ordered the first 2 maps of the 8 sheet series from the excellent Friends of the Heysen Trail. <a href="https://heysentrail.asn.au/" target="_blank">site here</a></div><div><br /></div><div>They were mostly solid. There have been a few reroutes here and there and at times the signage can be a tad vague but for the most part I bumbled along fine. The Gaia app was of immense help once or twice when I was a tad uncertain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many hikers purchase the Guthook App download for the Heysen which includes user feedback concerning water availability and track notes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Heysen Trail Thru Hiker Facebook Group is handy for up to date tips too.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL0oOb-oC_pv8tvd6t3Q_wmhAQwYc17HGmULChRLdIlIqyBciIGjsKJr4Id2j0ws_KBXV2ArlHbkRMCUN3nGcCkRNnZ8bpP-sOQi_n_MbrbKj_BeQWNLX46aHTj4zUyg2j4A1xjC5YV-a/s4160/IMG_20210922_073821617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL0oOb-oC_pv8tvd6t3Q_wmhAQwYc17HGmULChRLdIlIqyBciIGjsKJr4Id2j0ws_KBXV2ArlHbkRMCUN3nGcCkRNnZ8bpP-sOQi_n_MbrbKj_BeQWNLX46aHTj4zUyg2j4A1xjC5YV-a/w300-h400/IMG_20210922_073821617.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoBQnTeOpxrEj1gmEFpkUuHIRYFMznDplcliALW4eoAHEA17gn66Ig-FUbCGxs9H7wGA69LJkWyStcxAt5e811a3IL_MrUqgosysaR447D4aksjtMilqoa0s9Cjt0XYppQITEe8kXyxMd/s3264/IMG_20210910_064712714_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoBQnTeOpxrEj1gmEFpkUuHIRYFMznDplcliALW4eoAHEA17gn66Ig-FUbCGxs9H7wGA69LJkWyStcxAt5e811a3IL_MrUqgosysaR447D4aksjtMilqoa0s9Cjt0XYppQITEe8kXyxMd/w300-h400/IMG_20210910_064712714_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Daily Mileage:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Arrival from Adelaide to Cape Jervis: 2km? Wild campsite before Fishery Beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day 1: 30km Wild Campsite on Hillside before Boat Harbor Beach</li><li>Day 2: 30km Wild Campsite Ridgeway Hill Cliffs</li><li>Day 3: 41km Heysen's Rest B&B</li><li>Day 4: 26km Mt Compass Caravan Park</li><li>Day 5: 31km Wild Campsite Kuipto Forest</li><li>Day 6: 36km Wild Campsite Mylor Conservation Park</li><li>Day 7: 9km Stirling Golf Club Motel</li><li>Day 8: 7km Mt Lofty</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Total: 212km</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are just my slightly hazy, indefinite estimates. Not to be taken seriously or as gospel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really don't care. 😃</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's about what you see and how you feel not how far you go, isn't it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5ZTdMwJFPpDjtUnzq34h1djMFLouJYPGdGem3SvoNKwzymbbDRFyw-pJ_AmqB9SusNyLq4MzG3Ur1eF5YNqj1TPp0OittUDpn4xxmyk01ibMXrefpwrzOZqaE5HZrtsPRT7-W5Pdq9ul/s4160/IMG_20210908_175611034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5ZTdMwJFPpDjtUnzq34h1djMFLouJYPGdGem3SvoNKwzymbbDRFyw-pJ_AmqB9SusNyLq4MzG3Ur1eF5YNqj1TPp0OittUDpn4xxmyk01ibMXrefpwrzOZqaE5HZrtsPRT7-W5Pdq9ul/w400-h300/IMG_20210908_175611034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTddSAKlNhBrqTybGTC8qnnysnUHGgsoSl77Ng3EHPo4y0Ghu1mOj4oJaxr5SAhpARTYsOgg5ADgpBnwp0wnraSzWIGHgYWgOatoz6msgS_iewlOJhmQwZMYxNpX3-EME6FnwJ5mFE6msU/s4160/IMG_20210908_082100015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTddSAKlNhBrqTybGTC8qnnysnUHGgsoSl77Ng3EHPo4y0Ghu1mOj4oJaxr5SAhpARTYsOgg5ADgpBnwp0wnraSzWIGHgYWgOatoz6msgS_iewlOJhmQwZMYxNpX3-EME6FnwJ5mFE6msU/w300-h400/IMG_20210908_082100015.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYIg0DoGWjWKDIfG2-Hg1bjsV1xyz5xY0qQGPV2ZkQXtRi3zkvNnbP9vrtb7q6AbjqkIRnE6SpeAM20HXwKXzme9pNVu8KGnXPkae8kLaRb4ZXylCQoZ7838c58XoRXrNhnflPUOD55nf/s4160/IMG_20210909_114448877.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYIg0DoGWjWKDIfG2-Hg1bjsV1xyz5xY0qQGPV2ZkQXtRi3zkvNnbP9vrtb7q6AbjqkIRnE6SpeAM20HXwKXzme9pNVu8KGnXPkae8kLaRb4ZXylCQoZ7838c58XoRXrNhnflPUOD55nf/w300-h400/IMG_20210909_114448877.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tripped over dozens of Stumpy Tail lizards on the coastal section of the Heysen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKxE_bPbHyIxV4HA2qVDJGSXMKY_Nm5T08qDPDWeVRUohNmsWyLLYSsMQklFnliL766uc2Ress-8SsFa6JcgBQKbMZo-q_LjZWah89F5wfizYCzh51wygimyRoxARIxn4F2ImoRPee6JX/s4160/IMG_20210910_065015708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKxE_bPbHyIxV4HA2qVDJGSXMKY_Nm5T08qDPDWeVRUohNmsWyLLYSsMQklFnliL766uc2Ress-8SsFa6JcgBQKbMZo-q_LjZWah89F5wfizYCzh51wygimyRoxARIxn4F2ImoRPee6JX/w400-h300/IMG_20210910_065015708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jYEzDy4eBNvAm30tcawIUmajfejYYiCcYYABpsqAzQOWtc5RUnoDBvzub61lp0lJrSp6IKziboxNX0CEZmlxouR-sr2iStga340RW3mTh-9jHPauFpKQkEuV-OMewR2mSFLLEikw9OqZ/s4160/IMG_20210910_071053925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jYEzDy4eBNvAm30tcawIUmajfejYYiCcYYABpsqAzQOWtc5RUnoDBvzub61lp0lJrSp6IKziboxNX0CEZmlxouR-sr2iStga340RW3mTh-9jHPauFpKQkEuV-OMewR2mSFLLEikw9OqZ/w300-h400/IMG_20210910_071053925.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehGHCpdD6SKsWySC1QQM4q1yPiEIXVsuINkECuu6zdAMMTquvxgTHCCHjuV2JcLEH92w-ioB-LefpAwYPx0V4GETRPg_pmhcD6k9rQsjzcLV9MNFLRqsmwmL3dVU-AwGlP4KUAYuln65r/s4160/IMG_20210910_134552518.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehGHCpdD6SKsWySC1QQM4q1yPiEIXVsuINkECuu6zdAMMTquvxgTHCCHjuV2JcLEH92w-ioB-LefpAwYPx0V4GETRPg_pmhcD6k9rQsjzcLV9MNFLRqsmwmL3dVU-AwGlP4KUAYuln65r/w400-h300/IMG_20210910_134552518.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inman Valley General Store, highly recommend the Fish & Chips you legends. Water is available over the road from the small water tanks on the right, behind the hall.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwLxSBG4yg9bhk8-wta-7N2s9x6JEsXxbMepehUPWx4rdG3Jx-_XuFkSPmQE2-qI4EER3v3ZNRInzovoKFuezM_koW1nlt1tYo1K5-fVM9m3KgD8o90MLzA_5uMWF1vU78iOmGBichApo/s4160/IMG_20210911_083004570.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwLxSBG4yg9bhk8-wta-7N2s9x6JEsXxbMepehUPWx4rdG3Jx-_XuFkSPmQE2-qI4EER3v3ZNRInzovoKFuezM_koW1nlt1tYo1K5-fVM9m3KgD8o90MLzA_5uMWF1vU78iOmGBichApo/w400-h300/IMG_20210911_083004570.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjrznLlsZ01Yvz4A01MP6eBMHdKzyvL3topIzc6oAtHu1gXP4RFk2N0i4LSZtr66SLtAHtZy_yKPVAhB5pD-A0JNoLSZIc8qiQJo8kplku5RveUHP01V4uJcqrlTzYJHjNS09C3Tpgvos/s4160/IMG_20210911_115228284.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjrznLlsZ01Yvz4A01MP6eBMHdKzyvL3topIzc6oAtHu1gXP4RFk2N0i4LSZtr66SLtAHtZy_yKPVAhB5pD-A0JNoLSZIc8qiQJo8kplku5RveUHP01V4uJcqrlTzYJHjNS09C3Tpgvos/w400-h300/IMG_20210911_115228284.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Cone water tank was a welcome lunch stop to pull up for a bit and cook up a meal so I didn't roar into Mt Compass village filthy hungry.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZWElWacL1Rs6mYFFZMSqqjvGdLtVOBmMr7AVxLANRq1UNFHM3wbzxnROl7EmdQPWyQIQCTj6vxnj45fI7Wkr1TY0ZBvkdI3wqbTLVmz-qlihg7lAtbsg30YsDIvh0B_7jx4c8pcVDz5g/s4160/IMG_20210913_065822472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZWElWacL1Rs6mYFFZMSqqjvGdLtVOBmMr7AVxLANRq1UNFHM3wbzxnROl7EmdQPWyQIQCTj6vxnj45fI7Wkr1TY0ZBvkdI3wqbTLVmz-qlihg7lAtbsg30YsDIvh0B_7jx4c8pcVDz5g/w400-h300/IMG_20210913_065822472.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLV8IdLvCvihrwmiarCwFPleJlSPIcBqg99OJVMRWpo3vE1JbByj75JWGLhXSuR5zSWr6EzbeEbPHL3NqdLlWN2zwgsqsh6Fb6iyBQ1gAmCReLdF5rlR1c5HPEz76-WsEKooKEk-WrK-p/s4160/IMG_20210913_144239533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLV8IdLvCvihrwmiarCwFPleJlSPIcBqg99OJVMRWpo3vE1JbByj75JWGLhXSuR5zSWr6EzbeEbPHL3NqdLlWN2zwgsqsh6Fb6iyBQ1gAmCReLdF5rlR1c5HPEz76-WsEKooKEk-WrK-p/w300-h400/IMG_20210913_144239533.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><u>General Observations:</u></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first 3 days on the coastal section heading due East wind along clifftop trail to drop onto pristine isolated beaches and climb back up again. I encountered far too many school kids on day 1 and then not a soul thereafter. The wind was unreal at times and Kangaroo Island is always somewhere in your field of vision until you head North and leave the beach for good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Water is easily obtained from the various car camping and hiker walk in sites.<br />A fair chunk of the Heysen traverses private land and it is big up's and gracious thanks to these generous folk that allow Heysen walkers to access their properties and cross their fence stiles, otherwise the trail would be one big long boring road bash.<br />.<br /><u>Resupply is possible at: </u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kilometre 70; (+ 7km side trail) Victor Harbor </li><li>Kilometre 90; Inman Valley (meals only) </li><li>Kilometre 105; (+ short road walk) Myponga </li><li>Kilometre 128; (+ short sketchy highway walk) Mt Compass </li><li>Kilometre 187; Mylor (meals only) </li><li>Kilometre 195; Bridgewater</li><li>Kilometre 206; Mt Lofty (meals only)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAPx0h4ENNGlPodvkbapmGzMYhVk6Wx_c_IO0lKBXcR_zpBB8xpGtzAHD-fvkWtrYesasijHSGtzIG-7mb5sQtVslmzVLuVlbg_XOBjSTJNzk83h1lnsElnF3Y1Y7qDXyUmn-C_fuxUYn/s4160/IMG_20210914_103605201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAPx0h4ENNGlPodvkbapmGzMYhVk6Wx_c_IO0lKBXcR_zpBB8xpGtzAHD-fvkWtrYesasijHSGtzIG-7mb5sQtVslmzVLuVlbg_XOBjSTJNzk83h1lnsElnF3Y1Y7qDXyUmn-C_fuxUYn/w400-h300/IMG_20210914_103605201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHjfPMpg2WJU4iFTx022pc1z_59ZkELNqAMOPC-VPSeewlcBcKbA-6Y9T4bGN3Rpy5Pt_adsOcNgx9zWs3mBUOa6wr2pXdWVz4iW0HGCrQBLsdktrDjWyC7G04UH9CchXkEDgsBD3jhkK/s4160/IMG_20210915_081745437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHjfPMpg2WJU4iFTx022pc1z_59ZkELNqAMOPC-VPSeewlcBcKbA-6Y9T4bGN3Rpy5Pt_adsOcNgx9zWs3mBUOa6wr2pXdWVz4iW0HGCrQBLsdktrDjWyC7G04UH9CchXkEDgsBD3jhkK/w400-h300/IMG_20210915_081745437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqauBk2eQkWY5THYdd5ZmjrI6zLtpov_8GxIO-PGgz_RfISS0VYhTEo7gEHq1q8oMAPVi-xdhI0Ki2GzThVnJ1g3Dzuqz-GKciRtpzhyphenhyphenma2vRe8QrbDDC58AV2Mr51ogq-yLGTU_hyKdh/s4160/IMG_20210915_084228697.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqauBk2eQkWY5THYdd5ZmjrI6zLtpov_8GxIO-PGgz_RfISS0VYhTEo7gEHq1q8oMAPVi-xdhI0Ki2GzThVnJ1g3Dzuqz-GKciRtpzhyphenhyphenma2vRe8QrbDDC58AV2Mr51ogq-yLGTU_hyKdh/w300-h400/IMG_20210915_084228697.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><u>Thoughts:</u></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I slowed down and rested up on the last 2 days knowing I was bailing out on Mt Lofty. Regular bus services North of Norton Summit can be a bit erratic so I chose to exit on Lofty, walking down to Burnside and the knot of cafes and shops via the Long Ridge Track, spotting a koala on the way. 😉</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There is a plethora of trails leading off Mt Lofty and a whole bunch of sweaty, lycra clad bodies running and riding them most of the time. Take your pick.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The sheer variety of vegetation and landscapes really rocked my interest during this walk. The Fleurieu Peninsula is a truly appealing and interesting region and deserving of slow, pedestrian exploration.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mobile reception is kind of available for most of the trail, handy when phoning ahead to book a room or call a cab.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I stealth camped far away from people. When the weather was stable the star watching was fuckin amazing and the natural silence incredible.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Already looking forward to jumping back on the trail next year and heading North for another 2 or 3 hundred kilometres.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMuZb_Qn5NvD3rBmUNJUlR2HGsWYbfVSFcMAqb-6cEiA7R1_PDhLqL067xdmSxiLMPoJECz5pweA5v5sO_zCwABPTDu_GGfpCEI1Rnlloa3bpLPS8lgaLofQuDupcS_i6ZOVLG6D5kynN/s4160/IMG_20210915_084224745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMuZb_Qn5NvD3rBmUNJUlR2HGsWYbfVSFcMAqb-6cEiA7R1_PDhLqL067xdmSxiLMPoJECz5pweA5v5sO_zCwABPTDu_GGfpCEI1Rnlloa3bpLPS8lgaLofQuDupcS_i6ZOVLG6D5kynN/w400-h300/IMG_20210915_084224745.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pictures from my shitty phone camera don't convey the views from Mt Lofty in all their glory however I reckon they are worth a few minutes of your time on a fine day.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxUp9816HokjHnn3OHijAMKDGcpS-smG-JuCd3oEnVH513Q_MVtrO59XMNp3AIElYp80ABDA8KNz_tIckHak-PXI-W42ykO96G7eDO_visgZfMGNu_e7Q88r0yvWpV4wZMoU62MTiUEsM/s967/Screenshot+%2528288%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="967" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxUp9816HokjHnn3OHijAMKDGcpS-smG-JuCd3oEnVH513Q_MVtrO59XMNp3AIElYp80ABDA8KNz_tIckHak-PXI-W42ykO96G7eDO_visgZfMGNu_e7Q88r0yvWpV4wZMoU62MTiUEsM/w400-h244/Screenshot+%2528288%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map showing the entire 1100 kilometre route of the Heysen Trail from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge. <br />Map sourced from www.heysentrail.asn.au and Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-72466920658834348052021-09-21T21:06:00.004+10:002021-09-27T12:27:52.699+10:003 Capes Track, Tasman National Park, Tasmania. NO STUPID $500 FEE... GRATIS... KOSTENLOS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aLZ3otvpoypFGA6ec2AF022wyf7Ai1YNWuXvYmRMcCjQNTWFXh8xfCj-m94Z0jj2HNY9SDyCIym0cNcAuEf-4bkIuUycDV5Vu-ZpM1OPfNYCieNZZG5beU4NUmubVnnRpTzLUhR4mQwu/s4160/IMG_20210808_113326189_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aLZ3otvpoypFGA6ec2AF022wyf7Ai1YNWuXvYmRMcCjQNTWFXh8xfCj-m94Z0jj2HNY9SDyCIym0cNcAuEf-4bkIuUycDV5Vu-ZpM1OPfNYCieNZZG5beU4NUmubVnnRpTzLUhR4mQwu/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_113326189_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b><u>INTRODUCTION:</u></b></p><p>Tasman National Park is a seriously magnificent chunk of seashore bound rock and flora over on the South East coast of Tasmania. Love it, it's definitely worth the drive to get there. </p><p>Within Tasman National Park is the infamous and decisive 3 Capes Track, a Parks and Wildlife fundraising initiative designed to extract coin from comfort seeking punters who pony up silly money for a bunk bed and a colourbond roof over their heads. </p><p>Established walking tracks have been cleaned up, pounded into submission and made as smooth, inoffensive and mud free as possible to keep the kind of people who don't usually wander 50 metres away from their vehicles, secure and anxiety free.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvFLz_X8O5Es5uFJn8PgGt6bodUDK1a_G_JktX6xhlMq8V2uO5uQGOvtCAzpFCc0sqtpUxJm0cPzDjJTCxkhx7IdARz0BboiTABhV-cAmoMlYyLLMw1rVEns9h2Fu5513UNj_6gAM0HCr/s4160/IMG_20210807_120414491_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvFLz_X8O5Es5uFJn8PgGt6bodUDK1a_G_JktX6xhlMq8V2uO5uQGOvtCAzpFCc0sqtpUxJm0cPzDjJTCxkhx7IdARz0BboiTABhV-cAmoMlYyLLMw1rVEns9h2Fu5513UNj_6gAM0HCr/w400-h300/IMG_20210807_120414491_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>To be fair the Parks Service has had to come up with schemes to generate much needed funding and the dumbing down of Tasmania's wild places is one that has proved exceptionally popular, attracting cashed punters who just wanna see four walls around them whilst in the woods. Each to their own I s'pose. But nah.</p><p>Hang on, shut up for a second Safari you judgy purist curmudgeon. Rant, rant, rant... what about the positives this track 'upgrade' could be bringing about?</p><p>Well, how about this <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-04/walking-three-capes-track-on-crutches/100427726" target="_blank">ABC News article</a> that shows the 3 Capes Track can be utilised by people with physical barriers that prevent them from hiking on regular crappy Tasmania trails. So there dude. 😉</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIMf0136Br2Bb8S6ZmuSvyRLh7YyQQkCdQcCtPXrP8Q-f-yY77eBwtRJ3sWyhaaIjuvahBJtDmqVVAXN7rP73hPhNnK7Eaq8rbv0uolZyisqF8OzP0acSlsVQxLV1OUjyXa-4TkBpTSMN/s4160/IMG_20210808_162520414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIMf0136Br2Bb8S6ZmuSvyRLh7YyQQkCdQcCtPXrP8Q-f-yY77eBwtRJ3sWyhaaIjuvahBJtDmqVVAXN7rP73hPhNnK7Eaq8rbv0uolZyisqF8OzP0acSlsVQxLV1OUjyXa-4TkBpTSMN/w300-h400/IMG_20210808_162520414.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Anyway, enough bickering with myself, what's important is that the scenic ranking of this area is right up there. It's really pretty and I definitely recommend walking the sections of the 3 Capes Track that can be done for free (which is most of it). A solid year round option near sea level and a swish over-graded path, you would be hard pressed to lose the way or feel seriously exerted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyu_NfEaaUZB44rN9DBmzWUeHcTq2hRxVu6eMAHakW737D5hKQuzeUFsd7moo2iu0UJzVjNnZqgBHwDdqD4CR-rFvBSY3ZE3nZKy5CxzlAB0KwPGdCohW6DNzqGVJ6Lfd8CXVFZmUZP-6/s4160/IMG_20210808_090545679_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyu_NfEaaUZB44rN9DBmzWUeHcTq2hRxVu6eMAHakW737D5hKQuzeUFsd7moo2iu0UJzVjNnZqgBHwDdqD4CR-rFvBSY3ZE3nZKy5CxzlAB0KwPGdCohW6DNzqGVJ6Lfd8CXVFZmUZP-6/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_090545679_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>It's simple and full of serene outlooks and overlooks, so go get it.</p><p>And yeah, I am once again writing up another one of my Tasmanian hikes. </p><p>I'm still stuck on the island! Fuckin Covid...</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45LmcAIhuPaYs_HvuWRm7X_Puv51cpW-jDvMteSfzdVyuHCkW4SH58guvUJOUlpe70FT9ILybDazBHyJggGUmD_YBs5Yi6LlsEgKBApzWOZCdenMMibQwqit39BikvYGDd6baq1eVOyN/s551/Screenshot+%2528278%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="551" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45LmcAIhuPaYs_HvuWRm7X_Puv51cpW-jDvMteSfzdVyuHCkW4SH58guvUJOUlpe70FT9ILybDazBHyJggGUmD_YBs5Yi6LlsEgKBApzWOZCdenMMibQwqit39BikvYGDd6baq1eVOyN/w400-h326/Screenshot+%2528278%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsohgf80NiP_eAhxZzLUbk1_7Tujaf4bLvXBSdAC_blkCBOCiMse4pG0A2bLnOqHtkfddTnfTB84hNmr5JLjbx399jl_DIp1Du3HPahNpW-h6unkv2b057HeQOfAcDGGZ9AOcyyPvgLTea/s4160/IMG_20210807_124936917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsohgf80NiP_eAhxZzLUbk1_7Tujaf4bLvXBSdAC_blkCBOCiMse4pG0A2bLnOqHtkfddTnfTB84hNmr5JLjbx399jl_DIp1Du3HPahNpW-h6unkv2b057HeQOfAcDGGZ9AOcyyPvgLTea/w300-h400/IMG_20210807_124936917.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I walked anti-clockwise from the YOU ARE HERE red dot to Cape Pillar and then back to Wughalee Falls Campground and up the track to the Cape Huay intersection and Fortescue Bay.<br />Due to the threat of Phytophthora Root Rot Disease you are requested to walk the circuit anti clockwise. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>PERMITS: </u></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You are required to have or purchase a Tasmania National <a href="https://passes.parks.tas.gov.au/" target="_blank">Parks Pass</a> displayed on your vehicle and on your person while in Tasman National Park. Sigh. That's the rules.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>HOW TO GET TO THE TRACKHEAD: </u></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From Launceston, Hobart or the East Coast head South to Dunalley on the A9 Highway. Keep rolling South for 34.5 kilometres until you hang a left on Fortescue Road and 11 kilometres further on, Fortescue Bay is located at the end of this sometimes sketchy road. When the rain is chucking down it can get slippery and the potholes will keep you interested.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No public transport available. Hitching may be doable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The actual start of the walk is located a few hundred metres back from the car park on the left up the road you drive in on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is water, undercover bbq's and basic camping with showers and toilets near the car park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r0c12fKrLEzuc1xeuIIvR8J3n8yM-pBqAgP_vn8JU2jT_lO1JmPfbQIAuRpeidVfxiZxVtTSwBgrMxiIqZrQe2PuHAEJjcyFJ_NlhE2cT8_96EPKHO1-QYaVqZEOzTZMb9TF7RQCVKbP/s4160/IMG_20210807_134811247_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r0c12fKrLEzuc1xeuIIvR8J3n8yM-pBqAgP_vn8JU2jT_lO1JmPfbQIAuRpeidVfxiZxVtTSwBgrMxiIqZrQe2PuHAEJjcyFJ_NlhE2cT8_96EPKHO1-QYaVqZEOzTZMb9TF7RQCVKbP/w300-h400/IMG_20210807_134811247_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>DAILY MILEAGE:</u></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Day 1: </u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trackhead to Wughalee Falls Campsite. 8km</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first smidgen of the trail is a 'proper' muddy pad that chomps through tussock, open forest and along wooden duckboards. The campsite is signposted to the left down a steep track and there are about 7 tent platforms. Water from the nearby stream and a composting toilet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bare Knoll Campsite is another half kilometre along the trail after the Wughalee Campsite turnoff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I heard it is quite the popular spot to camp and being a Saturday evening, staying there seemed like a dumb idea. I had no company at Wughalee. 😊</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnl2QpqKDLehVNJSY1fINeUix_HesJ8GWvETPKyK73Xe40tadO2cFKw28Vc0z5ErjNorH7HmMMJSbtrN9SDa9-2S9lQ5dEPcp22i001SRJWhTaziYdbXKHVJU69MvNV3BZhas-F5cZNxL/s4160/IMG_20210807_160429660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnl2QpqKDLehVNJSY1fINeUix_HesJ8GWvETPKyK73Xe40tadO2cFKw28Vc0z5ErjNorH7HmMMJSbtrN9SDa9-2S9lQ5dEPcp22i001SRJWhTaziYdbXKHVJU69MvNV3BZhas-F5cZNxL/w300-h400/IMG_20210807_160429660.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRB3AOJ1HBqUKeJ9SflTx_0nkSqgv9Em-zT27cwE4FxQcFDsW4rsD_ihLQeYyasfl2N3kS6fZzHjW8yBcJht0QGl3P9qqQCWE3FwRMAaQGE7h9385Rt_s6Le_J50CYwc6_k3xrPodlDFP/s1600/IMG_20210807_154237528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRB3AOJ1HBqUKeJ9SflTx_0nkSqgv9Em-zT27cwE4FxQcFDsW4rsD_ihLQeYyasfl2N3kS6fZzHjW8yBcJht0QGl3P9qqQCWE3FwRMAaQGE7h9385Rt_s6Le_J50CYwc6_k3xrPodlDFP/w300-h400/IMG_20210807_154237528.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherbF9rV6Fsf9-Rb3lu_NyW05K5nWFQzVNIKJspwALI7SzkDXuTB31oMzS54Og9gUMP-AF3vqzbP0p2wwEFtXaKMNopoRXyFPCT_1ewb-ePh4RKxG-KbT1pGVxuA4QzQYz8_oyEfnAnsPV/s4160/IMG_20210808_083905466_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherbF9rV6Fsf9-Rb3lu_NyW05K5nWFQzVNIKJspwALI7SzkDXuTB31oMzS54Og9gUMP-AF3vqzbP0p2wwEFtXaKMNopoRXyFPCT_1ewb-ePh4RKxG-KbT1pGVxuA4QzQYz8_oyEfnAnsPV/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_083905466_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEv_q_XvqnxLkEqCpCdXnzB257iVaTbtbHv8IIC8okoKUhZR2rMAUAGZMx-r0Of85Kf2-H6eBNNAfuHB4mGwmPIWfX0HvM9jR_fVuF0x914Z5O8RivIqwLTj3j1MBznWIuT8cP5qN9oSH/s4160/IMG_20210808_084712784_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEv_q_XvqnxLkEqCpCdXnzB257iVaTbtbHv8IIC8okoKUhZR2rMAUAGZMx-r0Of85Kf2-H6eBNNAfuHB4mGwmPIWfX0HvM9jR_fVuF0x914Z5O8RivIqwLTj3j1MBznWIuT8cP5qN9oSH/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_084712784_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF0At1wdUqEUNTkvM3eyOkB3ZkUXyGi_F35JMecpknhRVNEhAa5TkIG9dYyAoqMSGRi__Dqel4mG41vdx4INH5_s3qA3xeB27hmi7P-TBX1ynbl6LgA78g8ZR7lNYSQdrROD4mqueQMx3/s4160/IMG_20210808_094507561.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF0At1wdUqEUNTkvM3eyOkB3ZkUXyGi_F35JMecpknhRVNEhAa5TkIG9dYyAoqMSGRi__Dqel4mG41vdx4INH5_s3qA3xeB27hmi7P-TBX1ynbl6LgA78g8ZR7lNYSQdrROD4mqueQMx3/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_094507561.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Day 2:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Wughalee Falls Campsite to Cape Pillar and back again. 17km</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I left my tent and kit and set off on the path to Cape Pillar. You roll through the Munro Hut complex and then the trail turns into a wide, cruisey, bicycle rail trail type path that seemed a very runable to me. In fact I met quite a few lanky dudes and ladies with hydration vests looping the trail that morning.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Miles of duckboarding and heady ocean views lead to Cape Pillar where I plonked down for a feed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Wughalee Falls Campsite to Fortescue Bay. 12km</b></div><p>After returning to Wughalee I packed up and grinded out the climb along the inland, seldom used track for a couple of kilometres to meet the new 'highway' and bowled along to the Cape Huay turnoff. Even at a fairly late stage of the afternoon the popular out and back day hike track was full of traffic so I called it good and made my way back to Fortescue and my vehicle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCATzgkGG6bEKH_xLJPbvohWEHgs5gfRfuZPRorAKoGevBDHlRXX-wezyJF_z0Hl9S9FJbk_q8D5VEJpGqk970fJ7kThdm0w5wPJyjIjqSNED-kJDlR7vAbQobTJJnF8ytKlxDxb0xQwi/s4160/IMG_20210808_141204072.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCATzgkGG6bEKH_xLJPbvohWEHgs5gfRfuZPRorAKoGevBDHlRXX-wezyJF_z0Hl9S9FJbk_q8D5VEJpGqk970fJ7kThdm0w5wPJyjIjqSNED-kJDlR7vAbQobTJJnF8ytKlxDxb0xQwi/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_141204072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYxQexYC4F9YwXMIOe_uavqKQtVaAzTBBK4GkuKImZvhUckZ6cBYr0TfE1L0ce-OrjGCOfB-I5qM-HwfHYYxZD-6oYBk3Nq3P4itzUaR3RtoYjgnXdXDCNLoJ-nAgb9P4I3wJ5Un0wcsS/s4160/IMG_20210808_152744723_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYxQexYC4F9YwXMIOe_uavqKQtVaAzTBBK4GkuKImZvhUckZ6cBYr0TfE1L0ce-OrjGCOfB-I5qM-HwfHYYxZD-6oYBk3Nq3P4itzUaR3RtoYjgnXdXDCNLoJ-nAgb9P4I3wJ5Un0wcsS/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_152744723_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkUqZv5QTYmPH8OXqSdAvn6zXnX4h48qKVhDiv6YW5NTiSlv9X_M-4cVAghMP47KXY2aq2pzQ1x2aWyVfLro9WFJBurxjKz_x0m7Zg-BPYXa0QFZnFIsOlnd6pkHLUk1oBhTLuQ8iu7cB/s4160/IMG_20210808_150627666_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkUqZv5QTYmPH8OXqSdAvn6zXnX4h48qKVhDiv6YW5NTiSlv9X_M-4cVAghMP47KXY2aq2pzQ1x2aWyVfLro9WFJBurxjKz_x0m7Zg-BPYXa0QFZnFIsOlnd6pkHLUk1oBhTLuQ8iu7cB/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_150627666_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjscBqG5TCiafsvfHLg7ubAj2FDo3C6mfaaIc3C2pyfmwUC2VThyphenhyphenjyeOtUOtBOo1cHaxS5Ls0vbkrlZztp1Ly1Lao0uu4EOh2LqEJ83b0j2lP1XGtQWNBNc2nSHrM4WJKOXzxErK_teWh/s4160/IMG_20210808_162529989_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjscBqG5TCiafsvfHLg7ubAj2FDo3C6mfaaIc3C2pyfmwUC2VThyphenhyphenjyeOtUOtBOo1cHaxS5Ls0vbkrlZztp1Ly1Lao0uu4EOh2LqEJ83b0j2lP1XGtQWNBNc2nSHrM4WJKOXzxErK_teWh/w400-h300/IMG_20210808_162529989_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-1733488053116499562021-06-27T20:15:00.001+10:002021-06-27T20:22:57.665+10:00Mt Scott, Northern Tasmania. 7 kilometre return hike.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQmBRjIkWDENlfLy7udAy4-Y0z6VU70F57TnB77Xa_rtbFGQJRa3moKqc5ZHIljo54KBoliFUG8EFKg4xl-H2TfGgKxWNcNZd0S4xO_gyUsynzvmPjcOHfElTKUDVwikwUccCsMLJbzd9/s4160/IMG_20210613_102845331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQmBRjIkWDENlfLy7udAy4-Y0z6VU70F57TnB77Xa_rtbFGQJRa3moKqc5ZHIljo54KBoliFUG8EFKg4xl-H2TfGgKxWNcNZd0S4xO_gyUsynzvmPjcOHfElTKUDVwikwUccCsMLJbzd9/w400-h300/IMG_20210613_102845331.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_ebcnUEDzmzTsRmWjJeojEAePSobLVa2LsUH2ZODLEz9EtfYKwCFw7BJdXCxmaMjnj_G1pfGofwUJX0Jydl9Stqpk0f2BJs0YtjE5k9taftaThmnYwvLUpBMyH5aPjR19FU9iPjhnWk7/s430/Screenshot+%2528273%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="418" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_ebcnUEDzmzTsRmWjJeojEAePSobLVa2LsUH2ZODLEz9EtfYKwCFw7BJdXCxmaMjnj_G1pfGofwUJX0Jydl9Stqpk0f2BJs0YtjE5k9taftaThmnYwvLUpBMyH5aPjR19FU9iPjhnWk7/w389-h400/Screenshot+%2528273%2529.png" width="389" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Introduction:</u></b></div><p>Mt Scott is a flat bump poking out amongst the striking green flora in the Mt Maurice Forest Reserve. </p><p>Worth a look.</p><p>Scott is just shy of 1000 metres high and it's a fun old wander through the ferns and myrtles to reach the South facing viewpoint. Loads of colourful fungi was sprinkled around trailside during my mid June jaunt through the forest and due to some recent blow downs at the start of the track very few people have bothered plugging through which meant I had the place to myself.</p><p>Sort of. When I rocked up to the track head fairly early on a wintry Sunday morning I was somewhat surprised to see another vehicle already parked. Soon enough a group of 5 oldies bumbled down the road and informed me they couldn't find their way through the tangle of trees and were calling it good. </p><p>Game on. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TuNcxl9g-scVrjAPuPuVKkJTPrXM-3i_NeIGYshZC08ueldiwJsNqpyypdeyN8-2yLQYWivCGHc_Ju45LeL09BVXE9TUI1ucQc474JC3sBl-yVK2wSG-Ao47iBl_bz1SLOKCiExXnG7Z/s4160/IMG_20210613_093323559_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TuNcxl9g-scVrjAPuPuVKkJTPrXM-3i_NeIGYshZC08ueldiwJsNqpyypdeyN8-2yLQYWivCGHc_Ju45LeL09BVXE9TUI1ucQc474JC3sBl-yVK2wSG-Ao47iBl_bz1SLOKCiExXnG7Z/w300-h400/IMG_20210613_093323559_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><u>Getting There:</u></b><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>Much the same as for Mt Maurice; </div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>From central Launceston it is around 33 kilometres to Camden Hill Road on the A3.</li><li>Chuck a right hand turn onto Camden Hill Road, it is after the Myrtle Park Recreation Ground.</li><li>Toddle up for 7.5 kilometres and keep left where the road turns onto Diddlelum Road.</li><li>Diddlelum turns into East Diddlelum, stay left and continue on trhis road.</li><li>After around 6 kilometres hang a right and park at the junction. The trailhead sign is a couple of hundred metres up the track. (photo below)</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjG0iMM1LS8apubb54dKzErwF1Lf6-AeYzEpTHbGLgxfqtVuIRzeZAwqZrN9JCbMHzThhPytXCA1EuD92iICv4d5zfO1KZubTUVgzVhfo_OewfC-fL3IHqtmzgRTipxdlSLCXXVIJoWMX/s4160/IMG_20210613_094443732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjG0iMM1LS8apubb54dKzErwF1Lf6-AeYzEpTHbGLgxfqtVuIRzeZAwqZrN9JCbMHzThhPytXCA1EuD92iICv4d5zfO1KZubTUVgzVhfo_OewfC-fL3IHqtmzgRTipxdlSLCXXVIJoWMX/w400-h300/IMG_20210613_094443732.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GSZPsYdUGXmysRWL2kXNgFmtFzWYkngRB_9GvlpldXpIsJwNFgaRv-pz-MTfT2ykfaZ8UuyGh8bz9j3uv9PzMm1Ayf1729Ug1LRKntnQDAJxlPH1KoC6cICMrziaX4pZw9HxW64FtuVj/s1246/Screenshot+%2528268%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="1246" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GSZPsYdUGXmysRWL2kXNgFmtFzWYkngRB_9GvlpldXpIsJwNFgaRv-pz-MTfT2ykfaZ8UuyGh8bz9j3uv9PzMm1Ayf1729Ug1LRKntnQDAJxlPH1KoC6cICMrziaX4pZw9HxW64FtuVj/w400-h169/Screenshot+%2528268%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from AllTrails.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XLIDIciAsIWl_lOLwzhZpPc1zQGhgu_PDDxumYUMT0iWYCFTiXoRGeUysX8WL0wyjfI2Xq_SJHOkwZ5Ak2aymOhCSD9Ib1a4JI6nlCpEv5au49d6Ryz7C2cw25L96t-AoQbKSrlEd4CS/s4160/IMG_20210613_101357249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XLIDIciAsIWl_lOLwzhZpPc1zQGhgu_PDDxumYUMT0iWYCFTiXoRGeUysX8WL0wyjfI2Xq_SJHOkwZ5Ak2aymOhCSD9Ib1a4JI6nlCpEv5au49d6Ryz7C2cw25L96t-AoQbKSrlEd4CS/w300-h400/IMG_20210613_101357249.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTADXet_1JN6GBxEX-yO5u3W_ttEhks-ArQolENUim3Fy-rn8kuIlL2rG3SqfZJ6TUaXwxGElkJ_uU7_O47ZTj1EOmhoAx7xP4jC1FzBMkgD8zXSZntgCpgKSOSf__4VmPzQqfwV62vbbG/s1600/IMG_20210613_102353344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTADXet_1JN6GBxEX-yO5u3W_ttEhks-ArQolENUim3Fy-rn8kuIlL2rG3SqfZJ6TUaXwxGElkJ_uU7_O47ZTj1EOmhoAx7xP4jC1FzBMkgD8zXSZntgCpgKSOSf__4VmPzQqfwV62vbbG/w300-h400/IMG_20210613_102353344.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mX_MoriVTjxNbzgCmyO3LBtUH9s_FDjHg7P9Ewdmjp1t4DHzPvrAkNAzYtjn5WQd3xUzMonh88CyobbQZ97XET3LqfqBtIR7BqFFazhGNlhXn0_3vZOxz4y2Zanpj9dpSLhBZjEaFBOm/s4160/IMG_20210613_102517583.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mX_MoriVTjxNbzgCmyO3LBtUH9s_FDjHg7P9Ewdmjp1t4DHzPvrAkNAzYtjn5WQd3xUzMonh88CyobbQZ97XET3LqfqBtIR7BqFFazhGNlhXn0_3vZOxz4y2Zanpj9dpSLhBZjEaFBOm/w300-h400/IMG_20210613_102517583.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Currently there are a few blowdowns and a bit of gnarly growth impeding the start of the trail. If you carefully follow the markers and keep on an Eastbound direction the trail gets easier and cleared of vegetation.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOmNH6uAr9c-GD2gIRWBNkgP3SgOZYsYjVJtMGFr4OOMEd4mFsoujDwkKxl-zI2h5Clz_zqeU0YtnsRBxHWZ-m6ozOIh2xcwhCjNyvpg5abancATjG2o3K0RGYaHHBf0trLKXJbJuX6q/s1600/IMG_20210613_103156917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOmNH6uAr9c-GD2gIRWBNkgP3SgOZYsYjVJtMGFr4OOMEd4mFsoujDwkKxl-zI2h5Clz_zqeU0YtnsRBxHWZ-m6ozOIh2xcwhCjNyvpg5abancATjG2o3K0RGYaHHBf0trLKXJbJuX6q/w400-h300/IMG_20210613_103156917.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZkdUCfvQx58kQYKdkmrsjH2Yz9uWr1x1xD4p5UDdXHl1Xwc0Tp905raLt03ZuH-T26jAX3jbKaSxRgfJ1biXncy_HKP8-FR57Ygrg147PeE8mgDmN-kybTcXc32Y7m1jd6je1WfRXC0X/s4160/IMG_20210613_103312011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZkdUCfvQx58kQYKdkmrsjH2Yz9uWr1x1xD4p5UDdXHl1Xwc0Tp905raLt03ZuH-T26jAX3jbKaSxRgfJ1biXncy_HKP8-FR57Ygrg147PeE8mgDmN-kybTcXc32Y7m1jd6je1WfRXC0X/w400-h300/IMG_20210613_103312011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdOznzg82FhjjFmKP1hwce6N2avscXDzvTgWkaq7uZYMs_a286HE77bQQTJcgiCGDV5PBGT0FFfd6gwoooa-RcjlIjEntgOnU43JsKoI4ZarE18K_TFUGi2br1ZdEs_kWurqj_VR5-17w/s4160/IMG_20210613_115339241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdOznzg82FhjjFmKP1hwce6N2avscXDzvTgWkaq7uZYMs_a286HE77bQQTJcgiCGDV5PBGT0FFfd6gwoooa-RcjlIjEntgOnU43JsKoI4ZarE18K_TFUGi2br1ZdEs_kWurqj_VR5-17w/w300-h400/IMG_20210613_115339241.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoh9QsXsoUFn2vULZHr6KVn2BBiNlqhrPgNaj98Nq-Bz0-bwzLvXDRWrv8J5lcD9R1hjAu1IQi8Q1Ebdkcuq7JWruwfGO7D7x98YT_atg5yAHMTAEY2gRqGdN1Pua34RkdN5wwhi8-DTy/s4160/IMG_20210613_125010346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoh9QsXsoUFn2vULZHr6KVn2BBiNlqhrPgNaj98Nq-Bz0-bwzLvXDRWrv8J5lcD9R1hjAu1IQi8Q1Ebdkcuq7JWruwfGO7D7x98YT_atg5yAHMTAEY2gRqGdN1Pua34RkdN5wwhi8-DTy/w300-h400/IMG_20210613_125010346.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzcgmopSE2cV1bXwElz4Eee7wad99hfMKu624dg81GTTtAT_dAskt4OXMEctxbJlBg2QdQMyh90JvONxWNP027K4QS41TBuWvJREsHwUIb7MIVI34d84UH2Wn-fw8H9nnTkxlAmf6mLux/s4160/IMG_20210613_105507789_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzcgmopSE2cV1bXwElz4Eee7wad99hfMKu624dg81GTTtAT_dAskt4OXMEctxbJlBg2QdQMyh90JvONxWNP027K4QS41TBuWvJREsHwUIb7MIVI34d84UH2Wn-fw8H9nnTkxlAmf6mLux/w400-h300/IMG_20210613_105507789_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I popped the top on the white plastic cylinder containing an old walkers register and wrote a long winded entry describing how I spotted Mt Scott from Mt Maurice months before and thought that I had better get onto it. Then I wandered around, had a gander, and slinked back down the track to my van. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A worthy journey to a lesser known natural area.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspHeFNl8KCmJq9kIbIdmyDFB1P76a9ewAqONwAELCYjGPKloz1eMv-NCgHfyS2vgZ5FwtDEFt6rleHnPviv3tEL-TQRHpN-E_p6aGkhjRW6yOh2Ze6438DUrgWRyREzcshoYKWflTFK-9/s4160/IMG_20210613_110330291_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspHeFNl8KCmJq9kIbIdmyDFB1P76a9ewAqONwAELCYjGPKloz1eMv-NCgHfyS2vgZ5FwtDEFt6rleHnPviv3tEL-TQRHpN-E_p6aGkhjRW6yOh2Ze6438DUrgWRyREzcshoYKWflTFK-9/w400-h300/IMG_20210613_110330291_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Other Resources featuring the Mt Scott walk:</p><p><a href="http://tindragon.blogspot.com/2015/12/mt-scott-another-great-north-east.html" target="_blank">Dragon Tales Tasmania</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/tasmania/mount-scott" target="_blank">All Trails </a><br /></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-8280549118662773782021-06-08T17:22:00.002+10:002021-06-27T20:19:32.865+10:00King Island, Tasmania. 5 days/ 4 nights; trails, cheese, solitude.<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8lSiIroou3UKt9gbLmJYK7fZtN3bEZiabJvAzJPFldkDkHMyatARXvf5XB9SkKb9hTHvKBsLyMEbARCdagMVRGtL1gFG4YIoG_WQT8tI85Ks-7mxPVtdyleO9pCT90m0H-ZcrKc2Xyij/s1600/IMG_20210509_113238483.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8lSiIroou3UKt9gbLmJYK7fZtN3bEZiabJvAzJPFldkDkHMyatARXvf5XB9SkKb9hTHvKBsLyMEbARCdagMVRGtL1gFG4YIoG_WQT8tI85Ks-7mxPVtdyleO9pCT90m0H-ZcrKc2Xyij/w300-h400/IMG_20210509_113238483.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cape Wickham lighthouse.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><u>Introduction:</u></b><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>One of the larger 300+ islands that make up the State of Tasmania; King Island is flat, lush, prone to very changeable weather, chock full of fat cows, popular with golfing enthusiasts and known Australia wide for it's excellent diary products. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't lose interest yet, it gets a bit better.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to know what else this island 65 kilometres long by 25 kilometres wide with a population of 1700 people was all about.</div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered a pristine, unpopulated coastline with long stretches of sand begging to be walked.</div><div><br /></div><div>The locals constantly yak away to each other and -shock, horror- visitors too, and they were genuinely convivial and helpful. Nice folks.</div><div>Disdain for travelers doesn't seem to exist, yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's an abundance of native bird life and protected areas heaving with wallabies and terrific views.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lack of hard hitting attractions and tourist development has instead attracted a steady trickle of curious visitors possibly seeking one or more of the following;</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Solitude, a quiet getaway </div><div>2. Golfing getaways -there are 3 courses on the island </div><div>3. Offbeat surfing trips </div><div>4. Something completely different from the manic tourist shit fuckery that is Cradle Mountain or Wineglass Bay on the larger landmass to the East. </div><div><br /></div><div>This trip slots into the first and fourth motives.</div><div><br /></div><div>King is a costly destination to reach compared to many other popular Australian holiday spots but screw it, I was a longtime curious and a bit jack of all the sudden State lockdowns due to a yet another Covid infection throwing prospective travel plans into disarray. </div><div>So I stuck close to home and coerced that woman I live with to accompany me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavluf_txvxuU4ZbTy6h9xZLeQVncdaGnWjXY9SL9IB3GDir7opna9v6Zlgj5FMwgyO4hgS_cb0PW2aoPqpYZnbYBCNIpT_vH10JvuzU13itDXDfRwIyYkVHnr38kdyMA_4mnMH-QjPDtL/s4160/IMG_20210507_090545355.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavluf_txvxuU4ZbTy6h9xZLeQVncdaGnWjXY9SL9IB3GDir7opna9v6Zlgj5FMwgyO4hgS_cb0PW2aoPqpYZnbYBCNIpT_vH10JvuzU13itDXDfRwIyYkVHnr38kdyMA_4mnMH-QjPDtL/w300-h400/IMG_20210507_090545355.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture of the map the car rental folks gave me. <br />The roads are in good nick; a mixture of sealed tarmac and gravel tracks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTamU1QM2JqkY5h2Xx160PtT8x1wQzEuiQGQ5p_9UJIG2-UnAQTG3GA6gpzTPYmNunusXGcuykZKBhzrW_Bs7iBAiFpcvSpOnfhV8KK_0Cr_s_8fDEDYSIhVSgZkZu8kYASB4bu4d_6-km/s620/Screenshot+%2528247%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTamU1QM2JqkY5h2Xx160PtT8x1wQzEuiQGQ5p_9UJIG2-UnAQTG3GA6gpzTPYmNunusXGcuykZKBhzrW_Bs7iBAiFpcvSpOnfhV8KK_0Cr_s_8fDEDYSIhVSgZkZu8kYASB4bu4d_6-km/s320/Screenshot+%2528247%2529.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>Getting There:</u></b><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>No ferries, swimming would be a right feat, so a tiny puddle jumper aeroplane it was. </div><div><br /></div><div>I flew <a href="https://sharpairlines.com/" target="_blank">Sharp Airlines</a> from Launceston to King Island. </div><div>The initial flight went via Wynyard on the North Coast and took around 80 minutes all up. The plane itself wasn't a complete shitshow but still possibly the second oldest aircraft I have ever traveled in, held together with duct tape and prayers. </div><div>On a positive note, the pilots were first class and the views were sweet.</div><div><br /></div><div>The return flight went direct to Launceston and took about 45 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had to chuck on a mask after parking the car at Launceston airport and keep our faces coddled up until reaching the rental vehicle on King Island. For us Tassie folk down here where Covid 19 barely struck that was a surreal experience. Not a big deal but slightly bizarre if you haven't been used to it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Flights were pricey; $586 return. Per person.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix95Vc0hQ_w_KZRdW2Iy94oEFmUe_-vgiHHoGjpVq_1mTEgSMOGDd4g3-x7ajus9Z1Odno_-hMEoCDLfmoPjzA-QLncvHr5ltXmjyNUmOUXiPb3XyZw99K4PntLCn12J2AEwYw-T36GiTd/s4160/IMG_20210510_095211507_HDR%257E2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix95Vc0hQ_w_KZRdW2Iy94oEFmUe_-vgiHHoGjpVq_1mTEgSMOGDd4g3-x7ajus9Z1Odno_-hMEoCDLfmoPjzA-QLncvHr5ltXmjyNUmOUXiPb3XyZw99K4PntLCn12J2AEwYw-T36GiTd/w300-h400/IMG_20210510_095211507_HDR%257E2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0GpNndhhO9uWS8n9JlH8MEo1XNUKHj0OZxgNWKRB6QFfFPEL3vsrg49QYsI9Okt_Q9uimSc3lCqvBmaO34q2nBRWP5TXt8KfdxHnDT-ri-FAmGrXKhBvrEcpcW1ZQ1ITHuvGcO9SmfYZ/s4160/IMG_20210506_153255400_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0GpNndhhO9uWS8n9JlH8MEo1XNUKHj0OZxgNWKRB6QFfFPEL3vsrg49QYsI9Okt_Q9uimSc3lCqvBmaO34q2nBRWP5TXt8KfdxHnDT-ri-FAmGrXKhBvrEcpcW1ZQ1ITHuvGcO9SmfYZ/w400-h300/IMG_20210506_153255400_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Transport:</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We rented a Hyundai I40 wagon from <a href="https://www.kingisland.org.au/transport/car-hire/" target="_blank">King Island Car Rental</a> which is basically the only official vehicle rental agency on the island. I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The car drove great, cost $460 for 5 days, had a big hole whopped out of the bumper from a recent Wallaby incident and the odometer topped out at just over 133,000 kilometres. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fuel was available in Currie just down from the supermarkets. Cash only. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every single other driver does the finger wave as they pass you. Everyone. Every time. You should too if you make it over here. I actually found myself waving to fellow motorists as I drove out of Launceston airport upon my return to the big island. It had gotten ingrained in my brain I guess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I head back over (quite soonish I'm thinking) I will swoop in with my touring bicycle and panniers and free camp and explore the island via pedal power now I know my way around and what is out there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a solid option.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The roads are very quiet and we saw locals push prams and walk their dogs along the minor ones and they don't die in great numbers I'm guessing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, there is a fuckload of road kill scattered about and the bouncers tend to bail out in front of the cars and trucks all hours. I kept the speed down because I drive like a dude 30 years my senior and I hate killing wildlife and I don't want to kill myself either. And what's the hurry right?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJlm97oYCoHPntPUXLDu0_m7P754X852N8XBT1cFIGH8jCFNnZHHdDCzRd0UAWzQOoV4SBBZGEVKFQszeAxE-HFg4g0us9q4Fm7Zdd_qbhOlzx4NPrzGt1PuF93CAugnLcSRlUNYzeltE/s4160/IMG_20210507_091825267_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJlm97oYCoHPntPUXLDu0_m7P754X852N8XBT1cFIGH8jCFNnZHHdDCzRd0UAWzQOoV4SBBZGEVKFQszeAxE-HFg4g0us9q4Fm7Zdd_qbhOlzx4NPrzGt1PuF93CAugnLcSRlUNYzeltE/w400-h300/IMG_20210507_091825267_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRCxgYr76qa3LTjUHOAUq_yVnXrLvlJ69GQLQOkzVdzvWaTBJKa8cgOldSJJc1tdwihq79fyOEYAPCPoIrQmtJsCLGmOBM_qsN6aJPlPjv-TbnXYokyeu59ReyZCbCoHCyKKOIkdKWtCb/s4160/IMG_20210507_090223821_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRCxgYr76qa3LTjUHOAUq_yVnXrLvlJ69GQLQOkzVdzvWaTBJKa8cgOldSJJc1tdwihq79fyOEYAPCPoIrQmtJsCLGmOBM_qsN6aJPlPjv-TbnXYokyeu59ReyZCbCoHCyKKOIkdKWtCb/w400-h300/IMG_20210507_090223821_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Accommodation:</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I booked a self contained cabin over on the East Coast in Naracoopa. Cost: $428</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We struck gold here. 4 nights at <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/au/baudins-accommodation-and-restaurant.en-gb.html" target="_blank">Baudins Accommodation</a> with no one else on the property.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Housekeeping were really swish and left the place very clean when we checked in and the kitchen facilities ticked all the boxes. The restaurant is closed which means you have to be healthy and get off your bum and cook up some tasty food yourself from all that kick ass King Island produce on offer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The location offers a long wild beach, very few people, absolutely no shops or touristy bullshit and plenty of crazy little roads to wander off down. Recommended.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDWdrnVOtN87jdywtiT0yG8VHcFoilvGW0xZn3Pigz9OgkCKhv7PFev9UlA0wyyh-D0Fs1Uk59VQ8LFiIdVbalweDZ4_DElVuWhLyAcN9C0CtDolYVcfh25ZjX75Iz_rMtaHe4vM5Yuiy/s4160/IMG_20210507_162433532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDWdrnVOtN87jdywtiT0yG8VHcFoilvGW0xZn3Pigz9OgkCKhv7PFev9UlA0wyyh-D0Fs1Uk59VQ8LFiIdVbalweDZ4_DElVuWhLyAcN9C0CtDolYVcfh25ZjX75Iz_rMtaHe4vM5Yuiy/w300-h400/IMG_20210507_162433532.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Currie:</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main settlement with the shops and stuff is Currie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 well stocked supermarkets (open 7 days), bottleshops, an always packed bakery, the pub and hotel and a butcher.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had lunch one day at Elle's Beef and Reef, can recommend.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB0xHCKaW3qJCPHt_kyR52AaYqyH4mKVE5Fqqr4oMmrXEiZ8iXcj9YO2sFSeOtIYwOqqNuYU1N-mWP6YxN0Tw_lDsj5J5KCjxLOj1YZq2rgdWUjaL6t2LeaHmyj417bjkRMMRmU1dgwO-/s4160/IMG_20210508_104103496_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB0xHCKaW3qJCPHt_kyR52AaYqyH4mKVE5Fqqr4oMmrXEiZ8iXcj9YO2sFSeOtIYwOqqNuYU1N-mWP6YxN0Tw_lDsj5J5KCjxLOj1YZq2rgdWUjaL6t2LeaHmyj417bjkRMMRmU1dgwO-/w400-h300/IMG_20210508_104103496_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><u>Who cut the cheese:</u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>The <a href="https://www.kingislanddairy.com.au/" target="_blank">King Island Diary</a> cheese store and tasting room adjacent to the rather large factory just North of the airport is one of the island's major attractions. Lovely little Porky Beach nearby is worth your time too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Opening times during our April 2021 visits were 11am to 4:30pm, closed Thursday and Saturday.</div><div><br /></div><div>The set up is simple- you bowl up, request a basic tasting platter and tuck in. The coffee was solid too even though I was afterwards informed it came out of an automatic machine and there are alcoholic beverages on offer too.</div><div>I was dragged in for a tasting twice by my cheese loving girlfriend and we purchased a suitcase worth of delicious milk products to take back home.</div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZkws8wUZJhWnXT6fTTuJOAgPeeSnGYLGhkYskpl4HyiTaVE6VJ8LNeD94_Hu1Rsli8I-HRIF1_C2-MtHB77U8rr5ui4eTCpnGB9GTptf-wBnnUkj6yQxJxEUhYrE0V-53UcdwPYmz_f-/s4160/IMG_20210508_110509336_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZkws8wUZJhWnXT6fTTuJOAgPeeSnGYLGhkYskpl4HyiTaVE6VJ8LNeD94_Hu1Rsli8I-HRIF1_C2-MtHB77U8rr5ui4eTCpnGB9GTptf-wBnnUkj6yQxJxEUhYrE0V-53UcdwPYmz_f-/w400-h300/IMG_20210508_110509336_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></b></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBlzQgGjG1eqYa0KYB3fHvSAEw-LHebjx2AIB_mdKOSnRUkXMF-0AqkmXOwEay93FWZMMS-1otXBWCpkUU0oZqEcsr0i7qP1KCb451pxRM7pTSR74xnlh3cUrHAl0gyTzxL6VR_4xlhn3/s1600/IMG_20210509_121928182_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBlzQgGjG1eqYa0KYB3fHvSAEw-LHebjx2AIB_mdKOSnRUkXMF-0AqkmXOwEay93FWZMMS-1otXBWCpkUU0oZqEcsr0i7qP1KCb451pxRM7pTSR74xnlh3cUrHAl0gyTzxL6VR_4xlhn3/w400-h300/IMG_20210509_121928182_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The public shelter at Penny's Lagoon features a spectacular setting and rarely used barbeque facilities.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5YXTyFEFk8RgI4NVIjrrfS7XPP_MSPiZ1Xx768bJsU6KYIR9lji3mPCoh7rMfSpxYkmP8sQhSRI1zDL7Ud7_uBds5pi7sjlcZCVCwemzBtys5iocXTlkErQxdJJ_WWRWPkFXowUF3nrt/s4160/IMG_20210509_105730802.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5YXTyFEFk8RgI4NVIjrrfS7XPP_MSPiZ1Xx768bJsU6KYIR9lji3mPCoh7rMfSpxYkmP8sQhSRI1zDL7Ud7_uBds5pi7sjlcZCVCwemzBtys5iocXTlkErQxdJJ_WWRWPkFXowUF3nrt/w400-h300/IMG_20210509_105730802.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, Kelp can be made into truly useful stuff and also things you really do not need. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4VurnDugi4mSqmufTj53TtHjvJqcghcraF-GdmoVN36WOxY6SvPkC6FxbycAnAGnBrQ2vE8_7ZP5Cfs8QkhYfTc0yDlOGvUBjtt_Or8vrSLe917tW2oAZeRhNO-xbdotw3j75eoxIOjF/s4160/IMG_20210506_164136795_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4VurnDugi4mSqmufTj53TtHjvJqcghcraF-GdmoVN36WOxY6SvPkC6FxbycAnAGnBrQ2vE8_7ZP5Cfs8QkhYfTc0yDlOGvUBjtt_Or8vrSLe917tW2oAZeRhNO-xbdotw3j75eoxIOjF/w300-h400/IMG_20210506_164136795_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ree on Fraser Beach.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Walks:</u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>This is actually what I got up to most of the time. You know, walking. Wandering. Ambling. Striding.</div><div><br /></div><div>The established trails oscillate wildly between lovingly groomed and over signposted efforts courtesy of Parks and Wildlife to "is that a really, really old roo track or the path?" Much of the time you follow a rarely driven dirt track.</div><div><br /></div><div>One word of advice- pack accordingly. If you head over and explore a bit you will be moving around on a flat chunk of low lying land in the middle of the Bass Strait. It is very exposed and the weather is super changeable. </div><div>Best to chuck in a rain jacket and sunscreen (and gloves if it's Winter) and water and toilet paper and a bag for your toilet paper and take a map or use your phone or something to know where you are. </div><div>Just saying.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are loads of options for half day and full day walks. And plenty of farm gates to open and shut and Kelp trucks cruising around collecting the aquatic plant straight off the coast line. </div><div><br /></div><div>These were 6 worthy explorations I enjoyed.</div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscn7fhxSxyO-l8FbzTVllSUj266XrfO76S1QO2DwY6-4S4mHsIPRyRDmrp7NfpcyeUxLS3s-aSzObrMKKOC82JlFrVWKCH9ijWO1mpW76M2N-ul3i1W1qXP6RKmggAsVSJH3XAP8Pk-ch/s569/Screenshot+%2528265%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="364" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscn7fhxSxyO-l8FbzTVllSUj266XrfO76S1QO2DwY6-4S4mHsIPRyRDmrp7NfpcyeUxLS3s-aSzObrMKKOC82JlFrVWKCH9ijWO1mpW76M2N-ul3i1W1qXP6RKmggAsVSJH3XAP8Pk-ch/w256-h400/Screenshot+%2528265%2529.png" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A</b> Cape Wickham Lighthouse. 1km.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>B </b>Stokes Point. 11km return.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>C </b>Naracoopa to the Blowhole. 14km return.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>D </b>Penny's Lagoon. 1km circumnavigation.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>E </b>Calcified Forest/ Seal Rocks Lookout. 2km in total.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>F </b>Cataraqui Memorial. 2km return.</div><div><b><u><br /></u></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjzH2_lbpmnMmCg5VQ2S8jApQni-fpeuE9elEgOXiWqzFTG9OW4BTRKywc7IC0zepE_eFIVShc6ybK2whkR0XHOqAEP3OEGxTUu4nVS8o2tjKrORUM1jNCCa_iOH_VaT1nIBATq5GopuD/s4160/IMG_20210508_142056017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjzH2_lbpmnMmCg5VQ2S8jApQni-fpeuE9elEgOXiWqzFTG9OW4BTRKywc7IC0zepE_eFIVShc6ybK2whkR0XHOqAEP3OEGxTUu4nVS8o2tjKrORUM1jNCCa_iOH_VaT1nIBATq5GopuD/w300-h400/IMG_20210508_142056017.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXa0jbrH6P4XdmvIjnZVibJ56ad4c4sScWQk3qrdjyfLTgbLKtozClIB32p_fRbh-xzNsWen9HITLmRVDbgFpj4-5vIQy5p3AJEi-mpcqNVQXSCSsXrSZL6_NnIZm6VjqKS-zN-SkQIP1/s3264/IMG_20210508_134041693_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXa0jbrH6P4XdmvIjnZVibJ56ad4c4sScWQk3qrdjyfLTgbLKtozClIB32p_fRbh-xzNsWen9HITLmRVDbgFpj4-5vIQy5p3AJEi-mpcqNVQXSCSsXrSZL6_NnIZm6VjqKS-zN-SkQIP1/w400-h300/IMG_20210508_134041693_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Stokes Point.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><b><u>Guidebook and Information:</u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>I photocopied a few pages from Ken Martin's slightly oldish '<i>Walks of King Island</i>' which I borrowed from the Launceston library. </div><div>Aside from one memorable shitfight clambering over branches and blow downs attempting to locate a no longer existing trail the guide is solid and tells you all you need to know.</div><div><br /></div><div>The ladies at the hire car desk were super friendly and full of great advice too. </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40TTEVBqmydxlcsftxUCAft02H7JkY2X9oXCSp1i2CtZLhb0hv-gvIbk2Qvja8iG3E7W-ldgt0BYulgM0aHnM8ekQ4ygQImKTAoI5xSK1NMtCBLHYjukTAj6swR0ogGdE2YYzexaIaCSR/s413/Screenshot+%2528255%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="288" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40TTEVBqmydxlcsftxUCAft02H7JkY2X9oXCSp1i2CtZLhb0hv-gvIbk2Qvja8iG3E7W-ldgt0BYulgM0aHnM8ekQ4ygQImKTAoI5xSK1NMtCBLHYjukTAj6swR0ogGdE2YYzexaIaCSR/w279-h400/Screenshot+%2528255%2529.png" width="279" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-58024605287311921202021-05-14T19:42:00.007+10:002021-05-23T20:59:43.496+10:00Western Arthur's A to K Circuit. SouthWest National Park, Tasmania. 4 days/ 3 nights, 54 kilometres.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDlmVYgB1_Lte6Gi__TjO-RCqrjkNIoXSL_f0ryqsuosrpIHXV6IWtAdKC3wQBOAZiss-S_XCksR6RQNB1L_TVP6phU1fsuumed0liSnbB-7vgZV2hvg6bErMyTLxWbMa6xhnMQ2eUTuo/s4160/original_b42b6108-f6e3-4084-9ca8-c12cff6a0702_IMG_20210429_111525421_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDlmVYgB1_Lte6Gi__TjO-RCqrjkNIoXSL_f0ryqsuosrpIHXV6IWtAdKC3wQBOAZiss-S_XCksR6RQNB1L_TVP6phU1fsuumed0liSnbB-7vgZV2hvg6bErMyTLxWbMa6xhnMQ2eUTuo/w400-h300/original_b42b6108-f6e3-4084-9ca8-c12cff6a0702_IMG_20210429_111525421_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfd5vk0Yr5smNV0IfPeOX1A83a1YLWphSEwwTPS52HD45Ujp1oj91eG3ds_XpNwAr0iI49s_Ctfa0sICoQ4jP18Shvp8TBKjd_pccaE3Y_RhziYNfmlvFwdWfuMeFEk1qW_99DoQe4LiW/s740/Screenshot+%2528241%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="740" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfd5vk0Yr5smNV0IfPeOX1A83a1YLWphSEwwTPS52HD45Ujp1oj91eG3ds_XpNwAr0iI49s_Ctfa0sICoQ4jP18Shvp8TBKjd_pccaE3Y_RhziYNfmlvFwdWfuMeFEk1qW_99DoQe4LiW/w400-h225/Screenshot+%2528241%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map sourced from Google Maps.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><u>INTRODUCTION:</u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we go- the big kahuna. The infamous Western Arthur's! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At present only the A to K Western Arthur's circuit is permissible, not the full traverse, so that's what I looped around at the end of April 2021. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Common impressions floating around about the hike include:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Low daily mileage. </li><li>Spectacular mountain scenery and copious wild alpine lakes.</li><li>The planet's absolutely worst, horrible weather. </li><li>The trail of sucking knee deep mud to Junction Creek. </li><li>A rite of passage for every self respecting Aussie hiker with a large pair of hairy rocks between their legs (metaphorically where the ladies are concerned).</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The track that supposedly induces a continual 5 day adrenaline rush and compels people to regal stories of agonising hardship and death defying adversity in the Southern hills of Tasmania.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well yeah, nah. Sort of. Depends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This wild romp in the mountains has been promoted and discussed ad nauseam online for years and I actually heard whispers of the rough n' ready Western Arthur's (WA) and the apparent difficulty in traversing the region as being second only to mighty Everest whilst wandering around Nepal yonks ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tales of terrified walkers and sickly down climbs abound and they are probably mostly almost maybe true.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my 2 cents and some dodgy observations regarding the WA Alpha to Kappa Circuit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbsCKNFfwTeFwj-bJQ1Bf0FLm2s2v3boXkrW7LVn2R0faMwPjrmIN6CdNmwjClNmRdWjYqC664jAIsuVD-B9ANOL7A9TPYjsmFH96icXk1V-e1VkZDNNUDRVkDR5DPgPOIHmwlZ8n6g_Q/s4160/original_f7abf1eb-5b7e-4d41-8d8a-2e06cdd98d19_IMG_20210430_140403662_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbsCKNFfwTeFwj-bJQ1Bf0FLm2s2v3boXkrW7LVn2R0faMwPjrmIN6CdNmwjClNmRdWjYqC664jAIsuVD-B9ANOL7A9TPYjsmFH96icXk1V-e1VkZDNNUDRVkDR5DPgPOIHmwlZ8n6g_Q/w400-h300/original_f7abf1eb-5b7e-4d41-8d8a-2e06cdd98d19_IMG_20210430_140403662_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>GETTING THERE:</u> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Around 4.5 hours of driving South from Launceston or 2 hours West from Hobart to the trail head/ parking area/ campground at Scotts Peak Dam Road, South West National Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No scheduled transport runs to Lake Pedder, however on demand shuttles originate in Hobart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used one (cannot remember the business name) waaaaay back in 2011 when I hiked the Port Davey and South Coast Tracks and it cost me around $120 from Hobart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A young guy from Sydney I met at Lake Oberon said he had jumped on a public bus to Westerway (a town on the B61 highway from Hobart) and hitched a ride to Lake Pedder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maydena is the last settlement where provisions can be procured but I would hit up a larger sized town such as New Norfolk beforehand where choice and range is far more extensive if you need anything essential. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Windy roads and spectacular forests will guide you down the C607 to Lake Pedder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The final 30 kilometres is gravel and potholes so take it easy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a walkers register at the Port Davey trail head where the hike begins, the track starts over the road just to the left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>PERMITS:</u> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the Western Arthur Range lies within South West National Park you are required to purchase a Tasmanian Parks Pass, displayed on your vehicle if you have parked one at the trail head. <a href="https://passes.parks.tas.gov.au/" target="_blank">Tas Parks Pass Website</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>SAFARI TRACK RATING:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fuckin gnarly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This 54 kilometre circuit winding along purple-white quartzite rock and squeezing between tight scrubby bush has been run in under half a day, but most punters take 5 to 6 days depending on the weather, how heavy their pack is and how many people are rolling together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first 7 kilometres on the Port Davey Trail to Junction Creek is legendary even in Tasmania for it's thigh deep mud and the only way to successfully hike it is to embrace the slop and laugh it off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the first easy spell of duckboard planking it gets nasty real quick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recent popularity of Lake Oberon as a 2 or 3 day out and back hike has smashed the low lying ground and any improvement to the 'track' will probably only encourage more foot traffic. It's is what it is and I don't feel any need to revisit it soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The climb up Alpha Moraine, basically a steep, rocky ridgeline, is straightforward and the path to Oberon is nicely constructed and unchallenging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After that the fun stuff begins; the down climb to Lake Oberon gives you a taste of what is to come in the days ahead. Very doable and nothing outrageous but not the easy, flowing walking- you know, eating up the miles- that I personally chase. Slow going and the arms are utilised often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I carried and used a 10 metre 6mm prusik cord as a rope to lower my pack down the very steep sketchy bits when I felt unsafe downclimbing with it on my back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just remember, the holds, tree roots and ledges are always there when you need them even if you can't see them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After Lake Sirona I bowled down the track without any complications and took the shortcut to McKay's Track which was flat, fast and spat me out at Junction Creek for a return battle with the mud.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYDjftJL4rvxNTGIk8pvXUlEl26qhFsk0Axk_dUSvh3bZaEZdbZYzqLxFjN2LfLqVH6iNkknkLdKDn07UVBiMFtCAZG4W-igEAI0pLPH2lwaUKjCrYjDdXOxdhaLu0oGJDl67gmNBG-Y2/s4160/IMG_20210514_192818399.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYDjftJL4rvxNTGIk8pvXUlEl26qhFsk0Axk_dUSvh3bZaEZdbZYzqLxFjN2LfLqVH6iNkknkLdKDn07UVBiMFtCAZG4W-igEAI0pLPH2lwaUKjCrYjDdXOxdhaLu0oGJDl67gmNBG-Y2/w400-h300/IMG_20210514_192818399.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the topo map I carried. I hiked anti clock wise on the lollipop loop.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b>DAY 1: </b></u> Scotts Peak Dam Trailhead to Lake Cygnus. 17.3 km.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>7 hours.</i> Discovering the magic of these mountains, good camping on the platforms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>DAY 2: </u></b> Lake Cygnus to Lake Oberon. 4.2 km.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>4 hours.</i> The rain hooted down at 12pm so I threw up the tent and read Beau Miles' latest book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>DAY 3: </u></b> Lake Oberon to Haven Lake. 8 km.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>9 hours.</i> Really fun day poking up and down and around the cliff edges and taking in my surroundings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>DAY 4: </u></b> Haven Lake to Scotts Peak Dam Trailhead. 24.5 km.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>10 hours.</i> Mostly flat walking, great sighting the range from a distance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqbsTiLgEiNyt7qb0fBg7lS6esrkQqcHHZd3B8fy4WV8LFZsKReFAs080YMHaSpEIDrdrwMI6TmwIYDQNkhBcNE9p_9KTJsz7YUh_kNGZC1lzkLhl9mY2RJl_9N7lCHoUA4X1vbHuu_3S/s4160/IMG_20210428_133229539_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqbsTiLgEiNyt7qb0fBg7lS6esrkQqcHHZd3B8fy4WV8LFZsKReFAs080YMHaSpEIDrdrwMI6TmwIYDQNkhBcNE9p_9KTJsz7YUh_kNGZC1lzkLhl9mY2RJl_9N7lCHoUA4X1vbHuu_3S/w400-h300/IMG_20210428_133229539_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Junction Creek crossing.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9JvuWEr-AE2SFJPpdPsc70ldpEblPTEvnMGmPweql33UJYKsNWybgZTbEYiVzi-iNCbupxb9RutyEMG2fPo6Ii2_sMpD7SAYyEJGgJzPbrRNaBz4JB42qP3tyaKkJwoGp7qPXFxJe-Fg/s4160/IMG_20210428_134629151_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9JvuWEr-AE2SFJPpdPsc70ldpEblPTEvnMGmPweql33UJYKsNWybgZTbEYiVzi-iNCbupxb9RutyEMG2fPo6Ii2_sMpD7SAYyEJGgJzPbrRNaBz4JB42qP3tyaKkJwoGp7qPXFxJe-Fg/w400-h300/IMG_20210428_134629151_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Track junction after the muddy stuff (mostly) ends.<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9BiVOpyVE497t-Vy5_PGafJHWOdCcwDOTEOd2BVPTEWzRZlfcCdB5nibQz9Reg-nSr-mrRGU_hIvsOrL8Y6SlTswfOn6XP7DOj5iadONsBoefKS60buT_NIjGYLO-qwGl1EpBSWz7osV/s3264/original_3a56c7c9-9954-46c0-b16c-6a107e9fa1b7_IMG_20210430_145054120_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9BiVOpyVE497t-Vy5_PGafJHWOdCcwDOTEOd2BVPTEWzRZlfcCdB5nibQz9Reg-nSr-mrRGU_hIvsOrL8Y6SlTswfOn6XP7DOj5iadONsBoefKS60buT_NIjGYLO-qwGl1EpBSWz7osV/w300-h400/original_3a56c7c9-9954-46c0-b16c-6a107e9fa1b7_IMG_20210430_145054120_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>MAPS AND RESOURCES:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VtceXkgmcbtyhylp3UHBucAU0NFhzyRiu7k7y_Jk_7zy5frAfsCsO3PrjtrQ0JKfSGol2aUTGcuTyqOtpBTjIImRZUCcCJwfI_caq9XHhKMn5eiJAZfbX3aWjFs0beggcmKb28G9VcfU/s4160/IMG_20210427_071914539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VtceXkgmcbtyhylp3UHBucAU0NFhzyRiu7k7y_Jk_7zy5frAfsCsO3PrjtrQ0JKfSGol2aUTGcuTyqOtpBTjIImRZUCcCJwfI_caq9XHhKMn5eiJAZfbX3aWjFs0beggcmKb28G9VcfU/w300-h400/IMG_20210427_071914539.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I carried the TasMap <i>Western Arthur </i>1:50000 topographic map.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0B33VFGJ8BsMn-HXuxBhC0VE4gkIM__Rq5Oq5FYb7LSo8K96tGzugL2FQQyt1MR7xbhLfkbMNMXpPABlq3PbXWcI0I3Re9ddRoo0SuoNhtjv7-kwAC1jyJjB1FSj7JdH92HqtApdq1uV/s4160/IMG_20210503_202635894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0B33VFGJ8BsMn-HXuxBhC0VE4gkIM__Rq5Oq5FYb7LSo8K96tGzugL2FQQyt1MR7xbhLfkbMNMXpPABlq3PbXWcI0I3Re9ddRoo0SuoNhtjv7-kwAC1jyJjB1FSj7JdH92HqtApdq1uV/w300-h400/IMG_20210503_202635894.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The track notes from John Chapman's <i>South West Tasmania 2017 Sixth Edition</i> were spot on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10-2dY8gsIgivU9enazY68hoxoDN775PhVgQPxIWJYM4tdxx9DatdapeXSnSrG3I_woHfjmtnu66aR7-adlFnbi3cE2bR7LdPZGmCOzmQVMcm9ylF3p-iJhcIKHi66QSwZ41Ahuh9Qkyu/s576/Screenshot+%2528251%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="576" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10-2dY8gsIgivU9enazY68hoxoDN775PhVgQPxIWJYM4tdxx9DatdapeXSnSrG3I_woHfjmtnu66aR7-adlFnbi3cE2bR7LdPZGmCOzmQVMcm9ylF3p-iJhcIKHi66QSwZ41Ahuh9Qkyu/w400-h240/Screenshot+%2528251%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every now and then the track would get a bit faint or seem incongruous so I checked the basic offline Western Arthur's Traverse map on the Gaia App. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a fair bit of Telstra mobile phone coverage on the high points overlooking the Arthur Plains facing North too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6g87Th959_nBOEjTf4caG78OceMMjUoio6L_IQqbiKjGKHqqo2PO4DtUjcZA3HXduAizccbLAu9wAf0bKDfi_vjZIZA-Y-CdLaipTHTOdhR-HLfCLC4j4Vpns8HIawGW4RIgIluZtMLc/s4160/original_2ea8e061-c5d5-43a6-b05c-4a4f3bdb14e4_IMG_20210430_115051060_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6g87Th959_nBOEjTf4caG78OceMMjUoio6L_IQqbiKjGKHqqo2PO4DtUjcZA3HXduAizccbLAu9wAf0bKDfi_vjZIZA-Y-CdLaipTHTOdhR-HLfCLC4j4Vpns8HIawGW4RIgIluZtMLc/w300-h400/original_2ea8e061-c5d5-43a6-b05c-4a4f3bdb14e4_IMG_20210430_115051060_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lunch stop at High Moor Campsite on Day 3</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2cdfiwu6DOnHQ_JUsvnFbQla0GgJz1hSG1etWdrAysHpYVKnXU6rf_eCdnVIpNdXo8exKFUBjzlIdz7vULxd0e47hB7tO_9_to6UnvLNjbrTblC_LhokdubiQWC_WtWJa5m25bTglaYQ/s4160/original_d893ec53-c3a2-4452-b5e6-e1dafe1a8b25_IMG_20210429_093130047_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2cdfiwu6DOnHQ_JUsvnFbQla0GgJz1hSG1etWdrAysHpYVKnXU6rf_eCdnVIpNdXo8exKFUBjzlIdz7vULxd0e47hB7tO_9_to6UnvLNjbrTblC_LhokdubiQWC_WtWJa5m25bTglaYQ/w400-h300/original_d893ec53-c3a2-4452-b5e6-e1dafe1a8b25_IMG_20210429_093130047_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOll_hyphenhyphen7sYuKqo_xkSXqqRU1SYqujFrd1TOVCH-zDJcFzIC7TC926LJtulKyIA4_2pg4Zgv3cBW0JxFHo-hGv5Dv36iPcHk7fEvsdvOVbMhw5EhGobNsRe-fFLdRm2gtZ9veH1TKUHGCL/s4160/original_151fa53e-8462-4ec0-beb3-1fbc29b54128_IMG_20210430_133257623_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOll_hyphenhyphen7sYuKqo_xkSXqqRU1SYqujFrd1TOVCH-zDJcFzIC7TC926LJtulKyIA4_2pg4Zgv3cBW0JxFHo-hGv5Dv36iPcHk7fEvsdvOVbMhw5EhGobNsRe-fFLdRm2gtZ9veH1TKUHGCL/w300-h400/original_151fa53e-8462-4ec0-beb3-1fbc29b54128_IMG_20210430_133257623_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another crazy pants-browning down climb.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaP9wtrDZwRxTk8iY0BnFaCnEGT2LsHZF39n4OuXhV85ed7qkKu_ttV2qU_IIG_4ogM-JhwiB03vAM4RDMxzS-oeEdcudoj4zVw3Bx6W9zao6BqAsBDbxXqfgpKC2Gc4Tl8bWUEJR_pMY/s4160/IMG_20210501_065533097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaP9wtrDZwRxTk8iY0BnFaCnEGT2LsHZF39n4OuXhV85ed7qkKu_ttV2qU_IIG_4ogM-JhwiB03vAM4RDMxzS-oeEdcudoj4zVw3Bx6W9zao6BqAsBDbxXqfgpKC2Gc4Tl8bWUEJR_pMY/w300-h400/IMG_20210501_065533097.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Haven Lake Tent Platform campsite Day 3</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdvh8JCfvUG1_rh7q_WhnOX6j6k_K2PzO7gHoWNourhwZbMmsPz4cfyPBjD4nUJDnVt0JribqYl67Cqr8ScrRksCDKLu9mrF1KjpAQoXK7O9UQ6aN_0ByNmzqloZjDq0UZnaHr9-cr30K/s3264/IMG_20210501_075446831_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdvh8JCfvUG1_rh7q_WhnOX6j6k_K2PzO7gHoWNourhwZbMmsPz4cfyPBjD4nUJDnVt0JribqYl67Cqr8ScrRksCDKLu9mrF1KjpAQoXK7O9UQ6aN_0ByNmzqloZjDq0UZnaHr9-cr30K/w300-h400/IMG_20210501_075446831_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First light above Haven Lake.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEEeVcpm2KxnDuhFbsT_qKzkLYWGsj5dsahIdDBpyZ5u8zpL21ejs5FYJOKWoEYbMD3wCOXYFSOobchxwazC_YLbihyphenhyphenPYJYkOm7LX8ybWT0TtXAf7upwB0RLfpFlT-l9S9wLYi5tsNHaF/s4160/IMG_20210501_093954030_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEEeVcpm2KxnDuhFbsT_qKzkLYWGsj5dsahIdDBpyZ5u8zpL21ejs5FYJOKWoEYbMD3wCOXYFSOobchxwazC_YLbihyphenhyphenPYJYkOm7LX8ybWT0TtXAf7upwB0RLfpFlT-l9S9wLYi5tsNHaF/w400-h300/IMG_20210501_093954030_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5wMEra9PybjQWT0-0KALWAjp6sDm80CJCoEFkM9UX0YI-L5lAXnp6bf9z1LJI5cU0yTFk2hCkgaWlEkQ2m-q-CUNqk4KoVlYKcde8nVTwTz20InpkeNt5Ah3jWdhnEC4SWyvVjwxdRUq/s4160/IMG_20210501_123625919_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5wMEra9PybjQWT0-0KALWAjp6sDm80CJCoEFkM9UX0YI-L5lAXnp6bf9z1LJI5cU0yTFk2hCkgaWlEkQ2m-q-CUNqk4KoVlYKcde8nVTwTz20InpkeNt5Ah3jWdhnEC4SWyvVjwxdRUq/w400-h300/IMG_20210501_123625919_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heading West on the McKay's Track to Junction Creek.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>GEAR:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hate talking gear. I swear the only reason some dudes get outside is to use their gear. And talk gear. And then talk about how they used their gear. Slap me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, it's an exciting changeable environment up there at 1000 metres above sea level in the Arthur's so here's what I took gear wise for what it's worth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No huts, no shops, few bug out options. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went solo and possibly a tad overboard because of this and carried a monster pack weighing 13.8 kilos everything included; full kit, food for 6 days and a litre of water. Too heavy to feel safe on many of the down climbs so I belayed my pack when necessary and it was torn to shreds by the end of my 4 days of fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But hey right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tarptent Rainbow (shelter), Sea to Summit Ether Light Mattress, Heavy duty Montbell Down Jacket, 2 quilts (Tier Gear and Enlightened Equipment) just in case I froze my arse off, one Gossamer Gear hiking pole and plenty of clothing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Topo Mountain Racers on the feet and I never wear socks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I carried gaiters but they just stayed in my pack as cargo. I wore pants and shorts as the sun or cloud dictated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had read somewhere that the mice that lurk around the official campsites were very friendly (correct) and keen on an easy feed so I stored my food supplies in an OP (Odour Proof) sack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aside from a wee dusting on Day 2 I struck a mostly fine weather window and although my rain jacket was useful on the windy ridgelines, late April wasn't really cold or wet this year.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFXtBmeC5xAjNp0Oyd9zWaHDQusd1gCh4MeaCn_qsz3eGEAwF_PQCPhEZdNKeb7WKSo-YwLvDl-YxGSQPI-mh28dSewgMBedNyW6SEvO_exd3H8rEa8BQs750KhdBPvGmzGwA9txzl9mm/s4160/IMG_20210501_152033898_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFXtBmeC5xAjNp0Oyd9zWaHDQusd1gCh4MeaCn_qsz3eGEAwF_PQCPhEZdNKeb7WKSo-YwLvDl-YxGSQPI-mh28dSewgMBedNyW6SEvO_exd3H8rEa8BQs750KhdBPvGmzGwA9txzl9mm/w400-h300/IMG_20210501_152033898_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Embrace the mud bitch.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_OCE0cg9UPMP1w06Md9g59TDPtCj7rdVZ9XWyF7mQsMQL8WCzVCWOtjukgJ4BzEvHu4_iaDAOjdUg3bzAGH0nUqdi8vfYkdN3pIyKgFe4olr7qYQOKGxFYgU6HhdXArZVD3f0ZlnkUAZ/s4160/IMG_20210501_095723119_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_OCE0cg9UPMP1w06Md9g59TDPtCj7rdVZ9XWyF7mQsMQL8WCzVCWOtjukgJ4BzEvHu4_iaDAOjdUg3bzAGH0nUqdi8vfYkdN3pIyKgFe4olr7qYQOKGxFYgU6HhdXArZVD3f0ZlnkUAZ/w400-h300/IMG_20210501_095723119_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXbVYBzI6EJXbK7fYyZqfgKLAcud-nUg9u8IcauI25EJjvyimGc1uqp_eC3QKzZ_u_vbTI4NHNEuhcittBZ7ZZehxof9cjZmClqHVGiNk-ZNM44JHo59yttL5gAtbbiy6cUbgHbTcBlz3/s4160/IMG_20210502_070100793_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXbVYBzI6EJXbK7fYyZqfgKLAcud-nUg9u8IcauI25EJjvyimGc1uqp_eC3QKzZ_u_vbTI4NHNEuhcittBZ7ZZehxof9cjZmClqHVGiNk-ZNM44JHo59yttL5gAtbbiy6cUbgHbTcBlz3/w400-h300/IMG_20210502_070100793_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunrise over Lake Pedder whilst driving home the morning after finishing up the trail.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">OTHER RESOURCES:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I recommend Cam Honan's excellent post everything you need to know about the WA Traverse.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.thehikinglife.com/2018/12/western-arthurs-traverse-planning-guide/" target="_blank">The Hiking Life Website Link</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Erin Saver's blog posts about her WA Traverse in 2017 were very useful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.walkingwithwired.com/2017/04/day-27-finally-in-the-western-arthurs.html" target="_blank">Walking With Wired WA Blog Posts</a><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-90929061828918547982021-05-03T19:48:00.000+10:002021-05-03T19:48:00.906+10:00Mt Maurice, North East Tasmania, 6 kilometres return.<p> </p><p><u></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-O7_HzTwtfGikkVJG6YU4rZAr9bFlfywXhdXKH-sTULCQuNGM5uKQhq2zJxiY-N85mL7taSEhayz1qdmyUkyB1m85tEBg84OJJ2Jo3ziru-bQ4wACCjK6Hja4O_xSNpWMbjSX8x30CEd/s4160/IMG_20210424_120727765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-O7_HzTwtfGikkVJG6YU4rZAr9bFlfywXhdXKH-sTULCQuNGM5uKQhq2zJxiY-N85mL7taSEhayz1qdmyUkyB1m85tEBg84OJJ2Jo3ziru-bQ4wACCjK6Hja4O_xSNpWMbjSX8x30CEd/w300-h400/IMG_20210424_120727765.jpg" width="300" /></a></u></div><u><br /><b><br /></b></u><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: underline;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwuIzbEXhGh6pfkzJIp2tkDUiVYcXwlfg5bAAH4epxXI3g_0BgiavAiIzSs7_vlOBilIVPUMzlX9KGW83jCQS_9Ww1k65roztaeLw6zCekMIdpDxvAnsuGBe_K4RPOQdeZnIcvgDRxCBo/s671/Screenshot+%2528239%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="671" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwuIzbEXhGh6pfkzJIp2tkDUiVYcXwlfg5bAAH4epxXI3g_0BgiavAiIzSs7_vlOBilIVPUMzlX9KGW83jCQS_9Ww1k65roztaeLw6zCekMIdpDxvAnsuGBe_K4RPOQdeZnIcvgDRxCBo/w400-h225/Screenshot+%2528239%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map sourced from Google Maps.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><u><b>INTRODUCTION:</b></u></p><p>A short, non taxing, mostly level saunter through quiet mossy fagus forest to the flat, wide summit of Mount Maurice. Kick ass views during fine weather but worth the hassle anytime unless it's chucking down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2wHnXYWjwE2NahmEN5xrHYtomObu_sa-GvRF-_ahAhDADi9FV5eWE1exWVoB-8HK4Nieqe6NllxoGbraNFDsFCVZqDHGhSwUctHVLFnNvct0JSBht8V1a6EwM6hhly1MIOQM7x72e-EY/s4160/IMG_20210424_115341380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2wHnXYWjwE2NahmEN5xrHYtomObu_sa-GvRF-_ahAhDADi9FV5eWE1exWVoB-8HK4Nieqe6NllxoGbraNFDsFCVZqDHGhSwUctHVLFnNvct0JSBht8V1a6EwM6hhly1MIOQM7x72e-EY/w400-h300/IMG_20210424_115341380.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><u>GETTING THERE:</u></b></p><p>This is the bit that prompted me to write up this hike. </p><p>There is a fair slop of confusion on the interwebs regarding getting to the Western trailhead of the Mt Maurice walk.</p><p>This is how I found my way from Launceston. And full disclosure; I attempted to locate this track a few years ago and completely lost my way due to forestry activity diversions and being a general dumbass. I guess I've improved my navigation skills or maybe I just got lucky. 😉</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>From central Launceston it is around 33 kilometres to Camden Hill Road on the A3.</li><li>Chuck a right hand turn onto Camden Hill Road, it is after the Myrtle Park Recreation Ground.</li><li>Toddle up for 7.5 kilometres and keep left where the road turns onto Diddlelum Road. </li><li>10 kilometres later turn left down a gravel track. This is Knights Road. Google maps should be able to get you here.</li><li>I parked up just before the dodgy bridge going over St Patricks River, 600 metres down the road. <i>Photo below.</i> There are rough informal camping sites on both sides of the river.</li><li><br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv1SSAECSqgWlf-p7Edwep-iU4YsJiWRDexfsNiIF38ppxR4NTCZwQxG7UY-JTD0yU2MEfniTUxYMnn_COVIjVaG1W3CrL-hL8YjYohiDBowGcZiagV5xYezfUl7NarM53Vh31UwRixRI/s4160/IMG_20210424_151119972_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv1SSAECSqgWlf-p7Edwep-iU4YsJiWRDexfsNiIF38ppxR4NTCZwQxG7UY-JTD0yU2MEfniTUxYMnn_COVIjVaG1W3CrL-hL8YjYohiDBowGcZiagV5xYezfUl7NarM53Vh31UwRixRI/w300-h400/IMG_20210424_151119972_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you are happy crossing the bridge in whatever you are driving/ riding then head up the road for 3.7 kilometres (cautiously) and locate the trailhead sign on the right hand side at the end of Knights Road. <i>Photo below.</i></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRRw05yxMzHfQOHONMGytuTcj3kBvI4Fma5j6zrW-XFx-jG0gQo_LYyMNYgyHqEJh7LvynnBP1MyFywOkUqPmR6WYHnzA5-6wVFfeJQ0ReOi3Z4To-JpyM4lI4UpLA6k9kXAySzx23vqr/s4160/IMG_20210424_135800898_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRRw05yxMzHfQOHONMGytuTcj3kBvI4Fma5j6zrW-XFx-jG0gQo_LYyMNYgyHqEJh7LvynnBP1MyFywOkUqPmR6WYHnzA5-6wVFfeJQ0ReOi3Z4To-JpyM4lI4UpLA6k9kXAySzx23vqr/w400-h300/IMG_20210424_135800898_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p>The road is ok for 2WD I'm guessing, I dunno as I walked the road. It was quiet and I'm keen to walk, not drive. There were potholes and largish rocks but nothing too exciting that made me go 'Oh wow I wouldn't come up here without a full on 4 wheel drive'.</p><p><b><u>SAFARI TRACK RATING:</u></b></p><p>Easy as. Bit of scrub bashing and mud for 200 metres or so before the incline uppy bit to the summit, otherwise well marked and mostly runnable. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsnh2zLETDrfHXWaxCmGNdQrllry2JLMBYgjifObO5WpmUSoWqElLRHsVYLaruNH-B7Bt4J1zmxUkPjsQUOj_yTFy_f46mvubigAKM6b_4hg0HBRK14T33KYwQ39CagqaRkXg3wzZqLDl/s4160/IMG_20210503_192354071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsnh2zLETDrfHXWaxCmGNdQrllry2JLMBYgjifObO5WpmUSoWqElLRHsVYLaruNH-B7Bt4J1zmxUkPjsQUOj_yTFy_f46mvubigAKM6b_4hg0HBRK14T33KYwQ39CagqaRkXg3wzZqLDl/w300-h400/IMG_20210503_192354071.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /></i></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Map sourced from page 41, 50 Family Walks Around Launceston & North East Tasmania. 2008<br /></i></u></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAXrW1GuRJFEndA-R-yYvbXvlt2bF56zNOIWNlF61Ls7mUHbJ7Iw_2lVVe0gpXrN9ceH3XUzAu4IdtPzJoHxhkO-0X3XiSyxkRW5-1rpP7jaerpNxSIaHvE52648T1hB0xSZaTb0WortL/s3264/IMG_20210424_135823178_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAXrW1GuRJFEndA-R-yYvbXvlt2bF56zNOIWNlF61Ls7mUHbJ7Iw_2lVVe0gpXrN9ceH3XUzAu4IdtPzJoHxhkO-0X3XiSyxkRW5-1rpP7jaerpNxSIaHvE52648T1hB0xSZaTb0WortL/w300-h400/IMG_20210424_135823178_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>As I stated I walked up the road from St Patricks River and the overall distance was about 12 or 13 kilometres return. Half this if you drive all the way up Knights Road.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsG49rsLRh23tSqh4W1hgvLOp6ROFZJkHRGcENQ1XLIJbUOvuEVUL6GMF9kodcA9Dq24h8s5RM3-hglR05AikRB1Bk2mNECLM5peeVaYabxnheinC_rd-e6R3uflWX57lqe4efY0OMwO2/s4160/IMG_20210424_124618534_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsG49rsLRh23tSqh4W1hgvLOp6ROFZJkHRGcENQ1XLIJbUOvuEVUL6GMF9kodcA9Dq24h8s5RM3-hglR05AikRB1Bk2mNECLM5peeVaYabxnheinC_rd-e6R3uflWX57lqe4efY0OMwO2/w400-h300/IMG_20210424_124618534_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwuf22yrkYhj6zcinlE11ehOi1fECqX5Apdk9J9nCCB3h2M842WkNA65urt1VB0y5Ky4TfWIPgXH6DvnXye2xj1NZT-kJ7ZtSH8AAQiGSydK_hC11ocgFHTOTSWJjHJCLahXHWsg_wgJk/s4160/IMG_20210424_113549838_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwuf22yrkYhj6zcinlE11ehOi1fECqX5Apdk9J9nCCB3h2M842WkNA65urt1VB0y5Ky4TfWIPgXH6DvnXye2xj1NZT-kJ7ZtSH8AAQiGSydK_hC11ocgFHTOTSWJjHJCLahXHWsg_wgJk/w400-h300/IMG_20210424_113549838_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpEbxMebKTegTsDiwLK99sICgqR_BvktL8tzH6bS3Y0JM4VS0EeUcGLQSYFLSamgC4eaVI0xqWclbbJyBF1hadk-StUiStP4Zw_lwQQcrpJIXn-xOotTurCWT6uhCPsrcWrHkcBqqLLKL/s4160/IMG_20210424_120631455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpEbxMebKTegTsDiwLK99sICgqR_BvktL8tzH6bS3Y0JM4VS0EeUcGLQSYFLSamgC4eaVI0xqWclbbJyBF1hadk-StUiStP4Zw_lwQQcrpJIXn-xOotTurCWT6uhCPsrcWrHkcBqqLLKL/w400-h300/IMG_20210424_120631455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b><u>MAPS AND RESOURCES:</u></b></p><p>I used the ever useful <i>'50 Family Walks Around Launceston & North East Tasmania' by Jan Hardy and Bert Elson. Hillside Publishing. 2008.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUmUvqi41Fua656S_w1BW8-BWQGad8WzsVN4T82sxWiDNN4vTGGJGLJbc39N0rPC6N_wBzWPV0RJ6EUAFv_vZC0THeEc2Yt_nmtd5aISjZVEn8pJ70ZDf8Fbcv4gDvlF230hF1BeKtmf9/s4160/IMG_20210503_192312229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUmUvqi41Fua656S_w1BW8-BWQGad8WzsVN4T82sxWiDNN4vTGGJGLJbc39N0rPC6N_wBzWPV0RJ6EUAFv_vZC0THeEc2Yt_nmtd5aISjZVEn8pJ70ZDf8Fbcv4gDvlF230hF1BeKtmf9/w300-h400/IMG_20210503_192312229.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-51699413368448765432021-04-14T15:57:00.004+10:002021-04-14T16:10:24.416+10:00Mt Cameron, East Coast, Tasmania. 10km day hike.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixreUDT9iWNVBroQwPBlQROwx7Fb2kwTzYfDmPRVcN3rHwK0c-wkyXD7aEfZZ2OtnHw1tDGHdLBOdzMmWlueCe-duoMMp5fBNtJjEesIVkf02x4FDnpIyuUIn6a0X_hCI-00NNiubD0956/s4160/IMG_20200721_105713013_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixreUDT9iWNVBroQwPBlQROwx7Fb2kwTzYfDmPRVcN3rHwK0c-wkyXD7aEfZZ2OtnHw1tDGHdLBOdzMmWlueCe-duoMMp5fBNtJjEesIVkf02x4FDnpIyuUIn6a0X_hCI-00NNiubD0956/w400-h300/IMG_20200721_105713013_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <b><u>INTRODUCTION:</u></b><div><br /></div><div>Safari's sexy adventures over on the far North East Coast during the frigid months of Tasmania's extended Winter season always include this whopping chunk of rounded granite. .</div><div><br /></div><div>Mt Cameron ticks all the boxes for those that get off on solitude, dry sclerophyll forest tracks, loads of lumpy boulders and banging views.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year I took my old-as-fuck dog, Penny to the area. The idea was to give her a brief sniff and wander up the first few hundred metres of the main path- she had other ideas and ran off chasing the trail and smashed it to the summit like a complete savage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Right on Penny! </div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh2cj5eCHKGuOcBAHIncixMQr2u3vWdbt0RTFwBnmykQepUTvvFTkw0YcEUX8EG_A5fa9aiztXfp3sYnQdT3biiZG1pHXurqUTSfdke_fYOX90hjmGlBTjHwjPLKDBPVe5o3ZHwdR6LTA/s408/Screenshot+%2528231%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="408" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh2cj5eCHKGuOcBAHIncixMQr2u3vWdbt0RTFwBnmykQepUTvvFTkw0YcEUX8EG_A5fa9aiztXfp3sYnQdT3biiZG1pHXurqUTSfdke_fYOX90hjmGlBTjHwjPLKDBPVe5o3ZHwdR6LTA/w400-h400/Screenshot+%2528231%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><i>Map sourced from Google Maps.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDU2h2-C5YRc4EMkL4Ni3QHCMc3lM0yJXWse_br1b42-_t1XIIoxXX2ETDhT6phT61NjkT4aRSz5EsBnYUWPBKREbOtDQVcndnoYZxDnU7bXDj4wAwc-3d3T6cO7HmftZRvA2LgwoEII0/s4160/IMG_20200721_095124710_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDU2h2-C5YRc4EMkL4Ni3QHCMc3lM0yJXWse_br1b42-_t1XIIoxXX2ETDhT6phT61NjkT4aRSz5EsBnYUWPBKREbOtDQVcndnoYZxDnU7bXDj4wAwc-3d3T6cO7HmftZRvA2LgwoEII0/w400-h300/IMG_20200721_095124710_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>GETTING THERE:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>From Launceston; </u>get yourself to Bridport and head East on the B82 (Waterhouse Road) which can be a sketchy narrow piece of shit road. Take care.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After 50 kilometres look out for Old Port Road on the right. Photo below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>From Gladstone: </u>head West on Waterhouse Road for 10.5 kilometres. Old Port Road will be on your left. Photo below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvD9y6Njft1UnAoKBkjYsuEl-xPV2NXwsbsjlXwkGhNgJcPBMNKuGMc66zDJjdSb68394by0lBpWbNUYYTiQkpK4w5htYY_DvyS5WCry0ZfYZYgCKnm9hHQU0gsIRPFaB24GysmRlqiWKl/s1600/IMG_20210116_181642648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvD9y6Njft1UnAoKBkjYsuEl-xPV2NXwsbsjlXwkGhNgJcPBMNKuGMc66zDJjdSb68394by0lBpWbNUYYTiQkpK4w5htYY_DvyS5WCry0ZfYZYgCKnm9hHQU0gsIRPFaB24GysmRlqiWKl/w400-h300/IMG_20210116_181642648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Drive South down the track for about 7 kilometres. Your looking for this marker (photo below). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Head up the forestry road on your left for 3 kilometres to the walking track start at a locked red gate. 2WD access on these roads is fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9qmIOO9CkNToG9clPkF0wc8QNsL57gXjOSI54tXF5qm45Tojg9M1Da2ZUGTK-zn1eg7DrFcHtI3QF1AZlG_hHu8Su7525Zlk6K5zyVjD9qhxvE-B_OX_8QOPX4N70igcbmu_nrnbIyV1/s1600/IMG_20210116_182822353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9qmIOO9CkNToG9clPkF0wc8QNsL57gXjOSI54tXF5qm45Tojg9M1Da2ZUGTK-zn1eg7DrFcHtI3QF1AZlG_hHu8Su7525Zlk6K5zyVjD9qhxvE-B_OX_8QOPX4N70igcbmu_nrnbIyV1/w300-h400/IMG_20210116_182822353.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt_0p0ROTnsqjsB0qc-9ORP-Ne6YefzWqUp9mNWImBdohyphenhypheni8cWaqdfXiYN30JOTlubQpAMuvbumUx27li5xO070onr8-mlfZoQuEzxiKJmRnszmt45YicmKMoFmRH0X1riD0Rd_x6ePZP/s1149/Mount+Cameron.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1149" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt_0p0ROTnsqjsB0qc-9ORP-Ne6YefzWqUp9mNWImBdohyphenhypheni8cWaqdfXiYN30JOTlubQpAMuvbumUx27li5xO070onr8-mlfZoQuEzxiKJmRnszmt45YicmKMoFmRH0X1riD0Rd_x6ePZP/w400-h283/Mount+Cameron.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Map sourced from <i>www.hikinginsetasmanianblogspot.com.</i> I didn't have a map and this is the best I could hunt down to show the general path taken. Plus this blog post from 2014 was a great help regarding logistics. A much recommended website!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoe7fSna9CSN1_xuUKAf-PL4gLclbVCx-RsBgkbD3C4d-xmFakMA3bQfF3DTBj15obvGrTw5R_S0TllYeKt3SoGRL6NepGKjNMcsC8rHs2_68PS2VUWGEbfm3d8gSdIyFELeXzSeUpfsD/s4160/IMG_20200721_103121030_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoe7fSna9CSN1_xuUKAf-PL4gLclbVCx-RsBgkbD3C4d-xmFakMA3bQfF3DTBj15obvGrTw5R_S0TllYeKt3SoGRL6NepGKjNMcsC8rHs2_68PS2VUWGEbfm3d8gSdIyFELeXzSeUpfsD/w400-h300/IMG_20200721_103121030_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><u>Safari Track Rating:</u></b></div><div><br /></div>The main track is well marked and there is no need to roll past the Scottsdale High School Field Study Centre anymore as the track bypasses it now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I recommend checking out the Douglas Lookout and the Maze. Take your time, have a wander.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxJ9C-ZgNtMGegUsgn-6c4uqQQkEPT066fMoQ9iu0Uqvh3QSKyz_SICDWpEGnf_yfDBfhOW-nZl1VCrcLYK5jVT2u6xgtgvcUGfR5p5p7OtgKLpibE0Km_fQCP6SiyL6Oko1VqH4sw_Sg/s4160/IMG_20200721_105240261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxJ9C-ZgNtMGegUsgn-6c4uqQQkEPT066fMoQ9iu0Uqvh3QSKyz_SICDWpEGnf_yfDBfhOW-nZl1VCrcLYK5jVT2u6xgtgvcUGfR5p5p7OtgKLpibE0Km_fQCP6SiyL6Oko1VqH4sw_Sg/w400-h300/IMG_20200721_105240261.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy_R-lZ_EsAlrcPWH0qBMLzNFgQ__HAUCraeimMfiOlpFlWxkbW6Hd57DQesaBjNe7kQtCQLsHIijz1jWfAIf-OVbkuooPjUzc-qif-gRyzx75lwpCWKy51jo7shJUQx7d6WLmlgBPSj9/s4160/IMG_20200721_125639786_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy_R-lZ_EsAlrcPWH0qBMLzNFgQ__HAUCraeimMfiOlpFlWxkbW6Hd57DQesaBjNe7kQtCQLsHIijz1jWfAIf-OVbkuooPjUzc-qif-gRyzx75lwpCWKy51jo7shJUQx7d6WLmlgBPSj9/w300-h400/IMG_20200721_125639786_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There's a bit of hopping over ledges and steep poky bits towards the final ascent.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbYo6nR7SypcNN2Rvs0fVWYbl0DzYyF-lJWWYxxbHhKNXJ6h777SAk2ObECB3p511Wk4jiLD-KwCMqF37bryodM4AzUjstVQCBLR0jAQ27tuzHZyk5VWeJcljrVOMV0QhuFat5RqTMsV_/s4160/IMG_20200721_110226393_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbYo6nR7SypcNN2Rvs0fVWYbl0DzYyF-lJWWYxxbHhKNXJ6h777SAk2ObECB3p511Wk4jiLD-KwCMqF37bryodM4AzUjstVQCBLR0jAQ27tuzHZyk5VWeJcljrVOMV0QhuFat5RqTMsV_/w400-h300/IMG_20200721_110226393_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoLgfWJ_XqEHgZNekBkty3UblMazp35GMMBYhnKf47JVI8PwhH9duEK3dcCM8JT-KY3pzsku4lXKUraxq6rlG49AvDRaiYH026_X_4PF8yPWYCvqVJb79lOsoz-ArnXg5yn_FrC_dzsTO/s4160/IMG_20200721_112915252_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoLgfWJ_XqEHgZNekBkty3UblMazp35GMMBYhnKf47JVI8PwhH9duEK3dcCM8JT-KY3pzsku4lXKUraxq6rlG49AvDRaiYH026_X_4PF8yPWYCvqVJb79lOsoz-ArnXg5yn_FrC_dzsTO/w400-h300/IMG_20200721_112915252_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On a clear day views out over the North Coast at Waterhouse and Tomahawk can be savoured.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPCTUZRn4we0Y9i2fB9VHr30xXgi2kvoq49MnXFVEBFTjX9J-mq4sKeGeJes9zoB7-eGUj7nTUCzPwKGIlrHIIvWeSIah6OatrZ9SPurlLuCRujQdza2OYXV-0tdHyEBKC7CMWBCLxclP/s4160/IMG_20210116_201803117_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPCTUZRn4we0Y9i2fB9VHr30xXgi2kvoq49MnXFVEBFTjX9J-mq4sKeGeJes9zoB7-eGUj7nTUCzPwKGIlrHIIvWeSIah6OatrZ9SPurlLuCRujQdza2OYXV-0tdHyEBKC7CMWBCLxclP/w400-h300/IMG_20210116_201803117_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I returned a few weeks later and camped out on a bluff on a Saturday evening. No people, no noise. Blissful wild surroundings.<br /><p>Sources:</p><p><a href="https://hikinginsetasmania.blogspot.com/2014/12/mount-cameron.html" target="_blank">Hiking in SE Tasmania blog post about Mt Cameron walk</a><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br />Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-41357053466575887362021-03-24T06:22:00.002+11:002021-03-24T06:31:28.183+11:00Tyndall Range. West Coast, Tasmania. 3 days- 2 nights, off track hiking.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI-zwQxxy5YCyjcAC0GJrJzp8yuTNvXN-V7264ZFoIxvc6FdgRHYrGvsPrCb9GqXE17kaJcQ6mlYpGnS_Md3qLnoNcT2QZS3nxbab1nFZOSzxlDiFJo5M3oonYL5f_Hh6aK3M7la4rNyE/s4160/original_be2ae303-0347-45a8-87d0-dadd86182ea8_IMG_20210316_162908468_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI-zwQxxy5YCyjcAC0GJrJzp8yuTNvXN-V7264ZFoIxvc6FdgRHYrGvsPrCb9GqXE17kaJcQ6mlYpGnS_Md3qLnoNcT2QZS3nxbab1nFZOSzxlDiFJo5M3oonYL5f_Hh6aK3M7la4rNyE/w400-h300/original_be2ae303-0347-45a8-87d0-dadd86182ea8_IMG_20210316_162908468_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>INTRODUCTION:</b></p><p>Recently, the fair isle of Tasmania was blessed with a fortnight long, perfect weather window. </p><p>These happy occurrences usually compel me to pull a few sick days at work, making the most of clear skies and a fortunate life.</p><p>I tossed up roaring down South to wander the Western Arthur's or tear off into the Wild West coast and see if all the fuss about this oft mentioned Tyndall Range was justified.</p><p>Seeing as how I loathe crowds in our wild places (Yup. The Arthur's were chocka as I suspected, according to reports) I pointed the van towards where the sun sets and enjoyed possibly my favourite short walk in Tasmania.</p><p>Wondrous, astonishingly dramatic landscape and 'another world' environs awaited. </p><p>Truly uplifting stuff I tell you.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUNk7nyb6brSYRSOdsgSNv6jMgmQ_XQy1Xq8dM67dYxpUQyhYMy4WvfsTXXQvwPW3ZHZM5nnyABq-1drOvTaNKLlhDM-uKIGDUOex4V_6jT0dNjLZOQmKmCK6NnqdhhlMkndqy6Rdn3YV/s680/Screenshot+%2528225%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="680" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUNk7nyb6brSYRSOdsgSNv6jMgmQ_XQy1Xq8dM67dYxpUQyhYMy4WvfsTXXQvwPW3ZHZM5nnyABq-1drOvTaNKLlhDM-uKIGDUOex4V_6jT0dNjLZOQmKmCK6NnqdhhlMkndqy6Rdn3YV/w400-h225/Screenshot+%2528225%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />Map sourced from Google Maps.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>HOW I ACCESSED THE TYNDALL RANGE FROM LAUNCESTON:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>If driving from the Northern localities, aim the vehicle to Tullah, keep heading South on the A10 for a few kilometres then turn left onto the B28, known as Anthony Road.</div><div>Buzz on down the winding highway past the Mount Murchison walk track head and car park. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the Mount Murchison track head it is around 18.5 kilometres past Lake Plimsoll to a non descript gravel track on the left with shallow pot holes that I had no problems driving through slowly. This is your parking area and where the walking starts.</div><div>Keep an eye out for the pile of old tyres with a bit of red spray paint on them out near the road as a marker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leave your vehicle behind the gate (red X) as sometimes it is open, sometimes locked (yellow line).</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuAB1a_dzFIVc1GuvAPhl2-lHldsYLn_WqCmn5E6yIUaX1Sv_57qShWW93ANuWYxkVlF7aC6ihqz-4i083T1bT4yavvWDc4WstVwyPgeQ3rvV03JLAvEspRl3q51BQb8bbkUEA0XAdYXt/s804/Screenshot+%2528229%2529_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="804" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuAB1a_dzFIVc1GuvAPhl2-lHldsYLn_WqCmn5E6yIUaX1Sv_57qShWW93ANuWYxkVlF7aC6ihqz-4i083T1bT4yavvWDc4WstVwyPgeQ3rvV03JLAvEspRl3q51BQb8bbkUEA0XAdYXt/w400-h225/Screenshot+%2528229%2529_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><i>Map sourced from Google Maps.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Grab your shit and head over the bridge, turning sharp left after a couple of hundred metres. Keep going. Cross a shallow rivulet and the walker registration box (red arrow) with intention book is on your right and glorious knee deep mud just past it.</div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQzHIICntOvuWEFmoW_IOgDQBKDVefHgefc8WnlqQ46tGuSs9PebhaIMeclj7CsyVuiHKq9ovdWZfLxf7_8JM2D951Fbm1oiXpkiBZVkal7gbZ58d8er-mCbdncD0HdKWoNp1gV-xeNDU/s4160/original_7d2b93ab-3ac5-40fc-a5a3-32dd614abe28_IMG_20210316_140611464_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQzHIICntOvuWEFmoW_IOgDQBKDVefHgefc8WnlqQ46tGuSs9PebhaIMeclj7CsyVuiHKq9ovdWZfLxf7_8JM2D951Fbm1oiXpkiBZVkal7gbZ58d8er-mCbdncD0HdKWoNp1gV-xeNDU/w400-h300/original_7d2b93ab-3ac5-40fc-a5a3-32dd614abe28_IMG_20210316_140611464_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walker registration and the start of the mud.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><div><b>SAFARI TRACK RATING:</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>A well worn footpad wends it way up to Mt Tyndall and the lake. After that you're on your own dodging cushion plants and Scorparia and crunching across ankle high scrub and traversing smooth Dolerite to wherever you choose.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's an area that gets abysmal weather for a large chunk of the year and the exposure of the plateau exceeds the Walls of Jerusalem area in my opinion, so be prepared. </div><div>No huts or formal infrastructure. Yet. I'll get to that later.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first couple of hundred meters plugging through the head high bush and sloshing mud might win the walk the worst start of any track in recent memory. Stick at it and get the grind up the hillside past the boot washing brush done, it's worth it.<br /><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-dUrn6XGRbvP5UuM7tl3Hqh1SunnaAof2j_80PSBujRh_jqn79vcJrSW1CXhcD7QRBD1il6ZOg8WXsg_rImg0rKmwjRfyw3Oe4W3rYsTxPvE5KtHJNeyqRdr2wo7ER_Eq0VJV04ZP97g/s4160/IMG_20210324_061456288.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-dUrn6XGRbvP5UuM7tl3Hqh1SunnaAof2j_80PSBujRh_jqn79vcJrSW1CXhcD7QRBD1il6ZOg8WXsg_rImg0rKmwjRfyw3Oe4W3rYsTxPvE5KtHJNeyqRdr2wo7ER_Eq0VJV04ZP97g/w300-h400/IMG_20210324_061456288.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo of the Tasmap I utilised to figure out what was where.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30tPPo9KZmS4APiCB_Rk8XKypW67fBpEfwzxMFinj0Z-36WkeGX_AEqLBSB2V8jwiD-1dLrQpJVrJ9Jtd6J64Yc3ZoudzcKoYNLMavUfOqzJfgK4Sb-lkO2CX_9MiilrJPaySsDG6vSiW/s1600/IMG_20210316_161856802_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30tPPo9KZmS4APiCB_Rk8XKypW67fBpEfwzxMFinj0Z-36WkeGX_AEqLBSB2V8jwiD-1dLrQpJVrJ9Jtd6J64Yc3ZoudzcKoYNLMavUfOqzJfgK4Sb-lkO2CX_9MiilrJPaySsDG6vSiW/w300-h400/IMG_20210316_161856802_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fagus leaves.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4Gm49Au17h490wyOBmE8u4f0lO2fvrf89jiuAojrD8d3_-uL0XAKcCvx0Vnhn344hSKGqC-P1vgaVJ8y8V8XioZhudlx9-fOi5XyskN_rqCUmcrZbs2coPqvHK7mdvB-XZQfA0Kpwlpb/s4160/original_c74842a7-fa2f-4a11-8844-710fcea42fcd_IMG_20210317_111549391_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4Gm49Au17h490wyOBmE8u4f0lO2fvrf89jiuAojrD8d3_-uL0XAKcCvx0Vnhn344hSKGqC-P1vgaVJ8y8V8XioZhudlx9-fOi5XyskN_rqCUmcrZbs2coPqvHK7mdvB-XZQfA0Kpwlpb/w400-h300/original_c74842a7-fa2f-4a11-8844-710fcea42fcd_IMG_20210317_111549391_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>MAP/ NAVIGATION:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I used the Tasmap 1:25000 TYNDALL as shown below. Mt Giekie is visible heading South for much of the time, I just locked onto the trig point and moved in that direction. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCA7ya7d1cLyHEj9bSmoFw5R-mdF_HLXmRhygEEFLVsxSX4QW_-XoM05sbn9PQb9eA8oFLR_qhJwSGP6xRRCQAdAvg0MilcBAk9gKF9rhk62R6efyLiilxNB0JgARS0d6d-q1FHQvQZXh/s4160/IMG_20210315_124655557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCA7ya7d1cLyHEj9bSmoFw5R-mdF_HLXmRhygEEFLVsxSX4QW_-XoM05sbn9PQb9eA8oFLR_qhJwSGP6xRRCQAdAvg0MilcBAk9gKF9rhk62R6efyLiilxNB0JgARS0d6d-q1FHQvQZXh/w300-h400/IMG_20210315_124655557.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27z8wiQ0qsvAPS_s2Ju1s4xMrKSaWtvaaEqIz37dzWn8MrJndVmVUwN1hA39C4lUwZTf3coySKwdG8oiYsqu9mMuNqfcQy9k9CY-0rFTwLSeazgNRqj3KUnnoD2EQ7SX_4UV3bYFycVsM/s4160/original_d00f4739-5b62-49e2-89c9-5009a727fe4f_IMG_20210317_073023681_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27z8wiQ0qsvAPS_s2Ju1s4xMrKSaWtvaaEqIz37dzWn8MrJndVmVUwN1hA39C4lUwZTf3coySKwdG8oiYsqu9mMuNqfcQy9k9CY-0rFTwLSeazgNRqj3KUnnoD2EQ7SX_4UV3bYFycVsM/w400-h300/original_d00f4739-5b62-49e2-89c9-5009a727fe4f_IMG_20210317_073023681_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First night's campsite along Lake Tyndall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After an hour or two of uphill slogging the track flattens out, culminating in a junction heading Northish to the Mt Tyndall summit and down to Lake Tyndall.</div><div><br /></div><div>I met a young dude that already had his tent up amongst the flat rocks and low bushes near the the water's edge. We had a chat, he directed me to check out the numerous waterfalls dropping off the cliff on the Western side of the lake and that was the last human I saw and spoke to for 2 days.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB2tGUtrrjkQwLt86VGxFYGalKmOhC6TwuGLyAyqcunnMG1waSmafSntVxbN5wZm0bclU03S52og4calygBFVKGaAYZgnXh0NitsFcUt-e6Wyf38Xi6BatU6tWoV3Et3wTyJvBhAOYjKS/s4160/IMG_20210317_090819736_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB2tGUtrrjkQwLt86VGxFYGalKmOhC6TwuGLyAyqcunnMG1waSmafSntVxbN5wZm0bclU03S52og4calygBFVKGaAYZgnXh0NitsFcUt-e6Wyf38Xi6BatU6tWoV3Et3wTyJvBhAOYjKS/w400-h300/IMG_20210317_090819736_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZKoK_GD8JX9Z8CTByGhv79HnEOF3-7CZhtZoAPF3LXMDMAZvj97jlx7QOCVKggOg-CWsFK1Mr0hQne2oAQ8LWmE7hUNB1AcCQ-UP2wjnUgGs53zrAmldU5idY0dcmp5wrJiLC1oY9ikc/s1600/IMG_20210317_105812641_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZKoK_GD8JX9Z8CTByGhv79HnEOF3-7CZhtZoAPF3LXMDMAZvj97jlx7QOCVKggOg-CWsFK1Mr0hQne2oAQ8LWmE7hUNB1AcCQ-UP2wjnUgGs53zrAmldU5idY0dcmp5wrJiLC1oY9ikc/w300-h400/IMG_20210317_105812641_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Don't trust the boulders to be locked in and stable when hopping across the moraine fields. More than a few 'rockin rocks' spat me off making for exciting pants browning moments.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I sighted stuff all animal life and no scat. None of the usual wallabies or wombats which was weird. A few white lip snakes and hoards of over friendly tiny black ants though and the occasional bird of prey lurking above.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The constant faint drone of trucks on the highway far below humming away in the background during both nights I lay in my tent. Just a reminder that I wasn't that far from the big bad world.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Loads of King Billy and Pencil Pines which I really like. </li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The views off the Bastion into Maria and the other lakes were quite epic. Frenchman's is bold on the horizon and the Southern mountains of the Overland Track can be sighted too. Take your time.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyligvyuxS-rZ6-Z5atYWSWwecbGZbFsUHbJisOvEjG6Ul-ojGCvRRvj5ymb43OR7hmV74bF-RDAZricboUL78Kv7_8BPG5dRcsYPgDVMLBmqCIrd-EY-A0VazOa60ut9p68prtUkOhxjO/s3264/original_7d67da09-4421-4959-9967-2b48f00d6d11_IMG_20210317_140912401_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyligvyuxS-rZ6-Z5atYWSWwecbGZbFsUHbJisOvEjG6Ul-ojGCvRRvj5ymb43OR7hmV74bF-RDAZricboUL78Kv7_8BPG5dRcsYPgDVMLBmqCIrd-EY-A0VazOa60ut9p68prtUkOhxjO/w300-h400/original_7d67da09-4421-4959-9967-2b48f00d6d11_IMG_20210317_140912401_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Giekie summit and trig.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE3ar4y1I1Z9J9fS7Jtz0s1K5NzxE3m7afUN2laRcnOYh1rtY0MfNgoEBM6pM3GhZQLgiXeWf59R2Z46PPBOczhzx0m0_c_J-YJPeKN7CfXqlmhck_GdyO1E2kTA6ly-7JCvYhb8cPB-u/s4160/original_30f85f37-98ee-4395-a509-45c8dba219d1_IMG_20210317_174855701_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE3ar4y1I1Z9J9fS7Jtz0s1K5NzxE3m7afUN2laRcnOYh1rtY0MfNgoEBM6pM3GhZQLgiXeWf59R2Z46PPBOczhzx0m0_c_J-YJPeKN7CfXqlmhck_GdyO1E2kTA6ly-7JCvYhb8cPB-u/w400-h300/original_30f85f37-98ee-4395-a509-45c8dba219d1_IMG_20210317_174855701_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqvuwbZyVM3CIUaDSLluWSSFQdjLmMYOw0kYAxoEMJnY83YbPQO-XChukVl8mHCHxtOfJnktS4TfAXSwwIG2Ac46Q3crFiye9gpAAhPa6mA5CDxWpLd1McoZyfk_cPZ5KrwMdqS-Uwevv/s1600/original_61ec3e42-f1de-4358-8896-5d85d818bb0e_IMG_20210317_143834914_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqvuwbZyVM3CIUaDSLluWSSFQdjLmMYOw0kYAxoEMJnY83YbPQO-XChukVl8mHCHxtOfJnktS4TfAXSwwIG2Ac46Q3crFiye9gpAAhPa6mA5CDxWpLd1McoZyfk_cPZ5KrwMdqS-Uwevv/w300-h400/original_61ec3e42-f1de-4358-8896-5d85d818bb0e_IMG_20210317_143834914_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawflowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WtkAunFbT1EOF9B5mnP0MjP6kXic3eoT0WqPLnFHpLYkdojpxNnAPlHCTB5i08W8SZALpUxrWJz_L5HKR9IMOin5qHOPS-aSDlrotbMUtB5uAJuXoPm03RVLUkoqQg99X3P3sj216bK8/s1600/IMG_20210316_171851551.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WtkAunFbT1EOF9B5mnP0MjP6kXic3eoT0WqPLnFHpLYkdojpxNnAPlHCTB5i08W8SZALpUxrWJz_L5HKR9IMOin5qHOPS-aSDlrotbMUtB5uAJuXoPm03RVLUkoqQg99X3P3sj216bK8/w300-h400/IMG_20210316_171851551.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Billy growing around Lake Tyndall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The kick ass weather I experienced had absolutely everything to do with why I cherished my time up in Tyndall Regional Park. I am pleased to report I found only a slight scunge of toilet paper and no litter or evidence of humans being dickheads in these untouched surroundings.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpybm3nvMHkKMqSf1uD_f9j-vGXQcQit03DtIfiyVCzSNjD8ZHdwr5mZQrgJT_0sKEiuHzJR_7dZ_uLKeYSgWIB1m9nORvY4GGyiQjlTfHmVUKSbs2lvNJhSmZZ3Ar9ARYeL46XFnj0ck/s3264/original_e7e058fb-a529-44f2-9ec1-4b4a5b21b31b_IMG_20210317_092854395_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpybm3nvMHkKMqSf1uD_f9j-vGXQcQit03DtIfiyVCzSNjD8ZHdwr5mZQrgJT_0sKEiuHzJR_7dZ_uLKeYSgWIB1m9nORvY4GGyiQjlTfHmVUKSbs2lvNJhSmZZ3Ar9ARYeL46XFnj0ck/w300-h400/original_e7e058fb-a529-44f2-9ec1-4b4a5b21b31b_IMG_20210317_092854395_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning dip in a pristine tarn.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eNk5s60VpyHuKoZyWAVk6emgKfFL8pLhfcbi7aKii6sd-pORoJaztereBo0KWigLW4OX7dKcKwGX1V8XOr-3496unExSigrMfs2JlmFsez5Ei0vGUW6feHs_mYMPs0LY4r4nZ_G2Net4/s1600/original_e4a60391-0967-4e31-a5be-ecc5edf14a3d_IMG_20210318_095540967_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eNk5s60VpyHuKoZyWAVk6emgKfFL8pLhfcbi7aKii6sd-pORoJaztereBo0KWigLW4OX7dKcKwGX1V8XOr-3496unExSigrMfs2JlmFsez5Ei0vGUW6feHs_mYMPs0LY4r4nZ_G2Net4/w400-h300/original_e4a60391-0967-4e31-a5be-ecc5edf14a3d_IMG_20210318_095540967_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Tyndall trig.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5QYMffAzMD43mReKMcgE2vEThjkgE17TjU_cWTXz3270FCFNFd37dQyQ5Jn0HxOYZEtCm8GKtvJ4yrc8sijI2KPIQZS9d7JYNikZlPtvA8uWVPUux3BAxSKHEqCEcZwRXaQtmNE0bwI9/s1600/original_5da0331f-bf43-4f24-8199-f1a930e0a03a_IMG_20210318_094654477_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5QYMffAzMD43mReKMcgE2vEThjkgE17TjU_cWTXz3270FCFNFd37dQyQ5Jn0HxOYZEtCm8GKtvJ4yrc8sijI2KPIQZS9d7JYNikZlPtvA8uWVPUux3BAxSKHEqCEcZwRXaQtmNE0bwI9/w400-h300/original_5da0331f-bf43-4f24-8199-f1a930e0a03a_IMG_20210318_094654477_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down into Lake Plimsoll from Mt Tyndall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>FUTURE PLANS FOR THE TYNDALL REGION:</b></p><p>Get in before the current right wing shithead Tasmanian State government fucks it all up and pushes through with intentions to market these public lands to weak, cashed up insta-face-page attention seeking wannabe's and establishes huts and cuts benched trails through nearby fragile landscape.</p><p><a href="https://parks.tas.gov.au/be-involved/news-and-events/tasmanias-next-iconic-walk-to-showcase-our-wild-west-coast" target="_blank">Parks and Wildlife Next Iconic Walk link</a><br /></p><p>I truly hope this doesn't happen. There are enough cushy options in Tasmania to entice the unthinking and unadventurous twats who buy into this shit.</p><p>Rant over.</p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-72028380236053725882021-01-31T21:20:00.003+11:002021-02-08T13:43:42.073+11:00Mt Victoria to Ralph Falls on the NorthEast Highlands Trail. Tasmania. 14km round trip. December 2020<p>.</p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ10oJDqCKZ66cTFJZer3oY6_7nKIPdnagY4eaGKB43FwiuXGRd25lrKxV3xB4uvK7RJ67jeLCMMCZDE_4uWvMimPCRJyLq_OjtGG8CRpE0sxyj545LlmMPL5zQQc6LbmG2wWgSGF1TPRt/s4160/IMG_20201210_104148312_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ10oJDqCKZ66cTFJZer3oY6_7nKIPdnagY4eaGKB43FwiuXGRd25lrKxV3xB4uvK7RJ67jeLCMMCZDE_4uWvMimPCRJyLq_OjtGG8CRpE0sxyj545LlmMPL5zQQc6LbmG2wWgSGF1TPRt/w400-h300/IMG_20201210_104148312_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxVuDYaVUaYdARQin330AGjNpyvs2A3SHy5XSa7uxkFZWAogZboPFcTTrH0lK_bI1xOQ0Iyd3XlQsqf3Jq_UowLkprUG-shSClZfnvqrkSwByLkZfVccNdtXgAkOF6yxb2ueJH9xdlCQN/s423/Screenshot+%2528206%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="423" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxVuDYaVUaYdARQin330AGjNpyvs2A3SHy5XSa7uxkFZWAogZboPFcTTrH0lK_bI1xOQ0Iyd3XlQsqf3Jq_UowLkprUG-shSClZfnvqrkSwByLkZfVccNdtXgAkOF6yxb2ueJH9xdlCQN/w400-h398/Screenshot+%2528206%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map locating Mt Victoria in the State of Tasmania created and sourced from Google Maps</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b><u>Getting there:</u></b></div><p>Mt Victoria is located South of Ringarooma in the North East of Tasmania in the Mt Victoria Forest Park. </p><p>From Launceston or Scottsdale; make your way towards Ringarooma on the C423 (car is absolutely necessary unless you partake in long distance cycle journeys, forget public transport) and truck on through town, Ringarooma Road becomes Mathinna Plains Road at the right hand turn after 1.5kilometres, keep rolling for 12.5 kilometres as the road gets windy and wiggly and look out for a left hand turn onto Mt Albert Road and the car park is opposite the start of the walk at around 4 kilometres. </p><p>The road is dusty at times and carries crazy fast weaving logging trucks so hang onto your hat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJZA09nfrFFRhGDyJ7yUHD5_UZQJrgFwVhRsV4VE4kOML8xztyVia5M6fT7hySXx1Vi1JanmAFizOszUq6GjD7VuLgJHvRX50hyphenhyphen3eU9QfOFot402dRbrTJ0vQsdBq0SZFTcJpG5yJ-FPY/s4160/IMG_20201210_094050789_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJZA09nfrFFRhGDyJ7yUHD5_UZQJrgFwVhRsV4VE4kOML8xztyVia5M6fT7hySXx1Vi1JanmAFizOszUq6GjD7VuLgJHvRX50hyphenhyphen3eU9QfOFot402dRbrTJ0vQsdBq0SZFTcJpG5yJ-FPY/w400-h300/IMG_20201210_094050789_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdLhmor6Eh5MDS079HG5NWKGLpuCaaDxbmo9lul4Yytigr8WAm4fPoShLIujYzIM40l8zTOs28gCDkoGW6fU66rwcD2STuF83MNRqoj_SmhIcgYeo12cOez20EZ8I2UoSs2qeZsUjrXdw/s1600/IMG_20201210_101525294.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdLhmor6Eh5MDS079HG5NWKGLpuCaaDxbmo9lul4Yytigr8WAm4fPoShLIujYzIM40l8zTOs28gCDkoGW6fU66rwcD2STuF83MNRqoj_SmhIcgYeo12cOez20EZ8I2UoSs2qeZsUjrXdw/w300-h400/IMG_20201210_101525294.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasmanian Waratah flower.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Mt Victoria is 1200 metres above sea level and if you manage to grovel your way up to the summit on a fine day you will catch some of the finest views in Tasmania. <div>It can get a tad blowy up there too (very exposed) but I spied some good camp sites tucked away along the final few hundred metres of the main track. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the signage at the track start, head up the path through some boggy patches and go straight past the boulder and the handmade sign suggesting you turn left and make a run for Ralphs Falls. You can do that afterwards.<div><br /></div><div>There is a bit of rock hopping and getting scratched up by thrashings of scorparia and a short climb to the top.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG2ZIq2isqtlrzJ03Ald8RRnzq-2it3IFf0OCH70OwaFtK-Qh2pBXheeRgwosdk0WuFOtUJ3u7zY0QiR_YbyNyeqXBitYGM820LlMDOn9JuhcgMWsO4kfzBI36BjfoiZ1vvZXBAnfQyFr/s4160/IMG_20201210_121104648_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG2ZIq2isqtlrzJ03Ald8RRnzq-2it3IFf0OCH70OwaFtK-Qh2pBXheeRgwosdk0WuFOtUJ3u7zY0QiR_YbyNyeqXBitYGM820LlMDOn9JuhcgMWsO4kfzBI36BjfoiZ1vvZXBAnfQyFr/w400-h300/IMG_20201210_121104648_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4GeJ3292AvexRH3HaZB3KIR8YDppHVHjgE0wGPKYfizp5xYkUIeJBOqKEqlbO_vzBYZgnCOagLUMVtrOWiHZW7rn7zY0jGGiT6phOLJrlr9vBGjMPOEP9vqfKF9yRfr3sjeXTibhn2G3/s4160/IMG_20201210_110041209_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4GeJ3292AvexRH3HaZB3KIR8YDppHVHjgE0wGPKYfizp5xYkUIeJBOqKEqlbO_vzBYZgnCOagLUMVtrOWiHZW7rn7zY0jGGiT6phOLJrlr9vBGjMPOEP9vqfKF9yRfr3sjeXTibhn2G3/w400-h300/IMG_20201210_110041209_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2wPrm11vxexWvfqA_k7vt3-WUnWhqEdWRdS-jUNG5vZ6V9IoeAg7KDVyKLB4vnlzPAL-uLK81ykM7K6Pl7Qias6G3_GLx_3MvMQHZefOeirbHSZOgoqSBe8fpcfYDpLajtJHj3-D5R55/s4160/IMG_20201210_110050379_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2wPrm11vxexWvfqA_k7vt3-WUnWhqEdWRdS-jUNG5vZ6V9IoeAg7KDVyKLB4vnlzPAL-uLK81ykM7K6Pl7Qias6G3_GLx_3MvMQHZefOeirbHSZOgoqSBe8fpcfYDpLajtJHj3-D5R55/w400-h300/IMG_20201210_110050379_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Make your way back down to the sign and follow the rough route type trail on the right.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the <b>North East Highlands Trail</b> that kicks on for 80 kilometres from the Mt Victoria walking trail to Halls Falls in the West. The section from Mt Victoria to Ralph's Falls is 'Day1' on the official listing.</div><div>There is a bit of a tale concerning the creation of the trail and it's current virtually unknown status and I reckon to actually refer to it as a 'trail' would be misleading. Try 'at times faint taped route', and a very worthwhile one at that.</div><div>This <a href="https://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=9769" target="_blank">thread</a> on Bushwalk.com provides the backstory via scanned in track notes and a basic map from a 2009 edition of Wild magazine.. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSco20ZpP6XZe-5itosZptwVZoVUAorl4l8ufwOte6YnKhXBH47E2Kq310DnIFPWOygnfcR3OvuEOyYhGdwQy7sh5cjPoFRjIRB5XX01RAPNIbHaqvywAMPmYJjY3o3FegMFeca2txsOzg/s350/Screenshot+%2528208%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSco20ZpP6XZe-5itosZptwVZoVUAorl4l8ufwOte6YnKhXBH47E2Kq310DnIFPWOygnfcR3OvuEOyYhGdwQy7sh5cjPoFRjIRB5XX01RAPNIbHaqvywAMPmYJjY3o3FegMFeca2txsOzg/w400-h320/Screenshot+%2528208%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Bushwalk.com and Wild magazine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruRfYlTKIk4VWmL423iS0CHa5Hq60LhiTGBp7dSBmDX4ytgV0ilvTO_-P8rPHfRRbZuJ5f1EMHmgUytcJrr68tbE4U4UmWM3OerW0pjjp1iuweDxXXxd_4GMjjUL0V_J6F2V2K8ECt_zs/s1600/IMG_20201210_122250075.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruRfYlTKIk4VWmL423iS0CHa5Hq60LhiTGBp7dSBmDX4ytgV0ilvTO_-P8rPHfRRbZuJ5f1EMHmgUytcJrr68tbE4U4UmWM3OerW0pjjp1iuweDxXXxd_4GMjjUL0V_J6F2V2K8ECt_zs/w300-h400/IMG_20201210_122250075.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PeeYr7OvefeB6ULh4jwNN55Y4-hZnRovr_36jKuoGVBa8brSuZ6WDNmbNVveC_IQO7qADH8LF5Op0ujbiXzkmgTLROrjSbumG-zTKvH2q_bDA_g-qlcXYR_m440F9I_JgyjGNumin75f/s4160/IMG_20201210_130956814_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PeeYr7OvefeB6ULh4jwNN55Y4-hZnRovr_36jKuoGVBa8brSuZ6WDNmbNVveC_IQO7qADH8LF5Op0ujbiXzkmgTLROrjSbumG-zTKvH2q_bDA_g-qlcXYR_m440F9I_JgyjGNumin75f/w300-h400/IMG_20201210_130956814_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Around 4 and a bit kilometres of winding through myrtle forest will land you in the open car park and picnic area of Ralph's Falls. </div><div>There is a shelter, rain water tank and a short trail to the Falls overlook.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PUt5gt6GZwC-AShFcv8tMpFTnA4IB0D_S9LNCoq6JY85bWtLNLwDAxKA06TNu03SRIKNQDcVJ45jkRU_jOfgd9scEhRL4I6V_J9fdILnf2qfS13kVdw7E3Va9_fC4DXlTk7Fzf0ddjXM/s4160/IMG_20201210_133530590_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PUt5gt6GZwC-AShFcv8tMpFTnA4IB0D_S9LNCoq6JY85bWtLNLwDAxKA06TNu03SRIKNQDcVJ45jkRU_jOfgd9scEhRL4I6V_J9fdILnf2qfS13kVdw7E3Va9_fC4DXlTk7Fzf0ddjXM/w400-h300/IMG_20201210_133530590_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASZd59m9AzCBvzN8U2curup9dS66nQowz8CToPZi9pfgeYj2UmjvS5MkmLiYSi1gr7qGC_aw6cUWQQUvVb5T5IZBNdXd7Y2sJjT2rA5U9gNtvMBHG2_czKVOlY9o-6iXDqEagumQyir4q/s1600/IMG_20201210_151528817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASZd59m9AzCBvzN8U2curup9dS66nQowz8CToPZi9pfgeYj2UmjvS5MkmLiYSi1gr7qGC_aw6cUWQQUvVb5T5IZBNdXd7Y2sJjT2rA5U9gNtvMBHG2_czKVOlY9o-6iXDqEagumQyir4q/w300-h400/IMG_20201210_151528817.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mS9Z9MnSNaZB6haq0Ud8PJ4xcdXC4btLHbTO2vGZpo28I2kcTlGvrg_xAG6aB1f7wjkfSSoSh8Np8EhPKGzBLGx4q62jyUV4pVBkY6wxa0_NVkT7N7kQBKBGAfubhRIfmWBNz-WF-L8v/s3264/IMG_20201210_140558518_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mS9Z9MnSNaZB6haq0Ud8PJ4xcdXC4btLHbTO2vGZpo28I2kcTlGvrg_xAG6aB1f7wjkfSSoSh8Np8EhPKGzBLGx4q62jyUV4pVBkY6wxa0_NVkT7N7kQBKBGAfubhRIfmWBNz-WF-L8v/w300-h400/IMG_20201210_140558518_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc_deZgJtvBuncCfbWvcMiGWXOTXnuqgVbokWzD1QGtzzb1QLwJXOpVQ4p1UNMmgo_84zJVULSexurw-y8JUp5J0tOKHW501KeFSSj6XhlBrn5RIiFrlpiotrWPXvyDvGLEKXLqD46Lra/s4160/IMG_20201210_140450153_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc_deZgJtvBuncCfbWvcMiGWXOTXnuqgVbokWzD1QGtzzb1QLwJXOpVQ4p1UNMmgo_84zJVULSexurw-y8JUp5J0tOKHW501KeFSSj6XhlBrn5RIiFrlpiotrWPXvyDvGLEKXLqD46Lra/w400-h300/IMG_20201210_140450153_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b><u>Gear:</u></b></p><p>I took a hiking pole, Topo shoes, a bright purple merino top and quite a few photos. Easy walking, loads of shade from the sun after leaving the Mt Victoria summit trail. </p><p>I returned the same way back to my vehicle. </p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-83974975009190489792021-01-24T18:48:00.003+11:002021-02-08T13:43:42.220+11:00Bill Shepherd Memorial Circuit. Wilmot River, Alma, Tasmania. 11km round trip.<p>Lucy's Track. Dooley's Track. They join up as a sweet little loop trail that deserve a heck of a lot of love and hopefully not too many visitors. </p><p>Well marked and maintained thanks to local volunteers, this watercourse ramble winds around a steep sided section of the picturesque Wilmot River in Central Tasmania.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT4BSQ0GoI-7gMyKkVtSYgsl9SHGnUHFBbyNimPRrK0Gn6gPGAPAlUInKKjLrDHz819hWiPZsQg6sAFAvEuPW3qTayBebXAxMR0ZG5PTqidJxHYZJjNMPi60uKtiMVhbNKn37EWflPv2C/s4160/IMG_20210122_140456668_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT4BSQ0GoI-7gMyKkVtSYgsl9SHGnUHFBbyNimPRrK0Gn6gPGAPAlUInKKjLrDHz819hWiPZsQg6sAFAvEuPW3qTayBebXAxMR0ZG5PTqidJxHYZJjNMPi60uKtiMVhbNKn37EWflPv2C/w300-h400/IMG_20210122_140456668_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><u><b>Getting there:</b></u></p><p>Travelling from Launceston, takes around 1 hour, 20 minutes.</p><p>Head West on the Bass Highway and choose a turn off to Sheffield. Roll through the pretty town centre and chug on through on the B14 for 13km, then left onto Lower Barrington Road ( C144) for a kilometre until the C144 hangs a left and becomes Lake Paloona Road and spins around for 6.5km until a left onto Wilmot Road (C132) for 3.5km and your looking for a parking spot on the twisty hill after the bridge. </p><p>Or plug in the following numbers 4RC8P6FC+GW into Google maps. That'll do it.</p><p>There's a yellow metal sign nailed to a tree to indicate the parking area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6fQKkTA6ieHfJaR135qp3nPEfzMJV14OAiPhr3MvCIEr_23QoO207yvmBLUXOFEq53yvrdIxqB9-dV4iLfpVVG3FuUKgmpIkN-GmPonlwcNzvZPnzDFKmPTLNzZ7RqyqRGU5VDrfugry/s4160/IMG_20210122_122011238_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6fQKkTA6ieHfJaR135qp3nPEfzMJV14OAiPhr3MvCIEr_23QoO207yvmBLUXOFEq53yvrdIxqB9-dV4iLfpVVG3FuUKgmpIkN-GmPonlwcNzvZPnzDFKmPTLNzZ7RqyqRGU5VDrfugry/w400-h300/IMG_20210122_122011238_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Cross the road, hop the wire fence guard, go left and look for the car tyre staircase heading down to the river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZjjB7eEwKwain9z71IuuSAV-iJ5scRjXeoEFl-Xv9QC-Nu7NQQea5gFQsk5N670RmNIxmkqwGPNV-7PmWy63B4uDfi4cpB4ZSGfbXPiHvGkMdB8OGZZfbxC8aqewAv38sK3TOvOIPE0K/s4160/IMG_20210122_122651152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZjjB7eEwKwain9z71IuuSAV-iJ5scRjXeoEFl-Xv9QC-Nu7NQQea5gFQsk5N670RmNIxmkqwGPNV-7PmWy63B4uDfi4cpB4ZSGfbXPiHvGkMdB8OGZZfbxC8aqewAv38sK3TOvOIPE0K/w300-h400/IMG_20210122_122651152.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><u>Track grading:</u></b><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>Thanks to the recently departed Bill Shepherd and his trail building comrades, Lucy's Track and this section of the Dooley's Track are distinctly marked, thoughtfully built, super well maintained and quite obviously very much loved. </div><div>There is a sense of local ownership reflected in the absence of garbage and proliferation of hand made signage and I was fortunate to be following a few hours behind a regular trail maintaining stalwart 'Max' who had cleared the Lucy's Track section of the trail up to the East Ellis crossing the very day I hiked the circuit.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a cheerful sunny Summer's day; I wore shorts, t shirt and Earth Runner sandals. </div><div>I had poles with me and they were useful on the steepish bits that deviated away from the waters edge. </div><div><br /></div><div>You are in the forest canopy for the most part but I'd take a hat.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRD9o0RelQOIbv0TZzPGFGollT7rAtv4AZHz0IaLZoPbJ8vHanm_tymcsyN93tW0wTgbGCHVTrlOwDaM_r_DzruPc5yS4DAsVmuDZTETn89CcPkRMj8Ehjhzr-x84JHsiZjOZ2ji6JF82/s4160/IMG_20210122_122856772_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRD9o0RelQOIbv0TZzPGFGollT7rAtv4AZHz0IaLZoPbJ8vHanm_tymcsyN93tW0wTgbGCHVTrlOwDaM_r_DzruPc5yS4DAsVmuDZTETn89CcPkRMj8Ehjhzr-x84JHsiZjOZ2ji6JF82/w300-h400/IMG_20210122_122856772_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2iFg82hPmdLdxh_kfrBX9k9kRGSNrnTAisnyg7yc85Lk4CcrhqNQsRyqx8McKreAcQNpfhrapmnqYYagTmfGOc2VvMJpD5L_s8wx65WHPohyoU4cIHRiz114Xe1e-MIzmjOX0ILlJrrN/s665/Screenshot+%2528199%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="665" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2iFg82hPmdLdxh_kfrBX9k9kRGSNrnTAisnyg7yc85Lk4CcrhqNQsRyqx8McKreAcQNpfhrapmnqYYagTmfGOc2VvMJpD5L_s8wx65WHPohyoU4cIHRiz114Xe1e-MIzmjOX0ILlJrrN/w400-h223/Screenshot+%2528199%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from the Kentish Walks Private Facebook group under Files<br /> </td></tr></tbody></table>I first became aware of the various trails adjacent to the Wilmot River via bountiful posts from Bill Shepherd on Bushwalk.com in the Tasmania section (this website is a gold mine to unearth information about walking in Australia). After hearing of his passing late last year I decided to get off my arse and finally chase one of his trails. Pleased I did so, I was stoked! </div><div><br /></div><div>Trout in the river, lovely tall white gums, dogwood shrubs trailside. Loads of chill out spots and a sense of wildness. Bang on.</div><div><br />To be honest anything I write here that isn't hyperbolic nature inspired prose is drawn directly from the late Bill Shepherd's still active <a href="https://wilmotwalkingtracks.com/author/billshep737d3f4f244a/" target="_blank">Wilmot River Walks website</a> and the very useful 'Kentish Walks' Facebook group page that includes the informative 2 page PDF download of the circuit including map and clockwise walking directions. Which is all you need, really.</div><div><br /></div><div>So go walk it. <br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoryRSZF31adMTCbUwpXV_ehXovrNFWc7EJN8_o-vm9cCN_7oIC8rEcf9yAzz1qKPE2iPSqfF1Os9xW71E1LYK-e7-1TC51Z3L-v6csBDcsNiqeuE8YRnOThhyphenhyphen9-Z8LFzZgXI_boNeQw7Z/s4160/IMG_20210122_132214645_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoryRSZF31adMTCbUwpXV_ehXovrNFWc7EJN8_o-vm9cCN_7oIC8rEcf9yAzz1qKPE2iPSqfF1Os9xW71E1LYK-e7-1TC51Z3L-v6csBDcsNiqeuE8YRnOThhyphenhyphen9-Z8LFzZgXI_boNeQw7Z/w400-h300/IMG_20210122_132214645_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6lKc7lDEc1oY10djKwUFDc6EHz9KCQZvK9_bynZhG-jOFn2INlo0zUo7MKHexxaExG9FtEx_vY2CftvGdtazI8gYNDFzql0l42RlVERaUMX2VNrAOinB_E3yfetiz6lXh3LnGhMEVOQg/s4160/IMG_20210122_141746356_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6lKc7lDEc1oY10djKwUFDc6EHz9KCQZvK9_bynZhG-jOFn2INlo0zUo7MKHexxaExG9FtEx_vY2CftvGdtazI8gYNDFzql0l42RlVERaUMX2VNrAOinB_E3yfetiz6lXh3LnGhMEVOQg/w300-h400/IMG_20210122_141746356_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq1d284FCPE3zN2F0q3Hxsj6I0462mEqDiKsbTTICiD04xTdCfL67Di-XisknyoyXQWd2OiaEXnc32tIkl40wQMTI83XATfbxu9BiyiYDr7b8eUahfQjvSkU3d4QYUq1p_hAk5DPFd__P/s4160/IMG_20210122_145048877.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq1d284FCPE3zN2F0q3Hxsj6I0462mEqDiKsbTTICiD04xTdCfL67Di-XisknyoyXQWd2OiaEXnc32tIkl40wQMTI83XATfbxu9BiyiYDr7b8eUahfQjvSkU3d4QYUq1p_hAk5DPFd__P/w400-h300/IMG_20210122_145048877.jpg" title="Poetic words sprinkled along the trail." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like these poetic words sprinkled along the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAD1shBRbe16POYhsybA5UBHSaJkGZeKBBh4RhA-gfYJlScK5tupGSDcBgtiOWjqmtNnxC5ekHA_4wYcVdw8mj_n3gh4cWW1KR9LrPXMRHY_eI1s5gnzl_dYyFzpNLQaczWt21Kpeyw6g/s4160/IMG_20210122_142600321_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAD1shBRbe16POYhsybA5UBHSaJkGZeKBBh4RhA-gfYJlScK5tupGSDcBgtiOWjqmtNnxC5ekHA_4wYcVdw8mj_n3gh4cWW1KR9LrPXMRHY_eI1s5gnzl_dYyFzpNLQaczWt21Kpeyw6g/w400-h300/IMG_20210122_142600321_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OQprCJ0JROtE4d0zI0GtbGFsunPZG7M6GsphrO0KS7LsLKYbSvrW_tboOtH4VcYi9BpPC1rew3yh2OUuQNAptiqpPS_2UnPB9U9hSBPcBXVPnTTmmSIgrWbtsc_dd98LRtfnTXXA5cl1/s4160/IMG_20210122_133735495_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OQprCJ0JROtE4d0zI0GtbGFsunPZG7M6GsphrO0KS7LsLKYbSvrW_tboOtH4VcYi9BpPC1rew3yh2OUuQNAptiqpPS_2UnPB9U9hSBPcBXVPnTTmmSIgrWbtsc_dd98LRtfnTXXA5cl1/w400-h300/IMG_20210122_133735495_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-29582707571517249382020-12-11T12:04:00.006+11:002021-02-08T13:43:42.308+11:00Safari's Favourite Stuff of 2020: Brews, Books & Flicks.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><u>
Beer:</u></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Although I really don't drink that often these days (ahem), when I did partake this year I sampled some seriously tasty brews. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">All bar one of the following beers originate here in Tasmania, reflecting 2020 and the enforced travel restrictions it brought. Staying local, drinking local? Did we have a choice?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">But that's quite ok. Tasmanian breweries are kicking it in the dick and punching out loads of world class concoctions. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3QJxnf2btd-SRRd58UNeLFGZeg8OUiC1JwWXmjh76eBsOO3cgBVzcYzA0hv-w0OratyRXxiAZXYN4mFh6tdWbnMqBJpW2mxsErgYe7U6m4CH9uYdEHnz-C3yYsH04eFapG2sg8_xVSLh/s2048/IMG_20200111_155727558_HDR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3QJxnf2btd-SRRd58UNeLFGZeg8OUiC1JwWXmjh76eBsOO3cgBVzcYzA0hv-w0OratyRXxiAZXYN4mFh6tdWbnMqBJpW2mxsErgYe7U6m4CH9uYdEHnz-C3yYsH04eFapG2sg8_xVSLh/s320/IMG_20200111_155727558_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><u>Shambles Brewery</u>: Summer Ale 500ml can<br />
<br />Tasmania</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy4QGbu5UVYzsyu3MeaQ9MBjwOoYX_IfOWgtdseyEAuoVUVDvsDgzj_ALyUm450_lxKU6CBo65wf5LeXJC9xotASZP-Vi6hGslQKxQedpZ6V-nvIXW_c2iUoo9E1AUdDJse_hLkF4YrxM/s2048/IMG_20201025_151652683_HDR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy4QGbu5UVYzsyu3MeaQ9MBjwOoYX_IfOWgtdseyEAuoVUVDvsDgzj_ALyUm450_lxKU6CBo65wf5LeXJC9xotASZP-Vi6hGslQKxQedpZ6V-nvIXW_c2iUoo9E1AUdDJse_hLkF4YrxM/s320/IMG_20201025_151652683_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><u>Morrison Brewery</u>: 1000 English IPA</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />Tasmania</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnSTVREZ4eY_vzRUCxIQn5Udg_Ykfq1SAnmZ7VkLVan4HpWCmOAnPjf3ufNuhTn2mRgXvtE19v6LSYM2CmTy7M_AE-VQjF7yPV5c2NqLgdtX5eR8sb_dYWF5HdY0CaZOyooHYRaPkvISV/s2048/IMG_20200720_161612638_HDR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnSTVREZ4eY_vzRUCxIQn5Udg_Ykfq1SAnmZ7VkLVan4HpWCmOAnPjf3ufNuhTn2mRgXvtE19v6LSYM2CmTy7M_AE-VQjF7yPV5c2NqLgdtX5eR8sb_dYWF5HdY0CaZOyooHYRaPkvISV/s320/IMG_20200720_161612638_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><u>Last Rites Brewing Company:</u> The Boozy Ditch, Smoked Brown Ale</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tasmania</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhFY_Vs0_6D4pXv8Wsv2DIgtAb5VspTmzB2kkj_ML_rBvMJyb7qRom6FYn1Qo3bM0W17HPUomXClrnOLVbPs3I2MDcAqBlrT3Yvfov9i3j7-3AbQ1M7tupdCBIiJMGrt4xDQUE47zINdq/s2048/IMG_20200809_164003762.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhFY_Vs0_6D4pXv8Wsv2DIgtAb5VspTmzB2kkj_ML_rBvMJyb7qRom6FYn1Qo3bM0W17HPUomXClrnOLVbPs3I2MDcAqBlrT3Yvfov9i3j7-3AbQ1M7tupdCBIiJMGrt4xDQUE47zINdq/s320/IMG_20200809_164003762.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><u>Little Rivers Brewing:</u> Vanilla Vice Milkshake IPA</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tasmania</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBDdnSp-sjd_ctYB36SJUciUWDIzMuZ2CWRJu1_p4J4NsVWYk6Wjlk89gDGPHU7kx3YvOReXcernPNYq7nkWVGNSAz88TPV67Pp6UV9qVRiWdveUoOq5KQy6c3iM4hmPy2LkzKE2S6XPu/s2048/IMG_20200729_165326209.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBDdnSp-sjd_ctYB36SJUciUWDIzMuZ2CWRJu1_p4J4NsVWYk6Wjlk89gDGPHU7kx3YvOReXcernPNYq7nkWVGNSAz88TPV67Pp6UV9qVRiWdveUoOq5KQy6c3iM4hmPy2LkzKE2S6XPu/s320/IMG_20200729_165326209.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><u>Du Cane Brewing:</u> Peak Pils Pilsner</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tasmania</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zbjvHI5KZZte3zDmKvv5CSY6MvZhgf66oPS2D7REXXqZ1s8jumbVvmuehDt_DJ4Gbkqxc3HhqNCMwKBWu2HXoQ7og3yzCobyXQxHqN5F00rdVx_aHYLEfUE_Fl63q8X4AtIBZApnbfBU/s2048/IMG_20201002_114702676.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zbjvHI5KZZte3zDmKvv5CSY6MvZhgf66oPS2D7REXXqZ1s8jumbVvmuehDt_DJ4Gbkqxc3HhqNCMwKBWu2HXoQ7og3yzCobyXQxHqN5F00rdVx_aHYLEfUE_Fl63q8X4AtIBZApnbfBU/s320/IMG_20201002_114702676.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><u>Little Bang Brewing Company:</u> Face Inverter Citrus Sour</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">South Australia.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Books:</u></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjZna7AhxBZPnJdK7f58x-cv_s3LPpAShQZEgrfMfRCBZNEE8kUQ0THto_0E2crf_MBdaNUitos2ocgUGZJLFh9BOe77TefnvpaRx2H44YzUw8aE5bRwnL359VJ3IVuZoIi1hjevG5Ntx/s500/step-by-step.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture sourced from Booktopia.com.au" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjZna7AhxBZPnJdK7f58x-cv_s3LPpAShQZEgrfMfRCBZNEE8kUQ0THto_0E2crf_MBdaNUitos2ocgUGZJLFh9BOe77TefnvpaRx2H44YzUw8aE5bRwnL359VJ3IVuZoIi1hjevG5Ntx/w208-h320/step-by-step.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture sourced from booktopia.com.au</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Simon Reeve</b>- Step By Step</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hodder & Stoughton 2019</i></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One of my fav BBC adventure travel presenters turned out to be far more relatable and vulnerable than I perceived. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Simon goes deep and long into living a life of chronic despondency and despair whilst attaining adulthood and the choices and good fortune he embraced to reinvent himself into the uber well traveled TV star he is today.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Very readable and reeking of humility.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe4MDP2d1Ub43r3j1ZegL6u8NTG4b_9cJgXA832pZQ4s0XJXqZZOapdBMMGBcJOr01w_G-TSM6hGcgMWXrMDKJ2EoIZV4sU2T5vZO4dY76l1XttL5Ds9J1rmy6Ls1zj2JSXEhOUK4vcoC/s2048/IMG_20201116_173024051_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe4MDP2d1Ub43r3j1ZegL6u8NTG4b_9cJgXA832pZQ4s0XJXqZZOapdBMMGBcJOr01w_G-TSM6hGcgMWXrMDKJ2EoIZV4sU2T5vZO4dY76l1XttL5Ds9J1rmy6Ls1zj2JSXEhOUK4vcoC/s320/IMG_20201116_173024051_HDR.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><b>Jono Lineen </b> Perfect Motion: How Walking Makes Us Wiser</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><i>Random House Australia 2019</i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Jono Lineen truly embodies the phrase 'no time wasted'.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This legend has worked in a diverse number of vocations throughout his adventurous life such as tree planter in Canada, humanitarian worker across various war torn regions and tour guide in the Himalayas. In Perfect Motion he reveals himself as a deep thinker and keen observer of humans interacting in the natural environment through his enigmatic writings.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I found it tricky to put down and am re-reading it for a second time.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhUIUtgfGc-kbKCz9zaD9aIba1hSN3oqFXESrPDMrvJInPmqr0vHlrXY1f-DElDAMuaXfclscIlC0fa_Oxwm_HiLHCKj7-vMVzCd-DaftozMg8R3eA0lebbGUNus-2-sVAGzko_4udLGr/s2048/wim.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1344" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhUIUtgfGc-kbKCz9zaD9aIba1hSN3oqFXESrPDMrvJInPmqr0vHlrXY1f-DElDAMuaXfclscIlC0fa_Oxwm_HiLHCKj7-vMVzCd-DaftozMg8R3eA0lebbGUNus-2-sVAGzko_4udLGr/s320/wim.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture sourced from penguin.com.au</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><b>Wim Hof </b>The Wim Hof Method: Activate your potential, transcend your limits</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Penguin 2020</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr Hof needs no introduction. </div><div style="text-align: left;">His breathwork and cold immersion techniques kick arse and they are an important daily ritual for myself and thousands of others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This part memoir/ part instructional manual focuses on those 2 practices and the scientific evidence arising to validate his claims of good health and lower stress levels.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also got to discover a funny, poignant side of Wim as he describes his love for his children and pushes a message of kindness and acceptance without prejudice.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Legend. Hardman. Boundless energy and positivity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9LtFnmvNnvAKsrUiH1qziG-D7fIqrS182eTUgK4BYBw8kKnTZZkAjkWlyXFVQ65dGp80qBW9pNz0XgijDKnTJhUavjO8VFjiaF0MipQOJX11ADx4LKaVjZI1XOAT44ZWh6mIlRIzga1_/s2048/IMG_20200807_141823000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9LtFnmvNnvAKsrUiH1qziG-D7fIqrS182eTUgK4BYBw8kKnTZZkAjkWlyXFVQ65dGp80qBW9pNz0XgijDKnTJhUavjO8VFjiaF0MipQOJX11ADx4LKaVjZI1XOAT44ZWh6mIlRIzga1_/s320/IMG_20200807_141823000.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Robert Macfarlane</b> The Old Ways</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Penguin 2013</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rob Macfarlane is possibly the pre eminent writer on walking and wandering in the world today. His output is prolific and the descriptive prose enchanting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Old Ways is a collection of journeys mostly around Britain, following ancient tracks and trails as well as a few sea routes thrown in.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I find Macfarlane's writing requires a fair bit of attention and being in a switched on state of mind to fully digest his observations and ideas. This isn't throwaway airport reading, more like the thinking person's writings on foot travel. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnSCqkxsHyOyjxaZlN8-2ygh2TWu-Ley6PLMmHiHNycOewIkMexy5rAUGZN3wWWljMFUwmVLJv3an7VA5CwYH0T9SdORvwaVgc_Dc274gvzM2lMq-dCfZdpv8MHNmrZd_0JwsHoMWmuBV/s2048/IMG_20200916_121304883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnSCqkxsHyOyjxaZlN8-2ygh2TWu-Ley6PLMmHiHNycOewIkMexy5rAUGZN3wWWljMFUwmVLJv3an7VA5CwYH0T9SdORvwaVgc_Dc274gvzM2lMq-dCfZdpv8MHNmrZd_0JwsHoMWmuBV/s320/IMG_20200916_121304883.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Neil Price </b>A History of the Vikings: Children of Ash and Elm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Basic Books 2020</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I listened to Neil on the very first episode of the Northern Fire podcast this year and immediately ordered his excellent work on the peoples whose exploits identified the 400 years or so of time known as the Viking age.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a subject close to my heart, not just because of the pop culture driven Dark Ages craze on the small screen via The Last Kingdom and Vikings tv shows- which are admittedly very good. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been diving deep into my genealogy and learning about my Saxon, Celtic and Scandinavian roots. I enjoy being part of a small sub culture that celebrates heathen tattoos and medieval art work. All a bit of fun and giggles.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Building on a lifetime of academia, researching Viking culture, Neil blasts away any romantic notions about these long dead people and their way of life and exposes some disturbing finds. </div><div style="text-align: left;">On top of the disturbing shit we are already familiar with.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Life was shit back then, people did shit things to each other and their enemies. No way would any of us want to be living a thousand years ago, fuck that- but it was a fascinating, and culturally transforming, chunk of time in human history and deserving of this easily read, grand work he has collated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Film:</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJP5XEG-DNyx1AGhsVX4D6sz_c7EWZ52AWNS6j5hE_ehPPxkWonTEqvtClH840JquXvFKlWrGZAslgFlu1pwYhSUhXn1BiSHyN4zU_eX71pannmc_mVfKAVYuNBqECWTgOwHVi8xun_hP/s930/WalkumentaryThumb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJP5XEG-DNyx1AGhsVX4D6sz_c7EWZ52AWNS6j5hE_ehPPxkWonTEqvtClH840JquXvFKlWrGZAslgFlu1pwYhSUhXn1BiSHyN4zU_eX71pannmc_mVfKAVYuNBqECWTgOwHVi8xun_hP/s320/WalkumentaryThumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">The Walkumentary: Southbound on the CDT</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.thewalkumentary.com/" target="_blank">link here</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Disco from the Trail Show podcast recently uploaded his full length homage to wandering across the USA from Canada to Mexico on the Continental Divide Trail on Youtube.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although it dates from waaaaay back in 2006 when far fewer people walked or even knew about the CDT, I reckon it still holds up well in a now crowded genre of homemade walking films. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Minus the poxy high pitched top 40 muzak that accompanies many efforts. 😉</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6t6oAzpDzmT9ixfKK4jN4ZTHs7Pou9hnWlhEmhtq8tUUWRGx-XScJKnjnrAAk8OzaXn4hyj_VXmjKXkZG8cQdWp7nyYcwWQyrM8DsSkDjyKdDjQBT7i59mnVhN7XsqJApXohPmSb8uAB/s1412/71Zua85Ym4L._AC_SL1412_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6t6oAzpDzmT9ixfKK4jN4ZTHs7Pou9hnWlhEmhtq8tUUWRGx-XScJKnjnrAAk8OzaXn4hyj_VXmjKXkZG8cQdWp7nyYcwWQyrM8DsSkDjyKdDjQBT7i59mnVhN7XsqJApXohPmSb8uAB/s320/71Zua85Ym4L._AC_SL1412_.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture sourced from Amazon.com.au<br /><br /><b><u>The Biggest Little Farm<br /></u></b><b><br /><a href="https://www.biggestlittlefarmmovie.com/" target="_blank">link here</a><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>I've been super motivated this year to smash the garden into shape and grow as much produce as possible under my own labour. Not always the easiest goal given Tasmania's sometimes gloomy Winter and the instability of the natural environment of late (yes climate change is happening, go check out how the Arctic is faring if you doubt it).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's nothing 'little' about this ambitious couple's newly acquired property; the 200 acres that is Apricot Lane Farm in California. </div><div style="text-align: left;">What John and Molly do to transform the beat up, flogged out landscape deserves a fist pump or 2 and should give anyone a sharp nudge to innovate ways to enrich their own piece of dirt and grass.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div></div></div>
Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-53819975880765325212020-07-20T09:37:00.003+10:002021-02-08T13:43:42.514+11:00Leeaberra Track, Douglas-Apsley National Park 28km<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tall trees, (mostly) dry terrain, coastal views, clean clear waters and best of all; no crowds. </div>
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Sounds great right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_NKGw-SNibIY1X_QSW4YzCSM29PtY5OgBEWJfShRIz0hWEWCpsOcawA3QWFDr-KdsXlXrOo2wut1SGiUgTuhmBEIhgjwo4GPllMw00buLc0E3wEHho95o6W_uyj5Whyphenhyphenzc4g8GbcMu2JD/s1600/IMG_20200707_134229943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_NKGw-SNibIY1X_QSW4YzCSM29PtY5OgBEWJfShRIz0hWEWCpsOcawA3QWFDr-KdsXlXrOo2wut1SGiUgTuhmBEIhgjwo4GPllMw00buLc0E3wEHho95o6W_uyj5Whyphenhyphenzc4g8GbcMu2JD/s400/IMG_20200707_134229943.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Douglas- Apsley National Park has all these desirable traits and you can sample them along the sometimes visited Leeabeera Track, over on the East Coast of Tasmania.<br />
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While the insta-facepage-addicted-hoards descend cheek by jowl on the flogged out yet very pretty Freycinet National Park, this wilder and more rugged chunk of rock and woods sees comparatively fewer hikers meaning more chance of solitude and less sightings of twenty somethings lining up to pose for 'must have' selfies at Wineglass Bay.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Posing for a 'must have' selfie at Thompson's Marshes 😜</i></td></tr>
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I couldn't drum up any information on the meaning of 'Leeaberra' which is a shame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgr5XfwY0TYN_ZERXSg2WYrZylZMyIc0ulT8UT58v52RxcFrYirnhJX-Fmqd03adzgA8b2a3GkaLYCBHSBqJgM08rA946s5d6JvIgBvpydHtZ4BbHa9_2CjYfw17dfuewVAkp6OzuYekVk/s1600/tasmania-national-parks-and-reserves-map-max+douglas+apsley+highlighted.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="742" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgr5XfwY0TYN_ZERXSg2WYrZylZMyIc0ulT8UT58v52RxcFrYirnhJX-Fmqd03adzgA8b2a3GkaLYCBHSBqJgM08rA946s5d6JvIgBvpydHtZ4BbHa9_2CjYfw17dfuewVAkp6OzuYekVk/s640/tasmania-national-parks-and-reserves-map-max+douglas+apsley+highlighted.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map sourced from www.ontheworldmap.com</i></td></tr>
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<u><b>How to access the Northern Terminus:</b></u><br />
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<li>The 'E' road or East Road, is 22.3km North of Bicheno, just past Seymour. It is an unsigned gravel track with 2 black posts at the Highway end that look like they previously held a Parks sign or something. I toddled down the path in my 2WD van for less than a kilometre and parked it on the right hand side before the creek ditch. </li>
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<li>If you have a high clearance AWD or 4WD then skipping through the washout and the next one will save you 5 or 6 kilometres slogging it up the top of the wiggly track.</li>
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<li>I quite liked the road walk up to the start, however a few other blogs and trip reports rag on this hike due to the access and logistics that require a car shuttle or pickup/ drop off from either end.</li>
</ul>
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<li>For what it's worth, I just turned the whole thing into a loop and walked from the Southern end point at Apsley Waterhole back up the Tasman Highway to my vehicle on day 3, notching up another 25 or 30 odd kilometres or whatever it was. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9721he3D6EMiCaWjz1Hz2YCES2kLd4hXCXLW7W2uhAW9wa6xg3L-OnXhZeSXe32eNmLC16hTuCD3LbsbJ2GMZqMvp-4v7-tT16da2x42_sdVjnZ4EZlB0x1FUGTp6WqlKS9QPikW5KG6Y/s1600/DouglasApsley1_000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="1087" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9721he3D6EMiCaWjz1Hz2YCES2kLd4hXCXLW7W2uhAW9wa6xg3L-OnXhZeSXe32eNmLC16hTuCD3LbsbJ2GMZqMvp-4v7-tT16da2x42_sdVjnZ4EZlB0x1FUGTp6WqlKS9QPikW5KG6Y/s640/DouglasApsley1_000.jpg" width="523" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map sourced from www.aurorabeachcottages.com.au</i></td></tr>
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<li>Parks Tasmania has a page dedicated to the trail <a href="https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/douglas-apsley-national-park/leeaberra-track" target="_blank">here</a></li>
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<li>Parks Tasmania asks all walkers to hike North to South in order to prevent the further spread of Phytophthora, a root rot disease. In addition; you can keep your kit clean.</li>
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<li>Follow the orange markers. There are a few groovy side trips along this path leading to waterfalls and lookouts. I have visited them all in the past and just craved a linear A to B journey this time.</li>
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<li>I walked the Leeaberra Track mid July 2020.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I used this crusty old map I have had for at least a dozen years. It is easily procured from outdoor equipment retailers and online.</i></td></tr>
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<u><b>Day 1:</b></u> "E" Road entrance near the Tasman Highway to Heritage Falls Campsite.</div>
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5.5km road walk plus 5.5km Northern Terminus to campsite.</div>
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Originally I was planning on a 2 day/ 1 night plod around the Rainforest Circuit and back out the same way to my car. After arriving at the Heritage Falls campsite (no falls, they are another 40 minutes further down a side track), I was getting the happy brain juices flowing so I decided to bash on through the next day and finish up at Apsley. </div>
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I encountered no leeches, no other people, mild weather and blue skies slap bang in the middle of a Tasmanian Winter. This is why the East Coast is my go to region for non snow-bound hikes when the rest of the island is locked up in a wet and cold fug.</div>
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The dry eucalypt forests and dolerite boulders scattered about remind me strongly of walking in New South Wales or Western Victoria. The track is easy to follow and there was absolutely none of the disgusting toilet paper and human faeces commonly encountered steaming on the trail elsewhere on more popular hikes. Just myself, the wallabies and the abundant birdlife. Blissful.</div>
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<b><u>Day 2:</u></b> Heritage Falls Campsite to Apsley Gorge Campsite.</div>
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22.5km.</div>
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The trail undulates and rolls through a variety of terrain including pockets of wetter rainforest, views of the nearby coastline and ocean and a very steep drop down to the Douglas River for lunch. </div>
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I crossed over and spread my quilt out to dry as the night before had brought with it a fair bit of condensation in the forested camp.</div>
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It is a lovely spot and I found I was reluctant to leave the sunshine and calm, hypnotic gurgle of the river. Anyway, the track leads straight up, up, up and then along an old foresty track that has been reclaimed by the bush. I didn't get my feet wet zip zagging through the Denison Marshes due to some very recent track maintenance work. Thank you to whoever put in the effort.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of many cheeky campsite possums keen to check out what I'm scoffing down for dinner.</i></td></tr>
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There's a final climb before heading down to the Apsley River, then grazing farmland can be sighted. I crossed the river before last light, collected water and trundled up the crushed rock path to the walk in campsite and cooked up dinner and threw up the tent.</div>
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<b><u>Day 3:</u></b> Apsley River Campsite to 'E' Road. 30km (??) along the Tasman Highway.</div>
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Road walking. I really don't hate it like many other hikers do.</div>
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I woke super early and chugged a coffee and packed up quick. A near full moon illuminated Rosedale Road and the odd farm dog bark, bark barked at me as I marched under clear skies to the A3 Highway. Turning North I encountered little traffic until the bridge over the Douglas River then it was constant dual cab utes and busy people in a hurry blowing past until meeting the E Road again. </div>
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Wasn't too bad though and a deviation to mooch up Denison Beach for an hour and watch the sunrise capped off a pleasurable couple of days. I was at the van by 11 and in St Helen's for lunch soon after.</div>
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Douglas Apsley is a surprisingly wild National Park near the East Coast population centres with plenty of scope for side missions along the rough forestry roads and accessible peaks and gorges.</div>
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Years ago I lived in Bicheno (a nearby town) and walked the Leeaberra Track as a day-long hike a few times. </div>
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You'll need to utilise a friend with a vehicle for pick up and drop off or plant an old bicycle at the Southern Terminus to pull this off.</div>
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Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-66754334536321459902020-04-20T16:13:00.000+10:002021-02-08T13:43:42.604+11:00The world's gone weird; Covid19, hunkering down in Northern Tasmania & nude Jenga.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a crazy ol shit-storm we're rolling through this year.<br />
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According to the calendar hanging over my side of the bed, today I should be kicking off my Northbound hike of the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills, South Dakota.<br />
After a week of stomping around in Dances with Wolves country I was planning to camp out for a while in Badlands National Park to the East.<br />
Sounds like a marvellous romp to begin my annual trip to the USA. Or it would have been right...<br />
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I bailed on this years mission to Colorado, South Dakota and Florida (sorry Uncle Gary) at the end of February after progressively twitchy information regarding the coronavirus signalled a no go this year. With all respect to my American relatives and hombres, the States is not the location I would want to be jammed in during the panic and shelter in place antics going on.<br />
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As the Covid19 monster gathered size and made it's way around the globe I first I looked at changing my travel destination to Peru... then that didn't look like a great place to get stuck in either so I tentatively planned a hike on the Heysen Trail in South Australia then the shit hit the fan on Thursday March 19 and everyone was designated to 'hunker down and keep the hell away from one another' status. I got off easy- full refunds on tickets and cancellations. 1000's of travellers are still going nowhere in remote locations all over the globe even now a month onwards.<br />
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Life here for me in Launceston has been surprisingly, well... business as usual. If you still have a business. Or employment with one.<br />
I am fortunate to be working on a farm in the primary industry sector and am very much isolated whilst located in a rural area and our processed products are in heavy demand. So that's that.<br />
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There isn't a true lockdown situation in Tasmania however our State government sealed the borders which means no one in, no one out. Same for Australia as a nation. For the first time in my life international travel is prohibited and all citizens are banned from exiting the country. Add to that an almost complete shutdown of the airline industry and Safari isn't going anywhere anytime soon.<br />
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National Parks and public lands managed by Parks Tasmania are closed which kinda sucks big time as all the few remaining dog parks and river side trails around Launceston are jam packed most days with families and mountain bikers and walkers pushing past each other...short sighted but I get why the decision was made.<br />
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Ree & I are fully supportive of the stay at home order and keep the fuck away from everyone else. We're getting on with it as usual by going to work, doing badass workouts, walking and running the same 3 walking trails over and over and over again.... Definitely want to see Australia and New Zealand come out of this as soon as possible and with minimal life lost. The economic damage is already truly horrible but as I have alluded to; we are in a better place than most and fortunately I held off on pulling the trigger on my cheap & cheerful cafe business idea last year. Phew!<br />
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Have I been baking? Actually, yes. Not because I have extra time or am bored or following the herd (not me!), more to do with continuing a habit I started up when up on the cattle station I worked at last year as a cook. Banana muffins and bliss balls baby! Oh yeah, and nude Jenga.<br />
We know no one is going to rock up these days so that's safe.<br />
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Am I planning an adventure or 2 for when this piece of shit virus abates? Kind of. Everything is so fluid and changeable at present I'm being a bit corny and twee and 'living in the moment' for the first time in yonks and not really worrying about the future.<br />
It'll happen. Time rolls on.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">'beware those who seek constant crowds for they are nothing alone' </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Charles Bukowski</span><br />
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Meanwhile there are movies about hobbits and Italian/ American boxers and old Kelpies that need walking to distract me and my job absolutely wears me out physically on top of all the road running I'm doing so again, being a tad corny; feeling grateful for my lot in life and good health.<br />
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Big thanks to anyone and everyone who has messaged me and positive thoughts to all reading this. It's not the zombie apocalypse but shit I wash my hands an awful lot now. 😀 </div>
Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-15876588477564489152020-01-29T11:57:00.005+11:002021-02-08T13:43:42.690+11:00Jakarta to Lombok- November 2019. 12 day Journey.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Jakarta to Lombok overland through Java was an easy sounding, no brainer journey I had on my to-do list for a few years. Loads of travelers have paved the way on this route.</div>
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I'm a keen train enthusiast when it comes to getting around whilst travelling internationally and I knew Java is criss crossed with train tracks leading to towns and cities I have never heard of. </div>
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Game on.</div>
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The opportunity popped up after working on a remote cattle station in the middle-of-nowhere Pilbara region of Western Australia. </div>
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I figured I could grab a cheap flight from Perth on the way home to Tasmania and play a while in an easily accessible part of South East Asia... This plan was hatched and what resulted was a safe, touristy and yet somewhat diverse experience, heading East from the crazy concrete strewn metropolis of Jakarta to the sleepy green volcanic isle of Lombok over 12 easy days.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLvhOU3hvmBuzK666D9cKZLYFm1Z7LJLBjmHI4g65yn3bIE-g5o5PgxYRWyhtk1Ey1T3dMkQAz-BInEgxIh1BFa0AP_7Er6I2-kwYH4_jOFYwYp7nBGSBEadfrkWBHsKnKIkoB4SSh_P7/s1600/Screenshot+%2528122%2529_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="1280" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLvhOU3hvmBuzK666D9cKZLYFm1Z7LJLBjmHI4g65yn3bIE-g5o5PgxYRWyhtk1Ey1T3dMkQAz-BInEgxIh1BFa0AP_7Er6I2-kwYH4_jOFYwYp7nBGSBEadfrkWBHsKnKIkoB4SSh_P7/s400/Screenshot+%2528122%2529_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Image sourced from: Google Maps.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Jakarta to Yogyakarta (Red) Train<br /><br />Yogyakarta to Surabaya (Gold) Train<br /><br />Surabaya to Lombok (Green) Flight<br /><br />Lombok to Bali (Purple) Ferry</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA TO INDONESIA AND BACK AGAIN:</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Perth to Jakarta direct with Garuda Indonesia. 5 hours duration. I paid $300 AUD one way via the Traveloka <a href="https://www.traveloka.com/en-au/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />Free Visa on Arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for Australians and citizens of 168 other nations.<br /><br />Denpasar to Perth direct with Air Asia. 3 hours, 45 minutes duration. I paid $150 AUD one way via the Air Asia <a href="https://www.airasia.com/flights/indonesia" target="_blank">website</a>.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><u>JAKARTA.</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">We slammed down into the steamy, gritty city of Jakarta on a rainy Sunday evening.<br />I somehow, inadvertently, chose the most expensive taxi service possible to get to our lodgings which involved a brand new Tesla and a kamikaze driver hellbent on reaching the afterlife that very night.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />After a long ride of stop start, stop start and being in the crush of 20 million other cars and scooters flying around, we were thrown out in the Cikini Raya area outside 6 Degrees Hostel. <a href="https://jakarta-backpackers-hostel.com/" target="_blank">website</a><br />I totally recommend 6 Degrees- it's been around for yonks, there's plenty of eateries scattered nearby and the rooftop bar gets you up, out of the chaotic craziness with some good city views and very cool, helpful staff.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">It was the first time in a long time I have stayed at a hostel but for $30 AUD a night for a self contained, air con room the price was right and breakfast was tasty and filling. It seems most of the other travellers buried themselves in their mobile devices at all times so socialising was minimal but that's the way it is these days.<br />We stayed 2 nights and hopped on the train from the nearby station to check out the Old City.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">To be honest there isn't much to do in Jakarta apart from revel in the traffic jams and seek respite in the shiny air con shopping malls but it was a solid starting point to scoot off on a train East to Yogyakarta.<br />You can change money, get orientated and learn a bit of Bahasa.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />At the time $1 AUD was about 9,500 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)<br />At the time $1 USD was about 13,700 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Grab is the default crowd sourced transport go to option, similar to Uber but you just order a motorbike or car and there's no prepay.<br />Cash after the ride concludes.<br />Super cheap and these guys work their arses off for very little, I urge you to tip as well. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Grab app <a href="https://www.grab.com/sg/download/" target="_blank">here</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><u>YOGYAKARTA.</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u>We shimmied onboard the train to Yogyakarta at the Gambir Station which is a kilometre or 2 from the 6 degrees hostel. Although we shared a Grab ride costing $1.70 AUD with an American backpacker it is easily walkable and once there you scan in your pre bought tickets (we used the Traveloka app and had it approved to take an Australian credit card, website <a href="https://www.traveloka.com/en-au/traveloka-flight-ticket-hotel-booking-app" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />2 seats in Executive Class cost $60 AUD, the trip takes around 8 hours. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">It's not the lightning fast Japanese/ Chinese/ Taiwanese train service but reliable, with air con, an eatery carriage and the scenery across rural Java is fantastic.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">We stayed at the Hotel Neo Malioboro opposite the train station for $30 AUD a night. New decor, friendly staff and kick ass buffet breakfast. Recommended.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have to admit I dragged us down to Yogyakarta for the express purpose of visiting Borobudur Temple.<br />I first heard of legendary Borobudur 20+ years ago and always meant to make the effort to swing by...however when I got to Yogyakarta (which is an expensive yet fun city chock full of things to do) I couldn't be bothered ponying up crazy money to join a crowd of dickhead tourists in maddening heat to see yet another jam packed temple (yes I've seen quite a few in the preceding 20 years since hearing about Borobudur) so we slunk out of town on a cool little village bicycle trip and Ree had an eye opening afternoon during a one on one cooking class.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The bikes were rough, the lunch at a genuine local warung was delicious and our guides were rock stars!<br />Touristy yet fun riding around rural villages just outside Yogyakarta bopping into markets and various businesses.<br /><a href="https://www.yogyakarta-localtours.com/cycling-tour-in-yogyakarta-local-guide/" target="_blank">Bicycle tour website</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />The cycling morning is recommended, however Ree's cookery afternoon was so so. So I won't elaborate. In her words: 'Don't look behind the curtain'. Wise words!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Eating in Yogyakarta: there are loads of great eateries in the city. We had a blast stuffing ourselves silly.<br />We sampled everything from pub food to grab and go off the street but mostly family run cheap and cheerful backpacker restaurants/ guesthouses/ tour agencies whose menus reminded me of travelling Thailand circa 2001.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Takeaway booze isn't easy to get in Yogyakarta due to draconian government restrictions but most hotels have a bar and there are a few pubs and clubs scattered around.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><u>SURABAYA.</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u>For this leg of the journey we opted for 'Business Class' train tickets which to be honest were a bit of a disappointment. Cheaper, similar shabby carriage and seating but absolutely no air flow or air conditioning. Super stuffy and difficult to relax. Maybe it was just the carriage we were in but we were elated to run out into the frenetic madness that is Indonesia's second city and check into the Max One Hotel at Tidar. $30 a night and scrumptious breakfast. Outside dance floor and bar on the roof if that's your thing.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">We grabbed a cab to the airport next day and I crossed my fingers and clenched my arse muscles as Lion Air swung us up up up into the sky for the 50 minute flight to Lombok.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>LOMBOK.</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u>We <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">prearranged</span> a transfer with our accommodation and after prayers (yes, I kid you not) and a quick dash through the main town, Mantaram, it was 3 days of bliss exploring the Western side of the island and hooking into fried fish and cold beer.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Absolutely recommend Cozy Cottages in sleepy Mangsit. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Situated around 5km North of Senggigi where most travellers stay and party, the beach is black and shaded by palm trees. Lots of eateries and bars nearby serving Indonesian and Western stuff. Cozy Cottages is owned and run by a British guy, there are only 5 stand alone villas and the swimming pool is lush.<br /><a href="https://cozy-cottages-lombok.business.site/" target="_blank">Website here</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I rented a newish Honda Vario scooter from a local outfit via Cozy Cottages for 60,000 IDR a day and we hopped on and blitzed around the coastal roads. Fantastic fun! It was off season so few if any other tourists and little traffic on the surprisingly very well maintained roads. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />The highlight for me- and if I'm being honest, the underlying reason for visiting Lombok- was the incredible seafood on offer.<br />Loads of beachside dive bars serving up cheap rice plates. Ree found eating vegetarian fairly easy throughout Java and Lombok too.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">So few travellers mooching around meant there were some desperate bracelet sellers and empty beaches. Rubbish abounds on the coastal sands fringing Lombok and the interior roads are worth a fang on the scooter if you feel adventurous. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">However the locals are friendly and we never once encountered the slippery scam.</span></h3>
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<u>BALI.</u></div>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ah, Bali. Bogan shithole of the South Pacific. Yet cheap and accessible port of entry to explore Indonesia. </span> </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">We ran the gauntlet of wanna be con -men and touts at the wharf North of Senggigi at Bangsal and took the speedboat direct to Padang Bai on Bali's East coast. You can also head to the Gili Islands on a similiar route.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">There we ran the gauntlet hustlers and touts to crawl stop start in a crowded van and experience grid lock traffic for 2 hours before being dropped off in Legian, backpacker central. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />The journey was arranged via Cozy Cottages on Golden Queen and it was actually quite well run.<br />Price includes pickup from Lombok accommodation, ferry service and transfer to Bali hotel. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">$30 AUD per person.</span></h3>
<a href="https://www.gilitickets.com/" target="_blank">website</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />2 nights at Grandma's Plus Legian scoffing a scrumptious buffet breakfast (yes, breakfast is massively important to me) and utilising the free bicycles for a ride along the beachfront was enough for us. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Day trips around the island are expensive and many travellers rent a scooter and have a pants browning experience escaping the built up congested Kuta area. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />I usually avoid these types of over developed party places in Asia. Saying that it WAS my 3rd visit to Bali over 20 years so seeing the crowds and crazy pricing for drinks and activities first hand- since my last time there many years ago, I used it as an entry point to travel to the Komodo Islands around 2005?- reinforced why it was important to experience Lombok NOW before it is quickly turned into another Bali.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Food is good! Can recommend any of the cheap Warung's in the side streets around Legian, just keep an eye out for the fat drunk Aussie's staggering around. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />3 on a tiny scooter each clutching a Bintang was the most we saw one hairy night complete with burgers and warm beer, but people watching is always good value when you're seeing your fellow country men and women fighting each other and puking up in the gutter.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">That's it. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><u>Java</u>; fun and shambolic. Just the dose of craziness and noise and urban landscapes I wanted after 4 months in the Great Sandy Desert. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><u>Lombok</u>; gorgeous, laidback and green. Worth a journey and on the cusp of big changes.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><u>Bali; </u> Because there is an airport with budget direct flights many times a day to Australian cities. Not my cup of joe but I'm in the minority.</span></h3>
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Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-25006543400597654522019-12-15T15:30:00.001+11:002021-02-08T13:43:42.785+11:00Safari's Favourite Stuff of 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<u><b>Films:</b></u><br />
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The Bikes of Wrath 2018 </div>
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Doss Flamingoss </div>
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<a href="https://thebikesofwrath.com/" target="_blank">website</a></div>
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I saw this great Aussie film at my local independent Star Theatre during a one off screening with a bunch of other dedicated adventure nuts.</div>
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The premise is basically this; 5 dudes who have no experience in bike packing head off with John Steinbeck's classic tale of woe in hand on a pedal powered re-discovery of Route 66 and the people who reside along the way between Oklahoma and California.</div>
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An enlightening and engaging commentary on rural America.</div>
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Suzy and the Simple Man 2016</div>
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Shark Island</div>
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<a href="https://sharkisland.com.au/portfolio/suzy-and-the-simple-man/" target="_blank">website</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.docplay.com/home" target="_blank">stream here</a></div>
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We meet gentle self sufficiency advocate Suzy and outdoor badass and professed 'simple man', Jon on their lovely Wimmera farm.<br />
The camera follows the Muir's over 8 years and if you have any slight interest in getting off the grid and leading a more holistic, less stressful life then this real life doco may hit the mark.<br />
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Jon needs no introduction being Australia's foremost living explorer and Suzy's health issues and her neverending optimism whilst undergoing treatment underpin the narrative here.<br />
Recommended and enjoyed.<br />
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<u><b>Books:</b></u><br />
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'<b>My Midsummer Morning<i>: Rediscovering a Life of Adventure' </i>Alastair Humphreys</b><br />
(Audible Audio Edition) 2019<br />
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There's a great book written in 1969 by the legendary Laurie Lee I can utterly recommend, called 'As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning'. It recounts his wanderings through rural Spain in the 1930's and Alastair Humpfreys is also a strong enthusiast of this memoir as well.<br />
So much so he decides to forsake crossing a polar cap or rowing an ocean this time and recreate Lee's jaunt through the Spanish countryside with no funds and to busk his way to Madrid with a violin and little 'ahem' talent for violin playing. Glory be!<br />
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I'm a bit of a fan of humble Brit Alastair and his prolific adventure themed writing, and during this recollection of his Spanish journey he opens up and gets real about his personal life and the internal battles he fights in creating balance between being a good father and husband and the yearning to just nick off on a long mission with a backpack and a tent.<br />
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Bonus- the author also narrates the audio version of this book which gives it a grounded feeling.<br />
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<b>'Clear Waters Rising-</b> <i><b>A Mountain Walk Across Europe' </b></i> <b>Nicholas Crane</b></div>
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Penguin 1996</div>
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Crane's 'Clear Waters Rising' was one of the first adventure travel books outside of mountaineering literature I ever read way back in the day.<br />
As a much younger man at the time, I was blown away to read about his 18 month long hike from the West Coast of Spain to Istanbul, Turkey and a realisation was born in me that humans do indeed go on very long walks and so I too scampered off to wander some lengthy trails once my perceptions were altered.<br />
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I recently re read this book during a short trip to Java and although Crane doesn't like dogs, WTF?!- well they continually attack him during his walk so fair enough- and I wouldn't call it an easy 'airport novel' style read; it still stands up as a staggeringly well written account of his journey and the hardships suffered with plenty of dry humour sprinkled in.<br />
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<b>'Stranger In The Woods' Michael Finkel</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Audible Audio Edition) 2018</div>
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Oh wow, this ones a doozy... here's the setup:<br />
A bloke in his early 20's decides to leave society. As in utterly and completely.<br />
Off into the woods of Maine and absolutely no human contact. For nearly 3 decades Christopher Knight survived freezing nights, avoided people, thieved his food and became a local legend.<br />
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The author Michael Finkel weaves an enthralling investigation into just what methods he engaged to evade discovery and how society viewed his lifestyle choice.<br />
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This is an account of an extremist hermit who really just wanted to be alone.<br />
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<b><u>Beer:</u></b><br />
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So many tasty ales and hoppy brews were chugged this year it's honestly hard to pick a clear stand out or 2... anyway I really liked these fizzy refreshments.<br />
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Zytho IPA- a reasonably priced, palatable IPA by Tribe Breweries, NSW. Hard to stop at one...<br />
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Lost Forty Brewing 'Ice Day Arkansas Winter' Red IPA- I have much time for the beautiful state of Arkansas and I also have probably spent too much time sampling delicious Arkansas craft beer over the past few years.<br />
This piney India Pale Ale was spot on for an after hike session.<br />
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<b><u>Other cool stuff:</u></b><br />
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<b>*Ran Fiennes making chit chat- </b>I had the privilege to attend a talking tour down in Hobart during the month of March, featuring a true outdoor adventure legend; Ranulph Fiennes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image sourced from: www.ranulphfiennesliveonstage.com </td></tr>
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When I was a wee young fellow growing up in New Zealand, one of the high schools I went to had these awful dreary morning assemblies that were made far more interesting once or twice a year by the appearance of a towering, elderly Edmund Hillary. <br />
If you weren't jolted awake and energized by Sir Ed's presence then you had no pulse.<br />
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He was (and still is, RIP) a bonafide genuine first class legend.<br />
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Hearing Sir Ran talk about his life and the stupendous feats he has pulled off in the remote corners of our planet was very similar to listening to Sir Ed all those years ago. I was a tad wistful though, that he didn't carry on sharing the stories for another 4 or maybe 7 hours.<br />
I lapped it up and was keen for more . He's a funny dude too.<br />
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I'm super stoked to have seen both of these 'Giants of Exploration' in the flesh during my lifetime.<br />
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<b>*Hubert 100 mile Ultramarathon- </b>In May I ran a slow and cruisey 100 mile Ultra on a truly lush course following part of the Heysen Trail in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. I was getting my monies worth...😏<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZIVp4PoD2reHAw1CsuCgGUXagSvj5Owj5d2vN4k_ccnJWHMmI640YcX9caw9z_i90mCnjHhqXpvidjdjwXUJU7638tSQveFiRB-dJdl_Bq4aCuSz2mlLmWNtx_fb5HvOK_bsB5RZSq54/s1600/Sean+Hubert+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZIVp4PoD2reHAw1CsuCgGUXagSvj5Owj5d2vN4k_ccnJWHMmI640YcX9caw9z_i90mCnjHhqXpvidjdjwXUJU7638tSQveFiRB-dJdl_Bq4aCuSz2mlLmWNtx_fb5HvOK_bsB5RZSq54/s320/Sean+Hubert+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image sourced from: www.ultrasa.com.au</td></tr>
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The Hubert 100 -named for the little known but extremely prolific Australian explorer Hubert Wilkins- was on my to do list for a number of years and in 2019 the stars aligned and to the desert I took.<br />
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Great organisation from Race Director Ben, fantastic volunteers and the bewitching Flinders Ranges should be on everyone's hiking inventory.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image sourced from: www.ultrasa.com.au</td></tr>
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<a href="https://ultrasa.com.au/events/hubert-100/" target="_blank">Hubert 100 website</a><br />
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<b>*Penny my little Kelpie-</b>My best mate Penny turned 12 in November.<br />
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I feel very blessed and am extremely grateful every day that she is still with me after all the phases in life I have experienced over the past decade.<br />
We've had a 1000 crazy adventures, travelled all over Aussie and her constant enthusiasm for life reminds me, daily, to get after it.<br />
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Pen has slowed down a fair bit compared to our former mountain running days but I figure if she is itching to roar out the door with wonky paws and creaky joints then there is no excuses when I feel whiney and lazy.<br />
A top lady.<br />
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Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-78167550520114884162019-04-26T21:30:00.000+10:002021-02-08T13:43:42.871+11:00Mexico City & Surrounds. March 2019.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics3UL-8WMDgbwmIHAlG1xEaETZ6Ur6gz8Zf96P_lm8gcJjslcPxUWUvnObHOKAnelMlewpBYibBmYXrhw4HUx319LMbBdNUYIoO6dP1sf5ln4b2pW97XIAboIIl6Z2b6J9gGRO7L0T4Z9/s1600/P3100018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics3UL-8WMDgbwmIHAlG1xEaETZ6Ur6gz8Zf96P_lm8gcJjslcPxUWUvnObHOKAnelMlewpBYibBmYXrhw4HUx319LMbBdNUYIoO6dP1sf5ln4b2pW97XIAboIIl6Z2b6J9gGRO7L0T4Z9/s400/P3100018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mexico City: one crazy dangerous destination right? Nah.</div>
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Try fun, very loud, pulsating and as for the chow- extremely tasty.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr>
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I travelled around the Mexico City local region in March 2019 with my girlfriend Ree. </div>
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We speak around 4 words of Spanish between us.</div>
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We utilised public transport and Uber share rides and walked as often as possible. </div>
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I ate many delicious tacos and drunk copious quantities of good, cheap beer.</div>
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At the time I travelled the region 1 Australian dollar (AUD) was around 14 Mexican pesos (MXN) or 1 United States Dollar (USD) to 19 MXN.</div>
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Our cruisey sightseeing journey took us on a triangular circuit starting in Mexico City to the pyramids of Teotihuacan then onto Puebla and Cholula and back to Mexico City.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map sourced from Google Maps.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I dropped into Mexico city via Honolulu and Houston after 10 hours in the air and quickly cleared customs before jumping in a pre paid cab.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Fill out the form the flight attendants give you on the plane and hang onto the bottom bit that is handed back to you by the customs officer- you'll need it on the way out of the country and there is a bit of a fine and finger wagging if you can't produce it pronto.</span></div>
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There are loads of booths selling pre paid taxi vouchers to any destination after clearing customs and collection of baggage. Cash is king here. The cost was 220 pesos- around $16 AUD- for a 'saydan' (sedan).<br />
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I stayed a couple of nights at the budget and centrally located <a href="https://www.onehoteles.com/es/web/one-ciudad-de-mexico-alameda" target="_blank">One Ciudad de Mexico Alameda</a> in the historic district.<br />
Cost was around $90 AUD per night including a good buffet breakfast.<br />
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Right slap bang in the action and crazy noisy during the wee hours- try a super loud mariachi band rarking up at 1am right under your street facing window with 20 million partying punters and the authentic Mexico experience is a reality.<br />
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Regardless of whether you wish to sleep... 😉<br />
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Ree had already rolled into Mexico a week earlier while I was plodding around the hills of Oahu and had sussed out the sights, what was where and how things worked.<br />
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We decided to play lazy travelers and joined an Intrepid <a href="https://www.urbanadventures.com/destination/Mexico-City-tours" target="_blank">'Hidden Mexico City'</a> tour. Around $65 AUD, 6 hours long.<br />
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I don't ever usually pay someone to show me stuff I can see perfectly well myself but in this instance I am mighty happy I did. We actually had a blast and I got much insight into the cultural history and workings of one of the planet's largest metropolis.<br />
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6 of us dorky tourists were under the charge of Julio, a really cool guy in a red Intrepid t-shirt who lead us all over the historic centre and treated us to a diverse variety of architecture, freaky eateries, and local markets.<br />
All the greatest hits. Great lunch at a taqueria too.<br />
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The day finished up with a chill time at a gallery dedicated exclusively to one mural by Frida Kahlo's husband Diego Rivera; 'Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central'. 30 MXN ($2.25 AUD) included in the tour for us. <a href="https://museomuraldiegorivera.bellasartes.gob.mx/" target="_blank">Diego Rivera Museum.</a><br />
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Recommended and remembered.<br />
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Time to get out of town and go for a wander- next stop was the nearby temple pyramids of Teotihuacan, around an hour away and 50km from Mexico City.<br />
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These heavily touristed stone monuments are easily reached via the Aerobuses del Norte bus terminal.<br />
You can take the metro train there but I just ordered an Uber on my phone for a few dollars, got there quickly and purchased tickets at a booth near gate 8 that said 'Pyramides'.<br />
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One way per adult was 52 pesos ($4 AUD) and buses leave every 20 minutes or so.<br />
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We dropped in on a Sunday which is always super busy apparently as locals take advantage of free entry for Mexican citizens. There are loads of passable cafes near the various entry gates and opportunities to get out of the baking sun.<br />
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The pyramids are fantastic. As stunning as anything I have had the fortune to visit in Africa or Asia. Various gates facilitate entry on a ring road around the site. We jumped off the bus at Puerta 2 (Gate 2).<br />
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Entry is 70 pesos ($5 AUD) and the 2000 year old complex takes a while to meander through and explore. We ducked in to sneak a peek and brave the crowds then checked into a nearby family run guesthouse.<br />
<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/jatziri-calli-san-juan-teotihuacan.en-gb.html?aid=318615;label=New_English_EN_AU_20480110225-UKX64HZWNXHwNzW4zPbLTwS79836929065%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t1%3Aneg;sid=58c021030ef7da4dcee1ffbd7e532c82;dest_id=-1698418;dest_type=city;dist=0;hapos=1;hpos=1;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;srepoch=1556103855;srpvid=2f834dd750a1015d;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl" target="_blank">Posada Jatziri</a>. 535 pesos ($40 AUD) got a tidy, clean room with a view of the pyramids.<br />
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Dinner was taken in a touristy but unique 'cave restaurant' called 'The Grotto' during a heavy rainstorm.<br />
Pricey and heaving with people but great food and cold drinks. <a href="http://lagruta.mx/" target="_blank">Lagruta.</a><br />
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Next morning we watched hot air balloons drifting over the Teotihuacan area from the room and<br />
re entered the temple complex bang on opening time at 9am.<br />
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There were plenty of tour groups and other independent travellers scooting in too but it was relativity simple to find some solitude up on top of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, the highest and second highest monuments respectively.<br />
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Next stop was Puebla. </div>
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We jumped in a taxi to the San Martin de las Pyramids bus terminal which is just outside the main tourist area and caught a bus from there directly to Puebla instead of returning to Mexico City. </div>
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Can't remember how much we paid but it wasn't more than 130 pesos each and took around 2 hours.</div>
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Most travellers return to Mexico City so we were the only non Mexicans on the coach.</div>
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After a scenic ride to an ADO bus terminal I called an Uber and checked into the swanky <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/5-de-mayo-heroica-puebla-de-zaragoza.en-gb.html?label=gen173nr-1DCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaA-IAQGYAQm4ARfIAQzYAQPoAQGIAgGoAgO4Ar-SgeYFwAIB;sid=58c021030ef7da4dcee1ffbd7e532c82" target="_blank">Hotel 5 de Mayo</a>. 1970 pesos ($145 AUD) for 2 nights including breakfast.</div>
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Puebla is a fun, youthful city with some great eating options and historic sights. We found our way via a confusing local bus system to nearby Cholula (I have no accurate recollection of how I found the correct bus and managed to get there 😏 but it's totally doable).<br />
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Cholula is a tourist city dominated by the massive Great Pyramid of Cholula, widely regarded as the largest pyramid in the world.<br />
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While most of the monument is buried in soil and plant life, excavations of ancient stoneworks dating back 1700 years can be easily sighted whilst rambling along the network of paths and tunnels in the site.<br />
The summit view taken beside the bright yellow 'Church of Our Lady of Remedies' which is plonked on top is dominated by the smoking, surly bulk of the active volcano Popocatepetl. Super cool.<br />
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For some reason the adjacent museum had free entry the day I was in town so I nosed around. Although the majority of the interactive exhibits were in Spanish it was well worth while ducking out of the heat for an hour and getting the jist of the place.<br />
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Food was a little pricey understandably but still very good and bars and eateries were literally everywhere.<br />
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<u><b>This bit is to help Vegetarians travelling to Mexico.</b></u><br />
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Ree is vegetarian (I'm definitely not but I choose ethically raised protein where possible and skimp on the processed shit when not thru-hiking) and Mexico is a nation of hard core meat eaters and most meals are centred around a form of dead animal.<br />
Sometimes 2.<br />
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Although not difficult to locate vegetarian friendly food providers in Mexico City and the surrounding region it takes a bit of planning and Google and review sites are your mates here.<br />
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*<b>Vegetarian cafes recommended by Ree in Mexico City: </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.vegamomx.com/" target="_blank">Vegamo</a> Cosy and friendly little spot North East of Zocalo near where we stayed.<br />
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<a href="https://www.forevervegano.com/comida" target="_blank">ForeverVegano</a> The Cauliflower tacos were swiftly destroyed. Fun waiting staff and there is a good beer & wine selection too. Located in the funky Roma district.<br />
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*<b>Vegetarian cafes recommended by Ree in Puebla:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g152773-d1494625-Reviews-La_Zanahoria-Puebla_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html" target="_blank">La Zanahoria</a> Although nothing fancy the buffet is extensive and cheap. Non touristy and local punters.<br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/T%C3%B3nico+12/@19.0603031,-98.3024651,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x85cfc62f6072771f:0xc8c119fc64cae571!8m2!3d19.0603021!4d-98.3019177" target="_blank">Tonico 12.</a> Great little find down the end of the strip alongside the tourist train station in Cholula. Fantastic coffee and fun vege food.<br />
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Ree recommends learning the phrase "I'm a vegetarian" in Spanish- "Soy Vegetariana" (or "Soy Vegetariano" if your a dude) and a list of things you want in your tacos or meal such as refried beans, cheese, and cactus.<br />
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She had a basic list of words and phrases written down too.<br />
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Be assertive and specific in your request for meat free food and remember the red salty crust on the lemon slices served with tacos are made from worms.<br />
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Supermarkets are abundant, priced cheaply and full of fruit, nuts and veges.<br />
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Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-59315471213556201312019-04-03T15:26:00.002+11:002021-02-08T13:43:42.959+11:00The Ouachita Trail, Arkansas, USA. (Part 2).<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u>The total distance of the trail is 223 miles/ 359 kilometres.</u></div>
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<li>The Western terminus of the Ouachita Trail (wa-she-ta) is situated at Talimena State Park in Oklahoma, the Eastern Terminus is Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Centre, Arkansas.</li>
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<li>Last March I hiked 109 miles/ 175 kilometres West to East from Talimena to Suck Mountain Shelter.</li>
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<li>This year I took on the Eastern half of the trail to finish up what was left over from last years journey- this time going the other way; East to West from Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Centre to Suck Mountain Shelter.</li>
<li>I took 6 days; Friday 15 March to Wednesday 20 March 2019.</li>
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114 miles/ 183 kilometres total.</div>
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(And while I'm nerding out about mileage: + 8 miles back to Story Creek shelter + 5 miles back to Highway 27 + 3 miles walking the wrong way North on Highway 27 to Story what a dickhead + 3 miles walking back South on Highway 27 to where I started walking the wrong way feeling hot & sweaty and slightly pissed off + 5 miles walking the correct way- South, to Story and the Bluebell Cafe and the land of burgers and flush toilets and all that crap I dream about when out on the trail.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd1hTQqf0w841BcAct3qAjMgRlL0AdcLWTuGxFKZLvZ4P_zydjKkFvhkgxfDfVBXMdRTuCSLBcWZ71mwoLQ06S5g_eLZWyjxEsDfB-X1FHk7hCOFwayYuTVWDPP6Mp04xd9EY-Ibx3ZqD/s1600/ouachita+trail+overview.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="293" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd1hTQqf0w841BcAct3qAjMgRlL0AdcLWTuGxFKZLvZ4P_zydjKkFvhkgxfDfVBXMdRTuCSLBcWZ71mwoLQ06S5g_eLZWyjxEsDfB-X1FHk7hCOFwayYuTVWDPP6Mp04xd9EY-Ibx3ZqD/s400/ouachita+trail+overview.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview map sourced from United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service website.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouachita Trail map sourced from The Oklahoman 'newsok' website.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Safari Track Rating:</u> Moderate- the first 30 miles/ 50 kilometres were flat and moist, my shoes were soaked for 2 days. Although heavy rains had smacked Arkansas recently I was told the trail along Arkansas Water land is often boggy and involves crossing many creeks and streams. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">After the Highway 9 I was back in the Ouachita Forest which means lovely graded path, excellent signage and frequent blue blazes and some stupendous views. I found the Eastern portion of the trail easier to negotiate and less strenuous than the chunk I had done previously in the West. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I used Tim Ernst's 'Ouachita Trail Guide' 2012 and free maps found <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_039448.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> via the US Forest Service.</span><br />
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Back in Arkansas!<br />
I promised myself I would return to finish this trail. So in early March 2019, after a couple of weeks playing in the jungle clad hills of Oahu and enjoying some sunny days chasing my girlfriend up giant pyramids in Mexico, I found myself in a vehicle piloted by super careful Uber-driver Ariel.<br />
We were heading 17 miles outside the friendly city of Little Rock, to Pinnacle Mountain Visitors Centre.<br />
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Ouachita Trail part 2 was on!<br />
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I lucked out big time with the weather on this hike. Sunny skies, mild temperatures and barely a breath of wind over most of the 6 days.<br />
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Last year I walked the Western half of the Ouachita Trail in April and after yanking ticks off myself daily decided to push the start date for this year's hike back a month to March and embrace slightly cooler weather. That I received and less ticks and chiggers as a result.<br />
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However some crazy rainstorms preceded my Arkansas arrival and I was continually wading creeks and rivers. Nothing scary, just sodden shoes for the first 30 miles.<br />
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The first 30 miles of the OT pokes it's way along private land owned mainly by Arkansas Water and logging companies and camping is not allowed anywhere on this stretch except for a small plot owned by the Penney family who graciously allow hikers to chuck up a tent.<br />
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So for obvious reasons of etiquette and legality I shall say I camped at this location and it was a long night as I didn't get started until around 3pm from Pinnacle Visitors Centre.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">After dark on day 2 I crossed Highway 9 and the open character and dampness of the land sidling Lake Maumelle quickly changed to hard packed trail meandering around ridgelines and skirting saddles. I was back in the Ouachita Forest proper and I could camp anywhere I chose so I did.</span></div>
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Next morning I awoke to the smell of woodsmoke and tramped the mile and half up to Nancy Mountain Shelter to make breakfast.<br />
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Being a Sunday I fully expected to meet people- weekend hikers, at the shelter.<br />
Breakfast conversation with Tom from Pennsylvania and 3 sleepy Eagle Scouts under his charge revolved around what I was going to encounter over the next week and how loud coyotes howl at each other during the night. (Freakishly loud by the way)<br />
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Cool guys and I really feel a bit of hope and optimism for our society when I see young people getting out there and embracing the outdoors instead of being soft and poopy pants and mindlessly glued to their phones.<br />
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Oh yeah and the woodsmoke I could smell was from their campfire the night before.<br />
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One of the highlights of this years hike on the OT was the side spur track up West Pinnacle Bluff in the Flatside Wilderness.<br />
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I was told many times I 'absolutely have to do it' by the multitude of weekend walkers I met beforehand... so instead of ignoring them I did.<br />
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And yes if the skies are as blue and serene as it was for me you may get to gaze out at a beautiful piece of North America and go all tingly and dreamy.<br />
Arkansas is a gem of a state and I only hope it stays rural and underpopulated and chock full of lovely forest and fresh clean lakes.<br />
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Another highlight of the trail this year was the season and state of the forest canopy; it was Spring time and leaf off.<br />
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Which meant the red and white oaks and hickory trees were mostly bare and pulled in the views from the ridgelines. The pines at higher elevations emitted a pungent scent and it was just very pleasant wandering all round.<br />
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My second to last night involved my favourite campsite. I threw the tent up on a flat spot by Iron Forks Creek.<br />
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What a place! Crashing water, densely wooded hills and a convenient concrete causeway across the creek. I cooked my dinner on the walkway as the sun dipped low and the full moon rose and I nervously peeked over my shoulder for visiting bears.<br />
If there is a typical bear habitat on the Ouachita Trail then Iron Forks Creek crossing is it.<br />
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Instead a fat resident beaver was my impromptu dinner company. He/ she swum around a few times, checked me out, sniffed the air and pushed on upstream.<br />
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Light rain drizzled down as I trudged up and down various small hills and rises to the focal point of my hike; Suck Mountain Shelter, where I finished up last April. It was surreal being back less than a year later and I read my journal entry from that time with amusement. Not many folks had signed in since then.<br />
Even though I felt the Ouachita Trail was quite a lot busier this year than last, I have to admit it is still far from crowded.<br />
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Job done. Hike completed! I had linked my footsteps together from 2 section hikes over the space of a year and experienced a crazy amount of travel getting there and back to Australia and there again.<br />
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Now to find my way to Hot Springs...<br />
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That evening I camped out near Story Creek Shelter which is 8 miles back down the trail where I had come from.<br />
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An all female party of 5- Grandmother, 2 daughters and 2 kidlets were having a blast around the campfire. They were super friendly and great conversation but I'm fortunate I declined their offer of sharing the shelter- the snoring I over heard as I slipped out before dawn the next morning was deafening!<br />
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I was a bit of a dork when finally getting off the trail. </div>
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I neglected to check my map when I hit Highway 27 and see which direction the town of Story was located.</div>
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And mobile reception (cell service) was non existent.</div>
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After walking North for 3 miles I was wondering why no signs were alerting the (hopefully) nearby presence of Story. Instead I walked through a locality called Aly. I managed to get a slight signal and booted up Google maps... and yes the blue dot indicated I was heading the wrong direction. North instead of South.</div>
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3 miles back to where the OT crosses the highway and 5 more miles onward from there road bashing to Story. </div>
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Bloody hell!</div>
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Main point of this recollection is: if you get spat off the trail onto Highway 27, head <b>South </b>whether attempting to hitch or walk to Story. Saves a bit of senseless road walking and faffing about.</div>
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Now you know. And so do I....</div>
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Anyway, I rolled into the Bluebell Cafe and yakked away for a few hours with another hiker, David from Oklahoma, who I had met briefly a few days before at Blue Mountain Shelter. We both smashed food and drink down our necks and relished the civilised surrounds of the Bluebell.</div>
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This was David's first extended hike and he was calling it good after 114 miles as well. </div>
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It was fantastic to meet someone close to my age who had thrown themselves into this amazing world and was hooked and really digging it. Nice one mate!</div>
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<u>Travel log:</u><br />
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*15 March- 15 miles/ 24 km Campsite on Penney family land<br />
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*16 March- 17 miles/ 27 km Campsite by mile 191 sign<br />
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*17 March- 14 miles/ 22.5 km Campsite by Crystal Spong River<br />
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*18 March- 26 miles/ 42 km Campsite by Big Bear Shelter<br />
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*19 March- 22 miles/ 35 km Campsite by Iron Forks Creek<br />
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*20 March- 20 miles/ 32 km Campsite by Story Creek Shelter<br />
(Story Creek Shelter was an extra 8 mile backtrack)<br />
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<u>Total: 114 miles/ 183 km.</u><br />
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Lori from the Bluebell hooked me up with a local good ol' boy to shuttle me the 50 miles into Hot Springs airport where I picked up a rental car. </div>
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The next evening I met up with Wendy & Mitch and their daughter Kassie and puppy Pepper at their beautiful country house for a home cooked meal and lots of trash talking into the night.</div>
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Gracious hosts as always and catching up was a perfect and fitting end to my Arkansas adventure.</div>
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<a href="http://friendsoftheouachita.org/wp/#empty" target="_blank">FOOT; Friends of the Ouachita Trail</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.bluebellcountrystore.com/" target="_blank">Bluebell Country Store- Cafe & Trail Shuttles</a></div>
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<a href="https://iflysouthern.com/" target="_blank">Southern Airways Express</a> - flys Hot Springs to Dallas.</div>
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Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285364667580915342.post-43403039075130947222019-02-27T12:51:00.001+11:002021-02-08T13:43:43.047+11:00Safari's Favourite Stuff of 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
*Yeah the end of February 2019... a tad late posting this one but hey. 😋<br />
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First up, it's been a fun and audacious Summer-<br />
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...plenty of hikes in Tassie up in the Walls of Jerusalem area and Central Plateau,<br />
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...off track on Ben Lomond<br />
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<br />
...and a groovy trip up to Queensland hanging out with the hippies at the Woodford Folk Festival after Christmas.<br />
Good vibes, kind people, The Waifs live, constant sensory engagement, totally recommended.<br />
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I do my utter most to avoid the attention seeking, soul sucking angry outrage culture so prevalent in our clickbait media and increasingly fractured society.<br />
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Dunno about you but people inventing trivial problems and screaming at each other encourages me too, well... disappear off into the wilds. 😜 See ya.<br />
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However no man is the proverbial island and I still selectively seek out encouraging, creative material that adds value to my outdoor pursuits and travel addiction.<br />
Here's some stuff.<br />
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<u>3 books I really got into this year:</u><br />
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'<b>You Can't Hurt Me' </b><br />
<b>David Goggins.</b> 2018<br />
Audible Audio Edition.<br />
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Goggins is a bit of a legend in Ultra running and easily snatches the title of biggest badass alive today.<br />
His story is proof that a lost, overweight, bullied kid from the back blocks of Indiana can completely reinvent himself as a first class special operator in multiple Armed Force branches and summon the inspiration and drive to take on any physical challenge no matter how disgusting and seemingly insurmountable.<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed Jesse Itzler's lighthearted 'Living With A Seal' about being trained by David Goggins, then this book is a natural extension.<br />
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I snagged the excellent audio version of David's autobiography with co-author Adam Skolnick narrating for the most part.<br />
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13.5 hours of kickass motivation to set the bar higher and stop being a poopy pants whiner.<br />
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<br />
<b>'Lost Connections, Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression- and the Unexpected Solutions'</b><br />
<b>Johann Hari. </b>2018<br />
Bloomsbury.<br />
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<br />
Definitely not my usual serve of literature.<br />
<br />
Listening to Johann Hari on various podcasts had me curious though so I grabbed a copy of his latest book and forced myself to open it. After 3 pages I was hooked and crashed through the whole thing in a few days.<br />
Brilliant observations and intelligent explorations that run hard against mainstream consensus.<br />
<br />
Although I have no experience of chronic depression or anxiety I can relate very much to the modern conundrum of excessive emphasis on social media (or is it 'unsocial media?) and a lack of meaningful values in life and the consequences of few friendships and unfulfilling work.<br />
<br />
Not just questions and stories but well thought out conclusions suggesting why so many people in society are unhappy and disconnected too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>'Blood River'</b><br />
<b>Tim Butcher. </b>2007<br />
Vintage Books.<br />
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<br />
Chest beating, death defying journeys are common fodder in the modern day 'look at me, look at me, I hiked a trail and I'm going to write a 400 page book about it' yawn, I mean- adventure genre.<br />
<br />
In 2004, journalist Tim Butcher took 3 steps up the ladder and slipped quietly across the Democratic Republic of Congo chasing the trail of H.M.Stanley's famous East to West 1874-77 expedition.<br />
What followed was a truly pants browning, shit yourself in the face tale of optimism and luck.<br />
<br />
Tim is a proven badass adventurer who gets after it, but he relates his journey as one of fear, blind trust, constant paranoia and that of a foreigner very much out of his comfort zone in a nation lacking anything remotely close to a comfort zone.<br />
<br />
It's a humble classic that does not cast judgements and goes to great lengths to comprehend why and how the Congo is far less advanced and lawless nowadays than 50 years ago.<br />
I have no great urge to visit the Congo after reading this to be honest (that's just crazy talk) but when was the last time I did some gnarly overland African travel?...hmmm 😏<br />
Ideas are brewing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>3 films that deserve a viewing over a dandy brew or 2:</u><br />
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<b>Free Solo. </b>2018<br />
<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/films/free-solo/" target="_blank">website & trailer</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxIoltDz2IBLI_w_eqHV8cXTWRw-4UCX92lKLj2ey93a0q-len2xBsBTkb6Fe85OQ2Kp1OFp75eLqcg3cBYNe_vtsZF8Slqs3qDScFWmuMKrHT7MFOdJEtnRzAUNUqvRxjm4eGMHLX8vx/s1600/662333_p15913013_p_v8_aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxIoltDz2IBLI_w_eqHV8cXTWRw-4UCX92lKLj2ey93a0q-len2xBsBTkb6Fe85OQ2Kp1OFp75eLqcg3cBYNe_vtsZF8Slqs3qDScFWmuMKrHT7MFOdJEtnRzAUNUqvRxjm4eGMHLX8vx/s320/662333_p15913013_p_v8_aa.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Alex Honnold and his quest to solo (no gear, no rope) Freerider, a route up El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley.</div>
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You get to peek into the machinations of his spartan life, meet his girlfriend and possibly like me; wipe your sweaty hands on your pants many times whilst watching this fantastic documentary. </div>
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Not just for climbing junkies.</div>
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<b>Alpha.</b> 2018</div>
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<a href="http://www.alpha-themovie.com/site/www/#/" target="_blank">website & trailer</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LgvX08XA8fE0PnanFUV1VLdp4FjxwmQmj3SoLkfZnYn8CGfz2R4VaYMtyCt5Fr797G78DUCI2glXJOcxvyWUnfq87YsG_G7yHIzcZIoCEO3WT0tC-MMhEnMTUkSgCbZI4jDcAm5YgKSy/s1600/download+%25281%2529333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LgvX08XA8fE0PnanFUV1VLdp4FjxwmQmj3SoLkfZnYn8CGfz2R4VaYMtyCt5Fr797G78DUCI2glXJOcxvyWUnfq87YsG_G7yHIzcZIoCEO3WT0tC-MMhEnMTUkSgCbZI4jDcAm5YgKSy/s320/download+%25281%2529333.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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Not just for the kids. A fun coming of age survival epic that suggests how the bond between homo sapiens and canines was founded. </div>
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Watch this one with your furry buddy.</div>
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<b>Dugout.</b> 2017</div>
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<a href="https://www.dugoutadventure.com/" target="_blank">website & trailer</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIpsncq8pwks2JfYj7ME2Xywb2vcIdKeshYOZLcEZCRUFvWtxzrJtUwOILRSsrV8mGcb5hGf-ETFRfV7yQhFXaLuTgn1uwiBcgcRk3eR-GOPyfnqG3JhZBWfuu1r5tBILyLSqmIsypFnl/s1600/205866_310x459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIpsncq8pwks2JfYj7ME2Xywb2vcIdKeshYOZLcEZCRUFvWtxzrJtUwOILRSsrV8mGcb5hGf-ETFRfV7yQhFXaLuTgn1uwiBcgcRk3eR-GOPyfnqG3JhZBWfuu1r5tBILyLSqmIsypFnl/s320/205866_310x459.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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In a year of mostly forgettable Banff Film Fest flicks this one made me sit up and get excited.</div>
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Two Brits plonk themselves down in an indigenous village in the Ecuadorian Amazon and learn how to carve a dugout canoe the traditional way. </div>
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The epilogue sadly demonstrates how super quick industrialisation is hitting the fragile ecosystem of the Amazon basin.</div>
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<u>3 kick arse brews that ate my wallet:</u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz3K0DGOjfJFAnLAxe1R7CwoCHyrYiOe78zQHeDm46YJR-iM-ZhKDSyE-9tMUunjwQsTJLudBbdL9g_k5kaBKZy3aeiTjRKiMqYj-4tNt_LvHOc46jrIhhKf5FDRmO375rlRYeY4Oe3i2/s1600/PC240004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz3K0DGOjfJFAnLAxe1R7CwoCHyrYiOe78zQHeDm46YJR-iM-ZhKDSyE-9tMUunjwQsTJLudBbdL9g_k5kaBKZy3aeiTjRKiMqYj-4tNt_LvHOc46jrIhhKf5FDRmO375rlRYeY4Oe3i2/s320/PC240004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I discovered Hornet IPA from Black Hops Brewery while sweating out a sub tropical Christmas beachside in Northern New South Wales.</div>
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Dangerous and goes down far too easy. Recommended and stay the hell away from it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCarPsmZlxcFPHcwo2yt2yk6QECHrFtO4DS5Z4nduDjyaKgfOZcRd-AbfmilSSafYPnakfKhmmwO5Qw_rrVNP9IwE7IYhrmr_KOj54pzQAxQg5f8IDHHdCEGIv6g8elHCB1qiceZ5jS_yh/s1600/PC270067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCarPsmZlxcFPHcwo2yt2yk6QECHrFtO4DS5Z4nduDjyaKgfOZcRd-AbfmilSSafYPnakfKhmmwO5Qw_rrVNP9IwE7IYhrmr_KOj54pzQAxQg5f8IDHHdCEGIv6g8elHCB1qiceZ5jS_yh/s320/PC270067.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Two Birds Taco Beer won't be to every one's taste... but hey; taco's & beer! </div>
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My fav two indulgences.</div>
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Made by a female owned brew force, I chugged quite a few of these tasty drops on my birthday night in Brisbane city.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0JyO3UqE9S29ZAbqZ9QLRUrT9RsPAF42vvi0ohHdIZFpZZ5ArKOoN26nbgM2T17v9Mt8GUn5FpTjuLW_OwjIciBQ2dTufWRCshRAuMckDpeNNw7b_FDRyPzqDPT_C-3WyfnOc8wHv7gU/s1600/P5030470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0JyO3UqE9S29ZAbqZ9QLRUrT9RsPAF42vvi0ohHdIZFpZZ5ArKOoN26nbgM2T17v9Mt8GUn5FpTjuLW_OwjIciBQ2dTufWRCshRAuMckDpeNNw7b_FDRyPzqDPT_C-3WyfnOc8wHv7gU/s320/P5030470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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During my hiking trip to Colorado I hooked into a number of delicious Sour's. </div>
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Thankfully homegrown versions are getting more prolific here in Aussie. I particularly enjoyed destroying multiple cans of the Crystal Springs Brewing Cherry Saison (on the left).</div>
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Sean 'Safari' Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005186500543209860noreply@blogger.com