"This is the bestest trip ever!"

When you hear those words from a 5 year old, you know it's a successful bushwalk.

This is my first hike with Lori (my beautiful lady and I should also mention, a fellow-blogger, over at RRSAHM) and her two kidlets. I'm hoping it will be the first of many, so this sentence is music to my ears.

Waking to a glorious autumn day, we decide it's the perfect time to finally go and check out a spot we've driven past many times but never stopped at, Cave Creek Walking Track, in the tiny town of Hill Top on the edge of the New South Wales Southern Highlands.

We set off from the trailhead with no idea what to expect, but it isn't long before we're pleasantly surprised. As we descend the eroded, rocky track through dry sclerophyll woodlands toward the creek, we come across a massive set of Hawkesbury sandstone outcrops beside the track. Surrounded mainly by flowering Hill Banksia, juvenile grass trees, and Scribbly Gums, it's quite picturesque. I'd be satisfied if this is as pretty as the scenery gets, but the surprises continue.

Hill Banksia (Banksia Spinulosa)

Coming to a turn-off we see a metal staircase and, figuring it leads down to the creek, we go for a look. It does indeed lead to a creek, but the creek meanders into the darkness of a huge sandstone cave. For some reason the kids are slightly freaked out by the cave, and unimpressed when their mum races off to explore with only a mobile phone for light. Lori tells me later that she thinks it probably has something to do with all the ghosts and monsters that inhabit caves on Scooby Doo. I work on convincing them the cave's more cool than freaky, and soon she emerges.

We meet some other walkers on our way back up the stairs and they recommend continuing on to the end of the main track. The kids still aren't showing any signs of having had enough, so we go with it. After a few hundred more metres the track curves back around toward the creek and we descend into a lush valley, kept dark and damp by the high sandstone cliffs on either side. The valley floor is thick with ferns, and exceptionally tall Coachwood trees stretch up in search of sunlight. The creek, having found its way out the other side of the cave, winds its way between them.

We stop here and cross the creek to explore. The kids notice the finest details of this little hidden world, especially in awe of all the moss-covered rocks and fallen-trees.

"This looks like a fairy garden", the 3 year old remarks. I agree without much thought, but then I realise I can see what she sees. For a brief moment, I get a glimpse into just how awesome it would be to see the world through her eyes.

Disclaimer: We forgot to bring a camera on this trip and our smart-phone photos were a bit of a disaster. We'll go back and take better photo's soon.

Have you visited Cave Creek? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.

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Traversing this rocky cliff-top is slow going. I’m surrounded by a dense but low patchwork of ground-covers and shrubs, and with every step I feel the twisted branches of the coastal heath grabbing at my gaiter-clad legs.

I pause to rest and, as I look around, it strikes me that relatively few people have ever walked here before. I’m off-track in one of the most remote areas of Flinders Chase National Park, following one of the harshest and most stunning coastlines I’ve ever seen. This isn’t easy walking, but the views are worth working for.

Walking from Snake Lagoon to Cape De Couedic.

This section of coastline was once overrun with goats - it seems like the perfect place for them. They were culled by helicopter in recent years, and now their bones litter the rocky cliff-tops.

Our guide, Holger, points out the rugged, sharp-edged rocks that we’re walking on.

“Imagine walking on this with no shoes.”

He goes on to tell us about a group of four shipwreck survivors who spent more than two weeks walking here in search of help, having lost their shoes while battling violent swells on their desperate swim to shore.

They were the only survivors out of 34 passengers and crew on the Loch Sloy, which went down near here in 1899. After making it to shore and somehow managing to scale these intimidating sea-cliffs, three of them managed to make it to safety. How any of them made it at all is hard to comprehend.

Any complaints that I’m resisting the urge to voice about tired legs and the hot sun are jolted into perspective. I’ve never been more thankful for my hiking shoes, and I could hug the folks from Australian Wilderness Adventures for providing me with a pair of gaiters.

Even on a 16 km stretch, the vegetation and geology of this coastline is incredibly varied.

There are sections of beach-walking on each of the two off-track days. Australian Wilderness Adventures suggests that guest bring a "karma bag" and pick up some of the plastic rubbish that litters these otherwise pristine beaches, and kills thousands of marine animals and millions of birds each year.

This is day 4 of the Australian Wilderness Adventures 5-day Kangaroo Island Walking Tour. If you’re thinking it sounds a bit too challenging for you, just stick with me here... The itinerary consists of two days of off-track walking (13 and 16km’s) alternating with three easier days (5 – 9 km’s). Each day includes a visit to one of the island’s more popular attractions, either before or after a walk. The tour caters well for all levels of hiker.

After a ranger-guided tour of Kelly Hill Caves on our first day, we enjoyed an easy 9 km stroll through Kelly Hill Conservation Park to our accommodation at Hanson Bay. This was a great introduction to the flora and fauna of the island, which is quite unique. But having had very little sleep in my hostel dorm room the night before, I must admit that the highlight was walking over a sand-dune and spotting Hanson Bay Cabins, perched on the hill overlooking the bay.

I like sleeping in a tent as much as the next hiker, but I’m not averse to having a roof over my head either. “The ten dollar accommodation with the million dollar view”, as the cabins seem to be affectionately known, strikes a nice balance between the two. The view from the cabins makes the perfect backdrop for our evenings of relaxing and getting to know each other, over a few drinks and a meal.

Australian Wilderness Adventures provide an amazing selection of food (yes, even for vegetarians!), with a focus on local produce. Every meal was sensational, and they didn’t even make me feel like too much of an outcast. It probably actually worked out that I got more food than everyone else. Total win.

Each night we watch the sunset over the sea-cliffs behind Hanson Bay Cabins, with a nice glass of Kangaroo Island red in hand.

Kangaroo Island’s wildlife is undoubtedly a stand-out for many visitors. During our hikes we see all kinds of coastal birdlife, kangaroos, Tammar wallabies, goannas, fur seals, and even an almost-white echidna. That’s right, I said white... Apparently Kangaroo Island is touted as Australia’s Galápagos, since some species here have evolved differently to those on the mainland.

The critically endangered hooded plover breed on the beaches here, where they have fewer predators than on the mainland.

Tammar wallabies can be found all over the island but catching a good photo is tricky. These ones were being fed at the koala sanctuary.

These almost white echidnas can be spotted all over Kangaroo Island.

New Zealand fur seals rest and play all along the south western coastline of the island, but the best photo opportunities can be found at Admirals Arch.

A goanna we spotted on the Ravine Des Casoars hike.

We also visit an Australian sea lion sanctuary, where we walk amongst the sea lions as they rest. They appear deliciously sun-baked and lazy, but this is the ‘down-time’ of their feeding cycle - the sea lions spend three days in the water fishing continually, followed by three days of rest and relaxation on the beach. The certainly look happy about that - I know I would be.

The walking tour also includes a visit to the koala sanctuary, where we unfortunately only see one of the highly endangered, naturally shy marsupials.

Australian sea lions - these ones seem to be getting a bit
frisky... Must have had enough relaxing.

The seal colony at Admirals Arch and the imposing, Daliesque form of Remarkable Rocks are some of the other, more-touristy highlights of the itinerary. But we’re at a distinct advantage, being able to visit these places either early or late in the day, so we barely see another soul for the entire trip. We’re also lucky to have Holger at our disposal, to tell us all about the island’s natural and human history. His detailed knowledge of the area astounds me.

One of my fellow-hikers takes in Remarkable Rocks.

Our second day's hiking started from Remarkable Rocks. Here the group is spreading out and making their own path, in order to keep our impact low.

The Ravine Des Casoars hike (on day 3) leads to a beautiful beach, lined with caves of all shapes and sizes.

Two of my fellow-hikers crossing the mudflats at Murray Lagoon, on our final Kangaroo Island hike. Murray lagoon was a brilliant spot for bird watching.

I’ve wanted to visit Kangaroo Island for a long time, and I had an idea that it would be a pretty amazing place. This tour certainly confirmed my suspicions – Australia’s third largest island, situated just off the South Australian coastline, is a remarkable place to be.

Neil was a guest of Australian Wilderness Adventures on this hike. This does not influence the views put forward here in any way.

Have you visited Kangaroo Island? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.

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The Andes are the world’s longest continental mountain range. At over 7,000 km long, they run across the western side of Latin America to dive deep down in the ocean behind Patagonia most southern land: Ushuaia.

I have always found it fascinating to study ancient cultures and the way they relate to the present world. They certainly lived very differently to the way we live today, interconnected by the digital era.

Crossing a bridge over Las Cuevas River, the starting-point of the Mount Penitentes trek.

Some ancient cultures, such as the Incas were true pioneer adventurers. This Andean civilization is made up by a loose patchwork of different groups that developed from Colombia’s highlands to the Atacama dessert. However, due to the fact that they believed high mountain peaks had a closer connection to their Gods, some isolated groups set out in the search of the Andes highest mountains.

A fox searching for food close to base camp.

In 1987 an Argentinean climbing party was attempting Aconcagua’s southeast ridge, known as ‘The Pyramid’. This is a technical route where climbing ropes; ice axes and crampons are needed. At about 5,400 metres high, the team found a perfectly mummified Inca child. It was almost entirely buried in the ice with just a portion of its skull exposed. Carbon-14 studies dated this mummy to the mid fifteenth century. At the time ‘The Pyramid’ was easily accessible; perhaps smoother snow lopes covered the mixed rock and ice terrain present today. It is worth noticing that Aconcagua lays thousands of kilometres to the south of Machu Picchu, the Inca Empire’s capital.

A stunning view of Mt Penitentes north ridge.

On their quest to reach high mountains, they also climbed Mt. Penitentes. This is a very interesting and peculiar mountain. It is 4,300 metres high and much more accessible than Aconcagua, which makes this the ideal mountain for trekking in the Central Andes. It has overwhelming views of Aconcagua south face and other 6,000 metres mountains around, such as Tupungato Volcano (6,800 metres).

These are ice-formations called 'Penitentes'. These appear at altitudes of over 4,000 metres, and are generally oriented with the blades facing the sun.

Dozens of condors, the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere, have their nest on the north Mt. Penitentes ridge. Chances are that you will see some flying over your head, particularly when the atmospheric pressure decreases.

Breathtaking views of Mount Aconcagua's south face abound on this hike.

Archaeological findings on this mountain main summit, suggest that the Incas climbed it too. Furthermore, archaeologists believe that Mt. Penitentes served as an observation point for what would later become the place where an Incan child was sacrificed. Once you reach its summit, you realize this theory makes absolute sense. The view of Aconcagua’s southeast ridge is impressive and with its Pyramid form, it truly looks like a massive stairway to heaven.

A few meters below the North summit.

There are several companies that can assist you with the trekking organization and logistics. No particular climbing skills are needed to reach the summit. However, if you don’t have strong navigational skills and do not know how to deal with acclimatization and altitude effects, it is strongly suggested that you hire a local guide. There are plenty of guide’s companies in Mendoza City.

This is one of the most beautiful and culturally-rich treks you could do. Keep in mind you are following the Incas paths, left there more than 500 years ago.

Have you visited Mount Penitentes? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.

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The post Hiking Mount Penitentes, Mendoza, Argentina: Getting closer to the gods in the Andes appeared first on Bushwalking Blog.

Michael Connolly’s nude hiking post has got me curious about the idea of getting my gear off in the bush. I mean, I’ve already flashed my bits at plenty of other hikers while ‘doing it in a dress’ for One Girl… How much worse could it be?

Fear not, though, dear readers. I will most definitely warn you if I’m planning to hit the trail in my birthday-suit (and I sure as hell won’t be doing it until at least November). Right now I’m satisfied with doing some reading on the subject, and writing an opinion-piece of my own (which is coming soon).

It seems I’m not the only one who’s intrigued by this nude hiking idea… Michael’s contribution immediately shot to second position in Bushwalking Blog’s list of most-read posts, and has stayed there for 10 weeks. I’m jumping to the conclusion that you all want more nude hiking content, so I thought I’d share some of the other articles I’ve come across online. Happy reading!

Nude travel: holidays with cheek – SMH Traveller

The Naked Rambler: the man prepared to go to prison for nudity – The Guardian

Return to Eden: a nude trip to Paradise – Fat Canyoners

In Thin Air of the Alps, Swiss Secrecy Is Vanishing – The New York Times

Welcome to Bare Country – Up Here

Got any other nude hiking articles to share? If you have anything to say, please leave a comment below.

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The post 5 more articles about nude hiking (because my readers get what my readers want) appeared first on Bushwalking Blog.

Tasmanian Expeditions: Win a 6 day Overland Track Camping or Huts Trek

Entry: Tasmanian Expeditions Facebook page.
Closing Date: May 31 2013.
Open To: No restrictions listed.
How To Enter: Like the World Expeditions Facebook page and click an entry button.

Tasmanian Expeditions: Win a 6 day Overland Track hike

Entry: Tasmanian Exhibitions website.
Closing Date: May 31 2013.
Open To: No limitations listed.
How To Enter: Subscribe to the e-newsletter to win.

UTrack: Win a guided walk for two at Mont Blanc.

Entry: UTrack Facebook page.
Closing Date: June 30 2013.
Open To: No restrictions listed.
How To Enter: Like the UTrack Facebook page and click an entry button.

GoPro: Win Everything We Make Daily

Entry: GoPro website
Closing Date: None listed.
Open To: 13+ individuals, worldwide.
How To Enter: Enter your details.

Wellington Surplus: Win a $200 Voucher

Entry: Wellington Surplus website
Closing Date: None listed.
Open To: Not stated in terms and conditions.
How To Enter: Sign up for Wellington Surplus mailing list.

Good luck to you all! Do you have any competitions to add? Have you had a win? Please share the love in the comments section below.

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The post Win stuff! – Online Competitions for Hikers – May 2013 appeared first on Bushwalking Blog.

I love eating as much as the next person but when it comes to cooking I couldn't be much lazier, and that's with a functional kitchen at my fingertips. It’s no surprise that my approach to food for multi-day hiking trips is far worse.

It's probably a good thing that I don't get much time for trips lasting more than a couple of days, because I’d tire very quickly of the same old hiking food formula - Ainslie Harriott dehydrated risotto or couscous for dinner, and fruit or muesli bars for, well, pretty much every other time I'm hungry. I’m even too lazy to make scroggin.

The first thing I noticed when I opened Food to Go was just how incredibly thorough it is. It covers every aspect of food for outdoor adventure, from planning a menu, dehydration and storage, through to how to cook and what to cook on.

Being vego, I was quick to check for a vegetarian recipe section. Vegetarians are often forgotten about in books like this, but I was pleasantly surprised to find enough recipes to keep even the most fussy vegetarian hiker interested.

The recipes are easy to follow, and some are accompanied by excellent photos. The way the book is structured makes the task of eating well in the outdoors seem a whole lot less daunting than it once did. I think I might even be in the market for a food dehydrator.

Food to Go has been self-published by fellow-Aussie hiking bloggers Frank and Sue Wall (from Our Hiking Blog), in collaboration with Deb Hadskis. I've been reading Our Hiking Blog for years, and their content is consistently entertaining and informative. I didn't take much convincing that Food to Go would be another great hiking resource.

If you approach your hiking food like I do, make sure you do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy of Food to Go, before you die of food-boredom on one of your next multi-day hiking trips. If you're not sure, download a free sample chapter and have a read. If you're still not sure, it comes with a 60 day money-back guarantee, so you really can't go wrong.

Frank provided me with a copy of Food to Go for review. I was so impressed with the book that I decided to join the affiliate program and share this awesome resource with you. As a result, I will receive a percentage from sales of the book when purchased through the links above. This does not influence the opinions I express in my review.

Got any hiking / camping recipes to share? If you have anything to say, please leave a comment below.

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Welcome to the final part of my “Travel the world by time-lapse” series. As I mentioned in the last post there wasn’t supposed to be four, but there are just far too many amazing time-lapse sequences to choose from. I hope I’ve managed to pick the best 40 to share with you, out of the tens (or possibly hundreds) of thousands that are available online.

From cloudscapes and celestial motion to the finer details of insects and plants as they grow, time-lapse photography is one of the most beautiful ways to capture the natural world.

Since I’m constantly stumbling across more and more stunning examples of short time-lapse sequences online, I thought I’d collate the best of what I’ve found and share them with you as a monthly series. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Tip: The videos are much more impressive in full-screen. The full-screen button is the four arrows at the bottom-right of the video.

Flowering Trees in Spring Season by HDtimelapse.net

Solar Eclipse Time Lapse Australia 2012 by Ian Waldie

Joshua Tree Journey 3: Storm by Sunchaser Pictures

Patagonia – Argentina – Timelapses by Ignacio Leonardi

The Arctic Light by TSO Photography

The Wild Heart by Henry Jun Wah Lee / Evosia

Mt Ruapehu Timelapse by Jared Brandon Productions

Timelapse: une araignée tisse sa toile (a spider spins its web) by Jean-Michel

Purely Pacific Northwest by John Eklund

Mosquito by Amprods

Have I missed any brilliant time-lapse videos? Please let us know by commenting below.

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The post Travel the world by time-lapse: The best outdoor time-lapse videos from around the web – part 4 appeared first on Bushwalking Blog.

Everybody praises Magnetic Island’s nice beaches, nature, and quiet, but few people speak about its history. The Fort Walk is my favourite trail because it combines the beauties of nature with the vestiges of history.

Structures on the island date back to the Second World War. Though many were destroyed, along the way you’ll still find the foundation of the battery, some ammunition storage, and the command post and observation post. From the highest point, there are splendid views of Arthur and Florence Bays, and the coastline of the mainland.

This video is just a hint of the real tour, where the park ranger shows visitors the characteristics of the local flora, fauna, and explains the history.

If you are lucky, you can come across wildlife along the way… Keep an eye out for koalas.

Have you visited Magnetic Island? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.

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The post Video: World War II heritage and sober koalas: Hiking Queensland’s Magnetic Island appeared first on Bushwalking Blog.

We've all been caught out without waterproof gear when the weather turns unexpectedly during a hike.

Sometimes it's nice to just embrace it, be present, and feel every drop of rain hit your skin. Other times (on longer hikes for example), being saturated isn't something we really need to deal with.

I tend to find myself running for the nearest shelter, or just picking up the pace if I'm nearing the end of a hike, but it always feels like I'm only making the problem worse. I'd always wondered if this was actually the case until I stumbled across this video on one of my favourite YouTube channels, MinutePhysics.

If you've wondered the same, or if you just love physics as much as I do, check out the video when you have a spare minute...

Do you have any other hiking questions that can be answered by simple physics? If you've got anything to say about it, please leave a comment below.

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These days, with Black Saturday still firmly imprinted in my mind, I plan my hiking and camping trips with far more caution than I used to.

If the scientists have got it right, these kinds of major fire events will be happening more and more in future bushfire seasons. This isn’t good news for anyone with a passion for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor pursuit.

When you’re as passionate as most outdoor enthusiasts are, staying inside isn’t an option. Personally, I’d go completely freaking insane. The best we can do is to plan carefully and be prepared for any possibility.

Read on for some tips that will make for a safer trip…

• In the days before your trip, monitor the weather forecasts and fire risk at your destination, to make sure it’s safe to go. Never rely on any one source of information for update information on fire risk. It’s your responsibility to be aware of conditions. Don’t rely on someone to tell you when to cancel or cut-short your trip. Victorian resources and contacts are listed below.

Packing carefully can make for a safer trip
• Consider packing a battery-operated AM/FM radio, so that you can stay up-to-date on the conditions once you reach your destination by tuning into the emergency broadcasters including ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations even if there is no mobile-data reception.
• Sturdy shoes, long-sleeve shirts and long-pants are the other essentials. Clothing made of natural fibre is best. Many people also pack a fire blanket. If you’re car camping, bring enough water and food to last 3 days, just in case a fire cuts off access roads.
• Familiarise yourself, as much as possible, with the area you’re travelling to and any possible escape routes. Check the Parks Victoria website for information on any access roads, walking tracks, or whole areas that are closed.
• When you arrive at your destination, visit a local tourist information office or Parks office to find out what they know about current fire danger. Ask if they can offer any advice on what to do in case of fire.
• At the campsite, take note of any large bodies of water or clearings where you may be able to shelter in an emergency. Make a plan with your group, agree on it, and be ready to put it into action.

Always extinguish your campfire
completely before leaving it
• About 10 percent of bushfires in Victoria’s parks are started by campfires. Make sure you always extinguish your campfire completely before leaving it. It isn’t safe unless it’s cool to touch. More importantly, never light a fire on a day of total fire ban, or when the weather is hot, dry and windy. It’s a good idea to check what you can and can’t do on days declared a Total Fire Ban.
• If you’re camping near other people, get to know them. You’ll be able to share information and safety plans, and keep an eye out for each other if there is an emergency situation.
• Relax and enjoy yourself, but stay alert for the smell of smoke, and the sound of emergency vehicles. The best plan is to leave long before the fire is anywhere near you. Once it’s close, it may block access roads, and smoke will make driving extremely dangerous.
• Take advantage of the resources available. In Victoria, there’s a variety of ways to stay informed, including:
• CFA Website
• FireReady App
• Facebook Page
• Twitter – @CFA_Updates
• Emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio and selected community stations.
• SKY News TV
• The Victorian Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667

Don’t let the possible threat of bushfires put you off a going bush. With the right planning and preparation, we can continue to enjoy the outdoors as we always have.

 
This post is sponsored By Nuffnang. All information has been sourced from the CFA.
 

Do you have any bushfire safety tips to add? Or any experiences to share? If you have anything to say, please let us know by commenting below.

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