Daily Diary

There are difficult periods on every long-distance trail. Weather, terrain, supplies, health and, of course, all-important sleep all fluctuate. A hiker’s momentum and enthusiasm can be so easily zapped on such a …
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The Heysen Trail transverses some of Australia’s most astonishingly rugged landscapes. The route runs over rocky bluffs, along jagged ridgelines and through rolling grazing hills. There were countless ups and …
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There are certain things you can always expect from a long-distance trail. Aching muscles, a constantly rumbly stomach and extreme weight-loss are inevitable on treks of exceptional length. However, there …
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Before commencing the Heysen Trail, I was advised by one experienced long-distance hiker to minimise, if possible, my number of rest days. Her suggestion seemed contrary to all of my …
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By the end of Week Five, I had experienced a glut of astonishing South Australian landscapes. I’d hiked over steepling ranges, through rolling paddocks, amongst fledgling crops, into dense conservation parklands, …
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Since leaving the rustic Flinders Ranges, I’d seen more green paddocks than you could shake a forest’s worth of sticks at. After several heavy rainfalls over the past few months, …
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There are ‘meh’ moments on any long-distance trail. While most days are beyond captivating, it’s inevitable on a journey of this magnitude that repetitious terrain and dismal weather become discouraging. …
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Since leaving the domesticated comforts of Burra on Day 34, my journey along the Heysen Trail had been brutal. Bouts of apocalyptic weather and an arduous crisscrossing route over Tothill …
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Benjamin Franklin once stated ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. As an American, it’s no surprise his proverbs haven’t been updated to the metric system, but nevertheless, his …
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Over the course of your life, there are countless imaginings you’d never expect to attempt. Growing up in the Barossa Valley, the thought of walking to the seemingly remote town …
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