Hiking

I’m not sure you’ll find anybody who believes long-distance hiking is easy. In fact, it stretches every fibre of your being. You are pushed mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually. …
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At times on the trail, you can do little else but ponder your existence. On any given day you can think about the direction of your life, food, potential career …
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Suffering aches and pains are part and parcel of life as a long-distance hiker. Whether it’s your legs, feet, arms, back or bum, you will inevitably pick up niggles somewhere …
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Before commencing the Heysen Trail, I made the slightly controversial decision to keep some hiking details a mystery. Other than setting out my basic itinerary, I knew little else about …
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Imagine not seeing another human for an entire day—no talking, no witty banter, no face-to-face communication whatsoever. Now, multiply that by a month. For large stretches along the Heysen Trail, …
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There’s a point, somewhere along every long-distance trail, that a hiker’s natural state of concern deteriorates. Somehow trekking 20 kilometres becomes casual, surviving off limited rations is commonplace and carrying ones livelihood …
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Since departing Beetaloo Creek Campsite on Day 22, the trail had zigzagged through flat green terrain. While there were several diverse patches, including lofty ascents to New Campbell Hill on …
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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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