Author Archives: stephengdavies908-wa

Nakasendo Highway – Magome – Nagiso – JAPAN

Sunday 18/03/2018   Magome – Nagiso   

                                       Nakasendo Highway, JAPAN

Participants: Bethany Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)

The walk from Magome to Nagiso is part of the Nakasendo, one of the old roads made during Japan’s Edo Period (1603 to 1867). It started from Edo (present day Tokyo) reaching Kyoto via the Kiso Valley. Magome and Tsumago are both post towns (juku) which has stone paved streets with well restored and preserved buildings in keeping with the style of the Edo Period. 

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Long Gully – Byangee Mountain

24/05/2015 – 25/05/2015      Long Gully – Byangee Mountain

                                                   Morton National Park, NSW

                                                    Yuin country

Distance: 12km   Total Ascent: 830m   Total Descent: 830m   Time: 8 hours

Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)

This 12km bushwalk begins by crossing the Yadboro River before following Byangee Trail up to the cliff-line below The Castle. From here one follows a rough track eastward along the cliff base to and across Castle Gap, before continuing around the cliff base on the northern side of Byangee Mountain. Further on a rock cairn can be found at the bottom of the ascent route which involves a tight squeeze a one point and some scrambling, don’t put all your faith in the old ropes found in a couple of steep sections! 

Along the way check out “The Cathedral” and the natural rock arch concealed just around the corner on the north side immediately before Castle Gap. The 360 degree views from the top Byangee Mountain amongst the best in New South Wales.

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Powderface Creek and Prairie Creek Loop – ALBERTA

Wednesday 10/10/2018   Powderface Creek – Prairie Creek Loop

                                               Near Bragg Creek, Alberta, CANADA

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies

This lovely loop follows two creeks on undulating terrain. It is located near Bragg Creek, Alberta. We parked at Elbow Falls carpark and it was a short walk to the start of the trail that follows Prairie Creek. There are good opportunities to see wildlife, varied terrain and vegetation. It is an excellent half day walk. 

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Mount Lady MacDonald – ALBERTA

Saturday 20/10/2018   Mount Lady MacDonald

                                          Banff National Park, Alberta, CANADA 

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies

This is a stunning and exhilarating day hike if the conditions are favourable. Be prepared for constant climbing uphill, steep at times, for five kilometres. This is a well frequented trail but is adjacent a wildlife corridor so the usual precautions including carrying bear spray are necessary. 

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Peyto Lake – ALBERTA

Friday 19/10/2018   Peyto Lake

                                     Banff National Park, Alberta, CANADA 

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies

The trailhead for this short but outstanding walk is at the Bow Summit car park, on the Icefields Parkway 42km north of Lake Louise. 

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Wilcox Pass – ALBERTA

Friday 19/10/2018   Wilcox Pass

                                      Jasper National Park, Alberta, CANADA 

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies

The trailhead for this scenic walk is located near the Columbia Icefields 100km south of Jasper at the entrance to the Wilcox Creek Campground. On a clear day you can expect to see expansive views of the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields but be prepared to share the trail with wildlife including mountain sheep. 

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Valley of the Five Lakes – ALBERTA

Thursday 18/10/2018   Valley of the Five Lakes

                                           Jasper National Park, Alberta, CANADA 

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies

The trailhead for this pleasant half day walk is located along the Icefield Parkway 9km south of Jasper. There are five scenic lakes with views of the surrounding peaks, varied vegetation and wildlife encounters along the route. 

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Chester Lake – ALBERTA

Monday 8/10/2018   Chester Lake

                                      Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

                                      Alberta, CANADA

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies

This out and back forested trail leads to an alpine meadow and lake (Chester Lake) below Mount Chester. Wildlife encounters can include bears, birds and rabbits. This is a year round maintained trail which would be a pleasant cross country ski during the colder months. In sections the trail is segregated for skiers. It is accessed via the trailhead on the Smith Dorrien / Spray Lakes road. 

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Ptarmigan Cirque – ALBERTA

Sunday 7/10/2018   Ptarmigan Cirque

                                     Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

                                     Kananaskis Country, Alberta, CANADA

Participants: Beth Davies, Sue Davies (Report and Photos)

Ptarmigan Cirque trail leads to a high mountain bowl between Mount Arethusa and Mount Rae close to the Highwood Pass in Peter Lougheed Park near Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada. The Ptarmigan Cirque hiking trail is a short loop in the cirque. Possible wildlife sighting may include deer, bears and mountain sheep. There are wonderful panoramic views for relatively little effort.

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Ghost Gum Walk – Ormiston Gorge – NORTHERN TERRITORY

Saturday 17/08/2018   Ghost Gum Walk, Ormiston Gorge

                                           West MacDonnell National Park, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Moore

Ormiston Gorge is one of several spectacular gorges along the Finke River which are easily accessible by two wheel drive vehicle from Alice Springs. 

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Wangi Falls – NORTHERN TERRITORY

Tuesday 14/08/2018   Wangi Falls

                                         Litchfield National Park, NORTHERN TERRITORY

                                        Marranunggu country 

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Moore

This short walk starts at the base of the Wangi Falls where there is a tempting plunge pool. The pool is surrounded by river pandanus which provides food for fish and turtles. Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles inhabit the pools during the wet season. The sun unfortunately was in the wrong position early in the morning for good photos of the falls. 

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Tjaetaba Falls – NORTHERN TERRITORY

Tuesday 14/08/2018   Tjaetaba Falls

                                         Litchfield National Park, NORTHERN TERRITORY

                                        Marranunggu country 

Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Moore

The walk commences at Greenant Creek picnic area which is difficult to spot when driving from Tolmar Falls as there is no sign on the side of the road. Driving back from Wangi Falls there was a sign for the picnic area. 

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