Sunday 24/02/2019 Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Vernon, British Columbia, CANADA
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Cal Stewart, Kerrie Stewart, Lisa Stewart
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park encompasses a preserved area of natural grasslands in the Okanagan area of British Columbia. This scenic walk on snow was to a lookout with great views of Lake Kalamalka.
22/03/2018 – 26/03/2018 Kumano Kodo Trail
Nakahechi Imperial Route, Kansai Region, Honshu, JAPAN
Distance: 96km Total Ascent: 8,880m Total Descent: 8,710m Time: 28 hours
Participants: Bethany Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that has been used for over 1,000 years by people from all levels of society including retired emperors and aristocrats. The Nakahechi route has a rich history and is characterised by Oji shrines along its length. The route has been used since the beginning of the 10th century and it is considered an isolated sacred site of healing and salvation.
This walk is located in the isolated Kii peninsula known for its steep lush mountains. The sacred sites and pilgrimage routes were world heritage listed in 2007. From Kyoto or Tokyo the train can be taken to Kii Tanabe and then a local bus takes 40mins to reach the start of the walk.It is important to know which stop to alight the bus though! Bus and train transport is available at the end of the walk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.