16/03/2017 Viedma Glaciar
Southern Patagonian Ice Field, ARGENTINA
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
The Viedma Glaciar is a large glacier in Argentina that is part of the Southern Patagonian ice field. The closest town is El Chalten. This day trip was an incredible adventure that was a highlight of our trip to Patagonia. Continue reading
25/3/2017 Beagle Channel – Martillo Island
Ushuaia, ARGENTINA
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
There is only one tour company, Piratour, that offers a tour of the Beagle Channel with a stop on Martillo Island to walk amongst the penguins. This day trip included many and varied wildlife sightings, an informative museum tour and especially close encounters with two species of penguins. Continue reading
26/03/2017 Laguna Esmeralda
Ushuaia, ARGENTINA
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
Laguna Esmeralda is an excellent half day walk easily accessible by car about half an hour east of Ushuaia. Bus transport and tours are available from Ushuaia. We were rewarded with stunning views, crystal clear skies and impressive mountain peaks. Definitely not one to miss! Continue reading
17/03/2017 – 20/03/2017 El Chalten – Campamento Agnostini – Campamento Poincenot – Laguna de los Tres – Fitz Roy
Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, ARGENTINA
Distance: 62km Total Ascent: 2600m Total Descent: 2600m Time: 30 hours
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
The Fitz Roy area of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, along with Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, are the two most popular trekking areas in Patagonia. This relatively easy four day walk rewarded us with outstanding views, wonderful photos opportunities and the bonus of gorgeous autumn colours. The highlight was a pre-dawn walk up to Laguna de los Tres for sunrise over the incredibly scenic Cerro Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres. However, this walk continued to deliver right up to our walk out to El Chalten on day four.
The walk begins and finishes in the town of El Chalten which can be accessed by regular buses from El Calafate, Argentina .
23/04/2017 – 25/04/2017 Long Gully – Byangee Mountain return
Morton National Park, NSW
Yuin country
Distance: 29km Total Ascent: 1400m Total Descent: 1400m Time: 10 hours
Participants: Beth Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Cristina O’Gorman, Darren Masey
The old folks (Steve and Sue) took the young ones (Beth, Cristina and Darren) on an overnight adventure, including Cristina who had never been camping before. We arrived at Long Gully campground on Sunday afternoon and set up camp ahead of the young ones who arrived to the luxury of tents erected, sleeping bags out and dinner ready. The campground was the most crowded we had seen it as after all it was a long weekend. After the day trippers left, however, we had a peaceful evening and enjoyed a campfire on a clear calm warm evening.
22/06/2016 – 2/07/2016 Tour Mont Blanc
FRANCE – SWITZERLAND – ITALY
Distance: 206km Total Ascent: 12400m Total Descent: 12400m Time: 67 hours
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
Chamonix was our entry point to the area and a great place to make final preparations for our planned eleven day hike around Mont Blanc. After enjoying Monday night and Tuesday morning exploring the town and admiring the surrounding mountains it was time to leave. A short local train ride had us in Les Houches. From here it was a short walk up a hill to our accomodation. Continue reading
SNAKEBITE FIRSTAID 1906 STYLE
My grandmother was bitten by a snake on 2/1/1906. It almost claimed her life.
The scar on her heel from the first aid treatment remained throughout her life, as did an enormous respect for snakes. This respect continues to this day through me, as I remember frequent reminders to watch out for snakes if I were venturing outside on the farm my grandparents ran.
The original letter written by her mother describing the incident
A transcript of the letter highlighting symptoms of envenomation and shock
Clickable icons on a world map which open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries and other content
From The Castle to Pigeon House Mountain
Morton National Park, NSW
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16/10/2016 Wog Wog – Corang Peak
Moreton National Park, NSW
Distance: 20.5km Ascent: 601m Descent: 601m Moving Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Participants: Carole Alcock, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Brian Dooley, Alan Hickey, Kay Rogers, Werner Stayer
South Coast Bushwalking Club 20th anniversary walk
A large contingent of SCBWC members camped the night before the walk at Wog Wog camp ground, enjoying perfect conditions on a clear still night.
26/5/2016 – 5/6/2016 Tra Mare e Monti
Calenzana – Cargese, CORSICA
Distance: 176.6km Total Ascent: 9100m Total Descent: 9425m Moving Time: 48 hours
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report, Photos)
“The longest-standing and easily the most wonderful long-distance route in Corsica, the Mare e Monti holds true to its name and provides a roller coaster of treats ranging from breathtaking coastline with blue sea and beaches to some awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes” Gillian Price (Walking in Corsica – Long Distance and Short Walks, Cicerone Guides, 2013)
It was an adventure even getting to the start of this walk that involved several days of travel. We flew to Ajaccio, the capital city of Corsica. The following day we caught the train to Calvi, changing at Ponte Leccia. The trip duration was nearly five hours but was very scenic, firstly through the mountainous interior and then to the picturesque coast. Calvi is a gem with it’s commanding citadel and turquoise sandy beaches.
After planning to catch the school bus to the start of the walk at Calenzana, we purchased our tickets ahead of time and waited at the bus stop. No bus. I returned to the store where we purchased the tickets and they sheepishly informed me they neglected to advise the bus company to pick us up! They refunded our money but we had missed the only bus that day and our only option was to catch a taxi (35 euros).
The taxi driver dropped us in the main square at Calenzana so we still needed to find our accommodation. We stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast, A l’Ombre du Clocher. The home made jams with fresh bread for breakfast were amazing.
2/04/2016 – 6/04/2016 Long Gully – The Castle – Mount Cole circuit
Morton National Park, NSW
Yuin country
Distance: 44km Total Ascent: 1955 Total Descent: 1955m Time: 23 hours
Participants: Mandy Creighton (Saturday & Sunday), Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Dave Whitelaw (Saturday & Sunday)
Steve and I started at Long Gully campground on Friday afternoon, enjoying the warm afternoon sun with a goanna for company.
Mandy and Dave joined us a bit later, sharing in the ritual of burning Sue’s expired business papers throughout the evening and sampling delicious bakery treats from the Heritage Bakery in Milton. Continue reading
Friday 5/02/2016 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road – Roys Peak summit return
Wanaka, NEW ZEALAND
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
As we were due to head out on a multi day walk (rated as “hard”) the next day we wanted a day walk that would stretch our legs without wearing them out. We had underestimated Roy’s Peak.