Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
We were on a short break to the South Coast of NSW to try to assist with the local economic recovery following the disastrous bushfire season which devastated the bush, wildlife and local communities during our past summer.
We have many fond memories of camping at the North Head with friends when our children were young. Arriving again in 2020 we were very happy to find this section of the bush untouched by the fires. The campground is set in a particularly beautiful grove of large spotted gums dotted with huge cycads and supporting abundant wildlife.
Distance: 172km Total Ascent: 10,400m Total Descent: 8,670m Time: 68 hours
Participants: Subin Basnet (Porter), Pawan Dai (Assistant Guide), Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Giorakh “Kaka” Dulal (Porter), Prabin Karki(Guide), Ralston Keyt, Sarah Keyt, Mohan Khaimrange (Porter), Sonaiya Magear (Assistant Guide), Amanda “Mandy” Menheere, Ravi lal Phuyal (Porter), Kerrie Stewart, Lisa Stewart, Kaitlin “Kitty” Travers
The Annapurna Circuit is considered one of the world’s best long distance treks. It is located within the mountain ranges of central Nepal and it encircles the Annapurna Massif. It offers a wide variety of climatic zones from tropical vegetation at 600m to the chilling alpine conditions of Thorong La pass at over 5,400m. There are cultural varieties from the Hindu villages at the lower elevations to the Tibetan culture of the Manang valley.
We travelled with the assistance of guides and porters from Himalayan Encounters, a company based in Kathmandu.
Expect stunning high altitude scenery, comfortable tea houses and delicious (mainly vegetarian) freshly cooked food.
Map of our planned trek from Jagat to Jomsom at Tilicho Hotel & Restaurant
Distance: 82km Total Ascent: 8,500m Total Descent: 9,300m Time: 25 hours
(Inaccurate distance & ascent/descents due to gps reception errors during day 3)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Elva Marcos Campos (guide), Emilio Gloria Arevalo (cook) Javier valdivia Melo (donkey driver)
This is a popular walk in the Corderilla Blanca and can be organised through several trekking companies or walked independently. There are buses that travel to the trailhead. This is a stunning mountainous area of Peru yet it is in the tropics about 9 degrees south of the equator.
Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Moore
Berry Springs nature park is about a 50 minute drive from Darwin. It is recommended as a place to go on a hot afternoon. Every afternoon is hot in Darwin so I guess it’s good at anytime. The route however, may be impassable in the wet season.
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.
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.
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.
18/4/2018 – 5/5/2018 Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley
NEPAL
Distance: 362km Total Ascent: 35,900m Total Descent: 34,800m Time: 123 hours
NB: The GPS tracking results of distance, ascents and descents on this trek with its very deep valleys and surrounding high peaks is highly exaggerated, see my Track Info!
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Kaka Dural (Porter), Emily Jayne, Prabin Kumar Karki (Guide), Ralston Keyt, Sarah Keyt, Pawan Nepali (Porter), Ravi Phuyal (Porter), Rosan Rai (Assistant Guide), Wendy Young
At 8,163m the impressive Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Meaning “mountain of the spirit” it’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “intellect” or “soul”. This trek is considered to a less crowded alternative to the more popular Everest Base camp or Annapurna circuit treks.
As with most treks in Nepal, it starts and finishes in Kathmandu. It is mandatory to have a guide on the Manaslu circuit, we had a very positive experience with Kathmandu based Himilayan Encounters.
This trek provides geographical and cultural diversity and when also completing the Tsum valley, provides an insight into remote Nepali village life.
The diversity of the scenery was remarkable over the 18 days of the walk, from subtropical jungle to the desolate and cold Larkya La pass at 5,160m. Stunning alpine scenery, unique remote villages and beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monasteries all combine to make this one of the best treks in Nepal.
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Mel Brodie, Paul Brodie, Sue Davies (Report)
The walk combines several hiking tracks but is easily navigated. It offers scenic views of the stunning Illawarra coastline and beaches. It is best to have a car at each end making it a pleasant one way walk.Continue reading →
11/07/2017 – 12/07/2017 Rifugio Pedrotti, Bocca di Brenta
Madonna di Campiglio, ITALY
Distance: 64km Total Ascent: 2620m Total Descent: 2620m Time: 15 hours
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
This fantastic two day walk starts and ends at the lovely alpine town of Madonna di Campiglio, a summer and winter resort. Expect to be totally immersed and up close to the mighty Brenta Dolomite group, the Italian “Rocky Mountains”.This is one of the most scenic walks we have ever done.Continue reading →
