One of the biggest changes to my bushwalking and hiking experience came when I finally learnt how to navigate with a map and compass. It wasn't just about the theory of how to take bearings or even understanding how to read a topographic map, it was when the lights started going on and everything started making sense. It was a bit like when you learn to drive a car. At first, everything is … [Read more...]
Search Results for: blue mountains
Blue Mountains Geographical Encyclopaedia: Book Review
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.”... or so Juliet said to Romeo in the 1500’s. Jump to today and think about places around you, your town, your favourite lookout, river, ridge or mountain. Just like Shakespeare’s classic tale, there’s a story behind every one. Tales of heroism, mystery, intrigue or politics. Money, betrayal, adventure or pioneers … [Read more...]
Blue Mountains – Open for business… Still!
Last October was an incredibly difficult one for many people living in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. I’ve had non-hiker friends say to me, ‘Oh, you must be so sad about your beloved Blue Mountains and the fires?’ I kind of didn’t know what to say. I don’t live there, I haven’t raised a family there, had the comfort of home and community there, been gripped by the gut wrenching fear of … [Read more...]
History of Bushwalking
Part 1 : from origins to clubs Hiking and bushwalking is experiencing a renaissance in Australia. Gaining momentum through the growth in MeetUp groups and the spread of social media, many of us are being inspired to take to the bush with a desire to escape our urban jungles. But where did this all start? What people, pioneers and explorers have walked before us, laying the path that we now … [Read more...]
Down Jacket Review : Macpac Icefall
I'll never forget my first down jacket. It was a game-changer for how I experienced the outdoors in winter and how I went from diving for my sleeping bag soon after sunset, to enjoying cold nights and brisk mornings without shivering. Wooah... the colour! Love it. Pic: Pamela Black Why I love down jackets Up until that first down jacket, I'd persevered with bulky fleece and thermals. For … [Read more...]