Category: health & safety

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Top 10 Coastal Hikes ➙ South Coast Track, Tasmania

South Coast Track in Australia is one of our top 10 coastal hikes in the world.

BUT — it’s a challenging walk in a region of Tasmania exposed to harsh weather conditions. There are no huts along the track. Track conditions are often difficult. Walkers must be fully self-sufficient, well-equipped and experienced.

Hire a guide if this worries you.

Why?

  • surreal, unique Tasmanian seascapes
  • entirely within Southwest National Park
  • flying in, walking out, the standard route is 82km (51mi)
  • 6-8 days Melaleuca to Cockle Creek
  • best months December to March
  • wild, inspiring, rugged
  • World Heritage wilderness
  • “alpine peaks, pristine beaches, alpine meadows, dense rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, dune communities, dry coastal forest and more”
  • no booking required
  • no quotas on numbers of bushwalkers
  • chance to see some of the weird and wonderful — sometimes dangerous — Aussie wildlife

Click PLAY or watch a Tasmanian Expeditions promo video on YouTube.

For details, click over to our South Coast Track information page.

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Scotland – Cape Wrath Trail in 13 Minutes

Since Cam “Swami” Honan named the Cape Wrath one of his favourite hikes worldwide, it’s been high on my personal life list.

Cicerone guidebook.

The biggest concern stopping me is midges. I HATE highland midges.

Elizabeth Gadd hiked April-May, early enough in the season not to be much bothered by biting insects. And had a wonderful adventure.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Salcantay Trek, Peru

My friend Krista just finished the Salcantay trek guided by Salkantay Trekking.

Salcantay, Salkantay, or Sallqantay (in Quechua) are all commonly used.

Salcantay’s proximity to Machu Picchu makes this trek to the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) a better alternative to the oversubscribed Inca Trail.

Krista loved the adventure. But definitely found it challenging.

The longer you have in advance to acclimatize to altitude, the better.

If planning on Salcantay, research the hike in advance.

Not mentioned in this video are the biting insects. They are not always a nuisance — but for me they were the biggest consideration. I had them on the trail. And at Machu Picchu.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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10 days Solo – Larapinta Trail, Australia

Laura Waddell had a terrific adventure in May.

The Larapinta Trail is an extended walking track in the Northern Territory of Australia. Its total length covers 223 kilometres (139 mi) from east to west, with the eastern end at Alice Springs and the western end at Mount Sonder, one of the territory’s highest mountains. It follows the West MacDonnell Ranges, sometimes along the ridge line, other times on the plain below, in the West MacDonnell National Park. …

During the summer months, temperatures along the trail can exceed 45 °C (113 °F) leading to risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Most people walk the trail during winter when the days are cooler.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (25min)

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British Columbia Marine Trails Code

I spend a lot of time on the B.C. coast. Love it.

Our #1 hike in the world is the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island.

Often I’m on First Nations Traditional Land. And I want to be respectful of each First Nations rules.

Here’s the Marine Trails Code Of Conduct.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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NEW book – “Hike It”

Hike It: An Introduction to Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking through the U.S.A. Hardcover – June 25 2024

… fully illustrated book is the perfect introduction to enjoying America’s great outdoors.

Explore 20 National Parks with incredible trails that take you past snow-capped mountains, along stunning coastlines, and through ancient forests, and discover the majesty of nature with glorious artwork throughout. …

Young adventurers 7+ will learn about:
• Navigating, and what to do if you get lost
• Essential hiking equipment
• How to leave no trace and protect the environment
• Pooping in the woods!
• Staying safe in the heat, snow, and rain
• Fire safety and setting up camp
• Encountering wildlife and safety
• Locating the North Star and understanding the night sky

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Ausangate Trek, Peru, without a Guide

Now that Nepal required you hire a guide for almost all high altitude treks, Peru might offer the easiest logistics for similar independent adventures.

Of many great options in Peru, we like the Ausangate Circuit best. You can side trip to the Rainbow mountain, if you like. And nearby Red Valley. AND Red Lake.

Megs from Wisconsin has traveled over 70 nations. Here’s how she trekked Ausangate independently.

  • Mileage: Around 45 Miles, depending on route
  • Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
    • The Ausangate trek without a guide is extremely difficult due to the trail’s remoteness, altitude, and being unmarked. Additionally, the weight of carrying all your gear and food for at least 5 days
    • This high-altitude trek in Peru never dips below 14,150 feet (4,000m)
    • The weather can change fast at this altitude and there are risks associated with doing the trek guided or not. NEVER HIKE ALONE
  • Duration: 5 – 7 Days

The most popular time to hike Ausangate is between the months of April to October. Peru has two main seasons, dry and rainy. In general, dry season is from May to October, while rainy season is from November until April. …

The altitude of the Ausangate trek is insane. Remember, this trek never drops below 14,000 feet!

Many of the passes are grueling and top out at over 16,000 feet. The mountains are Apus, or Gods, to the Indigenous, so go in with the mindset of respecting them. By the way, the mighty mountain of Ausangate is a staggering 20,945 feet (6,384 m).

Acclimation is key …

How To Hike the Epic Ausangate Trek Without A Guide | 6 Days

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$100 Million Donation to U.S. National Parks

Aug. 26, 2024

The National Park Foundation (NPF) today announced a historic $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

This transformative grant — the largest ever received by NPF and the largest grant benefitting national parks — celebrates a pivotal moment in safeguarding the future of America’s treasured national parks. …

Lilly Endowment’s grant will serve as a catalyst to scale and accelerate NPF’s impact. Working together with the National Park Service and park partners, NPF will allocate the funds to four key priority areas:

  • Inspire the Next Generation of Park Stewards: Creating opportunities for youth and young adults that will foster a deeper understanding of history, appreciation for environmental stewardship, and connection with our natural world.
  • Conserve and Preserve Threatened Parks and Wildlife: Addressing critical initiatives that will ensure the health and longevity of the fragile ecosystems and diverse species that call our national parks home.
  • Ensure a World-Class Visitor Experience: Securing a future where national parks can accommodate unprecedented growth and leverage new technology, while remaining accessible and awe-inspiring for all visitors.
  • Tell a More Complete Story of America: Delivering a more comprehensive historical narrative, including the experiences of communities whose voices and contributions have not been fully told as a part of the American story. …

To learn more about the National Park Foundation’s mission and donate today, visit nationalparks.org.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Lilly Endowment Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of the world’s largest private philanthropic foundations.

… historically focused on three primary grant areas: community development, education, and Christianity. …

It has given to some politically and religiously conservative causes, especially in the 1960s.

… Climate change denial …