We are in Auckland New Zealand, North island. Tomorrow we fly to the south of the South Island to begin a 2 month hike that we have been piecing together this winter. Hiking, or "tramping" as Kiwis call it, comes in a variety of forms. "The Great Walks" are the most famous, cultured, expensive form … Continue reading Te Araroa # 1 The start
2024 CDT #1 The Prep
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"- Lao Tzu Our first step was prepping the food we would need for 150 (estimated) hiking days. After confirming what was in the freezer from previous hikes, the assembly of what was needed began in the winter months. We now know what is digestible for … Continue reading 2024 CDT #1 The Prep
Fisherman’s Trail
The Fisherman's Trail is the coastline part of the Rota Vicentina network of paths in SW Portugal. It can be started or ended at various points or be intertwined with the inland path, The Historical Way. There are many excellent sites online that describe what others have chosen to do and here we present ours- … Continue reading Fisherman’s Trail
GDT # 3 Kananaskis Lake
Crowsnest Mountain outside Coleman We enjoyed a fabulous rest day in Coleman checking out the coal mining and rum running history. It holds onto some colourful stories from the past which I find so intriguing to discover along a hiking trail. This is our own country we are experiencing! Isn't Canada great eh? This stretch … Continue reading GDT # 3 Kananaskis Lake
PCT Second Leg: Mile 110-179 Warner Springs to Idyllwild
In this 4 day section we found the experience on the trail to transition from easy to the most challenging we have ever done. The gentleness of the slope leaving Warner Springs grew into longer ascents as we traversed the mountain sides and the steepness increased a few days in. Despite the higher elevation, it … Continue reading PCT Second Leg: Mile 110-179 Warner Springs to Idyllwild
PCT First Leg: Mile 0 – 110 Border to Warner Springs
Well we are on our way! Little bit by little bit. After 6 hiking days we have arrived at our first resupply in Warner Springs California. We have cleaned up, washed clothes and are now able to catch up with communications as we lay around in our hotel room. Tomorrow when the Post Office opens … Continue reading PCT First Leg: Mile 0 – 110 Border to Warner Springs
800 miles into the AZT: Finished!!
After 40 days and 40 nights on the trail, we finished thru hiking the AZT! And now I don't know what to do with myself. Being on the trail kept us occupied with a basic rhythm to life: Get up with the sun and early bird songs - Pack our home onto our backs- Start … Continue reading 800 miles into the AZT: Finished!!
Te Araroa #6 – Richmond Range and Abel Tasman Great Walk
These last 2 backpacking trips we'd planned to do fulfilled everything we love about hiking. There was inspiration, fabulous open views, and great weather. This was the perfect way to conclude our south island tramping tour. Valley looking back towards St Arnaud Most rivers have clear, cool water and swim hole pockets that satisfy. The … Continue reading Te Araroa #6 – Richmond Range and Abel Tasman Great Walk
Te Araroa #5 Arthur’s Pass to St. Arnaud
After a few days exploring Christchurch we started back on trail near Arthur's Pass. We got dropped off by an Intercity bus (very conveniently), walked across the road and tramped up to Goat Pass. This involved (as usual) following rivers up to the height of land. The footpath was a combination of river rocks, flat … Continue reading Te Araroa #5 Arthur’s Pass to St. Arnaud
Te Araroa #4 Two Thumb Track and ponderings
While hiking our last section of the TA into the town of Wanaka, we asked the fellow hikers coming south which parts of the trail were their favourites. The Two Thumb Track came up so we changed our itinerary to priorize it. Wow! We are glad we did! The redisovery that the world is a … Continue reading Te Araroa #4 Two Thumb Track and ponderings
Te Araroa # 3- Rees Valley to Dart Glacier- The Motatapu Track
From the tourist laden town of Glenorchy we took a shuttle bus to the trailhead of the Rees track. This is a popular hike with locals as it allows an accessible walk up to view a glacier. Following the lovely, meandering Rees river valley hikers make their way up to Shelter Rock Hut. The grasslands … Continue reading Te Araroa # 3- Rees Valley to Dart Glacier- The Motatapu Track
Te Araroa #2 Te Anau- Glenorchy
The Kepler Track was our initiation to NZ's Great Walks. It did not disappoint! Abundant and varied ferns! Athough there was elevation gain the trail was gently graded and level. It took a half day on either end of 1 full climb and descent day. Several shelter huts allowed a break from the winds. Well … Continue reading Te Araroa #2 Te Anau- Glenorchy
CDT # 12 East Glacier MT to Waterton AB Canada THE END!
"Now don't cha be forgettin' what your goin' afta." Quoted from a childhood story tape from the American south. We are so keenly aware of coming to the completion of the CDT that our emotions are on alert and jumbled up all at once. But what a way to finish this trail!! Glacier National Park … Continue reading CDT # 12 East Glacier MT to Waterton AB Canada THE END!
CDT # 11 Darby MT to Benchmark Wilderness Camp to East Glacier Village MT
Choosing to be on a long trail like this carries an acceptance of risk and a relinquishing of control. When you leave the resupply town packed with the next 5 days worth of food, you don't know exactly what you will encounter. There is a level of excitement and freedom in this choice, as well … Continue reading CDT # 11 Darby MT to Benchmark Wilderness Camp to East Glacier Village MT
CDT # 10 West Yellowstone WY to Lima MT to Leadore ID to Darby MT
The Divide snakes its way between Idaho and Montana as it curves west. At first it is dry land with groves of trees, wide open grasslands and the big BIG sky. So often we felt as if we were walking inside a peaceful landscape painting. Hell Roaring canyon with its rock accent appeared as a … Continue reading CDT # 10 West Yellowstone WY to Lima MT to Leadore ID to Darby MT
CDT # 9 Pinedale WY to Brooks Lake Lodge to Old Faithful Village WY to West Yellowstone MT
On leaving Pinedale we climbed gently up around rocks and lakes with mountains in the distance. The setting was stunning! The glacier fed Green river is similar in colour to the Kicking Horse and Athabasca rivers back home in BC. As we leave the last of the Wind Mountain range behind it clouds up and … Continue reading CDT # 9 Pinedale WY to Brooks Lake Lodge to Old Faithful Village WY to West Yellowstone MT
Zip and Jobie Go Hiking 