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HomeSierra High Route (2017)

Sierra High Route (2017)

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13

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Great Ocean Walk - Day 2 (24 miles | 40km) Who would have thought that I would wake up sore after a decent effort yesterday? It was just a bit of stiffness during the morning, but my lack of hiking activity over the last 3 months did come back to bite me in the form of a bout of epic butt chaff. That one hurt and I practically was waddling by mid afternoon as I arrived at Apollo Bay and the end of my journey. The day was scenic and varied. I had some fantastic coastal walking and ventured inland in the Otway NP for a few hours of rainforest exploration. The NP has some huge gum trees, but the most impressive element was the ferns larger than mini buses. The storm that I have been dealing with since the start of the day had some heavy dumps through the morning, but finally broke with the first light rays poking through around lunchtime. I was in the Otways at this stage and the soft light poking through the canopy really did create a great frame for the mega ferns. The last section was a lazy 2 hour walk along the beach. The overall quality of this trail was way better than I expected. There was even a few decent sections of actual wilderness areas! 7/10
Great Ocean Walk – Day 1 (36 miles | 60km) How good is walking? I was a bit drained from that last trip but back to thinking it is the best thing since sliced bread after a 2 month break. I got out early and spent the day wandering along 100ft (30m) cliff tops or scurrying away from waves as I tried to stay on the compacted sand. The first hour or 2 was spent finding a rhythm, but once that came the rest of the day was spent daydreaming and reflecting on my changing life. The trail today was very good to exquisite for a coastal walk. Sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches and so many animals. A rare black cockatoo was the highlight with echidnas, snakes, wallabies and kangaroos all making an appearance. The weather was rather wet, with constant storm fronts rolling in. I think this made the day even more interesting as I got to see the whole storm cycle as the clouds build up out to sea a and slowly came crashing into the coastline. Night came and I did not want it to end so hiked an extra half an hour before setting up camp for the night. Oh, I passed the 15,000 miles (24,000km) hiked on long distance trails. It means nothing to no one but it is nice to reflect on how much time I have spent outside and how totally worth ever moment has been.
After 10 weeks of working 60+ hours per week, I'm finally heading out for a mini hiking adventure. I am lucky enough to spend 2 days walking the 62 miles of the Great Ocean Walk. It starts at the incredible 12 Apostles and traveling through the lush rainforests of Otway NP. Along the way I'll get to see some of the most dramatic coastal terrain in Australia. It is save to say I'm looking forward to this one. 📷 from the PCT in the North Cascades
A weekend away bouldering in my favourite National Park in Victoria, The Grampians, has left me sore and lacking skin on my fingertips. This rugged range is home to some of the best climbing in the world. Less than 3 minutes walk away is the home to three V15 Boulder problems, and the cliff to the left is Taipan wall, another classic destination for pro climbers. My T-Rex hiking arms need to get with the program so I can even consider climbing the easiest route on Taipan... p.s In 2006 a huge fire burn over 50% of this beautiful landscape. I have not been back since and I was incredibly surprised to see how quick the flaura has recovered. In celebration of the parks recovery, I am looking into the possibility of hiking the length of the range.
I started back at work a couple of weeks ago and have been missing trail life. My simple life is now upside down. My endless day dreams has gone, spotting shooting stars as I drift if to sleep has gone, watching wild animals go about their lives has gone, and the endless wonder of what is around the next corner has gone. Unfortunately it is a hard transition from a free roaming life to the pressures of meetings, deadlines and commitments. It is a slow change but I've already noticed it happening; my body has finally adjusted from endless exercise to sitting behind a desk. There are benefits to this change, I am not constantly in a fatigued state and it is nice to strain my brain with some solid critical thinking. I deal with this change in small ways. I exercise as much as possible. Last weekend was my first trad rock climbing lead in almost 2 years, and I will be in back in the mountains this weekend for some spring hiking through the snow. Another way is planning a few medium length trips to look forward to. I have finished planning a 2 week hike through Tasmania's remote and beautiful South West during my Christmas break (does anyone want to join?) And I'm putting together a month long hike next year along the Pyrenees Haute Route with @evancharlton. Here is to replenishing bank accounts and dreaming of our next big adventure.
The one and only Zion NP. The main valley is down right incredible. It is one of my favorite places. However there are other areas nearby that equal this astounding beauty and have the added benefit of tranquility by escaping the crowds. The East Folk of the Virgin River is another branch to the mighty river that carved out Zion's iconic valley. Over the millennia the East Folk has carved out similar features. One of the highlights is the Barracks which is a slot canyon with the same wading through water as it's more famous sister of the Narrows. Exploring this folk takes a little more effort, but can offer a true wilderness experience. There is a great 20 mile hike down the combined and flowing river that would make an epic multiday trip. No permits are needed for that added bonus.
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