tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56614640196864007992024-02-19T16:21:49.874+11:00soulfree adventuresAustralian Walking Tours & Holidays
Great Ocean Walks
Bogong High Plains
Victorian High Country
Snowshoe Tours
Reseller for SPOT Satellite Messenger and Cactus Clothing & Equipment
www.soulfreeadventures.com.auSoulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-44766016598387557792010-07-03T13:58:00.012+10:002010-07-03T15:29:02.162+10:00BIO | ANDY REYNOLDS, SOULFREE ADVENTURES<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbxeo55JlSYIVFDyjliVeiqcVmSvAhG56EvoBPhhZs2h0yJZU2_I_cddCdKUGISKp8usIX83roJ4-VZEdqj86QDDCkIWih2obJ5D5tOADulR0sN6xz39KR65YxduvppnFQNB91QPBkJko/s1600/AndyR.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbxeo55JlSYIVFDyjliVeiqcVmSvAhG56EvoBPhhZs2h0yJZU2_I_cddCdKUGISKp8usIX83roJ4-VZEdqj86QDDCkIWih2obJ5D5tOADulR0sN6xz39KR65YxduvppnFQNB91QPBkJko/s400/AndyR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489525118640246162" border="0" /></a>
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table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="2050"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >AN INTERVIEW WITH ANDY REYNOLDS, OWNER OF SOULFREE </span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >ADVENTURES</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">By Andrew Reynolds with Frank Wall, Our Hiking Blog
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<br /></span> <p class="MsoCaption"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >Figure </span><!--[if supportFields]><span style="';color:windowtext';"><span style="'mso-element:field-begin'"></span><span style="'mso-spacerun:yes'"> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style="'mso-element:"></span></span><![endif]--><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" ><span style="">1</span></span><!--[if supportFields]><span style="';color:windowtext';"><span style="'mso-element:field-end'"></span></span><![endif]--><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" > Andy Reynolds, owner Soulfree Adventures</span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><i style="">O.K. Let ’s keep it simple. How about a bit of background on yourself. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Where do you live? Where do you work?</i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPkIAgSpcYC9SNa2XYSlRRWkySJpvzMz0N68en95170rkxFZoQF3VDbVN0QD_Vze61EO3FsGY16VSEdkIBNYdBstixSONY0blIx2X5MGJ5RHUgyqPZ0jNbaNOTEm07Fa4YHNKtxaPxg1_/s1600/IMG00009-20100527-1155.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPkIAgSpcYC9SNa2XYSlRRWkySJpvzMz0N68en95170rkxFZoQF3VDbVN0QD_Vze61EO3FsGY16VSEdkIBNYdBstixSONY0blIx2X5MGJ5RHUgyqPZ0jNbaNOTEm07Fa4YHNKtxaPxg1_/s400/IMG00009-20100527-1155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489525889349565858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:</b><b style=""><span style=""> </span></b></span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_0" spid="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="IMG00009-20100527-1155.jpg" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:1.7pt;margin-top:39.7pt;width:263.05pt;" wrapcoords="-123 0 -123 21485 21555 21485 21555 0 -123 0"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Andy\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg" title="IMG00009-20100527-1155"> <w:wrap type="tight"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Frank, I live in beautiful downtown Buninyong, a small rural village whose key claims to fame I suppose are (1) being Victoria’s first proclaimed inland settlement (Wiki) and being the home of the Scody Australian Road Cycling Championships, on our notoriously </span><span style="font-size:100%;">gruelling hilly course on the slopes of Mount Buninyong, an extinct volcano. It’s also a pretty nice place to live.<b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t202" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="202" path="m,l,21600r21600,l21600,xe"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t202" style="'position:absolute;" wrapcoords="-62 0 -62 21000 21600 21000 21600 0 -62 0" stroked="f"> <v:textbox style="'mso-fit-shape-to-text:t'" inset="0,0,0,0"> <![if !mso]> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><![endif]> <div> <p class="MsoCaption"><span style="';color:windowtext';">Figure </span><![if supportFields]><span style="';color:windowtext';"><span style="'mso-element:field-begin'"></span><span style="'mso-spacerun:yes'"> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style="'mso-element:field-separator'"></span></span><![endif]><span style="';color:windowtext';"><span style="'mso-no-proof:yes'">2</span></span><![if supportFields]><span style="';color:windowtext';"><span style="'mso-element:field-end'"></span></span><![endif]><span style="';color:windowtext';"> <span style="'mso-tab-count:2'"> </span>Andy in the Flinders Ranges, on St Mary's Peak</span><span style="'font-size:"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <![if !mso]></td> </tr> </table> <![endif]></v:textbox> <w:wrap type="tight"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">I run my own walking company <span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/home">Soulfree Adventures</a> from my home office on Buninyong, which gives me the freedom to work as long as I want (!) and is a great base for work and play.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">Figure 2. Andy in the Flinders Rabges on St Mary'sPeak, May 2010</span>
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span><i style="">Let’s get into your early</i></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style=""> bushwalking experiences. How did you first<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span> get into bushwalking? Any particular mentor or group?</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I first got into bushwalking as a student at a well known Melbourne private school. Back in the 70’s we still had 3 term school years and each school holidays our loosely described bushwalking group would head for Breakfast Creek, north of Licola in the heart of Victorian Alps. There after some pretty basic rudimentary training we would leave the luxury of this ex forestry camp and head off on our planned bushwalks. We did 5 day walks in May, 7 day walks in September and 10 day walks in summer, all on our own, leading ourselves with no teachers, no radios, no phones, no GPS heck this was even pre Gore Tex. How well I remember the arrival of Gore Tex and so called ‘lightweight’ camping – back when we were teenagers, we had competitions to see who could carry the most, a constant teenage macho contest in one upmanship. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Jaffle irons were packed in, cold roast chickens were packed in, cans were packed in, we all packed in camp stools - but not your basic stool, heck no, ours had backs on them! We camped in style but sweated every step of the way!</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We didn't just bushwalk, we kayaked our hand-made Olymp '75 kayaks down a swollen and icy Wellington River; skiied our wooden skis with hickory poles across the Snowy and Wellington Plains, practised river crossings in the freezing Weillington River, froze, sweated and loved every politically and environmentally incorrect minute of it! Early bushwalking memories include:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">my first ever bushwalk, 5 days, camping in the CVhromite Mine after countless river crossings of the Wellington & Dolodrook rivers, then climbing and scrambling up a steep and exposed summit of Mount Hump along the Razorback. Sleeping on a bed or rocks on the stony summit and awakening above a sea of clouds</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">freezing ourselves in the 'brass monkey' water of Lake Tali Karng and having competitions of who could stay in the longest!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">leading early bushwalks across the Wombat Plains and climbing up and down the Gable End to the Razorback, as well as down the scree slopes from the Gable End descending directly into Lake Tali Karng</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">countless hours spent puring over maps at home and at school, planning my next bushwalk. I still have most of my early maps, including the next-to-useless contour maps at 1:100,000 scale and my prized early Stuart Brookes maps, lovingly annotated with the most minute detail. I have retained a near photographic memory of these maps and this terrain and would have little trouble finding my way amongst these mountains unassisted today</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">trundling boulders off the summit of Mount Wellington, spending them vcrashing into the (hopefully) unpopulated forest below</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">stopping off in Drouin (who remembers Drouin!) on the way to a 7 day snow camping hiking trip and purchasing incredibly warm $5 woollen sports coats from the Drouin Salvos Op Shop</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">hitch hiking up the Snowy Plains Road near the start of our 10 day summer hikes, sticking out the thumb and our exuberance when the loggers pulled over and allowed us to throw our packs on the back, jump on and hold on for dear life as they barrelled up the road, one hand on the wheel, the other on the CB, empty beer cans and wrappers littering the cabin floor (if our parents only knew) and the ensuing lazy day that followed when we'd knocked off a 30km 'road bash' in one exhilarating hour</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">then there was the time we had to escort a violently ill student out of the Caledonia River valley up to the Snowy Plains Road, camped the night, then hitched a ride with a logger the next morning down to our camp at Brekky Creek, rudely waking up the teachers at 3:00am in the morning with logging truck's horn loudly blaring</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">sunsets from our canvas makeshift tents (sticks for poles) on top of the Crosscut Saw</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">blazing huge binfires in the middle of winter</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">'vegie bombs' on the fire, sometimes exploding and sending shrapnel flying into nearby tents
<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">and there was the time my trusty Optimus 8R shellite stove almost exploded, sending a pencil thin jet of flame 3-4 feet in the aire from the fuel tank</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">crouching late into the night inside our tents with billies of water ready to throw at the possums as they descended from the trees to eat our dinner left-overs
<br /></span></li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My earliest mentor was a teacher at our school, Peter Dick. “Oh for God’s Sake” was both his nickname and favourite saying (and hence, his nickname). I think he was a Pom but could have been from New Zealand, certainly he had both an accent and extensive experience. His passion for the outdoors was palpable – he made a much better outdoors instructor then science teacher, a trait I would later share with him. Our bu</span><span style="font-size:100%;">shwalking group was called LGR and it still exists to this day, in a somewhat more modern and safety conscious incarnation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">After a couple of years teaching, I did a post grad diploma of Outdoor Ed at Latrobe Uni Bendigo and was introduced to modern principles, ethics, philosophies and skills of Outdoor Education, an education I badly needed and I guess soaked up. I took up rock climbing, white water kayaking and skiing and re-engaged with the outdoors with a passion. After years of climbing, I managed to struggle up a few 23’s and even managed to leave my name on a few new routes at Arapiles and in the Gramps, but most </span><span style="font-size:100%;">of all I just had a ball, climbing in Victoria, NSW, SA and Queensland. In between I taught Outdoor Ed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">During this climbing phase of my outdoors life most of my walking was associated with finding our way into new “secret” and “hidden” cliffs in the Grampians and Blue Mountains. I ended up in Outdoor Education and remained an Outdoor Edder for the unlikely term of 20 years. Following a final 10 year stint as Director of Outdoor Education at Ballarat Grammar, I resigned, burnt out and badly in need of a change in career – there’s only so many hundred nights you can spend under canvas, camping with teenagers and their accompanying teachers and still remain sane. Sanity questionably intact I managed to get out before being carried out and re</span><span style="font-size:100%;">solved to use my skills to start up my own business. It’s been a steep learning curve learning business and tourism. Starting a boutique walking business in the heart of a global financial crisis did not make things any easier, either. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -108pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span><i style="">O.K. What about your walking now, Andy. Do you walk solo or with someone? Who is your preferred walking partner?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Most of my walking I now do solo, checking out n</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ew areas for our guided walking tours. I still enjoy my walking, in fact so much so that I have set up my </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9qISE9xvoZPWpFezWyytYENt65cNrCZ_1VFOlkj4NNYY4sjL4bfd7tHcVLKEybrncsTQJfyP4k-LWUjC3OvWy59Nw81t-hDj4F7MTaAhRkj7mwOCetwgahJUWtaINIT6XshszbmuNxa/s1600/G1007+APRIL+2010+%2889%29.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9qISE9xvoZPWpFezWyytYENt65cNrCZ_1VFOlkj4NNYY4sjL4bfd7tHcVLKEybrncsTQJfyP4k-LWUjC3OvWy59Nw81t-hDj4F7MTaAhRkj7mwOCetwgahJUWtaINIT6XshszbmuNxa/s400/G1007+APRIL+2010+%2889%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489526827837138962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">own walking company, <a href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/home">Soulfree Adventures</a>. We offer boutique guided walking tours for those who prefer “glamping” to camping. Our walks are all multi day, 3 – 6 days and combine sensational walking, with great food, wine and 4 star accommodations; this model certainly has appeal and glampers are a growing market as more people search for something different in their travel. We currently offer guided walks along the Great Ocean Walk and are looking offering further guided walking holidays in Victoria and South Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Figure 3. Soulfree walking guides Andy and Mitch, Ryans Den, Victoria's Great Ocean Walk</span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I recently returned from the Flinders Ranges, where I was reccying new areas for our walks. I had the bizarre experience on the one hand walking solo in this beautiful, rugged and remote location and on the other being ‘tracked’ in real time by a collea</span><span style="font-size:100%;">gue in Melbourne via the SPOT satellite tracking device I was carrying.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have recently being exploring the Flinders Ranges, Yarra Valley, Daylesford-Hepburn Springs and Adelaide Hills areas for new guided walking locations for Soulfree Adventures walks. Another highlight has been exploring the rugged northern coastline of Kangaroo Island, where we shortly hope to open a completely new and stunning walking location – no-one else currently goes there and this country just has to be seen to be believed! It will a truly new guided walking location and one we here at Soulfree are very excited about. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am an active member of Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR and Alpine Search and Rescue (AlpineSAR) Victoria.<span style=""> </span>I enjoy my walking and SAR exercises with the AlpSAR crew and also enjoy backcountry skiing with my local buddies from Harrietville and Hotham. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I also enjoy walking with my wife and young boys, Jack & Sam. They have really enjoyed their walking along the Great Ocean Walk and even helped me carry in supplies for camping <b style="">clients along this track.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span><i style="">If you had a couple of months off just to hike, what would be the three multi day hikes in Australia you would complete?</i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span><i style=""><span style=""> </span></i></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Easy: the Jatbula, Larapinta and I’d also love to do the whole Alpine Walking Track in winter, as a couple of my mates did a few years back in 2005. I’m definitely attracted to doing some exploring in Litchfield NP in the NT. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span><i style="">Alright, unlimited finances, money and time what would be the three multi day international walks you would complete?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Torres Del Paine, Patagonia, I've always dreamed over heading there. I used to want to climb Fitzroy but now I'd just be content trekking through this amazing area. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Carpathians – there’s just something haunting about Transylvania, <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>gypsys and hiking in the Carpathians. I would love to some exploring <span style=""> </span>here, but then the Atlas mountains beckon as well...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Concordia – follow the Baltoro glacier, the longest glacier in the world <span style=""> </span>to Concordia, where you are surrounded by 8000 metre peaks in the<span style=""> </span>heart of the Karakoram.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A good friend and AlpineSAR buddy of mine, Linda Beilharz recently became the first Australian woman to ski to the North Pole, having already skied to the South Pole and across Greenland. She is still planning to cross the Patagonian icecap having been forced back on</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ce already. The Poles aren’t calling me though I would definitely like to explore Patagonia and Chile, given unlimited finances...<b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span><i style="">My favourite bits of gear are? Why?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Being a bit of a gear freak, I’ll have to think on that one. O.K. here’s a bit of a short list of my fave bits of gear:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Cactus Patrol rucksack – Cactus gear is all bomber, the Patrol pack is my ‘go to’ guiding pack and I can pack enough for a 3 day alpine lightweight snow camping trip inside<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My Bluewater super dry 9mm rope, best rope I ever owned<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My Wilderness Equipment (Sea to Summit) sil_nylon small tarp, a super lightweight tarp shelter great for packing light and rigging emergency shelters<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My custom made One Planet down sleeping bag. Ah ... sweet warmth<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My Bomber Bishop tele bindings, super bomber, super solid, best tele bindings I’ve ever used<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Black Diamond Whippet self arrest pole<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My Obsidian Mantles</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> – lcally made twin tips, I had’ em mounted tele, now their mounted alpine after one two many knee reconstructions<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Not forgetting my Garmin eTrex Vista GPS, the easiest to use GPS I’ve ever owned<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My SPOT satellite messenger – in the midst of equipping all our groups with SPOTS. After using these on the Holding rescue on Feathertop last year, we could see their value. Police in Bright could “see” one of SAR groups turning around from the summit in blizzard conditions even before the group radioed in. Now we can track Soulfree groups in the field from our office in real time and our guests’ families & friends can also follow their progress in real time via a private link to Google Maps. Pretty neat huh?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My Snow Peak super lightweight titanium stove<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Mee Goreng noodles, gotta be satay flavour<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Sushi roller – the BEST stove base for the snow ever made, check it out!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">My bum mat – three layers of closed foam and no wet bum in the snow kitchen</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Cactus SPG gloves & Cactus HD Dreadnoughts – my “dreadies” are the best, hardest working ski pants I’ve ever owned and can handle all the abuse full time snowshoe guiding and skiing can throw at ‘em<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Is that enough?!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span><i style="">I really hate it when I am bushwalking and ... ?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span>“</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">..... 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<br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span>What trips have you planned in the next 12 months?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">
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style="font-size:100%;">I also really hate it when I am bushwalking and .....<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.....<span style=""> </span>I get to camp and realise I’ve left the sleeping mat/fuel/coffee behind<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.....<span style=""> </span>I get back to the car and realise I’ve locked the keys in the car<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.....<span style=""> </span>I choose to go lightweight, pack a tiny sil_nylon tarp, and then it pours<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.....<span style=""> </span>I run out of coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">.....<span style=""> </span>my camera goes flat just when there’s the best sunset anyone has ever seen<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span>What trips have you planned in the next 12 months?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span></b>OK, N0 1 priority at the moment is getting our new trips up and running. That’s Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and Spa Country (Daylesford-Hepburn Springs). We’ll be heading back over to Kangaroo Island soon to fully explore and GPS map our walks before sitting down with DEH staff on KI. Apart from that I’ve got a couple shorter fast & light trips planned:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Diamantina > High Knob > Kiewa River > North West Spur > Feathertop > Diamantina (in winter)<o:p></o:p></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Actually that’s it, if I can get that one done in the next 12 months, I’ll be happy<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span>What is your favourite outdoor website?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span></b><a href="http://ski.com.au/forum/index.html">http://ski.com.au/forum/index.html</a> <span style=""> </span>Moosh! I hang out here for all the ski news and gossip. I posted frenetically last year but then I was living full time in Harrietville running my snowshoe business and shuttle. I’m not doing that this year, so will be posting less. Sites like this are great though and allow people not living in the snowfields to really find out what the conditions are doing, rather than have to rely the resorts’ own reports.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span><a href="http://tasmania.bushwalk.com/forum/">http://tasmania.bushwalk.com/forum/</a> Tasmanian <span style=""> </span>bushwalking site. There’s heaps of great info and discussions here, not just about Tasmania but all other states and territories as well, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Frank:<span style=""> </span>What is your favourite outdoor hiking store?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Andy:<span style=""> </span></b><span style=""> </span>That’s an easy one, <a href="http://www.bogong.com.au/">Bogong Equipment</a>, in Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. A small specialist equipment store whom I’ve always supported, I’d much rather support guys like Bogong than the larger supermarket style chain equipment suppliers. They hand pick their gear and don’t stock rubbish. All their gear is good and their staff actually know the products they sell. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><b style="">Frank: What trips have you got planned in the next 12 months?
<br />Andy:<span style=""> </span></b></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >OK, N0 1 priority at the moment is getting our new trips up and running. That’s Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and Spa Country (Daylesford-Hepburn Springs). We’ll be heading back over to Kangaroo Island soon to fully explore and GPS </span><p></p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> <div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-30575297063109018522010-01-18T16:38:00.004+11:002010-01-18T16:47:47.766+11:00Walking Holiday for Singles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4FrsHJsX8pVRWA_Bg7ER4k4JD6yHWMYc-h1XF7Z6Q5FnNTvKbvNq7z4mN1o1X_cWgiYefa0lto5qICFVyAOfN0IM3IWt0I-Q4-L-6N9tk8zXHTmaxWZivXZb5nHhdyYEExX3C_xzcITF/s1600-h/12+Apostles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4FrsHJsX8pVRWA_Bg7ER4k4JD6yHWMYc-h1XF7Z6Q5FnNTvKbvNq7z4mN1o1X_cWgiYefa0lto5qICFVyAOfN0IM3IWt0I-Q4-L-6N9tk8zXHTmaxWZivXZb5nHhdyYEExX3C_xzcITF/s400/12+Apostles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427952392612440242" border="0" /></a><br /><h1 id="hd">Walking Holiday for Singles</h1><b><strong id="sm">With so many tours seemingly aimed at couples and families, Soulfree Adventures hits the mark with its new guided walks for single travellers.<br /><br /></strong></b><i class="px11">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</i> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> <div class="content" id="bd"> <i><a href="http://www.prlog.org/" style="text-decoration: none;">PR Log (Press Release)</a></i> – <i>Jan 18, 2010</i> – Singles holiday travel in Australia is taking off and is accounting for an increased share of the travel market. With traditional demographics changing and an increased number of single travellers entering the travel market, it's time for the Australian tourism industry to improve its offerings to cater to this growing market.<br /><br />Cashed up single travellers are looking for experiences aimed squarely at them and it seems a small Victorian walking tour company Soulfree Adventures has hit the mark with its latest offering. Aimed squarely at the Singles Traveller market Soulfree Adventures is offering a guided Great Ocean Road Walk for Single Travellers. Not families, not couples, just singles. This is a refreshing and welcome change. Single travellers no longer need deal with the awkwardness of mixing with couples. Singles travel allows singles to meet, mix and have fun together. What better way to do this than on a walking holiday.<br /><br />Soulfree's Great Ocean Road Walk for Singles package starts and finishes in Melbourne. Soulfree lay on transport, guides, accommodation and meals. Their guides are highly experienced, know the Great Ocean Walk intimately and are adept at facilitating diverse walking groups. This walking package allows single travellers to see some great scenery and have a great time doing so.<br /><br />This 5 day package is attractively priced at AUD$1499 with deluxe upgrades available.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Contact Soulfree Adventures for more details or visit their website via the following link: </span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);" href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/g1007" target="_blank">http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/<wbr>g1007</a></div> <!-- google_ad_section_end --> <p># # #</p> <p>Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays<br />Guided Walking tours<br />Self guided walking tours<br />Walking holidays for single travellers<br />Great Ocean Walk<br />Grampians<br />Great South West Walk<br />Bogong High Plains | Victorian High Country<br />Heysen Trail South Australia</p><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.prlog.org/10492256-walking-holiday-for-singles.html">View this full press release here</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-20381398870475554902010-01-07T15:51:00.001+11:002010-01-07T15:53:13.988+11:00soulfree adventures: Portable Mobile Phone Chargers | How Good is This?<a href="http://soulfreeadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-good-is-this.html">soulfree adventures: How Good is This?</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-78129337859768501752010-01-07T15:22:00.005+11:002010-01-07T15:52:00.756+11:00Portable Mobile Phone Chargers | How Good is This?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7cKyuneNPllqUEXxenY-uTGQNGEjn0cGW_TihO70bRVVWxQjrS-EJ0kIypJpMzcw5tat1VHAuEnH6Ij27-BNnXEIcTujCXOxKC5_yylfeHriBJDK123G-T663J2U-g6dcWZ5YLFkujXi/s1600-h/phone+charger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7cKyuneNPllqUEXxenY-uTGQNGEjn0cGW_TihO70bRVVWxQjrS-EJ0kIypJpMzcw5tat1VHAuEnH6Ij27-BNnXEIcTujCXOxKC5_yylfeHriBJDK123G-T663J2U-g6dcWZ5YLFkujXi/s400/phone+charger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423849518334828770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">MOBILE PHONE CHARGERS ~ A MUST HAVE "EXTRA" THAT'S NOW CHEAP AS CHIPS!!</span></span><br /><br />In my last post I listed the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Top 10 Extras</span> worth taking on your next walking trip.<br /><br />Well check this out: <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">portable mobile phone chargers</span> have come of age. I got this beauty from Aldi for AUD12.00 AND it came with 2 x Energizer Lithium batteries!! That's LESS than the cost of the batteries!!!<br /><br />In terms of essential kit this little beauty now ranks high on my list of "must takes" & it goes with me on ALL searches and ALL extended trips. It uses the same AA cell batteries I use in my GPS.<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"> Plus</span> it comes with a range of connecting leads to suit most mobile phones.<br /><br />For searching where I'm often using my phone a lot and in the snow this can really drain your battery this is essential for giving my phone (Nokia E51) a quick "juice".<br /><br />Spare mobile phone batteries are expensive. Now there's no need. Now you can pack one of these lil' "juicers" for the cost of a few coffees and head out bush safe in the knowledge that if your phone runs out, you can quickly juice it up in 30 minutes with this light & handy device.<br /><br />Get one now!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Happy Trails</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-38463346970929427412010-01-05T17:38:00.009+11:002010-01-05T18:11:04.116+11:00List of Top 10 Extras to Take Bush Walking<span style="font-size:100%;">It does seem strange</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">in a sense to be posting this: usually as anyone who knows me can vouch, being an advocate of lightweight walking, I'm more often telling people to leave stuff out of their packs! I still believe most walkers pack too much, and maybe it's just me getting older, but seems to me walking is so much more enjoyable when you're not lugging a heavy pack around the bush.<br /><br />I also subscribe to the "multi use" principle: everything you take should ideally have more than one use. E.g. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">walking poles are great. They take the strain off your knees, you can use them to set up a quick shelter with your tarp, I can use them to fashion a makeshift splint, they help you keep your balance on steep rocky terrain and crossing rivers, etc etc. Very useful items indeed!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">(Picture: Andy guiding at JB Plain, 2008)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27ijlK9yfZ-8P2PxxYjAA8l5USGfo_j0sWPywDks-IFNEGWjg9MO1NdR-itwKcNWOOKP-KaObImIZJOTi8tVWXTbThIcrWQY5eN3b1GdThmn7FBAm8_UCcYwqHK2kZdege6HPgKjbauK2/s1600-h/Hotham+Early+July+08+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27ijlK9yfZ-8P2PxxYjAA8l5USGfo_j0sWPywDks-IFNEGWjg9MO1NdR-itwKcNWOOKP-KaObImIZJOTi8tVWXTbThIcrWQY5eN3b1GdThmn7FBAm8_UCcYwqHK2kZdege6HPgKjbauK2/s400/Hotham+Early+July+08+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423144200520404322" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Even so I also subscribe to the "one luxury" principle: get your pack weight down, then put in one little luxury for you to look forward to on your walk: pillow, book, caffeine, whiskey, whatever but just that one little luxury amongst your otherwise monk-like austerity can make your life on the trail that much more enjoyable, especially on a multi day hike.<br /><br />And so to my list. This is my list for walking, it differs in winter for back country trips on skis and snowshoes but here it is.<br /><br />All these thingsI believe are very useful: perhaps you don't need them all, perhaps several can be packed in the designated group kit (if you're walking in a group) which is a good idea. Anyway here it is:<br /><br />1. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Duct tape</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />2. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Portable mobile phone charger</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />3. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Mul</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >ti tool knife</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />4. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Cable ties</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />5. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Flint & striker</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />6. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:100%;" >Elastoplast</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />7. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" >Walking poles</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />8. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:100%;" >Lightweight tarp</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />9. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Bivvy bag</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />10. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Caffeine</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >Did I miss any of your favourites?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >What's your "must take" list?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >Post a comment or drop me a line</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" > |</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:100%;" > enquiries@soulfree.com.au</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >Happy trails!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/home"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</span></a></span><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-39211026247306423142010-01-04T09:48:00.000+11:002010-01-04T09:48:21.785+11:00soulfree adventures: Blisters when Bush Walking<a href="http://soulfreeadventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/blisters-when-bush-walking.html">soulfree adventures: Blisters when Bush Walking</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-13426442657980005782010-01-04T08:58:00.013+11:002010-01-04T11:38:18.704+11:00Blisters when Bush Walking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFylNke-aBtICGdd7uPUQpW9PieEpNiUkNzRuMLF7d33k4c62jdJs4CutprmtVPqibTiwGrwDp9CZREE-yXuFozBy1Azp-URGS4wSGWkw7_B1KH9YGvIjmRSam3z3jbyZKAJehCX9YeKHj/s1600-h/blister+yuk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFylNke-aBtICGdd7uPUQpW9PieEpNiUkNzRuMLF7d33k4c62jdJs4CutprmtVPqibTiwGrwDp9CZREE-yXuFozBy1Azp-URGS4wSGWkw7_B1KH9YGvIjmRSam3z3jbyZKAJehCX9YeKHj/s400/blister+yuk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422645972490277330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">If there's one thing that will ruin your day on the trail, it's the infamous blister!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Blisters</span> are caused by <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">friction</span>, this friction generates heat and this heat initially creates <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">hot spots</span> which if left untreated, pretty soon progress into <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">blisters</span>. The blister itself is a fluid fiulled sack (the fluid is <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;">plasma</span>). Blisters occur when things all gets out of whack: your boots could be too stiff so they don't move when your feet move, or your socks ruck up in your boots causing creases which rub. The foot sock and boot should all move as one. Common areas affected by blisters with walkers are the heels (pictured), tops and pads of the toes, and also under the ball of the foot. I would say the heels are the most commonly affected area for walkers.<br /><br />Seems there as many treatments for blisters as their are hangover cures, so I won't be postulating one all embracing cure-all here; if it works for you, keep on doing it.<br /><br />Predictably the best treatment is <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">prevention</span>. If you don't get blisters in the first place, you won't need to treat them, so let's have a quick look at what we can do to stop getting blisters in the first place.<br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Break your boots in before you go on your walking trip</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi31tPm4iGwVjOYZX8Oe3HUAFkHjwbu_yPZV1L095VWQIxa49CuFok96DQDIKpQMoAgTjvCr-sPVcQDBea5BZuW-rqejYPPFe1Ho9kVb46rpTq2Z46pkV8uADyzjkITVVtzNM7zTIfVvD/s1600-h/Beach+boots+and+gaiters.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi31tPm4iGwVjOYZX8Oe3HUAFkHjwbu_yPZV1L095VWQIxa49CuFok96DQDIKpQMoAgTjvCr-sPVcQDBea5BZuW-rqejYPPFe1Ho9kVb46rpTq2Z46pkV8uADyzjkITVVtzNM7zTIfVvD/s400/Beach+boots+and+gaiters.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422677360767237106" border="0" /></a>I grew up walking in the 70's when walking boots were all made of leather. Out of the box they were as stiff as a board. Try walking in those for five days with a 20kg pack and pretty soon your feet started sporting a nasty assortment of blisters. The trick we learned was to break them in by doing lots of walking in them first: walk around the house, down to the shops, around the park, etc. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Softening the boots up</span> was also popular: after walking in your boots the trick was to stuff them full of tissue paper and leave them in a tub of water overnight. Then walk in them again the next day, then repeat. Of course doing the 20 odd river crossings of the Wellington River into Lake Tarli Karng tended to have the same effect! Modern boots aren't all stiff leather (though a boot like the Scarpa SL with a stiff shank certainly needs all this preparation) nevertheless it pays to break all boots in a little. If you don't, you take your chances . . . </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Take care in choosing your socks for walking</span>. Back in the 70's we really only had one choice: the good old Explorer. Now we are spoiled for choice. Make sure your sock is a firm fit and has good quality elastic. You do not want your socks falling down inside your boots. Should you wear two pairs of socks when walking? Old school thinking said yes, with some advocating a thick / thin combo, I used to wear two thick. Now I wear one thick. In my ski boots I wear one pair of long super thin socks (so I can feel the ski through the boot, it's a skier thing). <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Whatever your choice, make sure you have your boots properly fitted with the socks or sock combination you intend to wear walking</span>. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Pre-tape</span>. If you have been prone to blisters in the past, then it's a good idea to pre-tape using a compund such as Compeed or Spenco which you use to cover your blister prone areas. Personally I always do this on an extended ski tour as my ski boots are stiff and after all the effort prepping for the trip I don't want my trip cut short by blisters (really I don't want my buddies poaching my fresh trax!) . I rarely pre-tape for walking as I use soft boots and they're always well broken-in so I tend not to get blisters when walking. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Don't borrow or hire boots</span>. On a walk / ski tour your feet are your most important item. If you get foot problems, chances are that's it, your walk's over. So if there's one bit of kit we should all purchase, it's a good pair of walking boots. Even for skiing if you're going to at all get into the sport, buy your own boots and have your inners specially moulded to your foot. Even the plastic shell moulds to your foot. If you borrow someone else's boots, you're setting your self up for more of these:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_M4nLhSnluGSTHki83niFd3I7UpuKXNRVUgh3Z6W77KIaKCpynhLgygPgcTxXL6zOTJtP5kB-Yn3K0TTkAtJR1JdmJSPR6JB1JLAn0iZ-Izio_MdpVPFv-rC9ROPCBJ6z-VaFGufscLk/s1600-h/blister+yuk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_M4nLhSnluGSTHki83niFd3I7UpuKXNRVUgh3Z6W77KIaKCpynhLgygPgcTxXL6zOTJtP5kB-Yn3K0TTkAtJR1JdmJSPR6JB1JLAn0iZ-Izio_MdpVPFv-rC9ROPCBJ6z-VaFGufscLk/s400/blister+yuk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422644240170446690" border="0" /></a></li></ol>5. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Look after your feet</span>. As soon as you start to feel a hot spot developing, stop and treat it. Initially this might just require taping up using a gel pad like Compeed, a slippery frictionless tape like Sleek or using a gel based treatment like Spenco (the duck's guts!) If you don't stop and treat it, the hot spot will turn into a full blown blister. So don't worry about slowing your walking party for a tiny hot spot. Down the track you'll hold them up and cause much greater problems if you get full on blisters. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">So when you're with a group, think of blisters as a group issue not a personal issue</span>. In this sense you owe it to the group to look after your feet and every group member should share this commitment. Also check your feet in your tent each night, look for hot spots, anmd importantly, trim your nails - you don't want them too long as they'll cut into the adjoining toes and give you more grief!<br /><br />I'll leave treatment for another blog, so stay tuned!<br /><br />Happy Trails!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-88417299372104277062010-01-03T11:58:00.000+11:002010-01-03T11:58:24.003+11:00soulfree adventures: HYDRATE OR DIE!<a href="http://soulfreeadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/hydrate-or-die.html#links">soulfree adventures: HYDRATE OR DIE!</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-86836737409901411022009-12-31T09:14:00.012+11:002010-01-25T09:13:27.051+11:00HYDRATE OR DIE!I don't know how many first aid courses I've completed over the years, probably over 20. Whatever, it seems like a lot and a long time since I first practised tying triangular bandages with the school nurse back in high school.<br /><br />The best first aid courses for the outdoors have always been ones presented in a wilderness context <read:>. A useful context if a bit misleading: you could be in a "<span style="font-style: italic;">wilderness context</span>" if you are moored in your yacht on say the Gippsland Lakes and you can't get back to the shore for some reason; or for that matter if you're stuck in a traffic jam. The point being of course that these courses provide you such key skills as:<br /><br />- improvising first aid materials from stuff you already have with you (<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;">do more with less</span>)<br /><br />- provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">extended patient care</span> (you could be stuck in the bush with your patient for hours, overnight, days, etc). Urban based courses like St Johns and Red Cross as a rule do not present from this perspective and their trainers are generally not from an outdoor guding background.<br /><br />Anyway ones of the providers of one of these courses I distinctly remember had a motto which featured prominently on their trademark hikers' coffee mugs which they also sold. This motto read:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">"</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Hydrate or Die</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">"</span></span></span><br /><br />The more courses I completed, the more this motto struck me as making sense. The more you study first aid, the more it becomes apparent how effective adequate hydration is in preventing a plethora of miscellaneous ills & ailments. And nowhere is this more apparent than in summer.<br /><br />When I worked as a walking guide for 20 years for school Outdoor Education groups, I had a stock list of responses used for a multitude of student presentations / complaints. This is a useful tool to have in your leaders kitbag of tricks.<br /><br />Students would typically present complaining of a headache. My stock response always revolved upon getting them to "drink more water." Not gulp it, but slowly sip a good litre an hour for the next hour or two or three ...<br /><br />Of course that wasn't what they wanted to hear. What they really wanted was a Panadol or some similar magic tablet. But what their body needs is to be rehydrated. That pain in your head is telling you something. Yes Johnny pain is your friend.<br /><br />So with the weather heating up and keen walkers heading out, one of the best things we can do to avoid the onset of heat illness (heat exhaustion and heat stroke or <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51); font-weight: bold;">hyper</span>thermia) is to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">stay hydrated</span>. It's not that hard but it does require a strategy just as avoiding <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">hypo</span>thermia requires a strategy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's some hydration tips for walkers:</span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">start the day with a full tank</span>. Make sure you're properly hydrated <span style="font-weight: bold;">before</span> you start walking.</li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">know the signs & symptoms of dehydration</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Key sign</span>: when you are adequately hydrated, your urine should be <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">clear and copious</span>. So go on,have a "pee and see."</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">sip water regularly dont gulp water irregularly</span><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">make it easy to sip and walk at the same time</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">.</span> Camelbaks and similar hydration packs are popular for a reason and you don't need to wear ear buds and like hip hop to use one either. They enable you to suck water when you're walking (or skiing but then you need to avoid the hydration tube freezing up but let's leave tha tissue till winter approaches). This really makes it easy to stay hydrated. You don't have to stop the group to get out your water bottle; you don't have to worry about catching up to the group; you don't have to ask someone to get your water bottle off your pack for you. <span style="font-weight: bold;">You are in control and can drink when you like</span>. And drink you will. It's amazing how quickly you can drain a 2 litrle bladder.</li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">take enough water to meet your needs without overdoing it</span>. For me this is 3 litres. I carry a 2 litre Camelbak with the hydration tube conveniently located on my shoulder strap. Mine has a valve enabling me to close the water off, a useful feature. I also pack a one litre bottle either inside my pack or secured externally so it can't swing or drop of my pack. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">if leading a group, call rest stops frequently.</span> </span>Allow those in the group without hydration packs the chance to stop and drink. Chances are if they haven't got a Camelbak or similar, they will be not drinking for one or all of the reasons outlined earlier. If you don't let them drink, they will become more dehydrated and you may have problems later in the day.</li></ul>So there you have it, some handy hints for staying hydrated. "Hydrate or Die" may sound a little over-the-top, a little melodramatic perhaps, but it sure focuses your attention on the issue. We all know the saying "from little things big things grow" and with dehydration this is the nub of the issue. A whole lotta problems can grow from that one little headache ...<br /><br />So when you're out there walking this summer, drink, drink and be merry!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Happy New Year and Happy Trails<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >Want more info? <a href="http://www.voea.vic.edu.au/publications/journeys/hydration_hurrell.html">Read this great article</a></span><br /></span></read:><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-56303163912349905122009-12-30T09:54:00.009+11:002009-12-31T17:37:00.561+11:00AVOIDING BUSHFIRES WHEN WALKING<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">With the summer walking season well and truly upon us it is timely to look at how we can avoid bushfire danger on our walks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">With a bit of forethought, a modicum of technology and a healthy dose of common sense this should not prove that difficult.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">1. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> Take heed of fire warnings</span>. Following the disastrous fires of February 2009 Australia now has a raft of fire warnings. Take heed of these and avoid walking on days of: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >CATASTROPHIC fire danger</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >EXTREME fire danger</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">2. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Obey all warnings and instructions from regulatory bodies</span>. For example, last summer in Victoria on particularly hot and bushfire prone days Parks Victoria (the regulatory and controlling body of all National Parks in Victoria) would not allow commercial operators to conduct tours in the Parks and advised all private walkers not to enter the Parks and if already in them, to reconsider their walking plans and seek to vacate the Park.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">3. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Do not wait to be told of a fire risk</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">.</span> Use your own common sense and judgement to assess the fire risk. If it is obviously hot and if these conditions are associated with strong, hot, dry winds, the the bushfire risk is obviously going to be great. Do not walk and make plans to leave the bush early. If you have no transport, consider your options. For example, you may be able to head to an open beach or rock platform which may be the safest place to be. Remember, the bush is dry and burns hot and fast. Do not be caught in the bush when fire hits.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">4. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Check the weather forecast before you go</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">.</span> If the forecast is for hot & dry weather, reconsider your options. The walk can always wait till later. It may be that a swim at the beach is a safer (and cooler) option.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">5. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Find out about the weather when you're in the bush</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">.</span> You have many options these days so consider the following:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >AM/FM RADIO </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- the ABC has the strongest signal strength and is the official broadcaster of bushfire alerts and information. Pack a small portable radio and tune in to find out.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >MOBILE PHONE / PDA:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> a. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >RING THE BOM</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> (Bureau of Meterology) to find out.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">BOM WEATHER WARNING NO: 1300 659 217</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >TELSTRA </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">has by far the best phone coverage in Victoria. You have more chance of getting a signal with Tesltra than other carriers. Be aware that even though your carrier claims your phone will default to Tesltra if they have no coverage this does not always occur.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> b. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >PHONE A FRIEND</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> to find out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> c. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >TEXT</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">: text a friend to find out OR arrange for a friend to text you when a</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >pre-determined TRIGGER weather event</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> occurs. This </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >trigger</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> should be concrete and easy to find out.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> It could incude:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >SEVERE WEATHER WARNING (for your area)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >TOTAL FIRE BAN</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >EXTREME FIRE RISK</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >CATASTROPHIC FIRE RISK</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >SATELLITE PHONE</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">: Consider hiring a satellite phone for your walk so you know you will have a communication device that works where you're planning on walking. These are usually pretty cheap (around $20 - $25 a day to hire - cheap if split a few ways and what price safety?)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >WITH ALL BATTERY POWERED DEVICES </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> - </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Know how to use them before you find yourself in an emergency</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. E.g. practise using your satellite phone before you head out; if it requires a PIN number then record it somewhere where it won't get lost</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- carry a small laminated CONTACTS LIST of all possible emergency contact numbers and hand one out to each member of your party</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- program this list into your phone (backups buuild redundancy into your plans - less chance of stuffing up in a real emergency)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >MAKE SURE YOUR DEVICE IS CHARGED</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >CARRY SPARE BACK UP BATTERIES</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >DO NOT LET YOUR EMERGENCY DEVICE RUN OUT OF JUICE!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Avoid walking in bushfire prone areas at times of known hire fire danger</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A sobering thought: bushfires are real and people do die. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Respect the bush, respect the weather and mother nature and follow the SIX Ps at all times and you should be able to enjoy your walking year round without getting caught in the bush at the wrong time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Happy Trails!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-14902835833866135242009-10-09T16:57:00.000+11:002009-10-09T17:18:39.107+11:00Spot Satellite Messenger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX1vsFJlSn_7xnRSJzriz6qfLv_e-W9ueMrRj1D3VG013RkPAtdMDwillcWOcTsioSDXAxl650ewP1UyeHnI9Y4pY-DL4mZsMq6VEWprZqYatTLMSVbUzkM5bZzrnIlBktXl56Wuh_3yD/s1600-h/c2b9_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX1vsFJlSn_7xnRSJzriz6qfLv_e-W9ueMrRj1D3VG013RkPAtdMDwillcWOcTsioSDXAxl650ewP1UyeHnI9Y4pY-DL4mZsMq6VEWprZqYatTLMSVbUzkM5bZzrnIlBktXl56Wuh_3yD/s400/c2b9_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390475732927732418" border="0" /></a>We are excited to be an authorised retailer of Spot Satellite Messenger, the world's first satellite messenger. These are available for purchase through <a href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/spot-satellite-messenger"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">our website</span></a>.<br /><br />Spots are an amazing life saving device and if you head outdoors, or for that matter go anywhere remote, even if it's out of cell phone range in the car, you really should have a SPOT.<br /><br />SPOTS do a few things really, really well.<br /><br />1. They allow you to send an OK message via SMS or email to anyone on your pre-prepared contacts list ( up to 10 contacts). You hit OK and SPOT sends its message via satellite to your contacts, also sending them your GPS position and a link to where you are in Google Maps.<br /><br />2. If you need non urgent HELP you hit the HELP button and this sends a pre-prepared message to your contacts telling them where you are (again GPS position and a link to Google Maps) and that you're OK but need their help. This lets you keep it 'in the family' so to speak. Nice.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">IN EMERGENCIES: This is where SPOT really shines</span>. If you really need to be rescued, you can hit the <span style="font-weight: bold;">EMERGENCY</span> button and this sends a message via email and SMS to the local authorities telling them you need HELP urgently. Of course<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2T7nzYJfJlg-PtIltRS0EzvWBH7Q1l2C6gopxoXoPkLpACur2Egy2svKKfmfth6zofwxHpU4_cFmJrPKvmdos-1Yew2MFkTYKmaUEHmUr3z2Y1p2CHCfPvMWSbMTqBAvUdM1j0qzNOs5/s1600-h/SPOT_Logo_2color_tag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2T7nzYJfJlg-PtIltRS0EzvWBH7Q1l2C6gopxoXoPkLpACur2Egy2svKKfmfth6zofwxHpU4_cFmJrPKvmdos-1Yew2MFkTYKmaUEHmUr3z2Y1p2CHCfPvMWSbMTqBAvUdM1j0qzNOs5/s400/SPOT_Logo_2color_tag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390477423553054274" border="0" /></a> the SPOT also sends them your position (GPS coordinates) and link to where you are right now in Google Maps <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">and your SPOT keeps on sending this message every 5 minutes and till you hit cancel</span>.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Live Satellite Tracking.</span> SPOT allows your family and friends or business to follow your progress live, in real time, via satellite. Once you have set it up, your SPOT keeps sending out your location (GPS coordinates) and your position in Google Maps, allowing your contacts to follow your progress and see where you are, right now.<br /><br />This feature is incredibly useful, which is why SPOTS have proven so popular - not just with recreational users, but with schools, mining companies, fishermen, search and rescue services, farmers and any company who has workers working in remote areas.<br /><br />Many companies now use SPOTS to fulfill their Remote Area Policy obligations as part of their OHS risk management strategy.<br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/spot-satellite-messenger">Soulfree Adventures</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>has SPOTS availble RIGHT NOW at the LOW LOW price of AUD229.00.</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:78%;" >*</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Furthermore, if you order one now & register before Nov 15, we will include 12 months free live satellite tracking (normally USD49.99 per year). </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">orders: sales@soulfreeadventures.com.au</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />*registration fees apply</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-34066725361279261592009-10-09T16:06:00.000+11:002009-10-09T16:16:11.765+11:00Cactus Climbing Equipment Clothing & Gear<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAJTAg9cOhQa6p93c1_HxaW4D4H-wiOCixi8vIGWjBWJyWYUtYNoceBmpZnlMoRN_JnoewDk0aWQbkgIwQ3Vmj5wBu4gXtJVydoe5wAxALDiSW490zSaxeLeIMou7tFr_elAB283FG-sz/s1600-h/Cactus+slogan+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAJTAg9cOhQa6p93c1_HxaW4D4H-wiOCixi8vIGWjBWJyWYUtYNoceBmpZnlMoRN_JnoewDk0aWQbkgIwQ3Vmj5wBu4gXtJVydoe5wAxALDiSW490zSaxeLeIMou7tFr_elAB283FG-sz/s400/Cactus+slogan+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390462570963985522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksZ9oRnWOFXrMId7ELyj3l57wEVlEMJ_qMYLFMLHw4FPGu39o8hLwI1ATBcD6q5JO7IQBw7OolrStJVz0R_HrGtTc5zdXedwhLWdeKy9qXYB6RIkbvWhEOq6htR0nh3bXjXNVC0jq9DUo/s1600-h/Cactus+round+logo.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksZ9oRnWOFXrMId7ELyj3l57wEVlEMJ_qMYLFMLHw4FPGu39o8hLwI1ATBcD6q5JO7IQBw7OolrStJVz0R_HrGtTc5zdXedwhLWdeKy9qXYB6RIkbvWhEOq6htR0nh3bXjXNVC0jq9DUo/s400/Cactus+round+logo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390462561225432546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A HUGE THANK YOU to our Kiwi friends at Cactus for allowing us to distribute & sell their awesome clothing and equipment through our website. We are huge Cactus fans and use their gear for all our guiding.<br /><br />We're only too happy to sell the gear we use because we have no problems recommending it. We doubt if you can treat it any tougher than we do!<br /><br />Cactus make rugged purpose built clothing & equipment for most outdoors pursuits.<br /><br />Check out their range on the <a href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Soulfree Adventures website</span></a>.<br /><br />We proudly support Cactus ethical construction.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0M0f6WbFEpHJA_4TiwZo8rB8Dg_HFzsTxVgn1mLSwooq937ULNlVyQdzNuDwBTR19Dj3gsjMPmq11uWYkc16Tpv9QQYL84ZBBD4Qf8hKhlmQ2VGH4G198SXFu3cMnnyy0boxhIILTz0py/s1600-h/Cactus+swing+tag.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 95px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0M0f6WbFEpHJA_4TiwZo8rB8Dg_HFzsTxVgn1mLSwooq937ULNlVyQdzNuDwBTR19Dj3gsjMPmq11uWYkc16Tpv9QQYL84ZBBD4Qf8hKhlmQ2VGH4G198SXFu3cMnnyy0boxhIILTz0py/s400/Cactus+swing+tag.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390463951698229826" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-29246503414498719112009-09-30T09:05:00.000+10:002009-10-09T16:21:23.287+11:0030 August Last Snowshoe Tour for the Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DgSUzNC76M_fVLUfyrfKNidi4TZfHzZ2vgCaImbVdOGNJ02P8yVDBKLs3AQuvkb9z25tO3A83W3r43CvPZVXfDgvQQen48CCKIHEi_0KFGLzGq_iqtJctztnibc_4vcmMQrMHNsokd0U/s1600-h/30+August+012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DgSUzNC76M_fVLUfyrfKNidi4TZfHzZ2vgCaImbVdOGNJ02P8yVDBKLs3AQuvkb9z25tO3A83W3r43CvPZVXfDgvQQen48CCKIHEi_0KFGLzGq_iqtJctztnibc_4vcmMQrMHNsokd0U/s400/30+August+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390417803515457266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy1-iMA78g4TNAA2dbA8napCVY-wYnIBu21gQD5t1ILEkFqE0xhSHr0obymu8p8HByprwgKZi03mGlVxykb63a-DygPWLwAoC0qIM2fYRE52d8hyphenhyphen0F6xfGCmUUFtMq8SlhEYQ1CEhtWRI/s1600-h/30+August+015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy1-iMA78g4TNAA2dbA8napCVY-wYnIBu21gQD5t1ILEkFqE0xhSHr0obymu8p8HByprwgKZi03mGlVxykb63a-DygPWLwAoC0qIM2fYRE52d8hyphenhyphen0F6xfGCmUUFtMq8SlhEYQ1CEhtWRI/s400/30+August+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390417794543551794" border="0" /></a>My apologies for taking so long to get around to posting this!<br /><br />This was our last tour for the 09 season and couldn't have been with a nice group.<br /><br />The young couple arrived with their Moms to scope out the area for their wedding in 2 years' time, which will be in Dinner Plain.<br /><br />We had lots of fun despite the weather and found plenty of good spots for wedding photos in amongst the gnarled Australian snow gums.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44DP9VKnrdmr-XeT8gD3Q_BsXtRWojIWqGXxKZN43sEicemm8dl8X2kw8gO9RLTWAbWfmmlBomwNlurYIqrWP_i9oJs1D-ezwxmTfPepaSwb_Muf1vZojs9PLlNyk3dlyxpdMnChm1NWT/s1600-h/30+August+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44DP9VKnrdmr-XeT8gD3Q_BsXtRWojIWqGXxKZN43sEicemm8dl8X2kw8gO9RLTWAbWfmmlBomwNlurYIqrWP_i9oJs1D-ezwxmTfPepaSwb_Muf1vZojs9PLlNyk3dlyxpdMnChm1NWT/s400/30+August+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390417779415899954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7LjrokmEt2LTCthCRx9sBSMwp0F-HY32-UEEGXKvyW409nVNGHYNkpcUew4cr2G9slIQBABZ6H0qnqnJ8FD674bt9j-SsGMxUT04HmuIuR32rsWdjZCGfKTqdcIdq-dAEQ6KmTbKnr3T/s1600-h/30+August+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7LjrokmEt2LTCthCRx9sBSMwp0F-HY32-UEEGXKvyW409nVNGHYNkpcUew4cr2G9slIQBABZ6H0qnqnJ8FD674bt9j-SsGMxUT04HmuIuR32rsWdjZCGfKTqdcIdq-dAEQ6KmTbKnr3T/s400/30+August+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390417767942232434" border="0" /></a>We would be happy to take the bridal party out for a complementary snowshoe on the big day!<br /><br />All the best for your wedding guys!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EaBVFMVzfQRT5vSml3uuw4z6PKUrey2usRw8_xDcPtVMxV2rTVbse9BsAjl8_mU5ItIKnCVt9h9KvlL5vcqmzca_F_9HP_2qlXDMkNueVHIPfZ2eEItr1sX1GDFtdkDH6BG_VUj7gZmg/s1600-h/30+August+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EaBVFMVzfQRT5vSml3uuw4z6PKUrey2usRw8_xDcPtVMxV2rTVbse9BsAjl8_mU5ItIKnCVt9h9KvlL5vcqmzca_F_9HP_2qlXDMkNueVHIPfZ2eEItr1sX1GDFtdkDH6BG_VUj7gZmg/s400/30+August+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390417760287836834" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-4086086157481984392009-09-03T13:50:00.000+10:002009-09-03T13:58:32.642+10:00Soulfree Spring eBrochure Now Available<strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">Soulfree Adventures' Spring eBrochure is now available!!!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffff33;">For your copy email Andy: </span></strong><a href="mailto:andy@soulfree.com.au"><strong><span style="color:#ffff33;">andy@soulfree.com.au</span></strong></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>In this eBrochure:</strong></span><br /><br />- new Assisted walks<br />- new walking venues: Victorian High Country, Mount Hotham & Dinner Plain, Falls Creek & the Bogong High Plains<br />- walk from Mount Hotham to Falls Creek in a day!<br />- Spring 'wildflowers in the high country' walks<br />- Group Socials<br />- advance notice for winter 2010: Challenge Week Snow Treks five days of snowshoeing in the mountains, including ascents of Victoria's Five Highest Peaks. Challenge yourself like never before on one of our Snow Treks!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-71449906080107099392009-09-03T13:40:00.000+10:002009-09-03T13:48:36.311+10:00Andy on Feathertop Search for Missing Minister<strong>Returned Tuesday afternoon from search deployment on Mount Feathertop</strong> to assist in the search for Victoria's Minister for Water and Tourism, the Hon. Tim Holding. I went as an Alpine Search & Rescue member (AlpineSAR) of the volunteer group BSAR (Bush Search & Rescue). Big thank you to the Hotham Lift Company for flying us searchers back by helicopter from Federation Hut to Harrietville. Our group searched Monday and Tuesday and were high on the ridge line of North West Spur above MUMC Hut looking on as Minister Holding was located and winched out by chopper. SES team members from Bright also spotted the minister signalling with his reflective space blanket.<br /><br />Was good to be searching in my 'backyard' and ironic that we held Alpine Search & Rescue training in this same location three years ago, camping in the gully where the search efforts were concentrated.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-16385919264014164632009-08-29T17:03:00.000+10:002009-08-29T17:25:51.633+10:0029 August Calorie Burning in the Rain!!!<strong><span style="color:#ff6666;">Guess who had the most fun at Hotham this morning? We did!</span></strong><br /><br />Yes though the weather gods definitely were not smiling this morning, three very keen and lovely ladies and good friends, Ruth, Leanne and Fiona, joined Sean and I on a calorie-burning snowshoe sojourn to Dinner Plain. This fearless group refused to be daunted by wind, rain, thunder and lightning and we boarded our trusty troopy intent to get amongst the snowgums for several kms of fitness snowshoeing.<br /><br />Down Dinner Plain way it was much more sheltered that up at windy Hotham. And really not that bad, though we had to pull our hoods up over our heads occasionally and sought shelter in a cattlemen's hut for a few minutes, it's surprising how little we noticed the weather once we got going, started gasbagging and hit our stride. We did stop a few times, listening to thunder and commenting on some lightning we had sworn we saw; we did speculate as to whether Hotham would close its lifts due to lightning; but apart from that, undaunted we trudged onward and before you could say quantum physics (well that was Sean), we had covered a lazy 6km.<br /><br />When we returned to Hotham Central, guests were definitely not happy Jan, several having been left below in the valley when the lifts were put on wind and lightning hold and we did think we heard some grumbling about refunds. Which just goes to show: when the weather turns sour and you want to put a smile on your dial, come snowshoeing!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh526H3cw9IsuYgxvUDV5Zs6rTdBabblBXdhnJ1XMG0bTaRt7OXrG7jEQYAB5jvxNZTqAU0bBk2jCasaYtPyLw6O2ekNTiFoHiqHaX28knT0cC2icunLMe3BKQhYiWssI_6xTBiZgvQJP/s1600-h/29+August+001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375282150096065458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh526H3cw9IsuYgxvUDV5Zs6rTdBabblBXdhnJ1XMG0bTaRt7OXrG7jEQYAB5jvxNZTqAU0bBk2jCasaYtPyLw6O2ekNTiFoHiqHaX28knT0cC2icunLMe3BKQhYiWssI_6xTBiZgvQJP/s400/29+August+001.JPG" /></a>Unfortunately we all left our cameras in our packs today so the only pic I have to share is one I snapped on my return. This shows just what the weather was like at Hotham this morning.<br /><br /><span style="color:#33ff33;"><em>Thank you Ruth, Fiona, Leanne and Sean for being such good sports and having such a good spirit this morning!</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-36758502397497029452009-08-27T17:11:00.000+10:002009-08-27T17:36:31.429+10:0027 August Half Day Tour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBQgHnx1kMkI1lU3DdwQlS_ivgiWdIb1hJNBG62SJKObsdCZJxWU2kY37mmsezPN63VQRO_RGTkzHE_SSJhuwtMnADO1C-pukSpJZ-IfS2lUR1SNBoxpSA-EKqqLypDymHSuXNJUAfK7n/s1600-h/Snowshoe+27+August+003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374541438242422930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBQgHnx1kMkI1lU3DdwQlS_ivgiWdIb1hJNBG62SJKObsdCZJxWU2kY37mmsezPN63VQRO_RGTkzHE_SSJhuwtMnADO1C-pukSpJZ-IfS2lUR1SNBoxpSA-EKqqLypDymHSuXNJUAfK7n/s400/Snowshoe+27+August+003.JPG" /></a> Well it was just Ruth and I and the wind today! Ruth and I headed out for starters from Diamantina along the Razorback and down the upper half of Bon Accord Spur, from where we could see Harrietville and the Ovens River valley 10 kms below. The wind was howling but the snow was delightfiul and soft, after 27cm of fresh in the last 36 hours.<br /><br />Dropping off the southern side of the upper ridge of Bon Accord spur provided us with a lovely spot for morning tea!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0cFj8QfYqTIBHgZCp5zm_TyxJvn9ZYb5XxWdMkfVwv2nKi7eZBSlAqd8Wyk1L7YKDPOoWTEzxoAHamzEmfZ0FxNQ4G2sjUWrn4SD4fX-cz26CIdRwtKxFyAYj4ER26D23_kmhFbfhvzp/s1600-h/Snowshoe+27+August+002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374540625297867362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0cFj8QfYqTIBHgZCp5zm_TyxJvn9ZYb5XxWdMkfVwv2nKi7eZBSlAqd8Wyk1L7YKDPOoWTEzxoAHamzEmfZ0FxNQ4G2sjUWrn4SD4fX-cz26CIdRwtKxFyAYj4ER26D23_kmhFbfhvzp/s400/Snowshoe+27+August+002.JPG" /></a> The snowgums looked extra special today sporting a new mantle of snow. At times all you could see was the tops of them poking through the deep snowpack.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEcmGAHdEZtBl4EPnCT7dWLNPUWt8cQST7-hkwGK6dtMp19Qe1Ti1jJSkwgY6Z5xnODrkTrYIjIl9mbw8qVmeSR26rNimohCsoi9CF_GxeMiSVJG2apv25R31s-FtNN0lAHaE0k8E7GmD/s1600-h/Snowshoe+27+August+006.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374539010583106674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEcmGAHdEZtBl4EPnCT7dWLNPUWt8cQST7-hkwGK6dtMp19Qe1Ti1jJSkwgY6Z5xnODrkTrYIjIl9mbw8qVmeSR26rNimohCsoi9CF_GxeMiSVJG2apv25R31s-FtNN0lAHaE0k8E7GmD/s400/Snowshoe+27+August+006.JPG" /></a><br />Can you spot our tracks leading down off the ridgeline? A pretty amazing place for our morning tea. Afterwards we headed south through Hotham towards Dinner Plain. There wasn't enough snow cover to head across the snow plains, so we enjoyed a warm-down cruising along the firm packed trails, chatting to a few a skiers along the way. By the end of the tour we both thought we'd had a pretty good workout and earned wine and desert this evening. I decided I'd leave skiing till tomorrow.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-22526567348162644542009-08-23T10:09:00.000+10:002009-08-23T10:41:12.431+10:0022nd August Half Day Tour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGNjzwk7-UWyyEzmj_2Rpfekrf3y4hT3iBa3JSJOQ29M4urkLlQ29PtuhFkglLiA_3iO4Kp1ysf-oIKrZ5W0e9Y2wa6GE-BShu6V20nTbFPh6zGehkmGmJhY6_iBF0zsK0hD_NulBq8rs/s1600-h/22+August+015.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372947538172947586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGNjzwk7-UWyyEzmj_2Rpfekrf3y4hT3iBa3JSJOQ29M4urkLlQ29PtuhFkglLiA_3iO4Kp1ysf-oIKrZ5W0e9Y2wa6GE-BShu6V20nTbFPh6zGehkmGmJhY6_iBF0zsK0hD_NulBq8rs/s400/22+August+015.JPG" /></a>Today Rob and Ann joined us on a half day tour. Rob had booked his tour months ago and timed it perfectly, lucking into perfect touring conditions in the morning out along the Razorback and Bon Accord Spur.<br /><br />If he had booked for yesterday, the tour would have been cancelled, as conditions were atrocious!<br /><br />We headed out from Diamantina and ambled down the spectacular snowy ridgeline of upper Bon Accord spur.<br /><br />We had a lovely stop for morning tea<br />and cookies amongst the snowgums, sheltering from the wind.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5xUr6WMOpGx1_m6jcOqvY3on0s_HMkZlogLX04x6pUER1iAIpUggm-ZSHykkvrfW61tFqJ_NaefyNRD17-5XUdDdATt0lkxU8wsJ1Be13CfF4XYxsEcjXhFjA7jrHv75tSIO2wp3NQAW/s1600-h/22+August+014.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372948651636569106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5xUr6WMOpGx1_m6jcOqvY3on0s_HMkZlogLX04x6pUER1iAIpUggm-ZSHykkvrfW61tFqJ_NaefyNRD17-5XUdDdATt0lkxU8wsJ1Be13CfF4XYxsEcjXhFjA7jrHv75tSIO2wp3NQAW/s400/22+August+014.JPG" /></a>Australian snowgums (<em>euacalyptus pauciflora</em>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7II9xP0OHnMJGN798IWqmc1iqUazHeaWCaPmUqRMltiFsINvhkcpsgW4qe8AtVFSItD23zQIT-bZmgqxetXsCtscf7lVScYBCuowLhGTJ_qMcIfGWxTZcDkn7i_HQps6gUVr9n9ytg8Yz/s1600-h/22+August+011.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372945982658467042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7II9xP0OHnMJGN798IWqmc1iqUazHeaWCaPmUqRMltiFsINvhkcpsgW4qe8AtVFSItD23zQIT-bZmgqxetXsCtscf7lVScYBCuowLhGTJ_qMcIfGWxTZcDkn7i_HQps6gUVr9n9ytg8Yz/s400/22+August+011.JPG" /></a> Rob and Ann from Melbourne<br /><br />With the temperature well below zero and the clouds and wind increasing, we headed top JB Plain. We had alovely snowgum ramble, stopping for views of Mt Tabletop.<br /><br />We also stopped for a chat with David Chitty from Adventure Guides Australia who was out scouting the snow conditons for a school group he is teaching next week.<br /><br />Rob has expressed an interest in our Sno Treks next year - 5 day snowshoe treks in the backcountry, including snow camping and peak bagging!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-16066551439745958722009-08-19T17:32:00.000+10:002009-08-19T18:47:40.465+10:00Tuesday 18th August Hotham BackcountryLovely morning for a half day snowshoe tour in the Hotham Backcountry<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43TSdzoTPH4ANOQLA6e8Nj6B8-xiXQ5ffz9n5aSfKIJACIsp1bJI3hqxkVZfj2lDf_OKTQr491CSK6jKGEDuagVz5JL7VJS9cDxujERjGOUVg20kR8lZgwWpgS_OVcvMnJy7aZDjZVQZe/s1600-h/2nd+week+August+019.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371590728313768370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43TSdzoTPH4ANOQLA6e8Nj6B8-xiXQ5ffz9n5aSfKIJACIsp1bJI3hqxkVZfj2lDf_OKTQr491CSK6jKGEDuagVz5JL7VJS9cDxujERjGOUVg20kR8lZgwWpgS_OVcvMnJy7aZDjZVQZe/s400/2nd+week+August+019.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here's Tracey and Frances enjoying the snow out near Derrick's.<br /><br /><br />This is the lovely creek you cross on the way to Derrick's: today we had to cross a little snow bridge to get across.<br /><br />Spring has come to the backcountry .<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHd8rG9Bou7YqXSPiTTt9IFl3p00KY3X5sJiFIyr9WxhI2JWcg-iV8EfrIL_IjZICO5Ip1dxl9dv2yMHu6ve5H0q_RDkg1oHcUh7kzqJDAH_5XLBEriqkg5KkNOBS6XNF9_n1mh5GZjoS/s1600-h/2nd+week+August+016.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371591231047643474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHd8rG9Bou7YqXSPiTTt9IFl3p00KY3X5sJiFIyr9WxhI2JWcg-iV8EfrIL_IjZICO5Ip1dxl9dv2yMHu6ve5H0q_RDkg1oHcUh7kzqJDAH_5XLBEriqkg5KkNOBS6XNF9_n1mh5GZjoS/s400/2nd+week+August+016.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe0Nfa1vKLezAe3T2em07WwpTTollBYqhO_qCU5W6DSl2JTygiDtYiQjsDE7Sw0YCb91YLJ9Wb8jWo1gbDvEVFGMu9lBPVdVWeKcg5uHGipmyVq_eicmRarrDQa_PoBKZJMCDzKxK6m5X/s1600-h/2nd+week+August+026.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371591690048294002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe0Nfa1vKLezAe3T2em07WwpTTollBYqhO_qCU5W6DSl2JTygiDtYiQjsDE7Sw0YCb91YLJ9Wb8jWo1gbDvEVFGMu9lBPVdVWeKcg5uHGipmyVq_eicmRarrDQa_PoBKZJMCDzKxK6m5X/s400/2nd+week+August+026.JPG" /></a>And here's the very welcome Derrick's Hut, looking cared for after a rennovation last season by its proud custodians the Wangaratta Ski Club (thanks guys!)<br /><br />Derrick's makes a great stop-over in summer or winter when you're walking from Hotham to Falls Creek. For more of these walks, contact Andy at Soulfree: e. <a href="mailto:andy@soulfree.com.au">andy@soulfree.com.au</a> or<br />m. 04 8847 7271<div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-91049287573833692882009-08-09T11:49:00.001+10:002009-08-19T17:31:58.280+10:00Razorback Sat August 8Ahhh sunshine returns to Mount Hotham for the best and biggest snow weekend of the season!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx_1ogPXmKYFbIwTb_7MOl0uPBn3WIUbBg7uxmbC5OWMdd4QE8BdjSpdxLs-K_J7MYC2FYUgS-8Nq0yIxwT6GwYAf2g0swREIfmEPqtNTSdYZtWCe2ITow_-59JDS5qgjRlWbibLhfFqB/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+014.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367786595050537458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx_1ogPXmKYFbIwTb_7MOl0uPBn3WIUbBg7uxmbC5OWMdd4QE8BdjSpdxLs-K_J7MYC2FYUgS-8Nq0yIxwT6GwYAf2g0swREIfmEPqtNTSdYZtWCe2ITow_-59JDS5qgjRlWbibLhfFqB/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+014.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A perfect morning to check out the Hotham backcountry. Here's the group starting out on the Razorback from Diamantina, Saturday morning<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv9Hu3r4KrEbCRmntpOwDTDVKxAZhwxTf4dB-w0FukV_H6VyShoK-9ENEhSkd5M65tbMjUnV3FiTFNDmaUc_kMHtKPdZKo7Jayv64VQH7GDRYfNYaCismkDRekqMlPN8k3MimC_3BvoUg/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+029.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367783359945482674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv9Hu3r4KrEbCRmntpOwDTDVKxAZhwxTf4dB-w0FukV_H6VyShoK-9ENEhSkd5M65tbMjUnV3FiTFNDmaUc_kMHtKPdZKo7Jayv64VQH7GDRYfNYaCismkDRekqMlPN8k3MimC_3BvoUg/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+029.JPG" /></a><br />Kez and Robyn descending the Big Dipper!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolksgr0Am5jSolGkvfTp-gt2mO98aR3qXSTVhne7fsBpmL6RLz1krLDOQ9fRywJLGYczNv6_ytnUu0xj9G3Q5LaMmk56AGwYT7JCHf7VE1wFFq3ryhsbHcQOZaB1flGUOUqnyfvUYWWR2/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+020.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytyI8ZJDBrSClkXjnGgXpgbwRQGxgieM1f9xKhyphenhyphenD7NcoJAXnYP3A1CyI3jM4sv3J-r5eSNwc7IqOrhNoHl_1zPgeFbqM7Jw9MwIovc_n05w5-T77D73NSOfJUFCOVQXGa2BUrcSRe942J/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+020.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367783796214569346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytyI8ZJDBrSClkXjnGgXpgbwRQGxgieM1f9xKhyphenhyphenD7NcoJAXnYP3A1CyI3jM4sv3J-r5eSNwc7IqOrhNoHl_1zPgeFbqM7Jw9MwIovc_n05w5-T77D73NSOfJUFCOVQXGa2BUrcSRe942J/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+020.JPG" /></a> 14yo girl tele skier ripping it up!<br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgZeFufnUGKuiWLeQK1FqQq9zQ2CWrd3e-Lw34ocqZEzynE-nf10dLre0ta_pfeoI9QQnOKg8JcMT7lWTBj_Mta8PxAtmnSETt4KJAcR0-fSW1AAZFjEuSeD3zkWdjXdo4eLtbYXsHRKI/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+052.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367781064855852162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgZeFufnUGKuiWLeQK1FqQq9zQ2CWrd3e-Lw34ocqZEzynE-nf10dLre0ta_pfeoI9QQnOKg8JcMT7lWTBj_Mta8PxAtmnSETt4KJAcR0-fSW1AAZFjEuSeD3zkWdjXdo4eLtbYXsHRKI/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+052.JPG" /></a><br />Robyn, Kez, Dajarra and James out on the Razorback enjoying awesome conditions<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D8Aroek7zj0KGbPvnyqPjc2ENfzvP27XyoJmLcJ7fUHn1HwUEXZTbRJ-P05MoWCJBjzYiwYpA7WcpnOYueXpDXw9d5RaZP3RDRt42seAzUyBBQ5ORZEMAmX-p-V8S2AHe0XjXgtKVePs/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+054.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367775898740204274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D8Aroek7zj0KGbPvnyqPjc2ENfzvP27XyoJmLcJ7fUHn1HwUEXZTbRJ-P05MoWCJBjzYiwYpA7WcpnOYueXpDXw9d5RaZP3RDRt42seAzUyBBQ5ORZEMAmX-p-V8S2AHe0XjXgtKVePs/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+054.JPG" /></a><br />Now for the silly pic! Thanks guys for a great morning <div></div><div>Hope you enjoyed seeing the Hotham backcountry at its best</div><div></div><div>Oh ... and the champagne sunset tour was awesome!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-13485981184940950552009-08-09T11:29:00.001+10:002009-08-09T11:48:05.100+10:00JB Plain<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1PHmLb9zF751gVeokSAMt06ny3MAdcPammXSAhNzES3wzqUEspqev5fDqcAaBywpeD6TE-srJGnZrg1Zvk-8teiXfym3T-rKMuu54n3SbWsS2q14zuAHov12tkhP7SwOeg3Sv7r7ubbe/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367772200143190722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1PHmLb9zF751gVeokSAMt06ny3MAdcPammXSAhNzES3wzqUEspqev5fDqcAaBywpeD6TE-srJGnZrg1Zvk-8teiXfym3T-rKMuu54n3SbWsS2q14zuAHov12tkhP7SwOeg3Sv7r7ubbe/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Well the weather Gods have been depriving us of sunshine here at Hotham lately. Never fear, even when Hotham itself is windy and blown out, we can still find sheltered snowshoeing on the snow covered snow plains to the south.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's Judy at JB Plain on 31 July</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMYxZ8ReL_uvr3zWNks4E1zvIfgePbNio9X4mZcbg0hfnbq5gjvLSn9fgnCQhrX4MS4bx4H11z-3hIijaakT30StqU-RRye8sg3Q_NMjdxYvUy5jXhf5pFHYc2lWpObGFIXHrE0jm3-nx/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+007.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367773297906454050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMYxZ8ReL_uvr3zWNks4E1zvIfgePbNio9X4mZcbg0hfnbq5gjvLSn9fgnCQhrX4MS4bx4H11z-3hIijaakT30StqU-RRye8sg3Q_NMjdxYvUy5jXhf5pFHYc2lWpObGFIXHrE0jm3-nx/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+007.JPG" /></a>We've been hosting the media at Hotham lately, here we are at JB Plain enjoying the sheltered snow plain snowshoeing<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp5NDznau2U7A7KhqPLxVQYEnqU__qhZ-_4IOodikSQ0rYlhw05ASlvThzwMxUYqDSqdVhTvDvawwO70_pxUhyuJynq1W4YxBugr-eNLz8Nvaj1G86cwEy8eRfJ7tBfTRik1Y1cLAAqA2/s1600-h/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367774032268096290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp5NDznau2U7A7KhqPLxVQYEnqU__qhZ-_4IOodikSQ0rYlhw05ASlvThzwMxUYqDSqdVhTvDvawwO70_pxUhyuJynq1W4YxBugr-eNLz8Nvaj1G86cwEy8eRfJ7tBfTRik1Y1cLAAqA2/s400/Aug+3+%26+Aug+8+008.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Marketing and media have some fun!</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-16534709474166863142009-07-26T15:41:00.001+10:002009-07-26T15:59:10.620+10:00July 24 Razorback Tour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr5OGpgl2J2lLhPovMydIlsBn7314DejCKo5oPcWhnMjmoF2dft2xjcud2FFFGLjbbCxPA7IPxIbB35RMUsxMGoPPtjy_cR7mFLEO1ddjxqKpzndnyD_IoNgZjDJXpr7dbGW7tCPYfuX8/s1600-h/July+23+%26+24+005.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362641110389000722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr5OGpgl2J2lLhPovMydIlsBn7314DejCKo5oPcWhnMjmoF2dft2xjcud2FFFGLjbbCxPA7IPxIbB35RMUsxMGoPPtjy_cR7mFLEO1ddjxqKpzndnyD_IoNgZjDJXpr7dbGW7tCPYfuX8/s400/July+23+%26+24+005.JPG" /></a> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><em>A</em></span></strong>nother glorious day for a tour. The cold weather and sub zero temps have meant no freeze melt has occurrred yet, so the fresh snow from days ago has stayed soft and dry ... mmm.<br /><br />Today six of us strapped shoes on our feet and headed out along the Razorback for a morning's snowshoeing. After checking out Bon Accord Spur, we headed back up to the ridge and out and down to the "Big Dipper", ther lowest point along the entire Razorback.<br /><br />After climbing up the following ridge, we stopped for photos and water, then headed on back to the troopy at Diamantina, not forgetting to raise our "high heels" for the climb out of the Big Dipper.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-9Er3i4tOrt59bPgkBXwBwqO3KpnMjuPxTURvuUxn4TXwFlhyphenhyphenVB-TAfxbnawTMNRydPkDEZR1uW1TnEwI6MN51w0WjZYrQIcLqOviU9p3l0q1hAlT8EoOWfyuefUwh-ig-VNuERWggui/s1600-h/July+23+%26+24+004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362640315517341778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-9Er3i4tOrt59bPgkBXwBwqO3KpnMjuPxTURvuUxn4TXwFlhyphenhyphenVB-TAfxbnawTMNRydPkDEZR1uW1TnEwI6MN51w0WjZYrQIcLqOviU9p3l0q1hAlT8EoOWfyuefUwh-ig-VNuERWggui/s400/July+23+%26+24+004.JPG" /></a><br />Here's the group giving their snowshoe tour the "thumbs up."<br /><br />Check out our walking tours at our website: <a href="http://www.soulfreeadventures.com.au/">www.soulfreeadventures.com.au</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-53735480302913272232009-07-26T15:13:00.000+10:002009-07-26T15:35:27.589+10:00July 23 JB Plain to Tabletop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dmDc3Lk6L8nPOF-MpGrgtWUt4Gv5k7FD0C3xKi6dIYDCO0KfnpKkUyJECqLnB-ktQNh9pzjDc_vHpBV4b3U7luEcD2E0t8VGnHy81LL7IHsbQjbbhe82QSQj0AexaBaXnWX_pA9DLlG2/s1600-h/July+23+%26+24+019.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362635992916019570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dmDc3Lk6L8nPOF-MpGrgtWUt4Gv5k7FD0C3xKi6dIYDCO0KfnpKkUyJECqLnB-ktQNh9pzjDc_vHpBV4b3U7luEcD2E0t8VGnHy81LL7IHsbQjbbhe82QSQj0AexaBaXnWX_pA9DLlG2/s400/July+23+%26+24+019.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Well we've had a cold and windy week, so this morning after checking out the conditions along the Razorback, we decided the cold north westerly wind was blowing too hard and we headed south through the resort for the peace and sheltered tranquility of the Mt Tabletop walking track. Francis and Kym joined us today (here's Kym and Francis - above). </div><div> </div><div></div><div>We enjoyed beautiful conditions heading across the snow plains from JB hut .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6RQP7XJCGIkl1QrKX2G62r-07hIHFRr5vmLovULnIr6J_5rSBvNykuDf1dVO4Lf56lZvES4iiO-aAFdf66aV83O1vZHZf3q9TUO9SGuySUyY4bzy915leMrhSmcCNb4t5SND00kMiShZ/s1600-h/July+23+%26+24+020.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362635646938513842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6RQP7XJCGIkl1QrKX2G62r-07hIHFRr5vmLovULnIr6J_5rSBvNykuDf1dVO4Lf56lZvES4iiO-aAFdf66aV83O1vZHZf3q9TUO9SGuySUyY4bzy915leMrhSmcCNb4t5SND00kMiShZ/s400/July+23+%26+24+020.JPG" /></a> We made it over half way to Mt Tabletop and had lovely views of this remote peak. The track was at times hard to follow but it always stood out, sort of sinking into the depression of the underlying trail.</div><div> </div><div>Later this afternoon Andy filmed a short segment with the Foxtel program "Older, Wiser, Feeling Younger", being interviewed by the lovely Delmae and filmed by Christian. </div><div> </div><div>Check us out on Foxtel this week! Here's the link: <a href="http://www.olderwiserfeelingyounger.com.au/">http://www.olderwiserfeelingyounger.com.au/</a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-59253996013702992009-07-16T10:45:00.000+10:002009-07-16T11:17:17.981+10:00July 14 Snowshoe Blog Brandy Creek Mine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_aT2daQ1_ZNhSRX5x1kC3tkWfyHXm1hi1LK_K7p_YvIoi-kDJZ1qsPHMVMCjFEFibAmtBPgSpVZhPWMUA3wWw4_w2TSuq1uIpSiIVvSZbWkdDb4bkDeOf9bpHz0SOBnBoybJ4UiDRmo4/s1600-h/July+14+006.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358857361322178786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_aT2daQ1_ZNhSRX5x1kC3tkWfyHXm1hi1LK_K7p_YvIoi-kDJZ1qsPHMVMCjFEFibAmtBPgSpVZhPWMUA3wWw4_w2TSuq1uIpSiIVvSZbWkdDb4bkDeOf9bpHz0SOBnBoybJ4UiDRmo4/s400/July+14+006.JPG" /></a> (above) Alison and Carol<br /><br />With 34 cm of fresh and Hotham Central blanketed in cloud and buffeted by winds, we decided to head to the shelter of Brandy Creek Mine. Our meeting place does seem to be one of the coldest spots at Hotham!<br /><br />Today we welcomed four lovely ladies for their first snowshoe tour with us: Alison & Carol and Lyn and Marina.<br /><br />Though it was blowing a gale at Hotham, the track down to the mine site was lovely and sheltered. Lots of fresh animal tracks and the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRafbXohmV2v0yBAt08WZvd0DWiYdDAdCof1_xGh0Vlv_Lb2AmGemMo-Bs0QmyPiDm0QpTP_JWWW3VoRy5crNhAJJzGBcuOxYcMeDigVNPZ3ZdEUpaL99NCf_ddBz891be61XFYZXFaYKd/s1600-h/July+14+008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358857871332548562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRafbXohmV2v0yBAt08WZvd0DWiYdDAdCof1_xGh0Vlv_Lb2AmGemMo-Bs0QmyPiDm0QpTP_JWWW3VoRy5crNhAJJzGBcuOxYcMeDigVNPZ3ZdEUpaL99NCf_ddBz891be61XFYZXFaYKd/s400/July+14+008.JPG" /></a>snowgums looked beautiful today wearing their fresh mantles of snow.<br /><br />The dam looked a treat, partly iced over and layered in snow. Enjoy the pics!<br /><br />Hotham is so good for variety; it's amazing how within such a short distance from Hotham, conditions can change so much.<br /><br />Once the snow sets in, it's rare we<br />can't find somewhere suitable to go 'shoein.<br /><br />(below) Lyn and Marina<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn0zy6m1bPGmV8wi0CyH9xWe2jFONAjm0_zZjkg0HR_TrJ15UzDO1O5Jn43ASIvePRiyqNKf9SMhpkYvLLVPAg-WRlw_U_OAegX4arw74hycoIYltM63KSs38g2FU3ab-JiqrwBBrfv5E/s1600-h/July+14+011.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358859187824544178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn0zy6m1bPGmV8wi0CyH9xWe2jFONAjm0_zZjkg0HR_TrJ15UzDO1O5Jn43ASIvePRiyqNKf9SMhpkYvLLVPAg-WRlw_U_OAegX4arw74hycoIYltM63KSs38g2FU3ab-JiqrwBBrfv5E/s400/July+14+011.JPG" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5661464019686400799.post-36389894898306065682009-07-11T09:58:00.000+10:002009-07-11T11:51:45.444+10:00Snowshoe Log 10 July<strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#993399;"><em>T</em></span></strong>oday we welcomed a lovely group of eight for a delightful 2.5 hour tour out of Hotham. It was lovely to welcome back Lisa (and her friend Penny). Lisa was our first client when we commenced last year and loyally stuck with us for a week (thanks Lisa!) I hope you enjoyed yourself today <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYWbnQnlhCKs2nUaeQktlsXZJZJ4lggu5HSjmTnIyE1pASGP72sQO_jqAKXlvVyB4lreVSNV6hX2K7E2DbqW0SbJVRMznUXGuKvKppG5gATQfOwNrdvhhsuggY2ffm9dudfPf_gHx9qoF/s1600-h/Snowshoe+10+July+005.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357002334894746994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYWbnQnlhCKs2nUaeQktlsXZJZJ4lggu5HSjmTnIyE1pASGP72sQO_jqAKXlvVyB4lreVSNV6hX2K7E2DbqW0SbJVRMznUXGuKvKppG5gATQfOwNrdvhhsuggY2ffm9dudfPf_gHx9qoF/s400/Snowshoe+10+July+005.JPG" /></a>Lisa!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vcw7NY-8FUdKubylrS43O5S8RV6A2cFD0PkyMyy8MYqtoU2EtNBrWSu7zSYJ68x9Q6veJShlstNJ0g-d6jLuIuQsqyFtFXArraiN4erM-xwnuC_QdbVNwhGQ4oi0FyctmWwtHh1FOIQ9/s1600-h/Snowshoe+10+July+002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357004634511646738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vcw7NY-8FUdKubylrS43O5S8RV6A2cFD0PkyMyy8MYqtoU2EtNBrWSu7zSYJ68x9Q6veJShlstNJ0g-d6jLuIuQsqyFtFXArraiN4erM-xwnuC_QdbVNwhGQ4oi0FyctmWwtHh1FOIQ9/s400/Snowshoe+10+July+002.JPG" /></a> Here's Liz<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's Leonie.<br /><br />It was also great to welcome back Kathleen and Deb. Kathleen has enjoyed three tours with us this week and Deb two. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s8oFTaRhaf0NdIfhSDfEG__1o8Hgk7o72jlX9KLS-Pkpes59paTxt5KQ5IVmnudVIQgDPzSEx44N-PlAHHXUmfNrT6nknVJzNcffzq5iUvk34HBoItqNktGCzYcpI3GmcGid6AwHezDZ/s1600-h/Snowshoe+10+July+007.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357007420123386066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s8oFTaRhaf0NdIfhSDfEG__1o8Hgk7o72jlX9KLS-Pkpes59paTxt5KQ5IVmnudVIQgDPzSEx44N-PlAHHXUmfNrT6nknVJzNcffzq5iUvk34HBoItqNktGCzYcpI3GmcGid6AwHezDZ/s400/Snowshoe+10+July+007.JPG" /></a>Deb and Kathleen enjoyed a four hour backcountry tour with us along the Razorback on Thursday, and a here's Deb and Kathleen with the Razorback as a backdrop.<br /><br /><div>Here's Lisa and her friend Penny , two girls who like to have fun!<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-1uuyKM_ucPTmtnbbA3DeHEzAKB3TwDEnD9Ds8IF2lRBcv_lOhMt8-3OdkDdgV7L4JxwVIqtXP6LmFE5FFQD1cjzA0EZGBmsqhJ2gZ4Wbh3lxYqwpQ-FYHOk2Fbaw5ACV1ZNuDIkT1tI/s1600-h/Snowshoe+10+July+011.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357001277609172034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-1uuyKM_ucPTmtnbbA3DeHEzAKB3TwDEnD9Ds8IF2lRBcv_lOhMt8-3OdkDdgV7L4JxwVIqtXP6LmFE5FFQD1cjzA0EZGBmsqhJ2gZ4Wbh3lxYqwpQ-FYHOk2Fbaw5ACV1ZNuDIkT1tI/s400/Snowshoe+10+July+011.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEdXlR01R6PhBVYDyjW4YIM05xqA8_zRmK8IWz6eWf-3TLcDn7CdTFlBdf0JNXlo_-XwE4F0qE3rvc6eYIebDgY4uZ86q7BHo-aadN4CDz-NJRo0OS_hkuN3wGw-5aUqJ8qTyPfhlZY-o/s1600-h/Snowshoe+10+July+009.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357006013583843250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEdXlR01R6PhBVYDyjW4YIM05xqA8_zRmK8IWz6eWf-3TLcDn7CdTFlBdf0JNXlo_-XwE4F0qE3rvc6eYIebDgY4uZ86q7BHo-aadN4CDz-NJRo0OS_hkuN3wGw-5aUqJ8qTyPfhlZY-o/s400/Snowshoe+10+July+009.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><div>From Western Australia here's Ann Marie and her son Jake<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H70bpo449TTfEgdJ6XpqL0n4Iaz0gcpwYTnGBH3ofZdw_o1aP-TaDNrmCotPpphENQ3vyy4dtBRkCyCwbTzELo-2DX5vyF7Ioh_OkjCDDILWibdHPKdJrbI8sMjU7pnmkV62wV8LOVo9/s1600-h/Snowshoe+10+July+017.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356999753151366322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H70bpo449TTfEgdJ6XpqL0n4Iaz0gcpwYTnGBH3ofZdw_o1aP-TaDNrmCotPpphENQ3vyy4dtBRkCyCwbTzELo-2DX5vyF7Ioh_OkjCDDILWibdHPKdJrbI8sMjU7pnmkV62wV8LOVo9/s400/Snowshoe+10+July+017.JPG" /></a><br />Here's the group descending from Eagle Ridge. Later in the season a large cornice will form here.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVchMqw19JhOip0BCpDWeO8D_mxvINAaptlLnTMIVSBkYmNZJ5ZLZisrAjEct85uFrWJGkZ7o0T4ZbsWBMhCCfpPs-nbq4cuf9Ox6px6GWcOyLB6R8T6xMvEwIRT-YDaco2K6t1X9aic0m/s1600-h/Snowshoe+10+July+022.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356999429188384578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVchMqw19JhOip0BCpDWeO8D_mxvINAaptlLnTMIVSBkYmNZJ5ZLZisrAjEct85uFrWJGkZ7o0T4ZbsWBMhCCfpPs-nbq4cuf9Ox6px6GWcOyLB6R8T6xMvEwIRT-YDaco2K6t1X9aic0m/s400/Snowshoe+10+July+022.JPG" /></a><br />Penny and Deb descending<br /><br /><div>At the conclusion of the tour we arrived back at a bitter and blowey Loch car park. We estimated the temperature with wind chill factor at minus fifteen degrees! So we hastened our return to a comparatively warm Hotham Central.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#33ff33;">Full pictures from this and (and all our tours) can be seen on my Photo Bucket site here </span></em><a href="http://s482.photobucket.com/albums/rr184/telesoul/"><em><span style="color:#33ff33;">http://s482.photobucket.com/albums/rr184/telesoul/</span></em></a></div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;"></span></div><div><em><span style="color:#33ff33;">If you enjoyed this post, please sign up to follow our Blog. You can also follow us on Twitter @soulfreee<br /><br />You can catch up with all our latest offerings on our website: </span></em><a href="http://soulfreeadventures.com.au/"><em><span style="color:#33ff33;">http://soulfreeadventures.com.au/</span></em></a></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Soulfree Adventures | Australian Walking Holidays</div>Soulfreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07753569770828458736noreply@blogger.com0