What I made, by Sharon

We just got back from our hiking holiday and it was amazing.  We spent 3 days hiking the northern end of the Grampians Peaks Trail , three nights in Hall's Gap and then four days hiking the central and southern end. The trail exceeded any expectations I had. Each day was varied terrain, from rock hopping on barren ridges to wandering on sandy paths in almost rainforest.  There were cliffs, and ridges and mountains to climb. The campsites were amazing - generally we were camped on wooden platforms with chains  instead of tent pegs. Each campsite had a composting dunny - not a stinky droploo! we didn't use them, but there were also USB charging ports at each site.  Each  campsite also had either a shelter or a communal meeting place. On our first day on path we met Helen and Jo, two crazy hikers who have done a lot of interesting hikes and we were camped with them every night. they were the consummate hikers, and gave us so many ideas and inspirations, form f...

This weekend we went hiking in Lederderg. we haven't been hiking since Scotland last year, and we were excited to go back to Lederderg, particularly since we went with Skip and Bee, for their first overnight camping hike. I took House Targaryen socks, a pattern that is ideal, since it's intuitive, and after the first repeat there is no need to look at the instructions.  We did the same hike that Leon and I did the first time we went, with the same number of otehr people camping near us (that would be NONE!) We only saw two goats this time, and a lovely lizard. The weather was perfect, warm but not hot, not too windy, and dry. It was a thrill to pack our tent on Sunday morning and have it be perfectly dry. No rain, no dew, no dampness. It got just cool enough that, around camp at night I wore my Goats beanie, but mostly it was short and t-shirt weather. Camping in the summer is fun - one of the things I missed in Scotland was being able to make camp, and then loun...

We have been talking a bit about things that are well used, and possibly on the other end of their useful life. I bought my camping mug in 2006, when I was travelling in the English / Scottish border area. I somehow lost the camping mug I had been using and had to find a new one in the small town where I was staying. There was a sort of general store, and they had this mug: I bought it because it was my only choice, but I love it. It's been with me camping in Australia, Canada, Scotland, England and America. We've gone car camping, bike camping, hiking and kayak camping. I've drunk a lot of tea from it (and some other things too). And that's were the problem starts. The enamel had started to crack and where its cracked at the lip it makes drinking from it quite unpleasant. So I decided to buy a new camping mug. I also decided Leon should upgrade his -he was using a functional plastic Katmandu one. We bought titanium mugs and they are lovely! But I chose the uni...

We just got back from hiking in Wilson's Prom and it was great. When we left on Saturday morning in our hire car it was raining, and the whole way up it bucketed down. Once we started hiking the rain eased off, and the weather was reasonable kind to us, although very cold at night. I was pleased I had packed the sleeping bag I bought when bike touring in Canada ten years ago (!) it's rated to minus 18, and it kept me super warm. I was also pleased I made a really warm hat and mitts. They certainly did the job! Because of the conditions we normally hike in, all our gear is three seasons, and the missing season is winter. This is the tent we bought earlier this year, and Leon's new pack. Mine is like that, but blue. Because I am super short, I didn't get a choice about the colour, but having a pack with customised straps makes the colour scheme just fine. (It's One Planet, made in Melbourne). I tried on so many packs before I found a ...

Tomorrow we are heading down Wilson's Prom way, to spend three days kayaking, followed by three days hiking. I've never done any hike in camping, so I am very excited and a little bit anxious. What if I haven't brought enough food? What if I've brought too much stuff and it weights too much? What if I run out of knitting? In that 40 litre pack is everything I'm going to need for 6 days . Because one of the important things when planning this trip was what to bring to knit. I'm making Twist pullover in laceweight, and I haven't even cast on yet, so I certainly won't finish it. I've got a small dry bag, to make sure my knitting doesn't get wet, and also so I can clip it to the outside of my pack. I've also got mini book light, so I can shine light downwards, so I can knit after dark, and not bother others with my light. So, I feel an prepared as I can be for this trip. Food, boots and knitting. I'll let you know how it went when ...