Chris! I so enjoyed reading this! Amazing epic stuff! Big kudos! Is the Heysen Trail on your agenda? We often come across bits of it as it intersects with the Mawson Trail which I’ve ridden 7 times.
I would love to walk this trail one day, and have done preliminary research on it. Especially as it's in SA, the only state I haven't done a major walk in. I will need at least 6 - 8 weeks I think.
I know someone who has done it in stages and is almost finished. The trailhead is up near Algorichina, we pass it when we do a favourite gravel ride out of Blinman.
There's a Facebook page and also a group you could join, you may have already hooked up!
Would be an entirely different experience to the Larapinta, easier far supplies I’d imagine, though the Flinders is a pretty deserted place.
I absolutely love the Flinders and get there as often as I can. Arkaroola is amazing! A MUST visit. https://www.arkaroola.com.au/
Yes Tahmour, they are really good and help make this walk more manageable. The rainwater tanks are refilled by rangers. They seem to be equipped with radio equipment that monitors their level. They are essential to allow you to walk this trail in dry periods.
The USB stations are handy but only powered by tiny solar panels, which means about half the time they don't charge anything at all. I noticed quite a few walkers carry mobile solar panels. I opted for the minimal use of phone approach that could conserve my battery for days.
Also the shelters themselves have big populations of field mice! You need to be very careful with your food. I hung up my food bag each night with a thin rope, that worked well.
I was quite amazed to come across a new toilet block on the upper mawson trail one year. Seemed utterly incongruous. I’ve always found a bush sufficient, that’s if you can find one 😁😂😉
Nicely written Chris and quite illuminating. I have only visited the areas you mentioned closer to Alice such as Stanley Chasm. What a beautiful thing to do with the desert and nature as your tonic. My girlfriend Jo, has just started the walk a couple of days go. Hope you are well, Meg’s x
Thanks Chris. What a great story! Larapinta is totally on my bucket list - now even more so!! Thankyou for sharing your adventure. It's very inspiring.
A beautiful recounting Chris. It was a privilege sharing the trail with you.
Chris! I so enjoyed reading this! Amazing epic stuff! Big kudos! Is the Heysen Trail on your agenda? We often come across bits of it as it intersects with the Mawson Trail which I’ve ridden 7 times.
I would love to walk this trail one day, and have done preliminary research on it. Especially as it's in SA, the only state I haven't done a major walk in. I will need at least 6 - 8 weeks I think.
1200kms would take me a lifetime!
I know someone who has done it in stages and is almost finished. The trailhead is up near Algorichina, we pass it when we do a favourite gravel ride out of Blinman.
There's a Facebook page and also a group you could join, you may have already hooked up!
Would be an entirely different experience to the Larapinta, easier far supplies I’d imagine, though the Flinders is a pretty deserted place.
I absolutely love the Flinders and get there as often as I can. Arkaroola is amazing! A MUST visit. https://www.arkaroola.com.au/
Obviously get in touch if you decide to do this!
They're doing up the campsites too. I saw some on my last visit, very nice. With rainwater tanks, USB charging stations etc etc
Yes Tahmour, they are really good and help make this walk more manageable. The rainwater tanks are refilled by rangers. They seem to be equipped with radio equipment that monitors their level. They are essential to allow you to walk this trail in dry periods.
The USB stations are handy but only powered by tiny solar panels, which means about half the time they don't charge anything at all. I noticed quite a few walkers carry mobile solar panels. I opted for the minimal use of phone approach that could conserve my battery for days.
Also the shelters themselves have big populations of field mice! You need to be very careful with your food. I hung up my food bag each night with a thin rope, that worked well.
I was quite amazed to come across a new toilet block on the upper mawson trail one year. Seemed utterly incongruous. I’ve always found a bush sufficient, that’s if you can find one 😁😂😉
True indeed Deb, but needed once a trail receives the visitation experienced on the Larapinta. Especially in the places that have very little soil!
Hadn’t thought of that! 😂
What an epic journey Chris. Surely something to be very proud of achieving and I can imagine very good for the soul x
This is wonderful Chris - what an adventure.
Nicely written Chris and quite illuminating. I have only visited the areas you mentioned closer to Alice such as Stanley Chasm. What a beautiful thing to do with the desert and nature as your tonic. My girlfriend Jo, has just started the walk a couple of days go. Hope you are well, Meg’s x
Such an amazing achievement Chris xx
Thanks Chris. What a great story! Larapinta is totally on my bucket list - now even more so!! Thankyou for sharing your adventure. It's very inspiring.
No way i would've been that cool around a snake!!