Pictures of Iceland’s breathtaking scenery have recently made this discrete country a popular travel destination. Once thought of as a barren, unexciting place with freezing temperatures, Iceland is now known as a country with mysterious natural beauty. There are many things to do in Iceland, but for those who love hiking Laugavegur Trail boasts a beauty that is rarely seen elsewhere.
The 43 kilometer Tongariro Northern Circuit begins as a typically beautiful New Zealand hike. Further along the route it’s easy to see this is no ordinary hike. Walking through dramatic volcanic landscape feels like you’re on an alien planet. With steaming mountains on the left and Mount Ngauruhoe on the right, this Great Walk earns the title in every possible way. Everything about it is great, along with exciting and other-worldly. Out of every hike in New Zealand, Tongariro Northern Circuit was my favorite.
While travelling through Australia I discussed Tasmania with another hiker. Frenchman’s Cap, a hike in Tasmania, was in his Top 3 hikes. Naturally, I was intrigued and wanted to explore it for myself. After completing the Overland Track I wanted something more challenging. From what I’d heard, Frenchman’s Cap was the hike I was looking for.
Seven days after completing the Overland Track I found myself in Strahan, a tiny seaside town an hour and a half from Frenchman’s Cap Trailhead. The weather had been suspiciously perfect the last five days and the forecast showed three more days of sun with slight showers on the second day. A little rain never hurt anyone and I decided to tackle Frenchman’s Cap the next morning.
Looking back at my first backpacking trip I have to laugh. My partner at the time was an avid backpacker and he was long overdue for an overnight trip. After much planning on his part and many eager nods from me, we found ourselves in Glacier National Park. I wore old tennis shoes and slept in a four pound sleeping bag from Target. I had a brand new Deuter 45+10 Backpack from REI, and had no idea how to use a camp stove. My base-weight today is 21 pounds, but it was probably closer to 35 pounds on this trip. But you have to start somewhere, right?
© 2025 Footprints of Femme
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑
Recent Comments