Hiking to the top of Kilimanjaro still feels like a surreal achievement. The months of altitude training and collecting appropriate gear went by fast, and before we knew it, it was time to hike Africa’s highest peak. Everyone was in a panic. How could we possibly make it to the top? Had we trained enough? What were we thinking?! Somehow, we made it to the top. It was not only one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most fulfilling.
Hawaii is known for being a tropical paradise complete with palm trees, turquoise waters, and volcanic scenery. For a shock of nature unlike anywhere else in the world plan a trip to the Na Pali Coast on Kauai. Dramatic green ridges plunge into the crystal blue Pacific Ocean. Sandy beaches speckle the coast as waterfalls hide in the valleys. While there are easier ways to see the Na Pali Coast, those who dream of adventure should hike the Kalalau Trail.
Sometimes the most memorable part of backpacking is the first real meal you eat after. Food is incredibly important on an overnight hike – not just for sustenance but for energy, nutrition, and mental well-being. Finding trail food that offers all of these things can be difficult, and it takes more than one backpacking trip to figure it out. With practice, and a little bit of research, you can be on your way to a satisfied stomach in no time.
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.
My time on the Overland Track was everything I could have hoped for. There was a good variety of weather, lots of friendly people, and views galore. I even popped two hiking cherries: I lost a toe nail and got super excited about trail mix.
When I hopped on the shuttle to the trail head I wasn’t nervous at all. In fact, I was excited to see if 6 days on the trail would wear me down or invigorate me. People on the shuttle asked me “are you hiking all by yourself?” Why yes I am, and I can’t wait to get started!
If you’re looking for tips and tricks on how to hike the Overland Track yourself I made a post specifically for planning here.
After spending the first month of my trip hiking through rainforest, the second month hiking through desert, and the third month through beaches, it was time for me to hit the mountains. What better way to do this than hike Tasmania’s beautiful Overland Track? It takes a lot of planning but walking this beautiful trail will give you bragging rights for years to come.
If you would like to read my full experience hiking the Overland Track check out my post here!
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?
© 2024 Footprints of Femme
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑
Recent Comments