
Summer visits to the mountains are wonderful.
Even during the hotter months, the mountain air tends to be cooler and it can occasionally even snow. Other hazards to consider are snakes and bushfire, although the risks from mosquitos, march flies and sunburn are probably more immediate.
On extended walks, all gear needs to be carried. This necessitates careful planning to ensure that the experience is not diminished by the hard work of carrying too much. Water is usually easy to find and if carefully obtained away from frequented areas will be safe to drink straight from the source.
Tents are preferred to huts in most instances and need to be strong enough to cope with occasional storms and heavy rain.
Many places I visit have no mobile phone coverage. Amateur radio (or satellite phone/SMS device) are the only options for contact with the outside world.
Even during the hotter months, the mountain air tends to be cooler and it can occasionally even snow. Other hazards to consider are snakes and bushfire, although the risks from mosquitos, march flies and sunburn are probably more immediate.
On extended walks, all gear needs to be carried. This necessitates careful planning to ensure that the experience is not diminished by the hard work of carrying too much. Water is usually easy to find and if carefully obtained away from frequented areas will be safe to drink straight from the source.
Tents are preferred to huts in most instances and need to be strong enough to cope with occasional storms and heavy rain.
Many places I visit have no mobile phone coverage. Amateur radio (or satellite phone/SMS device) are the only options for contact with the outside world.