The runner’s high is well documented with testimonials and scientific reasoning. It is the state of euphoria that overcomes the runner after a period of exertion. Athletes report a lapse in anxiety and a higher pain threshold. Strangely, it does not manifest in all runners. As a walker I am interested in the translation ofContinue reading “The Walkers High – Entering Flow”
Category Archives: bushwalking
Personal Transformation through Long Distance walking
The Order is an enthusiastic proponent of distance walking. In the modern world it’s a hard sell to convince people to invest a day or days in a simple but long walking journey of which the fruits are mostly realised after the event and over time. This is a 2013 Australian study of long distanceContinue reading “Personal Transformation through Long Distance walking”
Feet across Australia – A daring 2300 km walk across Australia
When 2 brothers and 3 girls spent 4 months crossing the continent on foot by an inland route in 1973, they became the first recorded party to do so since Burke and Wills. They were also probably the first in which all party member walked every step of the way and still remain as the only party to cross the final salt-flats and mangroves (two more camps) and stand on the beach of the Gulf of Carpentaria. A ‘highlight’ of the walk was their struggle along the flooded Birdsville Track.
A Journey On Country.
“Knowledge and skills trump equipment, so learn as much as you can” – Gordon Dedman, Bushcraft Survival Australia. Dangerous ideas are contained within. Enter at own risk. This essay addresses the modern dilemma of PLB’s, sat phones, personal responsibility, preparation and mortality. If you have ever thought about the olde ways on expedition, you should invest some time with this opinion piece.
Book Review: “Everything is Water” by Simon Cleary, University of Queensland Press
Origin Story: The Rucksack
The Rucksack is one of the essential companion items for the seasoned walker. A staple piece of kit. Whether one is stepping out for a few hours or a protracted excursion through country, the rucksack is purpose made for the bipedal to carry those life sustaining items. This 19th century word, derived from Germany comesContinue reading “Origin Story: The Rucksack”
Essay: “Out Walking”
I am out walking and nothing else matters. Find me if you wish or dare.
Beds in the Bush
Robert Henderson Croll “Along the Track” Bob Croll published “Along the track” in 1930. Its a memoir of travels in the Victorian Bush per boot. The Order commends this essay to you. File it under nostalgia. You can read other essays from the book here. “Bed in the bush with stars to see.” -R.L.S AContinue reading “Beds in the Bush”
Men and Mountains
The federation of new south wales bushwalking clubs published “The Bushwalker” This is by B Thompson (c.m-w) from edition number 6. 1942 To all of us in whom the love of mountains and nature is so deeply rooted, it is difficult to realise that mountains were once regarded as objects of dread. Greek and RomanContinue reading “Men and Mountains”
A Survey By Way Of Preface
The train, the car, the buggy, the bicycle are excellent means of getting from place to place; none of them gives him leisure to note what lies between. That is peculiarly the walker’s gain. It is then that he gathers the harvest of the quiet eye, and he sees not only the widespread landscape, but also the details of Nature’s plan.
The Order Of Walkers 