Heysen Trail thru hike 2022.
Posted: Sun 28 Aug, 2022 1:22 pmHeya,
Thought it worth throwing out there a few thoughts about my 40 day Southbound wander on the Heysen over June/ July this year.
*The Flinders Ranges are fantastic. This was the only stretch of the trail where I encountered crowds of a sort. Very pretty, loads of wildlife, easy walking.
*The trail towns were a surprise, in a positive way. Mostly 2 rough pubs, 1 dusty general store type set ups. People were friendly, food was simple. Resupply adequate in all towns.
*I met quite a few end to end hikers heading Northbound, seems the Heysen is gaining popularity. The landscapes won't be for everyone but the solitude (provided you avoid the huts) was a welcome surprise.
*I utilised the Far Out app mapping system via my phone instead of doing my normal paper map thing this time. The water source updates helped a little and the actual Heysen markers were prevalent.
*It was lambing season and I saw dozens of sheep giving birth and sadly many dead newborns scattered along the trail. It's a hard environment the South Australian Winter. Thanks to the landowners who allow us to pass through their working properties, I hope this access doesn't get withdrawn.
*I've hiked many long trails all over the planet, particularly the USA and I reckon the Heysen is one of the best. I met Richard Savage from Tennessee who was on his 4th thru hike of the Heysen, sadly he had to pull out due to injury. His son and daughter in law carried on and finished their first thru hike.
*Pics and logistics http://www.safarihiker.com/?m=1
Thought it worth throwing out there a few thoughts about my 40 day Southbound wander on the Heysen over June/ July this year.
*The Flinders Ranges are fantastic. This was the only stretch of the trail where I encountered crowds of a sort. Very pretty, loads of wildlife, easy walking.
*The trail towns were a surprise, in a positive way. Mostly 2 rough pubs, 1 dusty general store type set ups. People were friendly, food was simple. Resupply adequate in all towns.
*I met quite a few end to end hikers heading Northbound, seems the Heysen is gaining popularity. The landscapes won't be for everyone but the solitude (provided you avoid the huts) was a welcome surprise.
*I utilised the Far Out app mapping system via my phone instead of doing my normal paper map thing this time. The water source updates helped a little and the actual Heysen markers were prevalent.
*It was lambing season and I saw dozens of sheep giving birth and sadly many dead newborns scattered along the trail. It's a hard environment the South Australian Winter. Thanks to the landowners who allow us to pass through their working properties, I hope this access doesn't get withdrawn.
*I've hiked many long trails all over the planet, particularly the USA and I reckon the Heysen is one of the best. I met Richard Savage from Tennessee who was on his 4th thru hike of the Heysen, sadly he had to pull out due to injury. His son and daughter in law carried on and finished their first thru hike.
*Pics and logistics http://www.safarihiker.com/?m=1
