Weed Spraying is a great preparation for backpacking.

Carrying a 20kg knapsack around the Gippsland hills in pursuit of thistles, rushes, ragwort, blackberries, etc really makes you fit. More folk ought have a farm or volunteer their efforts to someone who does. There are plenty of more weeds out there on other people’s land – I can see them out my window! After a few days carrying it up and down and back and forth on our steep hills I am definitely ready for my next backpacking trip when I will barely notice a pack weight less than half it. It (ie the 20kg knapsack) does make me realise that I could attempt some much longer journeys.

DSCN2291 comp

 

 

For example, the 19 day ‘Wilderness Coast’ Walk in East Gippsland or the West Coast walk – from Strahan to Bathurst Harbour (Melaleuca) in Tasmania takes approx one month. If one wanted to avoid the prohibitive expense (not to mention risk) of  organising a helicopter or sea plane drop/s of supplies then you would have to carry enough food for a month (which is approx 15kg of rations) equating to a pack weight of about 20 kg at the outset, but getting better with every step you take! Of course on such a coastal walk you should be able to supplement your supplies with fish and shellfish (to say the least) caught/collected on the way.

 

We may try a shorter training ‘run’ (eg five days out and five days back to/from Strahan) to test/prove the concept first. So many adventures to be had. And so many jobs around the farm to preclude them!

 

Just to whet your appetite:

http://www.john.chapman.name/tas-wc.html

http://mwatton.customer.netspace.net.au/westcoastwalk.html

http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8536

http://www.chrisbray.net/tassie_wilderness_expedition_site/photographs.html

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