Dunkled: Walking the Grampians Gently

Dunkled: Walking the Grampians Gently

The Grampians’ Mt Sturgeon walk is like something out of the Hobbit; a tangled, gnarly, grey-green forest with mossy sandstone outcrops and looming mountains cleverly hidden between the trees.

Melbourne – Being a Hometown Tourist

Melbourne – Being a Hometown Tourist

There’s a delightfully varied texture to Melbourne, and not entirely because of it’s multi-cultural history, or it’s ongoing tug-of-war between being the home of the country’s best restaurants or Arts venues. One way or the other, Melbourne is worth taking the time to visit, to explore and discover.

Teargas, Swimming Pools and a Midnight Dash to Safety – Nazca

Teargas, Swimming Pools and a Midnight Dash to Safety – Nazca

Stuck in the middle of nowhere and the road was blockaded up ahead. Striking gold miners carrying guns and sticks, armed police and nervous locals stood between us and the town of Nazca. Except that we were standing out here, in the pitch dark, cold and with no food, water or toilet facilities. And no way of knowing if the violence was headed our way.

The Day I Didn’t Get Chased By a Bear – Shenandoah National Park

The Day I Didn’t Get Chased By a Bear – Shenandoah National Park

Where I come from, our forests – while they do have their fare share of dangerous spiders and deadly snakes – don’t have predators with huge teeth and razor claws and can leave nothing of you behind except your chewed and bloody boots. Which will make you wonder why seeing a bear in the wild was number one on my wish list for visiting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, USA.

Øvre Eidfjord – Norway’s Unknown Idyllic Gem

Øvre Eidfjord – Norway’s Unknown Idyllic Gem

The sky gathers clouds into granite clumps like Norse gods readying for an almighty battle. I’m surrounded by sheer rock walls that echo grey and black as though both sky and land are made of the same stuff. Any minute, I’m sure, the heavens will crack open.

Finding Heaven on a Cherry Farm

Finding Heaven on a Cherry Farm

I’ve always loved cherries – but I’ve never had cherries quite like these before. Opulent, vivid and syrupy, they popped in my mouth and exploded with delightful cherry goodness.

Me and the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon and Me

Me and the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon and Me

I’ve done some stupid things in my time (no, really) but climbing the Grand Canyon down and up in one day really takes the cake. Thank the pixies that I took a short, mountain-biking Belgian Knight in Shining Armour along with me.