As summer stretches across autumn, here in Sydney, the days and weeks slip by. I've had a number of hikes over the past 6 weeks, mostly around the Great North walk area of northern Sydney, with amazing warm weather, little rain and some perfect locations - caves, waterfalls, cliff-top views and lovely pristine bushland.
I can't report on any new gear, although I did try out a system of refilling gas canisters with butane - worked well, and made me realise that not only can it save significant money, but allows me to tailor the amount of gas I need carry - eg. 50 grams for an overnighter, 75 grams if an extra person joins us, and so on.
Here in Sydney we don't really have to worry about sub-zero temps rendering the butane useless, although for snow camping I have a couple of ideas for canister warming - safely! More later.
On a hike about two months ago, got out of the tent about an hour after sunset to spotlight an owl I'd never heard before. Walking towards the small creek, I started off shining my torch up into the trees, but soon realised that the strange hooting was coming from under the creek bank - it wasn't an owl, but something - presumbly a frog - in its burrow right beside the stream.
Long story short, it turned out to be an eastern owl frog, or greater burrowing frog - a massive brute of a frog with Popeye forearms. see the Wiki page I've never heard one before - or didn't realise if I had, so it was a delight, although I wish I'd been able to spot him.
Otherwise, business as usual. Looking forward to some cooler autumn weather over the next two months, with campfires, cold nights snuggled into my Rab top bag, which is good to about 5 degrees - or zero with thermals.
I,ll try to post some more pieces soon about lightweight gear, but that's it for now.
Ski bug.
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