Climbing Mount

When you are a hard streak trekker or hiker, then you would certainly like to hike or trek during the cold months, or just go climb a mountain just to prove it to yourself, or just for the heck of it.
You know the hazards of such a trek or hike. You need to be kept warm in those zero or sub zero temperatures, and also protect yourself from the cold especially when you settle down for the night. You can’t afford to have hypothermia, and therefore you have to find a bag that would protect you for the cold. Well, it is here and it is known as the Mountain Hardwear Sleeping Bag. And yes, it was designed by persons like you.
This sleeping bag was designed and made by a group of enthusiastic backpackers, who were constrained by the weather. Putting their heads together, they came up with this sleeping bag, and which rightly became and instantaneous hit.
Each bag is made from synthetic and natural down. An ingenous use of Down, which is the technical name for goose feathers, the bag is light to handle, and has a high thermal coefficient for retaining heat. These bags also use synthetics like Polarguard Delta, Termolite extra and hollow filaments of Thermic CF that capture warm air and retain heat. They are also extremely light, and makes the backpackers load very light.
It provides complete protection from the cold, does not allow moisture to gather inside, and above all it seals in the body heat, and does not allow any cold breeze or moisture to enter. Thus, it is temperature proof for the user, and the cold weather outside remains outside.
Mountain Hardware Sleeping Bags use much lesser material than convention bags, and its extra features like insulated draft collar seals body heat from the neckdownwards, insulated draft tube that runs the length to block cold breezes, face marks for sealing in warm air on the face, snag proof zippers, specially cut women’s bags that adapts itself to the proportions of the female. Easy cleaning after use is yet another plus for this bag. Some special instructions and suggestions have been made, and it is recommended that they be followed strictly.
Those who own it, are an elite amonst the trekkers, and it makes a statement about the owner! Such is its popularity, and proclaims that you are a professional hiker or trekker!
The bag is certainly a boon for the trekker in cold weather conditions.

Using trekking poles while hiking and/or trekking can be an extremely useful and effective item to use during your trip. A trekking pole is basically an advance form of a hiking stick. They are made from aluminium, so they are lightweight and collapsible, which makes for easy storage. A trekking pole is available for purchase at most outdoor activity shops, and are well worth every penny as the trekking pole can benefit you in several ways during your trekking, especially when you know how to use them properly.

Although some people may consider the trekking pole as nothing more than a fancy accessory for hikers, it is actually an extremely important tool to have. If you find trekking or hiking to be difficult and hard on your knees or back, but are not willing to stop because it is an activity that you love, then the trekking pole is the solution for your problem. When using a trekking pole you reduce the weight on your back and your legs by at least nine pounds, and if you apply more pressure on the pole it will reduce the weight from your legs and back by at least fifteen pounds. Relieving the weight from your back and legs can make an extreme difference especially if you are carrying a backpack that weights over thirty pounds and you are trekking or hiking for miles.

Using two trekking poles may prove more effective as you will gain more stability while trekking or hiking. Prior to using the trekking poles, you will want to ensure that they are adjusted to the proper height for you. It is advised by some manufacturers that the height of the pole be adjusted to the terrain, however that may prove to be unnecessary and time consuming. It is best if the pole is adjusted to fit you, not the terrain. You will also want to ensure that the wrist straps are properly placed around your wrists for maximum efficiency. While using the trekking poles with the wrist straps, you will want to apply pressure on your wrist, do not grip the pole with your hands to apply pressure, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the poles.

Trekking poles are extremely effective and should be a necessity for every trekking trip you take. The use of trekking poles during your trekking will make such a noticeable difference the first time you use it. It will reduce the stress on your back, legs, knees and feet. It will increase your speed whether you are going up or down a hill; it reduces fatigue, provides stability, and will allow you to travel longer distances. A trekking pole comes highly recommended by avid hikers and trekkers, and when you use one for the first time, you will know why.

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When you are camping, one of the most fun things you can do is go on a hike. It is great exercise; you can enjoy the outdoors, and you can see beautiful scenery. However, there are some dangers to hiking and you should be prepared for all events in order to remain safe and ensure you have a good time. Planning is essential so that you are not caught in a situation where you are not prepared.

Use a backpack to store your items that you will take with you on a hike. Put heavier items toward the bottom to help balance your center of gravity. If hiking with a group, distribute items equally amongst the group in case of an accident. If a backpack is lost and it was the only one that held the water or food, you might have a difficult time.

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring a spare set of clothing. If it is cold, wear layers and make sure to wear a hat for maximum warmth. Wear two pairs of socks and good hiking boots so you do not slip. Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen. Even if it is cold, the sun can give you a very uncomfortable burn. Also use insect repellant to protect you from pests and bites.

Bring emergency supplies in case of an accident. This should include a first aid kit, rope, a utility knife, matches and a flashlight. Always have plenty of food and water. You need to keep hydrated and nourished during a hike. Beef jerky and trail mix are excellent energy boosting foods and will help get you through the day. Water is essential but you may also pack drinks like Gatorade that have electrolytes.

Do not overdo it. Take frequent breaks and rest when you feel tired. Pushing yourself to exhaustion is unsafe. Use a walking stick to help keep you from getting tired and help you in climbing and keeping your balance. If you feel weak or light headed, sit down, take your backpack off, and eat and drink a little until you feel rested and ready to go on.

Be aware of your surroundings. The picturesque scenery is a great time to take photos or sketch. These can be enjoyable past times but it is also a chance to run into wild animals, snakes and have an accident from not paying attention. Do not venture off trails into brush that may contain snakes or other poisonous creatures. You may want to carry bear repellant and a whistle in case you come across a wild animal. A whistle can also be useful if you fall or are trapped.

Research the area where you will be hiking and plan what you will need to take accordingly. Do not be surprised by sudden climate changes. Take pictures and sightsee. Enjoy the outdoors and have a lot of fun, but be safe and prepared for anything. With a little planning, you should be able to make the most of your hiking experience.

The climb to the top of Mount Bishop and Clerk, the highest point on Tasmania’s Maria Island, is said to reward adventure travellers with panoramic views over the top of the island’s eucalypt forests and out across the Pacific Ocean.

To the north, we’re told, lies the Australian mainland; to the south, over the distant horizon, lies the icy landscapes of Antarctica.

We take it on trust. Because the peak we’ve conquered on this tiny island off the coast of Tasmania, which in turn is an island off the coast of mainland Australia, is a cloud-covered triumph.

We hear the ocean and the wind, we can even smell its Antarctic purity, but we can see not much further than arm’s length. That’s enough, though, to peer warily over the edge of the peak and see the beginnings of a sheer drop that leads to oblivion.

A few steps back from the edge sits the climb’s other reward: a stash of chocolate and extra water that our guide Ben has lugged with him from the morning’s departure point, Bernacchi House.

Bernacchi House provides a warm welcome for participants in the three-night, four-day Maria Island Walk. Having spent the previous two nights camping out, guest arrive at Bernacchi House to be greeted by an open fire in the hearth, a sumptuous dinner, and a blissfully warm shower. A deep and restful sleep follows as surely as night follows day.

Not that the previous nights’ camping out involved much hardship. In fact, the tents we slept in were more like up-market huts, complete with polished timber floors and screened windows. Each of these huts are positioned discreetly among the gum trees, connected via boardwalks to the dining hut, where we feasted like bush royalty.

A copy of the menu souvenired after our first night on Maria Island reminds me of just how well we ate: Shitake mushroom soup, followed by grilled quail with a spiced couscous and an eggplant ratatouille, then chocolate mud cake with a berry coulis and cream.

Wildlife abounds on Maria Island. Kangaroos, wombats and wallabies are everywhere, making Maria Island a great destination for travellers keen to experience Australian fauna in its natural state.

The island is also home for the elusive 40-spotted pardalote, a very shy bird endemic to the region and much loved by amateur and professional bird spotters.

A colony of fairy penguins also call the island home, and these can be spotted on a night walk from Bernacchi House.

Walking on Maria Island gives us time to be part of this natural environment, rather than merely look at it. We amble along deserted beaches, wander through paddocks where pug-nosed wombats graze unconcernedly, and we take time to enjoy phenomenon such as the magnificently patterned Painted Cliffs.

Embracing the prevailing weather conditions is part of the experience, and although the postcard views largely eluded us, the overcast skies and occasional drizzle added a moodiness that was both melancholic and atmospheric. 

We learnt to pay attention to the detail rather than the big picture. We photographed fossilised sea creatures, feeling a million years of history as we ran our fingers over the fossil’s Braille-like crust; and we listened out for the call of the elusive 40-spotted pardalote.

Maria Island has heartbreaking tales aplenty. It used to be penal colony, and its museum in the small settlement of Darlington includes copies of newspaper reports alerting Tasmania’s free settlers to the details of yet another convict breakout.

The escapees ranged in age from 17 to 21-years-old, young Irish and English men who advised family back home that they, too, should get themselves transported to Tasmania because despite the bleak conditions, the new lives that could be built on the other side of the world were infinitely better than the ones they’d left behind.

The guided four day Maria Island Walk is a quirky blend of history and nature, food and wine, luxury and adventure. It leaves a small footprint, thanks to the eco-friendliness of the base camps at Casuarina Beach (day one) and White Gums (day two) and the mindfulness of our guides who ensure we leave nothing behind but footprints.

At the end of each season, both camps are dismantled and the island is left to winter alone.

Getting to Maria Island Walk is an adventure in itself.

On the day of departure, we’re collected from our hotel in Hobart and kitted out with a backpack, waterproof jacket, a head torch, a silk sleeping sheet and a packed lunch.

Then there’s a short drive to the seaside town of Triabunna, where we board a charter boat and cruise across the Mercury Passage to Maria Island. The boat weighs anchor a few metres offshore and we clamber into a dinghy for final leg of the journey.

It’s a special beginning to an experience none of us wants to end.

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