Artists Cascades (The Slow Way)

There are many ways to choose a bushwalk. Some of my methods include picking based on the destination, conditions, the challenge, the journey, or extra curricular activities including photography, swimming or rock climbing opportunities. As is often the case though, Maree and I picked our latest venture in Conondale National Park based on a combination of factors.

We started with the park. Chosen because Maree had never visited Conondale, and I knew that the type of walking would provide some relief from the rapidly approaching hot weather. Second was the journey and other activities. We wanted to walk up the creek for the opportunities that it would provide for photography and swimming. Finally, the destination of Artists Cascades was a worthy one and the walking track that also passes this spot would provide an alternate route back to the car.

Tick Season

It's that time of the year again when the temperatures are rising, the flowers are out and the wildlife is active. Unfortunately this also includes some more unwelcome critters including Ticks.

I've had my fair share of these nasties latch on over the years, but I have to admit that I've always been a bit blaze about the whole thing. However, a couple of events over the last couple of years have made me sit up and take a bit more notice.

In one case a friend developed a nasty allergic reaction and had a rash all up one arm. In the case of another friend, he developed a reaction to red meat after having one attach during an unplanned night in the bush.

A poster on the Qurank climbing forums recently posted a link to this thorough information sheet (PDF Download) about how to avoid getting them, how to remove them and plenty of other useful info.

The take home messages for me were:

• Take Ticks more seriously
• Wear insect repellent more often
• Purchase a Tick removing tool and some cooling spray (ended up finding a removal tool at a pet shop after trying 2 chemists that didn't have any)

Have fun, and stay safe in the bush.