FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR OUR LONG DISTANCE WALK

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In the last post we talked about how we researched our trip. After we have planned our route based on this research, we have to make sure we are fit enough and have the right gear to undertake it. This is the focus of this post, what we have done in the past along with a couple of tweaks for this trip.

Training

We keep ourselves generally fit by walking and bike riding in the (hilly) Northern Rivers. As well as walking locally most days, one day a week we usually complete the Ballina to Lennox Head coastal walk, a distance of about 20 km. As departure date grows closer, we increase the distance by adding on loops into Ballina and carrying increasing weight, until we end up in full kit. We also increase the food intake!

Foot Care

We both currently wear Merrell Moab hiking shoes, which have wide toe boxes and are waterproof. We replace the inner soles with gel soles for added comfort. Our preferred socks are Darn Tough, although Kath is experimenting with toe socks this time as well. We take a well-stocked medical kit focusing on blister prevention and treatment and have learnt over the years to never ignore a hot spot.   

Packs

Russell has long been an advocate of the Aarn Natural Balance pack and this time Kath is joining him with a smaller version, the Aarn Natural Exhilaration (the name and colour is enough to get her excited!). The best feature of Aarn packs are the balance pockets which sit out the front, balancing the load over the walker's centre of gravity. This improves comfort and stability as well as providing instant access to essentials like water, phone, snacks and hidden treats for an energy boost...

Gear

Essentially we take a set of clothes for hiking and a set for leisure, with an extra pair each of socks and undies. To deal with weather conditions, we use layers, including

  • rain jackets, rain pants, umbrellas
  • 2 buffs each, to be used as beanies, scarves, cooling headbands etc
  • sun hats and photochromic sun glasses, that adjust to the amount of light.
Other useful items include

  • a set of trekking poles we share between us, mainly for river crossings or slippery descents
  • a universal plug, for daily handwashing in basins
  • duct tape, for emergency repairs 
  • small cutlery kits, foldable silicon mugs and cooking pot which allow us to prepare simple meals. We would much rather experience the local cuisine and let someone else do the cooking, but sometimes it's necessary or preferable to self-cater. 
Last Jobs

We have advised our bank we are travelling, organised our SIM cards and downloaded useful apps. Our bookshop is being left in very capable hands. Our house sitter arrives next week.

 Looking Forward

With only a couple of weeks to go before we start our walk, here are some of the places we are looking forward to:







Comments

  1. Anonymous4 April 2026 at 04:42

    I like the natural balance pack...what a good idea. Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers5 April 2026 at 00:50

      It's brilliant! A little bit tricky in tight situations - perhaps going into the bakery to buy the daily bread - but in most cases we are just walking in the countryside.

      Delete
  2. Rhonda J4 April 2026 at 22:31

    Love the research you have done for this trip!!! Inspiring😊🙏

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous5 April 2026 at 00:06

    Amazing 🤩

    ReplyDelete

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