Real Trail Talk

In this episode we have a chat about what it's like adding to and maintaining both our websites, social media interactions, the process of going from planning to a finished trail experience, what we've learned over the years, a philosophical deep dive on why we do it and what's in store for the future. If you're interested in starting a hiking blog or any other kind of blog, or even if you're just curious about we do behind the scenes for The Long Way's Better and The Life of Py then have a listen.

This week we are joined by Caris to discuss the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, a four day trek offered by the Tasmanian Walking Company. Taking in the picturesque coastline of North East Tasmania, explore pristine beaches, rocky headlands and stay at the famous Bay of Fires Lodge. Ending Music - Layla as performed by Jessie Holden. Live for one night only at the Bay of Fires Lodge

While we both love the Albany region for the plethora of lovely hikes that exists there, we've always thought the area has so much potential so for this episode we've brought in Bonny from The Friendly Drop Bear to discuss where we think there are opportunities to expand on the great hiking within the greater Albany area. 

Alissa once again joins us in the studio to discuss the various adventures that The Long Way's Better have had over the years around the coastal town of Kalbarri. A popular holiday destination 6.5 hours north of Perth, there are a range of hiking options available from coastal walks to exploring the inland gorge systems. 

As a special treat we kept Steve Sertis from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation in the studio to ask him some questions about the new Helena Campsite that is currently under construction and is due for completion around June 2019. 

Continuing on our Bibbulmun Track journey, we are joined by Steve Sertis from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation to discuss the Walpole to Denmark section. Often described as one of the best town to town sections on the track, both Donovan and Steve talk about their experiences and the many great sites you can see along the way.

In this episode we discuss the wide variety of day hikes that we've both covered in Tasmania. With hundreds of walks to explore around the island we limited ourselves to walks we've experienced ourselves and between us we've covered most of the "greatest hits". Ranging from Southwest National Park to Mount Field National Park to Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, this is a great listen for those planning a holiday to Tasmania.  To check out the hikes we talk about visit thelongwaysbetter.blogspot.com/ or www.thelifeofpy.com 

In this episode we talk about Donovan's adventures on the Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit in Victoria with his friend Zach. This four day hike just outside of Melbourne is a popular destination and as we discuss, a very lovely coastal walk worthy of the popularity. Enjoy hearing about the misadventures of young Zach and also what kind of scenery you can expect from this part of Australia.

To celebrate International Women's Day Alissa takes over hosting duties to bring together a round-table of women who hike to discuss a range of issues ranging from their favourite hiking moments, hiking solo as a female, women's hiking gear, the term "women hikers", group hikes and hygiene on the trail. A big thank you to Michelle (WalkingTwoByTwo), Bonny (Friendly Drop Bear) and Louise for joining in the discussion.

Our long awaited episode on Bushfires and Prescribed Burns is finally here and to help us to discuss the topic is Piers Verstagen from the Conservation Council of Western Australia and Hannah Etchells, a PhD student from UWA studying Fire Ecology in the South West of WA. The aim of this discussion is to get people talking about fire management, the different reasons behind prescribed burns and bushfires, how the environment responds to fire, climate change and also how you can make a difference in shaping the future of the forests of Western Australia.

In this episode we are joined once again by Alissa to discuss the four day hike to Frenchmans Cap in beautiful Tasmania as experienced by The Long Way's Better. Taking in one of the most picturesque landscapes in Australia, this stunning hike is a challenging but rewarding experience that should be on the "to-hike" list for every avid hiker. 

We are joined once again by Ben Dineen from Going Solo to discuss the Northcliffe to Walpole section of the Bibbulmun Track. Home to the infamous Pingerup Plains, this section is marketed as one of the best wilderness experiences of the trail. Enjoy some lively conversation in this episode about what merits that title along with Ben and Donovan's experiences in this section.

In our last episode of 2018 we sit down to have a rundown of what we both did during 2018 in what was a pretty crazy year for both of us. Going through season by season we explain where we were, what we were doing and how we enjoyed that particular place. Around the 50 minute mark things get a bit philosophical as we discuss the whys of all our adventures and we finish with a few questions sent in by our lovely listeners. 

Continuing with our look at the Bibbulmun Track, we move on to the Pemberton to Northcliffe section where you will find no shortage of Karri forest, farmland and waterways to keep you entertained. One of the more manageable sections at only three days, this section is perfect for a quick getaway or a long weekend. 

This week we are joined by the other half of The Life of Py, Caris, to discuss the Three Capes Track on the East Coast of Tasmania. This four day hike takes in some of the best coastal scenery in Tasmania and can be done in a variety of ways ranging from free day walks to self-guided public hut walks to the full luxury lodge option.

To conclude our two part series on Fitzgerald River National Park we are once again joined by Dr Erika Jacobson from Edgewalkers to discuss the western side of the park. A Unesco Biosphere reserve, Fitzgerald River is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and stunning beaches that rival the more famous Cape Le Grand National Park. The more isolated western side of the park is home to the best overnight walks in the state, the Mamang Trail, along with the day hikes at West Mount Barren and the Point Ann Heritage Trail. Camping is available at St Marys Inlet where it is possible you will have the entire beach all to yourself. 

This week we are joined by Dr. Erika Jacobson from Edgewalkers to discuss the east side of the spectacular Fitzgerald River National Park. A Unesco Biosphere reserved, Fitzgerald River is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and stunning beaches that rival the more famous Cape Le Grand National Park. For this first part of a two part mini-series, we discuss the walks on the eastern side of the park, including the rugged East Mount Barren and the Hakea Trail, which ranks as one of the best coastal overnight hikes in the country.

This episode we are joined by Jamie Bennett from Outdoors WA to discuss Outdoors October and the various events that are taking place as part of this month long program. Jamie is one of the leading voices in the outdoors community, bringing people together and trying to get people outdoors and exploring the beautiful home we call Western Australia. To find out more about Outdoors October, visit the website below and make your Outdoors October pledge along with tagging all your photos with #OutdoorsOctober. www.outdoorsoctober.com.au 

This week we are joined by Alissa to discuss one of Tasmania's Great Multi-Day Bushwalks, the Walls of Jerusalem. Home to some of the finest alpine scenery in Australia, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park lies within a core reserve of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is recognised as one of the more pristine places in Australia.  This hike can be done as a choose your own adventure with trips lasting from one day up to eight days but for the purposes of the podcast we will be discussing Don and Alissa's three day trip from Lake Rowallan to Dixon's Kingdom.

Continuing on our Bibbulmun journey we pick up where we left off at Donnelly River Village and begin the first of the true experiences through the Karri forest. This lush and magical section is full of fungi, wildflowers, streams and the Donnelly River, which you will follow for a couple of the days. Feauturing some of the best campsites on the track, this is rated very highly for good reason. Finishing at Pemberton rounds off this five day experience where you get the opportunity to relax and enjoy a hot meal and shower.