camping Archives - Azadi Far Ride

Behind the Scenes: Spotlight on Our Support Vehicle Driver

SJ — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:26:11 +0000

Birgit to Support Far Ride Along NSW Stock routes

Birgit will be the support vehicle and horse float driver, as well as the media contact, for the upcoming far ride along NSW stock routes from the Qld border to the Murray River. She will travel along the route to meet up with the riders and provide them with feed and water supplies where necessary. She will also issue updates and be a contact point for the media and sponsors, as well as any other interested parties who want to support this awareness-raising initative.

She is excited to be a part of this event and help raise awareness of the importance of stock routes in Australia. She is also looking forward to meeting new people along the road keen to support this awareness-raising initiative.

The Azadi far ride will begin Mid-March 2024 and will end on around the end of April or early May 2024. The rider, Shane’ with the horses Glory & Melika will be traveling a total of over 1,100 kilometers. They will be camping along the way and will be relying on Birgit for support.

If you would like to support the Azadi far ride:

Follow us on social media for updates and to learn more about our journey.
Follow our trip blog https://azadifarride.com/blog/
Sponsor us or help us along the route (offering a meal, a camping spot or a hot shower if you live along the route).
Spread the word: Share the far ride’s posts and encourage your friends and family to support it.
You can also show your support by cheering us on as they ride along the stock routes or even join in!

Thank you for your support!

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Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail – Horse Trekking Dawes Range

SJ — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:27:16 +0000

Kalpowar to Builyan

We decided an exploratory trip of the Dawes Range section of the BBIRT was in order. It also offered a good opportunity to gauge horse/rider fitness progress and packing skills for saddlebags and support vehicle. I always recommend doing a couple “fun runs” with all your gear before you go on a longer adventure, just to work out any kinks in advance and refine your packing list.

Starting at Barrimoon, within Kalpowar State Forest we rode to Builyan and then got a lift to Ubobo to camp at the Discovery Centre grounds, with a return trip the following day. A couple hundred metres from the entry, there is a State Forest camp area with toilets, picnic tables and an undercover entertaining area. However this camp area only has cattle grid entry and exit with no gates from what we could see. We drove right up to the Barrimoon entry instead of riding from Kalpowar along the forest roads, because of these cattle grids. Except for a cattle trough near some portable cattle yards not far from the camp grounds, there is no water available at this end. But this end is the closest to the tunnels and you’re going downhill to Builyan.

To Golembil Siding

The first 11km, downhill, winding section passes through tunnels and beautiful scenery like grass trees, valley views and bridges on the way to Golembil Siding. Near Golembil Siding is where there are some creeks to water horses during wet periods also. There is opportunity to camp at Golembil Siding which can be booked through HipCamp but there was no facilities at this site. This section can also be accessed from the road, so you’ll see caravaners, cyclists, walkers and other horse riders. This was the perfect spot for lunch and a grazing session and they’ve begun planting some trees so there will be some shade in no time.

Between Golembil Siding and Builyan it flattens out, with a few gates, couple road crossings and cattle along this section. We were able to increase our travel speed along this section (much to Glory’s delight!). It was amazing to see the infrastructure they’ve retained, like the 12000 gal tank fed by Many Peaks Dam to replenish the boilers of the steam engines. Apparently this tank is still in use and it’d be great if it was hooked up to a trough, because there is no water for the horses between Golembil and Many Peaks. The trail deviates off the rail trail due to bridges and at the road culverts there was seasonal water supply, but you need a bucket.

There is facilities just off the rail trail at Many Peaks dam (23km) and there is camping available through HipCamp at Builyan Siding (25km). This is where we ended our first day and met up with our support vehicle for a lift to camp at Ubobo Discovery Centre. At the time the trail wasn’t open past Builyan and we’d left to late to ride along the main road. At the Discovery Centre we were treated to a newly installed horse trough and great facilities for campers at a very reasonable price.

Many Peaks to Barrimoon

The return trip was just as beautiful and everything you missed coming down, catches your eye on the way back up the range (like mango trees – what?!).

I will forewarn, our support vehicle had a heck of a time getting up the mountains to meet us at Golembil and Builyan. Some sections of Gladstone-Monto Road have grades greater than 15%. Kalpowar Road is also a dirt road and very windy. I’d recommend ensuring you have a good tow vehicle and are confident. Thankfully our support vehicle driver was a Trucker in her previous life.

The rail trail was definitely the easiest part of the journey!

All in all, it’s a beautiful trail with variation in scenery and exquisite train tunnels (with bats!) to hold you in awe. There is only seasonal water supply at the creeks, so I don’t recommend doing this trail with horses during the dry season, without a backup.

We’ll keep coming back to it as we continue preparing for the Azadi Far Ride to the Murray in 2024.

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Sleeping in Style: Hammock Camping for the Modern Horseback Adventurer

SJ — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 05:10:44 +0000

Hammock camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and it can be a lot more lightweight and comfortable than traditional tent camping. If you’re looking for a way to lighten your load and get closer to nature, hammock camping is a great option.

Here is a lightweight and comfortable hammock camping setup that I use:

Hammock: The Coleman Camping Hammock is a lightweight and affordable hammock that is perfect for backpacking. It weighs just 310g and packs down to a small size.
Bug Net: The Equip Bug Net is a lightweight and durable bug net that will keep you protected from bugs and mosquitoes. It weighs just 340g and attaches over your hammock.
Tarp: The OzTrail Hiker Fly is a lightweight and waterproof tarp that will keep you dry in the rain. It weighs 900g with tent pegs, or 780g without. Use guylines and a ridgeline to keep it taut and prevent it from flapping in the wind.

This combo is quick and easy to set up and take down, and it weighs just 1.5kg combined. It is also comfortable to sleep in, and you’re off the ground, which can be helpful for avoiding wet ground and critters.

“What do you do when it rains?”

I’ve found that this set-up works incredibly well during a deluge, even with wind blowing in almost sideways. The tarp is large enough to cover the hammock and your gear, and the guylines help to keep it taut and prevent it from flapping in the wind.

Here are some tips if you’re concerned about rain:

Pitch your tarp first. This will keep your hammock and gear dry while you’re setting up camp.
Use a ridgeline. A ridgeline is a line that runs above your hammock, and it helps to keep your tarp taut and prevent it from flapping in the wind.
Secure your tarp with guylines. Guylines are ropes that attach your tarp to stakes or trees. They help to keep your tarp in place in windy conditions.
Hang your gear under your tarp. This will keep your gear dry and away from critters.

“What if there are no trees?”

That was my initial concern when I first started hammock camping. However, I quickly realized that there are many ways to set up a hammock even in areas without trees.

One option is to use a couple of sticks or tent poles to prop up the hammock. This will create a bivy bag-style setup. I like to lay a space blanket down as a moisture barrier underneath and then add some saddle blankets on top for a bit of cushioning.

There are also many good videos on YouTube that demonstrate different ways to set up a hammock in areas without trees. I’ve shared an example below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIPCNU-WJns

With a lightweight and comfortable hammock camping setup such as this, you too can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or weight.

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Cooking while hoofing it with a Hexi-Stove

SJ — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:28:15 +0000

Hexamine Stoves: A Lightweight Camping Essential

I love hiking and trekking, but I prefer things that are compact, quick to set-up and easy to use. When I was planning my Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk, my mom recommended a hexamine stove, and I’ve been using them ever since.

Hexamine stoves are a great option for lightweight camping. They are small, lightweight, and easy to use. They also burn very hot, making them perfect for boiling water or cooking quick meals.

To use a hexamine stove, simply unfold it and place it on a flat surface. Light a hexamine fuel tablet or two and place it in the center of the stove. Place your cooking pot or pan on top of the stove and wait for the water to boil or the food to cook.

Hexamine fuel tablets are available at most camping stores or online. They are also relatively inexpensive.

Here are some of the benefits of using a hexamine solid fuel stove:

Small and lightweight: Hexamine stoves are very small and lightweight, making them easy to pack and transport. 8 square fuel tablets fit within the stove when its packed up and the total weight of stove with fuel is 400g.
Easy to use: Hexamine stoves are very easy to use. Simply unfold them, light a fuel tablet, and place your cooking pot or pan on top.
Burn very hot: Hexamine stoves burn very hot, making them perfect for boiling water or cooking meals. One-two fuel tablets will burn for 7-10 minutes, which is enough time to boil two cups of water or cook a quick meal.
Inexpensive: Hexamine fuel tablets are relatively inexpensive.

There are some considerations of using a hexamine stove however;

Susceptible to wind: Like most camping stoves hexamine stoves are very susceptible to wind, so it’s important to find a sheltered spot to use them.
Not suitable for cooking large meals: hexamine stoves are not suitable for cooking large meals. They are best suited for boiling water or cooking quick meals.

Overall, hexamine stoves are a great option for campers and backpackers who are looking for a small, lightweight, and easy-to-use stove. However, it’s important to be aware of their limitations, such as their inability to cook large meals.

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Safe and Secure Horse Camping: The Lightweight Way

SJ — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 08:45:20 +0000

Horse camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your four-legged friends. However, it can be a challenge to keep your horses safe and secure when you are away from camp or at night. Here are two lightweight containment systems that you can use to keep your horses safe and happy on your next adventure.

High-Line

A high-line system is a simple and lightweight way to keep your horses contained. To set it up, you will need two trees that are several meters apart. Tie a rope between the trees, about 2 meters off the ground. Then, attach your horse’s lead rope to the high-line rope, using a swivel.

To prevent your horse from getting tangled, tie two small sticks about 2 feet into the rope, one on each side of the trees. This will help to keep them from getting tangled around the trees.

Electric Fence

An electric fence can offer a more secure way to keep your horses contained, while allowing more grazing and movement. To set up an electric fence system, you will need an energizer, electric fence posts, polywire, a ground stake, and a way to drive the posts and ground stake into the ground.

My good ‘ole reliable energiser is a solar Sureguard S2 model that I’ve had for almost a decade now. What I like most about this unit is its compact size, ease of use, fuss free durable design and no ants! But this energiser unit is a bit hefty for my liking at about 850g w/battery so I am considering looking at a lighter option for this trek, or having to cut weight down somewhere else.

The right containment system for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a lightweight and easy-to-set-up system, consider a high-line system. If you want a system that allows more movement and grazing, an electric fence system may be a better choice.

No matter which containment system you choose, it is important to set it up properly and train your horse to it. Improper setup or training can lead to your horse getting loose, which can be dangerous for both you and your horse.

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Packing List Essentials

SJ — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:00:40 +0000

Azadi Far Ride uses a BYO policy – Bring Your Own…

All you need is a spirit of adventure, yourself and your equipment (inc. feed/food/water). Below are some pack list suggestions for equipment. These lists are a guide only and we recommend evaluating it against your own needs and experience.

All those who follow our routes do so at their own preparations, discretion and risk.

A suggested packing list for horseback riding along Australian stock routes

Clothing

Comfortable riding pants
Horse riding helmet
Long-sleeved shirt
Hat/beanie
Bandana/Scarf
Hi-Vis Vest
Sunglasses
Gloves
Socks & underwear
Waterproof/windproof jacket or poncho
Warm layers
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with a heel
Quick-dry towel

Equipment

Horse containment system (elec fence, high-line, tether or hobbles)
Shelter (Tent, Bivi, Swag or Hammock)
Bedding and/or sleep mat
Stove and fuel
Lighter and/or matches
Cooking utensils (pot, mug, spork, knife)
Saddlebags (pommel and cantle – keep the weight balanced)
Brush
Halter & lead rope
Saddles pads (make good sleeping mats too and don’t deflate)
Water bottle
Food & Snacks (for you and horse)
Multi-tool
Cable saw
Flashlight/headlamp
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Toiletries
First Aide Kit for rider & horse
Mylar blanket
Repair kit (sewing, duct tape, zip ties, glue)

Other items

Camera and/or phone
Powerpack & accessories
Cash
ID
Credit card
Plastic garbage bags
Deck of cards, drawing or reading book
Contact information for friends or family

Suggested packing list for hiking/cycling along Australian stock routes

Clothing

Comfortable clothes
Hat
Bandana/Scarf
Hi-Vis Vest
Sunglasses
Gloves
Socks & underwear
Waterproof/windproof jacket or poncho
Warm layers
Hiking boots or trail running shoes
Quick-dry towel

Equipment

Shelter (Tent, Bivi, Swag or Hammock)
Bedding and/or sleep mat
Backpack
Stove for boiling water and food
Lighter and/or matches
Cooking utensils (pot, mug, spork, knife)
Water bottle/bladder (atleast 2L)
Food & Snacks
Multi-tool
Cable saw
Flashlight/headlamp
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Toiletries
First Aide Kit
Mylar blanket
Repair kit (sewing, duct tape, zip ties, glue, tube puncture kit if cycling)

Other items

Camera and/or phone
Powerpack & accessories
Cash
ID
Credit card
Plastic garbage bags
Hiking/Trekking Poles
Deck of cards, drawing or reading book
Contact information for friends or family

Here are some additional tips for packing for a journey along our stock routes:

Pack light. You will be carrying everything, so it is important to pack only the essentials.
Choose durable clothing and equipment. You will experience all types of weather, so it is important to pack clothes and gear that will last, but is also easy to maintain/repair if needed.
Bring a variety of food, snacks and drinks. It is important to stay hydrated and energized on your journey.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Things can happen, so it is important to be prepared for anything, but remember weight.

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