I hope you enjoy this latest edition of our distinguished mag. It occurred to me recently that I could not come up with an older bushwalking or outdoor magazine in Australia. Is there one? Leave a comment below if you have a suggestion.

Once again, a bumper crop, thanks entirely to members giving their valuable time for the enjoyment of all. First we have Kerry’s account of the club’s return to Kangaroo Island, 5+ years after the apocalyptic fires. It’s an evocative testament to the resilience of the Australian bush. This is followed by a moving tribute to Kat Jensen. I’m sure you will agree that hers was a life well-lived and well-loved.

Jason has written a very entertaining piece about adventures in Edeowie Gorge. I particularly like the way plans are open to change based on individuals’ safety concerns. Too often I suspect those same people feel pressure to follow their peers when their gut tells them not to. To have seen the ‘bad step’ is to feel that discretion was the better part of valour. And from it came a new route!

Next, five of our medically-trained members have kindly opened their mysterious first aid kits. These are something we don’t always think about until we need them, so it’s a valuable a chance to reflect. In such an opinionated space there is a risk that such openness will lead to criticism, and their bravery is on show.

The last two articles are purely informational. The first on obtaining water from dry land was written long ago by our club’s founder. I first became aware of it via praise in one of Paddy Pallin’s early books. Since then I have read and re-read it in the hope that it magically becomes memorised, but fear its sheer size means I will always be going back to it.

Then, last and least, is poo. Be warned, bodily functions in the bush are discussed. Thankfully not with pictures. 

Now Read: Walking Through Recovery: 5 Days On The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail