Lotsafreshair

This is another sad coroner's report, from which we can learn so much. It happened in Dec 2024 and thankfully things have changed for some Garmin InReaches (a S.E.N.D device - not a PLB) since then.**

Incidents like this are complex and even though satellite comms devices continue to save many lives, they are just one tool in our preparation tool kit.

We shouldn’t ever rely on them at the expense of all the other tools we need like knowledge, experience, good prep and planning and adventuring in places like this with other people - avoiding solo.

So sad and unnecessary. The Western Arthurs are not to be trifled with and outcomes like this also highlight one of the challenges we have with the Australian Walking Track Grading System and how our brains are wired to interpret them.

** See comments below for links to Garmin changes from June 2025 and note that they don't apply to all Garmin InReach devices. Thanks all for comments and I'm going to contact Garmin to see if we can get clarification around the conflicts you've identified.

https://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/900622/de-Plater,-Jason.pdf

Do you love maps (and a good ol' Map Shop?) Have you watched the way in which we source and use maps change over the years? Here's someone who's been at the pointy end of the changes, with a good tale to tell. Q: What's your favourite map? What story does it tell you?

'What is north?' Map maker says the GPS generation is heading in the wrong direction Cartographer Anthony Stephens has made maps for 50 years. While business has declined since the advent of GPS, he's hopeful for the future of paper maps, even if some young people don't know what north is.

Have you ever had a tick? Or worst still, suffered the ill effects or got sick from one? They're nasty little critters and there's many different ways that people have of dealing with them. Here's some of the best! https://lotsafreshair.com/2017/01/28/5-tips-for-dealing-with-ticks/ Q: What's your preferred method?

5 ways to deal with ticks The importance of protection and prevention for tick bites, which can lead to tick-borne illness in Australia and elsewhere.

Well, I can finally tick that one off the, 'OMG bucket list', now that we are well and truly past Feb 2018. However, I thought I'd share this post again, as it's got messages not only about the amazing South Coast Track, but around having those big hairy audacious goals and trying to see your life's path lead you in that adventurous direction. Q: What about you? What's the 'big walk' that's been hanging around you for years?

Why I'm Hiking Tasmania's South Coast Track in 2018 When I first got into bushwalking and hiking twenty years ago (showing my age!), I can remember sitting around campfires and listening to stories and epic tales of multi-day walking adventures. It wasn't just about

Are you the unlucky person who always seems to get a tick? Those sneeky little diggers can get themselves into the most unhelpful places... I mean, seriously unhelpful. Q: What's your tick story? Here's just one of my tick moments, picked up in Garigal National Park in Sydney's north, which is famous for these buggers. I also cover off info on the freezing method for removing them and and links to some great resources!

How to Remove a Tick - Freezing Method Lotsafreshair Latest research into the simplest and most effective methods on how to remove a tick to best prevent tick borne illness, through the freezing method.