February 28, 2020

Rice Terraces, Hanging Coffins and Kalesas - Northern Luzon Road Trip (Philippines)

February 28, 2020/ Ken Hardaker

We knew little about the Philippines before we decided to go. From a bit of research we learned about the 2,000 year old UNESCO World Heritage listed rice terraces of Northern Luzon. Also, in this region are extensive cave systems, a number of tribal groups with their own distinctive languages and cultures, and nearby is the city of Vigan, Asia’s best preserved example of Spanish Colonial rule. We decided that Northern Luzon was worth a visit. Here’s what we found.

November 05, 2019

Classic Mongolia Circuit Part Two: the Gobi

November 05, 2019/ Ken Hardaker

In our previous post “Classic Mongolia Circuit Part One: Northern and Central Mongolia” we reported on the first half of our 18 day trip around Mongolia. In Part Two we head into the Gobi Desert in Southern Mongolia before returning to our starting point - the capital Ulaan Bataar.

October 18, 2019

Classic Mongolia Circuit Part 1: Northern and Central Mongolia

October 18, 2019/ Ken Hardaker

We’d always had an ambition to visit Mongolia and we achieved our aim in August-September 2019. There is a fairly classic circuit that can be done over a two week or so period where most of the key attractions of Mongolia can be visited. We did an 18 day trip that took us from the pine forests and scenic Lake Khuvsgol in the north to the deserts and stunning vistas of the Gobi in the south. We’ve divided the journey into two parts – each of nine days. Here is Part One – Northern and Central Mongolia.

August 02, 2019

Hobart Rivulet Walk

August 02, 2019/ Ken Hardaker

The Hobart Rivulet was critically important to 19th century colonial Hobart both as it’s water supply and for a number of industrial purposes. Today the 2.7 km walk beside the rivulet which wends through the suburb of South Hobart provides many insights into the city’s past. It also affords excellent views of kunanyi/Mt Wellington before concluding at the Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest brewery, established 1824.