STORIES
Not travel writing about destinations. Travel writing about what happens in them.

Lockerbie, Scotland: A Short Stop, A Big Impression
Allan visited the site of the Lockerbie plane sabotage and crash of 1988. Most of us have forgotten this tragic incident, but a walk through the memorial garden will bring it back – as it should.

Volunteering at the Youth Charity Foundation, Thailand
Lone takes us for a visit to the YCF orphanage near Chiang Mai, where she volunteers on a regular basis. This is a facility that provides education and life skills to children who would otherwise have poor prospects.

Trapped Again – Between a Himalayan Storm and a Rather Large Cat
Following on from the dramas getting to Kathmandu, Muz and Dan reminisce on the trip from Kathmandu to Lukla. Somehow they got there, to start a memorable trek to Base Camp and beyond.

The Kerry Way and Other Irish Adventures
This is Willy’s story of his time in Ireland, culminating in a trek around the Kerry Way in 2025 with three friends. The Kerry Way is a walking route, of manageable sections, through the diverse landscapes of County Kerry, winding past rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and coastal cliffs, offering immersion in the wild beauty and ancient heritage of Ireland’s southwest.

The Kimberley – Footprints on Ancient Lands
Mark returns to the Kimberley region after a long absence. He travels broadly and sees things that have not changed – and things that have.

Trapped Between Two Superpowers – On a Filthy Plane
In 2017 Muz and his trekking buddy Dan had planned to meet in Kathmandu to do the Everest Base Camp walk. However Dan’s trip did not go as planned. In this article, they chat about the experience.

Wamena, West Papua – A Step Back in Time
Neale looks back on his trip to the remote highlands of Indonesian New Guinea as part of a famine relief program, where he encountered precipitous mountains, heroic pilots, enterprising Indonesian soldiers and entrepreneurial tribespeople.

Wyong – An Urban Side Trip on the Great North Walk
Muz takes a break from the trail and overnights in the NSW central coast town of Wyong, where he gets lessons in history and culture.

Climb Mount Maunganui, See the Essence of Tauranga
Allan and Ingrid share their experiences of this scenic and enjoyable walk on the North Island of New Zealand.

With the Sámi in Swedish Lapland
Read about Allan and Ingrid’s journey 100km north of Arvidsjaur to a Sámi reindeer farm. Explore the deep-rooted connection between the Sámi people and the Arctic forest, and how history affects lives and traditions.

Trading Tracks for Trails: Dad and Daughter Saddle Up for a Historic Ride
Follow Muz and his daughter as they swap their dusty boots for saddles, and a five day horse riding trek along the historic Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Lowood to Blackbutt.

The Bogside – Frozen in Time
Allan visits the Bogside district of Derry, Northern Ireland. The killing stopped 25 years ago, but the wounds persist, and nobody is allowed to forget.

Vietnamese History Stares Me in the Face
A recent visit to Vietnam delivers Muz some lessons to broaden his understanding of its history and people, and challenge some of the things he thought he knew.

Walking the Tour du Mont Blanc – A Most Challenging Day – Part 2
Will’s knees remain serviceable as he climbs higher into the alpine forests and meadows. Follow him for Part 2 (of 3) of this pleasurable but seemingly endless day.

Okinawa Islands – Caverns and Kasuke
There is more to Okinawa than you might be aware of. 160 islands with stunning beaches, the fascinating Gyokusendo Caves, its own culture, and tempo of life noticeably slower than most of Japan.

Sandakan – Giving, Enjoying, Healing with the Local Community
Allan looks back on when he led 40 Australian veterans and RSL members on part of the Sandakan Death Marches route in Sabah, Malaysia.

Patagonia – Glaciers, Guanacos and Grand Vistas
Dave looks back on his experiences in the spectacular mountains, lakes and glaciers of Chile and Argentina. The feature photo is a closeup on the Perito Moreno glacier.

Somersby to Yarramalong – Another Tough Day’s Walk
Jono joins Muz for the second day of the walk and experiences highs and lows, ups and downs. And plenty of leeches.

Wondabyne to Somersby – A Tough Day’s Walk
Muz reflects on the challenges and highlights of one day on the Great North Walk

Walking the Tour du Mont Blanc – A Most Challenging Day – Part 1
Will’s aching knees propel him through the toughest day on one of Europe’s most scenic walks. And there is plenty more ahead for him.

Traffic Jam in Agra – Immersion in Chaos
Allan finds himself in furnace-like gridlock on the way to the Taj Mahal. How will he escape?

South Korea – Some Things Got Lost in Translation
Neale finds many things by which to amuse himself while wandering through South Korea.

Muz’s Pack – Has He Got It Right?
Muz is about to embark on a four day solo walk, covering 60km through some very damp bush. His pack weighs 6kg. Is it too much or too little? What is extraneous? What is missing?

Sirens for Manchuria: China’s Ritual of Remembrance
Muz receives an unexpected exposure to Chinese national memory during a morning walk in Shanghai.

Happy New Year to and from Dusty Boots Journal
A quick reflection on the first five months of the Journal.

Chitwan National Park, Nepal – A brush with death is all in a day’s walk
Muz comes face to face with the wildlife, and the locals, in Chitwan.

Fun and Games in the New Zealand Southern Alps
Read about how Neale didn’t climb Mount Cook. And also how he and his brother spent a freezing night in a rock-walled alpine valley.

Everest Base Camp Trek – A Thirty-Year Interlude
Muz made the trek to Everest Base Camp twice – 30 years apart. Here he looks back on both trips, and how the places and experiences had changed during that period.

Ever Wondered Where the Chrysanthemums in your Chrysanthemum Tea Come From?
I came across this field full of flower-pickers and wondered what they were doing. Turns out they are in the early stages of producing your cup of herbal tea.

Revisiting Childhood Memories of Bangladesh
As a child, Lone lived as an expatriate in rural Bangladesh. Read about her visit to her old home where she reconnected with family friends and even her old doctor.

Climb Mount Kosciuszko in Summer, but be Prepared
Allan and Ingrid look back on a memorable drive and walk, to the highest point in continental Australia.

A Photographic Odyssey in Namibia
Tony (a serious photographer) spent 12 days travelling through Namibia on a photography workshop. Here he shares his story and some of his favourite pictures.

A Two Hour Stroll in Matsushiro, Nagano
Join Neale as he escapes his wife’s snoring and the confines of his hotel to seek peace and quiet with an early morning walk. Along the way he encounters a restored castle, abandoned railway, cemeteries, shrines, and a surly old woman.