A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.
A trend has popped up on TikTok touting the benefits of “silent walking”. It’s walking without headphones or any audio distractions. And for some, it’s a new concept.
Podcaster and content creator Mady Maio posted on TikTok “My boyfriend challenged me to walk without distractions … no AirPods, no podcasts, no music. Just me, myself and I.”
Some commenters were positive, while others couldn’t believe the concept of walking without headphones was revolutionary for some people.
Ms Maio explained that the first two minutes of her walk was “mayhem”, but then something new happened. “Your brain just gets into this flow state and everything is quiet,” she said.
She explains that walking without audio distractions allowed her to hear her thoughts, and she felt more inspired. “Suddenly all these thoughts are flowing into me because I’m giving them space to enter.”
The fact that this is a revelation for many TikTok users reflects how normal it has been for us to distract ourselves from our own thoughts. Read the full story from the ABC.
‘Fat Bear Week’ ends today, learn more about this viral phenomenon.
Now entering its ninth year Fat Bear Week, which ends at 2pm today, pits 12 of Katmai National Park and Preserve’s biggest bruins against each other in a tournament-style bracket, with fans picking their favourite in a series of match-ups until only one big unit is left to take the crown.
According to the US National Park Service, viewers cast more than 1 million votes in last year’s contest, which saw 747—nicknamed “Bear Force One” by supporters—triumph over a stacked field.
No bear has won as many Fat Bear Week titles as 480 Otis, a 27-ish-year-old griz who has taken first place four of the nine years that Katmai has held the contest.
Katmai’s portly brown bears aren’t just cute: Their pre-winter weight gain is a marvel of biology. During their fall hyperphagia, adult bears can consume 30,000 calories in a day, with some larger specimens maxing out at around 60,000 calories, doubling their weight in as little as a few months. Read the full story from Backpacker and vote here.
Phased opening for Kaimai tracks
DOC together with mana whenua are assessing closed tracks in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park with the aim to begin phased reopening over the next month.
The Wharawhara Track and areas within immediate proximity of the site were temporarily closed and a rāhui was imposed in July when Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), the pathogen that causes kauri disease, was detected during routine soil sampling.
DOC Operations Manager Zane Jensen said restricting access protected kauri by limiting any possible spread of the pathogen while wider sampling across the site was complete. “We’re pleased sampling did not re-detect the pathogen that causes kauri disease, so we can now look forward to re-opening areas within the site.
DOC staff will assess track conditions and make sure they are safe for visitors to use. “We will update our website as tracks reopen between now and 29 October. Until then they will stay closed.” Read more from DOC.
Hundreds of walkers set to create light spectacle for charity
Hikers will create the spectacle after sunset at famous summits, Mam Tor in Derbyshire and Pen y Fan in Powys. The Light up the Mountains event, featuring up to 1,000 people, is in aid of Mountain Rescue England and Wales.
Hayley Johnson, from Leicestershire, said “Eighteen months ago I didn’t possess a pair of walking shoes and now I find myself hiking, paddleboarding, climbing and adventuring. I’m happy to support this initiative. Anything that raises the profile of the great outdoors and the positive effects of meeting new people and climbing mountains.”
The group has raised nearly £10,000 (NZD $20,400) through their JustGiving page. Andy Simpson, from Mountain Rescue England and Wales, said “A sum like that will make a big difference.
“It’s really simple to take part, join the Facebook group or just turn up on the night. All the information is in our group. Let’s show a team, a service that we rely on… our love, support, our thanks and respect.” Read the full story from the BBC.
Longest suspension bridge to be built for missing link’ of Mountains to Sea Great Ride
The longest suspension bridge in Aotearoa will be built as part of the infamous “missing link” of the Mountains to Sea trail in the central North Island.
The suspension bridge will stretch 200 metres across the Makatote River near the Makatote rail viaduct and will connect Waimarino/National Park township with the proposed iwi-led Pōkākā ecosanctuary.
The trail will take cyclists and walkers from the top of Ruapehu maunga, along the Whanganui River to the Tasman Sea. The historic Te Hangāruru section will cover 29.4km, following abandoned bush tramways and roads.
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said the ceremony to break ground on the project marked an important milestone for the council and Uenuku. “This stage of the project marks an important step in our relationship with Uenuku as we endeavour to support their aspirations and help build resilience and sustainability into the Ruapehu tourism economy.”
The connection through Pōkākā would promote sustainable tourism and offer visitors the opportunity to hear and see protected native birds and other wildlife. Read more from RNZ.
