Our third—and at the time, longest—multi-day hike, the Larapinta, was a masterclass in planning, preparedness and respecting the land.

• Dehydration strikes fast. We had planned to find a water tank at a certain point—but it wasn’t there. With less than 500 ml each, the early signs of dehydration creeping in, and a long, hot walk ahead, we had no choice but to hunt for water. Using our trail notes, we finally found a dark, shallow pool teeming with leeches—but after filtering and treating it, we were back in business.
• Spinifex is not your friend. Inflating a mattress next to a spinifex bush turned into a nightmare. Countless tiny holes made it impossible to repair, forcing us to sleep on the rugged earth for ten nights straight.
• Getting your shoe and sock combo right prevents blisters. After the Larapinta, where we both suffered multiple painful blisters, we increased our shoe size by half a size to allow for swelling and started wearing toe sock liners—game changer.
• The burgers might be better at Hungry Jacks, but they’re absolutely insatiable at Standley Chasm and a complete mood lifter. Make the time to stop and enjoy these opportunities.
• Pack tampons (enough said). Or use woolen socks as a desperate backup.
• Camping high on the range (aka Pravda Spur) is an unforgettable experience and well worth the climb. Watching the sun rise and set from this ridge makes you feel alive, wild, and like anything is possible.