17 Mar 2026

Embracing the Wild- A Journey on the Demon Trail

by | posted in: OutdoorsDevon |

For those who seek the quietest corners of the world, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park offers a landscape that feels almost prehistoric. In my latest video, I leave the relative comfort of Lake Alabaster Hut behind to venture onto one of the Hollyford Track’s most notorious sections: The Demon Trail.

Beyond the Swinging Bridge

The journey begins with a crossing of the Pike River via a classic New Zealand swinging bridge. In Fiordland, these bridges aren’t just practical; they are the gateway to the deep wilderness. Once you step off the wire and wood onto the far bank, the character of the Hollyford Track shifts dramatically.

The path becomes more rugged, more intimate, and significantly more demanding.

What is the Demon Trail?

The section between Lake Alabaster and McKerrow Island Hut is affectionately (and sometimes frustratingly) known as the Demon Trail. Unlike the lower valley’s gentle forest paths, this stretch is a constant dance with the elements.

  • The Terrain: Expect rocky outcrops, tangled tree roots, and detours around recent storm damage.
  • The Crossings: From sturdy swinging bridges to the adrenaline-inducing traditional three-wire bridge, your balance will be tested.
  • The Atmosphere: This is a temperate rainforest in its purest form. Towering ferns, moss-draped beech trees, and the constant sound of flowing water create a sensory experience that no narration could ever truly capture.

Finding the Rhythm of the Rainforest

In the video, I’ve chosen to let the environment speak for itself. There is no talking—only the crunch of boots on wet earth, the rush of hidden waterfalls, and the subtle, minimalist music that mirrors the serenity of the valley.

As the canopy opens, you’ll catch glimpses of steep, jagged mountain peaks rising above the mist—a reminder of the scale of the glacial valley we are traversing.

Why Hike the Hollyford?

Unlike many of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” the Hollyford Track follows a low-elevation glacial valley. This means it avoids the alpine extremes of the nearby Milford or Routeburn tracks, allowing for a lush, green experience year-round. However, the “low elevation” doesn’t mean “easy.” The frequent rain and shifting landscape make it a dynamic, ever-changing environment that rewards those who appreciate the raw, unpolished side of hiking.

Watch the Journey

If you’re looking for a moment of peace or a realistic look at New Zealand’s backcountry, you can watch the full immersive experience below:

Hiking the Demon Trail | Hollyford Track Day 2

If you haven’t seen the first day of my Hollyford Track hike before the Damon trail, you may want to check out
Solo Backpacking New Zealand’s Hollyford Track Day 1

Have you braved the Demon Trail or crossed a three-wire bridge in the New Zealand wilderness? Share your stories in the video comments.

12 Mar 2026

Finding Solitude: Solo Backpacking the Hollyford Track Day 1

by | posted in: OutdoorsDevon |

New Zealand is world-renowned for its “Great Walks,” but for those seeking a deeper connection to the wilderness—away from the crowds and the rigid booking systems—the Hollyford Track in Fiordland National Park offers something truly special.

Most hikers begin the Hollyford Track with a gentle transition, stopping at Hidden Falls Hut for their first night. However, when the Fiordland weather offers a rare window of clear skies and sunshine, sometimes the best move is to keep the boots moving.

In my latest video, I skip the traditional first stop at Hidden Falls Hut, and push all the way from the road end to Lake Alabaster Hut in a single, immersive day of solo backpacking.

Leaving the Road Behind

The journey starts in the deep greens of the beech forest, following the path of the Hollyford River. Without the typical Fiordland drizzle, the forest takes on a different character—light filters through the canopy, highlighting the vibrant mosses and ferns that define this glacial valley.

Beyond Hidden Falls

Reaching Hidden Falls is usually a milestone that signals the end of the day’s effort. After stopping to take in the 31-meter drop of the falls, I made the decision to keep going.

The section between Hidden Falls and Lake Alabaster is where the track starts to show its teeth. You leave the flat valley floor for the Little Homer Saddle. This climb provides a significant change in perspective, offering glimpses of the surrounding Darran Mountains that are often hidden by clouds. Little Homer Falls is another beautiful waterfall along this trail, and the bridge had been wiped out by a storm, so I had to cross the creek by hopping across rocks. Luckily the water was low, and I didn’t get my feet wet.

The Arrival: Lake Alabaster (Wawā)

Arriving at Lake Alabaster Hut after a dual-section day is an incredible feeling. The lake itself is a stunning sight—a vast, serene body of water framed by steep, forest-clad mountains.

Pushing through allowed me to experience the transition from river valley to lakeside wilderness in one continuous flow, heightening the sense of isolation and immersion that makes the Hollyford so special.

Experience the Journey

This video captures the entire Day 1 push in a “place over personality” style. No talking, no distractions—just the rhythm of a long day’s hike and the natural soundscape of the New Zealand backcountry.

Solo Backpacking the Hollyford Track | Road End to Lake Alabaster

You may also be interested in my second day along the Hollyford Track Hiking the Demon Trail | Hollyford Track Day 2

21 Feb 2026

A Winter Journey on the Cross Timbers Trail

by | posted in: OutdoorsDevon |

There is a unique kind of silence that only winter can provide. When the summer crowds depart and the dense foliage of the Texas-Oklahoma border thins, a new world emerges—one defined by long shadows, crisp air, and the rhythmic crunch of boots on frozen earth.

In my latest video, I invite you to step away from the noise and join us for a quiet, “no-talking” ASMR hike along the legendary Cross Timbers Trail at Lake Texoma.

The Magic of February at Juniper Point

Starting at Juniper Point [00:01], the trail immediately plunges you into a classic woodland of oak and cedar. In February, the forest wears a rare coat: patches of lingering snow [00:48] that provide a stark, beautiful contrast to the deep reds of winter berries [01:00:00] and the rugged, rocky path.

A Trail of Rugged Beauty

The Cross Timbers Trail is famous for its elevation changes. That’s one of the things that I enjoy about it. As you follow the winding path, you’ll experience:

  • Rugged Terrain: Navigate over root-covered paths and rocky inclines that keep the hike engaging [04:19:00].
  • Hidden Wonders: Discover moss-covered trees [02:48:00] and quiet ravines where the winter sun filters through the bare branches.
  • The Sounds of Nature: Without narration, the “soundtrack” of this hike is pure nature—the whistle of the wind through the pines and the steady rhythm of hiking poles [03:56:00].

The Reward: Cliffside Vistas

The highlight of this journey is reaching the cliff overlooks [02:22:00]. In the summer, the heavy green canopy often hides the scale of the lake. But in winter, the “see-through” forest opens up, offering expansive, unobstructed views of the blue waters of Lake Texoma stretching toward the horizon [02:18:00].

Why Hike Cross Timbers in the Winter?

While many wait for spring, winter hikers know the secret: the trail is yours. The stillness of the shoreline and the rare seasonal contrast of Oklahoma snow create a calm, immersive experience that is hard to find any other time of year.

Ready to find your own moment of zen? Put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and watch the full immersive hike below.

Watch: Cross Timbers Trail Winter Hike | Lake Texoma