Mick Hawkins and Stewart Lowe have formed a life-long friendship exploring Australia – and the world – on foot.
Mick: "My father would often say to me, 'Son, when you go walking, always take someone who can look after you!. I never forgot his advice. Not only is Stewart (Stewie) Lowe great company, he is also very savvy in the bush which makes him the perfect walking companion.
Stewie and I first met at university back in 1971. On graduating, we both became teachers and although in different schools, shared our passion for bushwalking with our students. At that time outdoor education was in its infancy. In the early 80s, as it became more popular, we both completed a Bush and Mountain Walking Leadership course.
Stewie and I have walked most of the tracks in Tasmania together. Whether it is a short day walk or an extended trek we are always on the lookout to explore new territory. Last year we spent 20 days trekking through Nepal and next year we are heading off to Patagonia.
Among our walking group Stewie is known as ‘The Professor.’ He often carries the latest edition of a popular science magazine in his pack and the amount of walking ‘stuff’( maps, magazines, books, articles, etc.) he has stored in his attic seems limitless. 'I have photocopied this for you' is his catch-cry.
One of his most endearing features is his walking attire. Not for Stewie the latest high-tech tops, he prefers to wear his tweed jacket. 'It has plenty of pockets!' he explains. 'I like to carry my essentials on me.'
In particular, it gives Stewie instant access to his notebook in which every aspect of the day is faithfully recorded. Countless times I have needed to refer to his notes to check on location times, names of people we met on the track or even, what a sign actually had on it.
Recently, Stewie and I were asked if we could find any remnants of the track used by Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of the then governor Sir John Franklin, when she climbed to the top of Mt Wellington in December 1837. As always, Stewie was super-prepared. He obtained copies of original surveys, land titles and early maps of the area. Before setting out to find the track Stewie informed me that he had spent at least 40 hours researching these documents and the key to finding it was to locate a significant feature listed on a map called ‘The Black Rock’.
As we bashed around in thick bush we saw several large rocks, often covered in moss and other vegetation. Stewie was adamant. 'No. It can’t be that one, it’s not black.' After half a day and getting nowhere, I asked Stewie, 'How old is this map?'
'It is dated 1830.' We are yet to find the track!
There is never a dull moment with Stewie, I look forward to sharing many more adventures with him."
Stewie: "I completed my first extended walk with Mick in 1978. We were teaching in different high schools and we took a combined group on a four-day expedition. This was a challenging walk in south-west Tasmania along the Huon River to the Cracroft Junction, across the Arthur Plains and finishing at Scotts Peak Dam. The students had a memorable time and I was able to appreciate Mick’s leadership capabilities and bushwalking skills. Since then I have shared many more enjoyable trips with Mick. He is great company.
For almost 40 years Mick has been leading walking groups into the Tasmanian wilderness, throughout Australia and to various locations overseas. His experience is recognised by all his walking companions. He has a vast knowledge of history, geology, flora and fauna which he willingly shares, making any walk with him a great learning experience. One of his walking groups refers to him as ‘The Guru’.
Mick has an indomitable personality which makes him an invaluable inclusion on any walking trip. His careful planning reduces risks and he actively promotes safety and fun on his walks. He enjoys a laugh and he seems to have an endless supply of jokes that keep everyone amused, particularly when the going gets tough. Walt Disney once said: 'The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.' That’s Mick, he is a ‘doer’."
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