That scratching on the roof – was it a possum or something more sinister?

In the spirit of Halloween, writer and newsletter editor Justin Sprecher dug into 10 hiking horror and thriller films, from big-budget Hollywood pictures to ones made right here in Aotearoa. These films might make you think twice before taking that tempting side track. And whatever you do, stick together …

*Editor’s note: Did you see a ghost in the machine? An earlier version of this email went out with an incorrect (and confusing) subject line. We apologise for the error.

Missed yesterday’s feature? This root-strewn staircase is a great introduction to West Coast subalpine tramping.

The type of forest pictured above is characterised by gnarled, twisted trees blanketed in thick green moss and lichens. What is it typically called?

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

This is an easy, pan-toasted muesli with a twist: fresh rosemary, which provides a delicately warm aroma.

Put the oats, spices, buckwheat, nuts and seeds, and rosemary into a skillet and toast over a medium-low heat for 5-10min. Watch it carefully and stir to ensure the spices don’t burn.

When the mixture is looking (and smelling) golden and toasty, turn off the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes.

Now add your sweetener and mix well, coating everything in the dissolving liquid. It should start to stick together; add more if it doesn’t.

Mix in the salt, coconut, and dried fruit and spread on a plate for it to cool (otherwise it will be difficult to remove from the pan).

When cool, put the muesli mix into a Tupperware/snaplock bag.

To serve, make up some coconut milk in a bowl and whisk in a spoonful of peanut butter. Add muesli, chopped fruit and sprinkle rosemary on top.

On Monday we asked Wilderness Daily readers: Have you ever been lost in the Wilderness?

The results are in: 63% of you have been lost for just an hour or so, 27% have never been lost, 8% have been lost for almost a day and 2% have been lost for more than one day.

Here is a selection of comments from our readers:

“Ran out of daylight on day trip in Waitakere's had to spend the night out.”

“I was on a short daywalk on a coastal headland, in dense bush. When I found a place where I could see through the trees I was facing precisely 180 degrees from where I expected. Very disorienting and humbling.”

“Yes, when I was 6 years old, having been led astray by my big sister, who was 7. We were lost overnight in the bush above Wenderholm and eventually found by a police dog during the night where we were stuck on a ledge on a cliff. Thankfully the experience didn't put me off but gave me a sense of awareness of how quickly things can turn sour.”

“Never Lost. Merely temporarily misallocated often”

Have a question you want to ask your fellow Wilderness Daily readers? Send us an email at [email protected]

Answer D - Goblin forest

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