- Start date: 16 August 2003
- Age When Completed: 37
- Direction Walked: North to South
General Comments
Loved part of it. Went at a time when there were not that many people on the track so a little pang of isolation from time to time! The walk is very well marked and the ocean toward the conclusion is great.
Food/Supplies Comments
Stored up the various towns. Rices, pastas, muesli bars, chocolate, soups, custard.
Favourite Section
Undoubtedly Woolbales to Walpole. The Woolbales area (if I never see it again it will be far too soon) was a swamp - wading constantly, but on one day I walked out of it, to the ocean (sighted the first time) near Long Point, up and spiralling out on a great climb to Mt Clare and then pressed on gorgeous flat path into Walpole. A day that had all the diversity imaginable - supreme.
Highlights
The ocean. Meeting some interesting people. Secret gems (ie Graphite Cafe and Watermark Kilns). The ocean. The climb up to White Horse Hills - lightning, thunder, rain and hail to surge up and into as though it were leading you. Phenomenal.
Personal Reactions
The first part of the walk is forest oriented. Pemberton is the turning point. There is a drastic change in the landscape. Everything opens up and feel that you are on the way home.
Wildlife
Saw practically everything listed in the guide except for wild pigs and disappointed not to see any emus. People that walked a single section saw them!
Your Best Equipment
Little camp stove was fantastic.
Your Worst Equipment
My pathetic excuse for a pillow. Could have taken a sleeping bag that was warmer but it was very light so that tends to come out even.
Advice for Others
Go at your own speed. Be a little intrepid whilst still respect the power of the forest. Choose carefully the time you travel. The cooler months don’t have long daylight hours to walk the huge distances without pressing and can be cold at night and very wet at time. The summer can be hot and uncomfortable for some. Read the guides before you go but keep them subdued as you go and enjoy the journey. I would say October would be the ultimate month to walk the track.. If you can get into a pattern you can time your journeys to go into a backpack every second night over the last 300 km but you might have be on a reasonably heavy rate of distances, but this pattern will totally replenish your strength.