- Start date: 11 September 2013
- Age When Completed: 63 & 60
- Direction Walked: North to South
- Others in Group:
Heather Bird
General Comments
Very good track layout and generally well marked, the camp site amenities are outstanding making the walk comfortable. I was impressed with the range of groups & individuals that work together to make the track such a success and the level of communitty ‘ownership’ of the track. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation and the many volunteers who make it up do an amazing job.
The only two places in Australia that had higher than average rainfall last spring were Tasmania where we live & south west WA, we were in for a bath regardless, 14 days on the track before we had a day witthout rain!
Food/Supplies Comments
I dried a lot of food (meat & fish) at home, bought more goods in Melbourne & Kalgoorlie (family) and made up quality food parcels to forward along the way, and bought basics as we went. We ate superbly well & very cheaply, even managed an occasional treat of pancakes with strawberry jam & cream. The forward planning & preparation paid off handsomely.
Favourite Section
Probably Frankland to Giants, we love the Tingle trees and feel in another world altogether when amongst them.
Highlights
Majestic Karri forests, timeless Tingle trees, wildflower diversity on the Pingerup Plains and the rugged south coast. Walking towards Albany in swirling mists with the wind turbines appearing and disappearing from view was enchanting
Personal Reactions
Surprised at the social nature of the track, walking for us is usually a fairly solitary passtime (Ilike it like that), but you inevitably get to know other wlkers and form frienships along the way. Enjoyed reading other journal entries and sometimes meeting up with fellow travellers.
Enjoyed the friendly welcome from towns folk along the way, sometimes a smile or a wave or maybe a window down and a call of ‘not far to go now’ when you feel and look about had it.
Wildlife
Not a lot really (unless you count flies & mozzies) One superb lizard, a few snakes wallabies & emus, always love the black cockatoos, crazy birds.
Your Best Equipment
Walking sticks, silicon toe guards & our Trangia cooker
Your Worst Equipment
Nothing I would not take again
Advice for Others
Join the BTF (you probably have), invaluable source of information from people who know the track. I was impressed that staff would take time to help individual walkers plan and prepare.
I don’t think you can over prepare, good food is such a reward for effort, be prepared to invest in quality lightweight gear and prepare yourself physically (especially old farts like us) so you are fairly track hardy before you start. I was surprised at the lack of real planning, back busting pack loads & unrealistic expectations of distances achievable some walkers have.
Having said that, as the ad’ says ‘just do it’.