Dianne (Tumble)
- Start date: 30 March 2014
- Direction Walked: South to North
- Others in Group:
Erika (Rumble)
General Comments
One of the best experiences and achievements of my life.
Food/Supplies Comments
We had dropped our food off at the towns along the way prior to departure, and had boxes ready to be delivered closer to home, but along the way we both changed the contents, removing some items and adding others. We used the store purchased dehydrated meals for dinners, and most were quite nice, but got a bit tedious towards the end, especially when you have people like the Galloping Gourmet making pies at camp (pastry and all).
Favourite Section
I enjoyed the whole lot, the scenery was spectacular in the southern sections, the trees just amazing and nature as a whole was just delightful (in most cases). except for the slippery rocks I even enjoyed walking up the Mounts.
Highlights
We had a magpie accompany us on the track for around 3 kms on our second night out. He lead the way, and not flying with us, but actually hopping on the track. He was constantly looking back to check we were coming, if we stopped when he had gone around the corner, he would hop back to check we were coming. Just before we got to the rifle range he flew up into the trees, and said goodbye as we carried on. Quite an experience.
Personal Reactions
I cried an awful lot the first week or two, and if it hadn’t been for a keen Bib Track volunteer at Parry Beach talking about his experiences on the Track, I think I would have quit there and then. Carried on though and with the encouragement of Rumble and Carl (another fellow walker on one section), was able to complete the track. So pleased that I did, cannot explain the feeling.
Wildlife
We saw a lot of snakes and kangaroos in the southern section, but they became less as we headed north. Lots and Lots and Lots of spiders, Rumble had quite a few lace necklaces (spider webs) and birds all the way. It was lovely to be woken by the kookaburras, and to go to bed with them laughing at us for going to bed at a ridiculous hour.
Your Best Equipment
A well fitted back pack, cant stress the importance of this enough. towards the end after losing weight it did start to pull on the shoulders a bit, but not too bad.
Your Worst Equipment
I carried the 2 person tent all the way, which we used once. seemed a bit of a waste of space and weight that I could have used for good things like chocolate and marshmallows. Started to resent that bloody tent as we got nearer the end. Also had a rain jacket that soaked me to the skin the first day. Suggest you test out your equipment, in all weathers, before you go. 
Advice for Others
We attended courses, including Getting into Gear, one on one planning sessions, Wilderness First Aid and Getting lost with Steve. and suggest you take the opportunity to attend these if you can, It gave us a lot of confidence and we got a wealth of information. You Will forget something, and You Will more than likely get sore feet, but it is all a part of the wonderful adventure. I highly recommend getting out there even for short stints to experience this wonderful track.
Thanks so much to the volunteers whose hard work made this such a wonderful experience for us and to all our fellow walkers who shared their stories and made it all that little more memorable.