Marg E
- Start date: 17 September 2021
- Age When Completed: 60
- Direction Walked: North to South
General Comments
Wow, I never dreamed I would enjoy this walk as much. I loved every day, loved the planning and organisation, and loved making the time to enjoy every day without rushing. I commend those that make this trail a world class walking track. It is. It is diverse, well marked, can be walked comfortably 9 months of the year - not recommended in Summer for fire and safety reasons IMO. Thank you Thank you Thank you Bib Track Foundation.
Food/Supplies Comments
I dehydrated all my dinners, some lunches and snacks and soups. I like to be well planned and know exactly what I have so this suits me. It also means I know what I am eating instead of buying meals. With experience I know what I like and make and pack what makes me happy at the end of the day. I was ravenous on the last 2 weeks and ate every single thing in my pack, and anything else that was given away!
I arranged food boxes prior to leaving and many friend and family met me along the track. I have been blessed with support all along the way.
I do think it very possible to re supply at each town, all the Visitors Centres stock great ranges.
Favourite Section
Pingerup Plains. I have previously walked this section so was very apprehensive regarding the water etc. It was magical. So much to see across and in the Plains. The wildflowers, the wildlife, the birdlife and the water wading was not too bad with only knee high.
Highlights
Being met by my husband Jeff and friend Gary at Gringer Creek for a delicious dinner, a shower, wine and friends. Rachael Lincoln has a post and pic of us in the last Bibbulmun News.
Meeting up with my children and grandchildren at Sullivan Rock for a food supply box and picnic lunch.
Walking down from Mt Vincent in the heart of an electrical storm.
My last week spent with 5 friends and my husband, all walking with me from Denmark to Albany. We had such a lot of fun together for the last 5 days of an incredible walk.
Personal Reactions
Wonder at such a diverse path. Every section was different and it is something I really don’t think is realized unless the path is walked continuously. I loved every minute of it, I miss the peace and quiet and when I play some of my favourite music that accompanied me on the trail, I can easily get back that total wellness feeling. I came back having dropped many of the city life hang ups of appearance etc that tend to take over our city lives. Fortunately I can say I have held on to this release which is a sense of freedom for me.
Wildlife
Not an incredible amount of wildlife along the path for me. It really depended how fast I could get out of the hut to be first on the track (not often) or how far back from any others I could be. The birdlife was always incredible and quiet times brought animal life gently closer when possible.
I did manage to see an Echidna at Swamp Oak swimming hole, as well as some roos along the way. I was lucky with only 4 or 5 snake sightings but lots of lizards rustling at the side of the track to get out of the way.
Your Best Equipment
My carbon fibre hiking poles. Lightweight and they are extensions of my arms. I never hike without them, they help keep me balanced, especially on the down hill sections. Without them I would need a handrail 
My Arne pack is also very well balanced and I love the front pockets where all my go to food and equipment is stored for easy access.
Your Worst Equipment
I can’t say I had any bad equipment. For sure, if I spent more money I could upgrade to a lighter sleeping bag etc, but what I have did me well over the 58 days of walking (63 days in all). I would however like to upgrade my tent when possible as it is way too small for two when my husband met me for various sections.
Advice for Others
Plan and prepare. Walk your own walk. Do it, love it, live it and enjoy it all. If you want to go fast that’s ok, everyone has a different perspective and goal, but I recommend stop and smell the roses. There is so much history out there with the logging and forestry. Our bush is beautiful, get out there and enjoy it.