- Start date: 19 July 2023
- Age When Completed: 72
- Direction Walked: North to South
- Others in Group:
Carol Newton Smith
General Comments
What a privilege it is to have this amazing asset in our back yard. And how lucky are we that both the track and the shelters are maintained so well. Congratulations to all to volunteers and workers for your stirling care and maintenance work.
Food/Supplies Comments
We could only carry 4 days food at a time and were able to arrange regular food drops to accomodate.
Favourite Section
No favourite - it is all magnificent from the northern jarrah forests to the more southern karri and tingle forests. Pingerup Plains and their amazing flowering plants were well worth the days of wet feet! And the south coastal flora is a delight.
Highlights
We did it!
Lucky that the track is there.
Lucky that we are healthy and able to use it.
Wonderful that we could appreciate the amazing flora through which we walked.
Personal Reactions
One is so enmeshed in the bush one could be forgiven for thinking Western Australia is just bush - no evidence of industry, mining, agriculture, people, towns, etc for days at a time.
Wildlife
Kangaroos, emus, snakes, lizards, insects in abundance - all were seen but the birds and their songs were outstanding. Even the rat who tackled my pack at Beavis, while neither welcome nor outstanding, was all part of the adventure.
Your Best Equipment
Gear was well tested and all worked together - nothing was unused or excess but all was necessary.
Hiking poles were essential.
Your Worst Equipment
Nothing failed. Except from totally wearing out two pairs of socks.
Advice for Others
Prepare well. Test your gear. Test your body. Test your menu. Plan your route and stick to the schedule. Plan rest days and rest on rest days. Do not rush this special experience - enjoy the journey, savour the bush, embrace the weather and eat well.