Bruno Benaise
- Start date: 5 September 2023
- Age When Completed: 58
- Direction Walked: South to North
General Comments
Trekking the Bibbulmun Track for 45 days is a transformative experience that encourages us to rediscover the child within, as Roger Waters so eloquently sang in “The Lost Boys Calling”: “I hold the child, the child in the man, the child that we leave behind.”
It’s a pilgrimage into the heart of nature, where the rhythm of each step mirrors the pulse of life itself. In the wilderness, one is reminded of that child within a man, the innocence and wonder often buried beneath the demands of modern life. Here, among towering trees (Jarrahs, Marris, Karris, Tingles, etc.), and winding trails, we find the freedom, getting rid of the constraints of our daily routines. The forest envelops us in a tapestry of colours, scents, and sounds, and we become attuned to the songs of the natural world.
Highlights
As we traverse the Bibbulmun Track, we listen for the call of the lost boys, evoking the child within and embracing the untamed freedom of the natural world. It’s a journey that restores balance to our bodies and minds, reminding us of the profound, primal joy of living in the present moment, where nature’s beauty reigns supreme.
Among towering karri trees and the symphony of birdsong (red and white-tailed cockatoos, 28’s, Pink and Greys, etc.), you’ll experience a recollection of your inner child, a sensation to being a 12-year-old boy once more. The track becomes your playground. You’ll splash through pristine streams, very long and deep puddles (D’Entrecasteaux National Park ????), scale rocky peaks (Mt Wells, Mt Dale, Mt Vincent, etc…), and camp beneath a blanket of stars, rediscovering the simple joy of exploration that knows no bounds.
The most significant gift this trek provides is the ability to take pleasure in the present moment. In the wilderness, the past and future fade into insignificance, leaving us with the pure essence of the now. Every sunrise, every campfire, every encounter with the forest’s inhabitants (grey kangaroos, wallabies, emus, etc.) is a testament to the joy of living in the present.
It’s not only the childlike wonder that envelops you; it’s a profound sense of freedom. Each day, as you traverse diverse landscapes, your worries fade away like distant echoes. The weight of modern life, with all its complexities, melts into the wilderness, leaving behind a lighter, more liberated version of yourself, making you feel more alive.
As your journey unfolds, the Bibbulmun Track becomes more than just a trail; it becomes a path to rebalance your physical and mental well-being. The steady cadence of your footsteps, the nourishing simplicity of campfire meals, all contribute to a harmonious restoration of your body and mind. In this remote haven, you find the perfect equilibrium, rejuvenating your spirit with every step.