Jumping Jack on the Track
- Start date: 29 September 2023
- Age When Completed: 60
- Direction Walked: North to South
General Comments
Epic adventure!
Food/Supplies Comments
Don’t skimp on treats - at the end of a tough day of hiking you won’t regret it! More generally, I dehydrated lots of meals with varying success, but my ratatouille was good value and my track favourite.
Favourite Section
Because I love the coast, the section from Walpole through to Albany was probably my favourite. All sections had plenty to offer; I rated the huts as I went, and the highest scores were for Grimwade and Tom Road.
Highlights
There were many highlights - but being an ocean person, arriving at Mandalay Beach and going for a swim after hiking 750kms was special!
Personal Reactions
I can’t say I loved every moment of it - as there were times when it required real resilience - but for the most part - i just felt grateful to be there. I loved being in the Bibbulmun Bubble where all you really talk about is track life - I miss that. There were times when I arrived at a hut and just thought, ‘how lucky am I to be here!’ Overall, I struggle to find words to describe the experience .....but what I can say is, if you get a chance, do it!
Wildlife
I hadn’t seen a snake until Mt Chance and then saw about 50 on my way to Albany (actually it was a reptile extravaganza - lizards, skinks and monitors of all sizes). Lots of kangaroos on the track and at our huts and the bird-life was a constant (especially the black cockatoos). Special mention to insect life - the flies kicked in around half-way - but the ants were a constant companion on the track.
Your Best Equipment
As I am directionally challenged the FarOut app got me out of a few pickles - but in terms of equipment my track shoes, dirty girl gaiters and socks - got the job done! I’d wack them on in the morning and I’d be off - repeated 44 days in a row 
Your Worst Equipment
My backpack was fit for purpose - but was a constant combatant for me until Pemberton where I watched a few videos on better packing. Perhaps it was just me getting used to the experience - but by the second half of the BT - I was one with my pack.
Advice for Others
Get as fit as you can before setting out - so you are confident that you can do the 1000kms. But importantly, listen, observe, learn and be prepared to be flexible on the track.