- Start date: 28 August 2012
- Age When Completed: 54
- Direction Walked: North to South
- Others in Group:
Dianne Clayton
General Comments
Doing the walk was amazing and yet a challenge, both physically and mentally. Spending so much time away from the world of the usual activities was a great way of getting a fresh perspective on priorities and thinking about what is really important in my life.
Food/Supplies Comments
Food was foraged from local stores as the dry foods my partner and I prepared had to be left at home. We ate mainly muesli, nuts dried fruit, pasta, rice and packed tuna (500 grams each per day) with fresh food for a couple of days into each leg between towns. Even though we ate like horses at towns we still lost weight (5-6 kilos) so it pays to carbo load plenty if you are your ideal weight.
Favourite Section
All of it, the whole track was one big adventure. Some days were easy and some days were diffcult. Some days had views that were awe inspiring, some days were sopping wet and cold but with a positive outlook it was all a challenge and well worth the pleasures as well as the pains.
Highlights
The first sight of Mandalay beach, storm at Brookton Highway, impromptu concert night with 7 people in a hut, the views from Blackwood, Donnelly River Village, meeting so many nice people.
Personal Reactions
Soooo many.
Wildlife
Many roos, lizards and a few snakes. Plenty of birds to watch. Disappointed there were not many mammals at night. Heaps of cat tracks. Loved watching the whales and seals, got up close to dolphins putting on displays of frollicking and surfing. Animal tracks in the morning showed a great variety of wild traffic happening before sun-up. The wildflowers were spectacular.
Your Best Equipment
Walking sticks and Bamboo socks.
Your Worst Equipment
Wool socks, gave me blisters.
Advice for Others
Preperation is important for such a long trip and physical fitness is worth aiming for months before the trip especially for shoulders. I was walking without sticks for a while but found that I was getting bad cramps in the legs after climbing hills. After using the sticks the cramps had disappeared as the load on my legs was reduced. Have a positive attitude and be aware of your moods as you get tired, you can choose to have a good day or a bad day no matter what the track throws up at you.