Carnivore
- Start date: 4 September 2013
- Age When Completed: 25
- Direction Walked: North to South
- Others in Group:
Herbivore (Carlya Bell)
General Comments
Awesome experience and one I can see myself doing again. The track is easy to follow and is so diverse as you walk down the coast. Each shelter has its own unique charm therefore it’s hard to pick a favourite (Tom Road it definitely up there though). It’s great to see them all very well maintained and great thanks go out to the volunteers and foundation for doing such a great job. Due to stormy weather we spent much of our time getting over or around fallen trees however this made some days very challenging but great fun as well. We also met so many different people along the way
Food/Supplies Comments
Organised food dropped prior to leaving however we always added and changed them up when we got to town depending on how we were feeling. Majority of meals were dehydrated meals we had made ourselves, these were the best and beat anything we could buy. Definitively suggest doing this as it gives you more of a variety.
Favourite Section
Donnelly River Village to Pemberton, I also really enjoyed Kalamunda to Dwellingup.
Highlights
Walking in major thunder and lightning storms, although it made for some cold days it was a good experience to be able to experience the track during these times.
Crossing Torbay inlet – wading through the water with water up to my waist, I felt like I was on survivor! So much fun!
Personal Reactions
I found the Track a great place to de-stress and a great time for reflection as well as getting back to the basics, you realise how little you actually need to live, it’s a nice feeling.
Wildlife
Snakes, kangaroos, birds and emus.
Your Best Equipment
Crocs - would never go without them, best thing for my feet after a day’s walk
Walking poles - I think I would have fallen down a lot more than I did, also took a lot of pressure off my knees
Your Worst Equipment
Self-inflating pillow and mattress (Kathmandu) both got a puncher. Do you research for self inflating equipment it makes all the difference, I was lucky enough to have someone bring me new ones however I had one night sleeping on one of the shelters floor and it wasn’t great!
Advice for Others
It’s something that can’t be given enough praise, you’re better off trying it for yourself, just do it, the experience is amazing and I know it’s something I will do again (already thinking of the next one). Make sure you do your research when buying your equipment it makes all the difference it can be the difference between completing the track and having to pull out. Also don’t worry about your fitness or trying to get fit before you go, you will get track fit and you will feel amazing after it.