Heidi N
- Start date: 28 April 2014
- Age When Completed: 31
- Direction Walked: South to North
General Comments
This was one of the best (and dare I say it relaxing) holidays I’ve ever had. Once your body becomes adjusted to the daily walking and pack weight it is a delight to move day to day, meeting new people at times, enjoying solitude at others. Your life is simplified with the only concerns being food, water, weather and getting to the next hut…bliss!
Food/Supplies Comments
Don’t underestimate how much you’ll need to eat on an end to end. By about day 12 I was beginning to go crazy with hunger. In an effort to keep my pack light I had grossly underestimated how many calories I’d need and this makes for unhappy walking. So pack in the chocolate and peanut butter…honestly you can eat whatever you like and you will still lose weight!
Favourite Section
They all had their highlights but I particularly loved the diversity of the Denmark to Northcliffe section (despite getting quite hungry towards Northcliffe!). William Bay area, Giants, Frankland river and the D’Entrecasteaux NP were all amazing.
Highlights
Lake Maringup on a nearly full moon, the reflections off the lake, along with the sounds of numerous frog species and birds nearby, incredibly beautiful. Somehow made sweeter by the aching feet and spare food a fellow traveler donated to me 
The people you meet and friends you make along the way would have to be the main highlight though I think.
Personal Reactions
The first night in a hut on one’s own was a little strange for me at least, despite lots of experience in the bush. It’s just so VERY quiet and whilst I got used to it, being a naturally chatty social-bug I was always delighted when there was company to be had in the huts at night. The day time walking on one’s own is very cathartic…lots of time to think and stare and think and eat…take in the sights, the wildlife or just tune out for hours at a time. Not often in our busy world you get to be so quiet and introspective.
Wildlife
I saw it all. Seals, snakes, had a very close encounter with an echidna, roos, wallabies, many bird species including (apparently) a rock parrot. Wedge tailed eagles over white horse hills, frogs - especially along the southern sections and of course the unwanted rabbits, feral cats and pigs.
Your Best Equipment
oooh my jetboil is 4 years old and still goes strong…I could walk a 7 day section on a small gas canister so very efficient. My thermarest…never played up like other, cheaper brands I saw did. My Contrail tarptent did very well too when I had to use it. My Osprey 65L pack did really well (despite the best efforts of rodents).
Your Worst Equipment
Mountain designs sporks…I went through three, they all lost their tines and then snapped in half…next time I’ll get an aluminum long spoon. My pack cover was old and barely water proof…would be worthwhile investing in a good one.
Advice for Others
Invest in the major pieces of equipment that can make or break your trip.
A good backpack
mattress
sleeping bag
cooking equipment.
Don’t skimp on the socks..for the little that they weigh you will wish for that spare dry pair or two after weeks of wet weather and soggy boots. Don’t skimp on the calories, eat your fill of chocolate and lollies…muesli bars are also excellent value. Take rest days in the towns…its like having another mini-break! Go and visit wineries, catch up with friends and family, sleep in and eat eat eat!