Rumble
- Start date: 30 March 2014
- Age When Completed: 49
- Direction Walked: South to North
- Others in Group:
Dianne Easton
General Comments
I have every moment I spent on the Track and cannot wait until I have the time to do it all again. During my on the Track I met some wonderful people who will be friends for life. I also met several volunteers who were maintaining their section of the Track. Parry Beach was the first place I met a volunteer who was down maintaining his section of the Track. At that early stage of my trip, I did not fully understand his love and passion for the Track; but my the end of my journey, I sure did and felt everything he described.
Food/Supplies Comments
Food was an important of the trip for me. I was told most people loose 8-10 kg on an end to end. So I put on 5 kg prior commencing my walk. I took sachets of bakes beans, as I like baked beans, but I changed to 2 minute noodles.I got rid of most of the chocolates I packed , I prefered Glucogel jelly beans when I needed a quick sugar fix. Incidentally my track name is because my stomach always growls loudly for foo and at the same time each day.
Favourite Section
It is really hard choosing a favourite. If pushed, I think I would say the southern half, as I had the most memorable experiences there. Denmark to Northcliffe would be the section I enjoyed the most. Lake Maringup, Franklin River and Murray would be my top three campsites
Highlights
Nearing the trailhead from Muttonbird campsite, I saw a magpie standing on the trail as if waiting for something, yet he was looking right at us. As we reached the trailhead he turned right and began walking in front of us. We followed for a while; then stopped walking because we thought we were chasing him from his home as we hadn’t seen him fly so we didn’t know if he could. After a little while he came back, looked at us, and started off, stopped, looked back at us and continued on when he knew we were following him. He wanted us to follow him, we willingly continued to follow; marvelling at how a bird could walk so far.
Personal Reactions
At the beginning, walking the Track in one go was a daunting task, but the end just sneaks up on you. I found it very difficult leaving. I sought advice from a friend who ;gave me the following…“The Track don’t judge U, asks nothing from U, yet gives U shelter at night and memories every hour of every day. How to cipe..don’t say goodbye just bye for now.I found moving back into “the real world"extremely difficult.
Wildlife
As a child I was woken by the kookaburra’s laugh every morning, so it was wonderful to lay in bed listening to them. Even while we were walking, there were times we did silly things and all of a sudden the kookaburra would burst out laughing, which made us feel even sillier for being caught out – but wonderful knowing they were enjoying our antics while we enjoyed the sound of their laughter.
The emus and kangaroos at Donnelly River are really friendly – too friendly. I left the back door open and an inquisitive kangaroo hopped right in and was not in a hurry to leave. I was intimidated by two emu’s who thought they needed my cup of tea more than I did.
I didn’t know Robin Red Breasts were still around as I haven’t seen one for such a long time – it was a pleasure watching them flit around the various campsites.
Your Best Equipment
My walking sticks are my best piece of equipment. I was introduced to sticks while on the track and immediately saw the benefit. So I kept an eye out for a couple of suitable sticks. I am so grateful that I was introduced to sticks. They have stopped me from falling over, supported me over high logs, and assisted me when walking up steep inclines or down steep slippery declines. Between Beavis and Boarding house, I can remember saying “Thank you Carl – for introducing me to sticks and showing me how to use them”.
Advice for Others
If you have been thinking about walking the Bibbulmun track as an end to end; just do it. Don’t put it off. The journey will be yours, and yours alone – always to be remembered and treasured.
My experience was incredible. I will always remember the memories I gained during my extraordinary journey.