- Start date: 3 September 2010
- Age When Completed: 75
- Direction Walked: Sectional
General Comments
A great experience. Very impressive with shelter set ups. Walking alone from Dwellingup to Balingup was a new experience for me and at 70 years of age a challenge. For seven days I saw no-one on the Track, had certainly gained in confidence by the time I reached Balingup.
I chose May to do the Northcliffe to Walpole section to avoid the Pingereup Plains being inundated. Due to surgery to my feet the last section was put off until April 2015 at 75 years of age. Was fortunate with the weather. Despite, or maybe because of, the physical discomforts and challenges that confronted me, I found the whole experience of walking the Bibbulmun Track very rewarding. The shelters are wonderful, the scenery varied, solitude was soothing whilst sharing shelters was stimulating and bonding.
Food/Supplies Comments
Not many places to resupply in northern section from Kalamunda, which is shy we ‘double-hutted’ to keep the pack right down.
Favourite Section
Hard to choose. Enjoyed karri/tingle forests; Pingerup Plains and coastal section.
Highlights
Wildflowers, coastal scenery. Meeting other trekkers.
On completion at Albany had lunch in a cafe, my pack and poles were leaning against the table. A woman came over to ;me and whilst looking at me and tapping my pack, said “You are an inspirations!” Didn’t that make it all so worthwhile!
Personal Reactions
Sense of peace when walking alone and achievement on reaching shelter.
Wildlife
Splendid wrens were great. Frogs annoying but amusing at Beavis. Red & white tailed black cockatoos. Not many snakes.
Your Best Equipment
Lightweight pack and trekking pole.
Advice for Others
Keep pack weight as light as possible. Have warm sleeping bag.