- Start date: 1 August 2016
- Age When Completed: 71
- Direction Walked: North to South
General Comments
This is third End to End but the second which I continually walked campsite to campsite but this time north to south. I started out when I was 70 and completed the End to End when 71, how time fly’s.
Nothing is guaranteed weather wise, as this time I walked through reportedly the wettest and coldest winter in 50 years. I experienced heavy rain on more than 28 days with wet weather gear on hood up gave little chance to sightsee. Even chances to do some photography was limited. Rivers of water running over my boots kept my boots wet with no chance to dry them out, as with my day clothes. At the Blackwood campsite it was very miserable, very bleak site with rain driven by the wind vertically, wetting all bunk areas. Glad I wasn’t planning to stay the night, but I know others will be staying that day leaving Balingup later that day. The short time I was there I was suffering mild hypothermia, so was the weather. One up for double hutting. Very little contact was made with others walking the Track going north or south, about 7-8 people total. Climbing over and under fallen trees, and very large trees at that, all experiences of the Track. All the river inlets other than the Wilson Inlet were passable. Diversions, a necessary evil of the Track were well signposted, be it very long drawn out day(s). Pingerup Plains lived up to its reputation, heavy rains overnight at both Mt Chance and Woolbales didn’t help much. Wading knee deep for long periods in cold water plus the added raining, wet top to bottom was I. But saying that, someone coming down behind me a few days later said it was more or less ok with the falling water levels. Interesting country, with the smell of Boronia.
Food/Supplies Comments
All my main meals were prepared at home and posted on to the towns. Small top ups made at the local stores for lunches.
Favourite Section
Always the Southern Ocean stretch, Walpole to Albany. Wildflowers making its statement down south. Mt Cooke surprised me with its showing of wildflowers over the top.
Highlights
Bibb Track always a highlight. Finding a café at Cosy Corner, just up the Cosy Corner Road from the beach.
Personal Reactions
Whilst I walked as a lone walker from Kalamunda to Walpole I met up with a very good friend in Helen at Walpole. Helen wanted to walk the Track Walpole to Albany which was good support for both of us on such a long trip.
Wildlife
Did see more kangaroos and emus this time than previously times walking the Track.
Your Best Equipment
This time round I made sure all my equipment was best. Whilst it was cold I warm as well as my sleeping bag was complemented with a good thermal liner. The mattress was lightweight and thermally insulated. Saying that both Brookton and Possum Springs (new shelters) the flooring was cold even coming up through the insulated mattress. All other equipment and clothing was selected for lightweight and functional, with my puffer jacket being the best item I have ever purchased. Backpack almost unnoticeable at times.
Your Worst Equipment
None, why would you have ‘worst equipment’.
Advice for Others
Winter or summer the Track has its traits. As for me I’m always asking myself why, I just say I’ve had the operation but I get over it. Three times done, and enjoyed it.