- Start date: 8 October 2011
- Age When Completed: 37
- Direction Walked: Sectional
- Others in Group:
Marcus Ohm
General Comments
The Bibb was a fantastic experience and accomplishment for me. It is an amazing trail that showcases the best the south west has to offer. A big thank you to all the volunteers who do such a great job maintaining the trail and shelters.
Food/Supplies Comments
When I first started, I used the standard freeze dried hiking meals from outdoor stores but I soon got tired of them. I switched to a small Tasmanian company called Strive Foods which sold hiking meals that I found to be tastier without all the preservatives and additives.
Favourite Section
Donnelly River to Pemberton. Walpole to Albany.
Highlights
So many but the ones that really stand out were walking through the Karri forest south of Donnelly River and reaching the south coast for the first time. Also the views along the south coast were amazing.
Personal Reactions
Being a sectional end to end, it consisted of day hikes, overnighters and week hikes. But regardless of how long the hike was, I always enjoyed my time out on the trail. It seemed the longer the walk, the more relaxed I became. My time on the trail had its ups and downs like everything in life but I don’t regret a single day I spent hiking the Bibb.
Wildlife
Countless kangaroos and wallabies, heaps of emus and cockatoos, a few wild pigs, a couple of quendas and only one tiger snake!
Your Best Equipment
Z Packs tent and sleeping bag (ultralight and durable).
Fizan trekking poles (lasted 5 years and still going strong).
Gossemer Gear backpack (very light and comfortable)
New Balance trail runners (no blisters)
Your Worst Equipment
Zamberlan GoreTex hiking shoes (lots of blisters)
Osprey backpack (super heavy)
Advice for Others
My advice echoes what others have said which is get out there and do it! Even if you don’t have time to hike end to end in one go, do it as a series of shorter hikes. Also, do what you can to get your pack weight down. Hiking is much more enjoyable when not lumbered with a heavy load.