CHRIS.B.
- Start date: 3 June 2018
- Age When Completed: 47
- Direction Walked: North to South
General Comments
A big heartfelt thanks to BTF, DPAW and all the Volunteers for this truly amazing, life changing experience. This journey enriches the souls and makes you appreciate all the simple things in life and you will meet some wonderful people along the way.
Food/Supplies Comments
Posted food drops to most of the track towns consisting of commercially produced dehydrated and home made meals. Added lots of extra dried vegetables and spices to all of these meals and repacked in vacuum sealed bags. Eat big breakfasts, lots of oats and museli. Topped up food portions and ate so much food when in towns. plus lots of snacks, chocolate and peanut butter. Still managed to lose about 9 kilograms.
Favourite Section
Northcliffe to Walpole and around Yourdamung.
Highlights
Walking through a huge storm whilst passing over Mt Cooke. Seeing the Southern Ocean for the first time. Pingerup Plains, the Karri and Tingle forests. Encountering an echidna on the track. Completing my first 40km+ day from Mt Chance to Woolbales. A Northcliffe farmer giving me a big red juicy apple while waiting for cattle to cross road.
Personal Reactions
I truly loved immersing myself in the beautiful forests and landscapes of the south west and feel empowered by the accomplishment of such a significant achievement of walking solo over 1000kms in two months.
Wildlife
Saw so many kangaroos, wallaby, emu and birds An echidna, quenda and spotted whales in the southern ocean.
Your Best Equipment
Pocket sized AM/FM radio (reception at 90% of campsites). Salomon Boots, Down sleeping bag and merino wool layers, underwear and socks.
Your Worst Equipment
Cheap poor fitting backpack
Advice for Others
Spend a considerable amount of time on planning and training. Take lots of photos and keep a journal. Allow for rest days in towns and pack as light as possible. Get out and enjoy this wonderful track in its entirety.