- Start date: 7 April 2019
- Age When Completed: 59
- Direction Walked: South to North
General Comments
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk. It might sound like a cliche but this has been a life changing experience.
Food/Supplies Comments
I have a formula for eating and pretty much eat the same thing every day with variations on a theme. This made purchasing and packing food so much easier. It also meant that I could eat well without having to worry about it. If you are planning on purchasing a long the way, I’d advise you to find out in advance what each town can provide. Some towns have wide range, others not so.
The compromise between weight and eating well: It is a personal thing. Some I met were surviving on couscous, instant noodles and biscuits with no stove, in the name of saving weight. One I met was carrying a 27 kg pack but he and his walking partner were eating like royalty. I’m in the middle. I like to eat nutritious hot food but keep weight to a minimum where possible.
Favourite Section
Peaceful Bay to Pemberton. Such variety.
Highlights
Birds! In some parts, the number of birds and the sound of their song was amazing.
The coast: stunning view after stunning view for days on end.
The Monadnocks: seeing them again with fresh eyes. It really is a stunning stretch of country.
The flow: I love the way the Track flows from river valley to river valley.
The hospitality: I discovered track angels! Thank you Rails and Bails of Balingup for your amazing hospitality.
Personal Reactions
Gratitude. I am left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the country I live on and all those people that have made such an amazing experience possible.
Wildlife
I saw two echidnas! One in the Murry and one in the Monadnocks. Such a treat to come across these quite gentle creatures. I saw plenty of snakes between Albany and Denmark but not one after that. Perhaps it had grown too cold for them. Of, course I saw kangaroos every day and plenty of emus (I met one coming the other way coming along the track. I’m not sure who got the biggest fright) and wallabies. I saw plenty of lizards on rocky outcrops and warm afternoons around campsites. The greatest highlight would have been the birds! So many different birds! So many happy memories of bird encounters.
Your Best Equipment
My MSR Windurner stove. So simple. So efficient. For a solo hiker like myself who just needs to heat water, it is brilliant!
Your Worst Equipment
My sleeping system. It was not quite up to those sub-zero nights I encountered. It is a work in progress.
Advice for Others
Plan and prepare well so that you can simply enjoy your walk. Take your time and allow yourself to slow into the gentle rhythm of a long walk. Let it work its magic in you.