- Start date: 8 August 2020
- Age When Completed: 64
- Direction Walked: South to North
General Comments
Fantastic walk, very diverse, would love to see more involvement by local indigenous groups. Bush tucker tours, history talks, removal of feral animals and plant/weed pests etc.
S 2 N signage not as clear in some areas as N 2 S.
Overall, a world class walk, I loved it. Congrats and many thanks to volunteers for a great job.
Food/Supplies Comments
Most towns had adequate food/ supplies, Northcliffe and DRV the exceptions and North Bannister had nothing.
Favourite Section
Tough! All sections had their own highlights, perhaps from Albany to Pemberton, because of its diversity.
Highlights
Again tough! Sunset/sunrise on Mt Chance, walking amongst giant karri trees and walking through the forests in the rain.
Personal Reactions
This walk really tested me, from anger and frustration when I missed a sign or there wasn’t one for several hundred metres and I had to backtrack, to absolute highs ( lots of those ) seeing wildlife or flora in their natural habitat, stunning views and meeting incredible people, each with their own story. Feeling totally at peace in the karri forests, almost like a walking meditation, a really spiritual experience.
Wildlife
Whales, seals, dolphins, ospreys, gulls, kangaroos, emus, possums, mardos, tiger snakes, wrens, robins, parrots, cockatoos, eagles, pigeons, honeyeaters, owls, etc. and the wildflowers, acres and acres of stunning displays of yellows, blues, whites, reds, purples, pinks, browns and orange.
Your Best Equipment
Backpack, hat, thermals, air mattress, sticks, Vivo barefoot shoes, headlamp, mob phone (camera) and multi function pocket knife.
Your Worst Equipment
Old, heavy, self inflating mattress ( ditched after 3 weeks!), waterproof jacket that wasn’t!
Advice for Others
Take time out often to just absorb your surroundings, treat/reward yourself at each town (massage to ease achy neck, back and leg muscles is a must!) and do your own research, don’t rely on others for directions ( twice I asked and twice it was wrong!!)