Master Chafe
- Start date: 25 August 2020
- Age When Completed: 37
- Direction Walked: North to South
General Comments
Embarked on this 1000km trek with my friend Joel Gordon as team Master Chafe to raise funds and awareness for Suicide Prevention. Unfortunately due to Injury Joel had to pull out just after the 500km mark but I continued on solo. Loved every minute of the hike and the track was in great condition which is a testament to the volunteers on the track.
Food/Supplies Comments
Packed too much for each food drop but at each town loved taking fresh vegetables in for the next few days to cook on the trangia. The forward planned food drops was a long day (1000km and a chance to gauge how long that really is…..) but well worth doing to reduce the weight needed to carry and scope out the towns. Everyone in the towns was amazing!
Favourite Section
Donnelly River to Pemberton - Tough to choose but can’t compete with the majestic trees!
Highlights
Maybe a glutton for punishment but coming off the Pingerup Plains in hail and gale force winds and then getting blown around on Mandalay beach was a highlight… Nothing to do but kept going on and be in awe of the power of nature. Saying that, the karri forrests of Pemberton and Donnelly River is something I’ll never forget along with the first glimpses of the coast and the beach and cliff walks coming into Albany. My favorite story is about ending up doing a 50km day after a couple of wrong turns and whilst not having seen anyone for 3 days. The weather was terrible and wading knee deep most off the day. Certainly taught me something of resilience and perseverance.
Personal Reactions
Knew this would be tough some days but the everchanging scenery made it a real joy. Met some amazing people along the way and loved the chance to push myself mentally and physically. Never thought I could do this looking back a few years ago.
Wildlife
The bird life particularly the red and white tailed cockatoos, blue wrens as well as the surprises of snakes towards the end was highlights. I loved the quiet of the early morning and listening to the calls of the birds.
Your Best Equipment
My Osprey pack. The most comfortable and easy to use pack with so many handy compartments and integrated water bladder. That and my Saloman boots. almost no blisters the whole way!
Your Worst Equipment
Everything went so well that I struggle to name and shame any part of my gear. I was disappointed with my Go Pro when it had glitches after a week but it still took photos fortunately!
Advice for Others
Get your pack loaded early in the preparation phase and bring the kgs up gradually. Doing stairs and hills in my training meant I enjoyed every part of the walk and reduced injury possibility. When you also think how much food you need, then reduce that amount a little. I never needed as much as I took but always had some spare in case of emergency. Did I mention Fixumol…...