- Start date: 26 January 2021
- Age When Completed: 58
- Direction Walked: South to North
General Comments
John Henzell, (58) of Queensland, did what he describes as an “accidental” End to End (S-N, 26.1.21 to 5.4.21). While doing the big lap of Australia after being repatriated from East Timor because of the pandemic, he thought the timing was finally right to attempt the Bibb, only to find hiking in summer was strongly discouraged. But in Albany, the temperatures were perfect, there was a good 10-day weather forecast and the fire risk was moderate so he opted to set off, expecting to be forced off by Pemberton by the fire risk or the heat. The hike might have ended even sooner when, as he left Denmark, Walpole and most of the track went into Covid lockdown. By Walpole, a couple niggling little injuries prompted a leisurely pace and several rest days, which meant that by the time he reached Northcliffe the temperatures and fire risk were good to continue. By Balingup, the fire risk in the rest of the track finally dropped below Very High and he was able to hike all the way to Kalamunda, 71 days after leaving Albany. He was lucky to strike a year where the entire track and all the shelters were open, he only hiked a couple of times in temps above 30deg and only wore his rain jacket for half an hour on the entire track. He is humbled by the efforts of the vollies, the track foundation and the government agencies that allow the track to remain free.
Advice for Others
Listen to your body, not your schedule!