KIT KAT KID
- Start date: 18 October 2021
- Age When Completed: 22
- Direction Walked: North to South
General Comments
Had an incredible experience! Forever grateful to have had the health and opportunity to complete my first end-to-end. A life changing experience I will never forget! (Made possible by the hard work of the volunteers and the foundation, for which I am extremely appreciative of)
Food/Supplies Comments
I did not do any food drops which meant I was solely dependent on the grocery stores in the towns. The towns stocked the bare necessities which you could work with, however, if I were to attempt another end-to-end I would do food drops. Less stress and you have the benefit of knowing how much your pack will be weighing.
Favourite Section
No doubt the most scenic part of the track was Walpole to Denmark. After weeks in the bush, seeing that magnificent Southern Ocean is nothing shy of euphoric. This section also meanders through coast, then forest, then coast. Unbeatable!
Highlights
Seeing the ocean for the first time at that lookout was the most memorable moment of the hike. That morning was just perfect. The morning sun was warm, sky was clear, and the water was crystal clear (perfect for skinny dipping). The Irvin inlet crossing was also really cool!
Wildlife
Loads of snakes (mostly tigers I believe), particularly along the bottom half of the track. I saw an echidna en route to Dookanelly which I though was pretty special.
I was most interested in the birdlife. In awe over the Red-tailed Black Cockatoos! I was really cool gradually learning the bird callings of the the different birds and learning their behaviour.
Your Best Equipment
My Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Liner and my marino wool Mountain Designs thermals. I despise being cold and this combo saved me! Really effective!
Your Worst Equipment
No doubt my osprey pack raincover! I can’t criticise the quality of the of it, but it was way to small for my pack when I had my tent and sleeping mat clipped on the outside. Such a nuisance trying to put it on and take it off when I needed to get into it during the day.
Advice for Others
Don’t have a time limit and just keep going! I met a lot of people who were ambitious in their estimates of km’s per day and felt guilty when they fell behind schedule. There is no rush, so don’t push yourself too hard because you’re likely to get injured.
Also buy the best gear you can afford. you won’t regret it.