Ryan Siacci (Thunderbird)
Completed: 9 July, 2023
Thunderbird
- Start date: 24 May, 2023
- Age When Completed: 37
- Direction Walked: Southbound
Track Towns and Supplies
- Did you have any issues finding food/supplies? Yes
- Best Town Meal: The Bacon Butty from Wild at Heart Cafe in Pemberton transported me to an alternate universe. Special mentions also to Dwelly Pub, Barn-Zee's in Collie, and Mr Fosters at Balingup. Best Camp Meal: The Sweet Potato Curry by Jessica Bradley. We had this twice and it was our most delicious home-prepped dehydrated meal. I wish I had it for every dinner.
Your Story or Advice for Others
General Comments11/10 would recommend.
Your Best Equipment
Shoes. I used Asics Sonoma Trail Runners - lightweight, quick drying, supportive. I was rarely footsore except on huge days. Boots need not apply. Special mention to my Awesome Woodys Cliffboard Micro which helped keep my fingers primed for rock climbing during a relatively lengthy hiatus.
Your Worst Equipment
Goretex Jacket not fit for purpose - too heavy, bulky and hot. Unless it was very cold, I sweated enough for the waterproofing to be void. In future, I would employ one of those big, daggy, ultrasil ponchos and save my Goretex for mountaineering.
Advice for Others
Buy the ticket, take the ride.
Trip Details
How you completed the Bibbulmun Track:- All at once
- Who did you complete the Track with? Other - Jessica Bradley (Urban Legend)
- Was undertaking your hike the PRIMARY/MAIN purpose of your TRAVEL from where you currently live? No
Your Experience
Hard to split the difference between Balingup to Donnelly River Village and Walpole to Denmark. The magnificent towering trees and the coastal views were spectacular.
Highlight of your trip
The harder elements of the trail will form lasting memories for me, partiularly crossing the flooded plains and wading the inlets. Type 2 Fun, I suppose. Seeing the coast for the first time, including sightings of whales and dolphins, was fantastic. Meeting different folks with different walks of life was a favourite part of the experience and we were truly grateful for the kindness and support we received along the way.