Bibbulmun Track|Walk the Talk

I’m Lauren from the Office of Development, and Mike has asked me to write this final blog post.

It is almost exactly a year since Mike came to see me with the idea of walking the Bibbulmun Track as a fundraiser for the Junior Years’ Redevelopment. What struck me then, and has stayed with me throughout the last 12 months, is Mike’s incredible sense of being a part of something so much larger than himself, of being prepared to truly walk the talk of his commitment. It was a ‘shiver up the spine’ moment 12 months ago, and it culminated with the same on Friday.

Because on Friday Mike completed what ended up being a little over 1,000 kms of walking by arriving at the Northern Terminus of the Bibbulmun Track.

Along to celebrate with him were some members of the MLC Leadership Team, his wife Shirley and sister in law Margot. Mike endured with good humour our whingeing about the 10-20 kms we had to walk (nothing in comparison to what he has done) as we dawdled, took endless rest breaks and chattered ceaselessly.

With the end of the track just metres away Mike insisted that we wait until everyone had caught up, and then sent the rest of us through first, before crossing the boundary that marks the end of the track himself. It was a euphoric moment that captured the essence of Mike’s achievement: joy mixed with selflessness, patience and humility. It was a real honour to be there.

There are so many people to thank.

First and foremost Mike’s family who have barely seen him at any holiday breaks this year and who have supported him, walked with him and collected him from many out of the way places in the South West. We also remember Mike’s brother in law, who inspired him.

Thank you to the girls of the Junior Years whose curiosity and enthusiasm were the starting point of the idea, and who have embraced this opportunity to support Mr Brown, and raised in excess of $10,000 so far. Our parents, staff, Middle and Senior Years’ students and Collegians has been marvellous too. Thank you to those who have donated, bringing our total close to $60,000. Thank you to the many people who sent messages of support or encouraged Mike when they saw him out on the track.

Of course there is still time to donate if you would like to by following this link https://give.everydayhero.com/au/bibbulmun-track-walk-the-talk. We will all have a chance to celebrate Mike at the MLC Colour run in November, so please come along and take the opportunity to toss some coloured powder at him as he runs a lap of honour. You can book tickets here.

Finally, thank you Mike. You’ve done so much for us this year. Given us focus, inspired us with your dedication and perseverance, and even managed to hold on to your sense of humour. It’s been a true privilege to work (and walk a bit) with you on this project. I can’t wait for the next time you say “I’ve had an idea..”.

After four gruelling days walking 110kms and climbing some significant hills I arrived in Dwellingup.  It had been a very solitary experience as for three days I’d only passed one other hiker and there had been no mobile phone connection.  I burst into the Dwellingup Visitor’s Center just so I could talk to somebody, to hear another human’s voice.  The highlights of this section of the hike were the first signs of Spring, the wildflowers and the vistas from Mr Cooke and Mt Wells.  The low point was hiking up Mt Wells with a 20kg backpack with a slope that felt like it was at 75 degrees.  Also, not being able to linger at the top of Mt Cooke as I could see a rain squall heading to the granite top and as we know, granite and water cause slippery conditions. I had to dash off the hill as quickly as I could and didn’t spend enough time taking in the stunning views.  It was certainly a hard four days of hiking, but totally rewarding.

I awoke early, planning to hit the track at 6.30am. What I forgot was that sunrise was not until 7.10am and it was pitch black. Not only that but a thick mist covered the forest. I could hardly see the track. It wasn’t until 7.20am that I could see more than 50m ahead and bounded along the leaf covered track. I intended to arrive at Pemberton by 12pm, but in order to achieve this goal I’d have to push on – 20kms to travel in just over 4 and half hours. The problem was that I’d forgotten to take into account the steep hills. I walked as if I was in a marathon and barely stopped for rest and water. Eventually I reached the last hill up to the Gloucester Tree to be greeted by my wife and William. They gave me the energy to make that last climb as I was exhausted. The site of the Gloucester Tree signaled another section of the hike completed; 400kms completed just 576kms to go!!!

William, my youngest son, joined me on day 1 on the 20km walk from Wheatley Coast Road back to Northcliffe. We commenced the walk in a slight drizzle but soon the mist and rain cleared and we strolled purposefully through the amazing woodlands surrounding Northcliffe. It was great to have William along as it was a good time for Father and son bonding. We talked and talked and talked. There was a lot of fun and laughter as we stomped through the undergrowth. We arrived tired and weary at Northcliffe at 3pm but with lots of stories to tell.

To answer this question, I feel I’ve been in another world so alien to what I’m used to. At one stage I stopped and looked out across the landscape and could see no signs of any form of human activity. No roads, no buildings, no fields, no mobile connection, no other humans; just the vastness of our wilderness which included snakes, spiders, wild pigs, kangaroos, emus, mice and numerous other animals.

I commenced the walk from Walpole and eventually was picked up, 130kms later, sore and weary at Northcliffe on Monday afternoon. I walked through rich Karri forests, bush land and swamps. Fortunately most of the walking was flat and in my desire to finish the walk three days early I walked 42 kms in one day.

Highlights were nearly being run over by an emu, the stunning location of the huts at Dog Pool and Lake Maringup. It was so peaceful and quiet, with the sun shining through the Karri trees.

Low point was when I was going down a slippery steep descent and because of the weight of the packing falling forward. Thanks to the poles Rev lent me I was just able to stop myself hurtling down the hill!

So, 337 kms completed. Feeling a real sense of achievement. My wife says I’ve lost 10 kgs and look the fittest I have in ages. All my clothes are falling off me. Maybe 16 days hiking on the track has its benefits.

Mike

Amazing couple of days.  Sitting outside the Treetop Walk after sleeping at the Giants Campsite.  Yesterday woke to a stunning sunrise over Peaceful Bay, the photograph just doesn’t do it justice.

The hike up a steep hill to Giants Hut was excruciating.  Took all my energy and then had a close adventure with a snake.  Another fun day on the Bibbulmun Track.

Left Denmark with a slight drizzle. Was anticipating heavy rain but God was with us and it remained dry until we arrived at William Bay hut. Just got lost once and had to take a slight detour. A close friend has joined me for three days and it’s great walking with another person. Again spectacular scenery, so special. All is well but heading off to do a difficult section along the beach.

Mike

Well, I’ve made it to Denmark. What an experience – talk about testing your mind body and soul. Really pushed myself these last two days. On Monday I walked from the Torbay campsite to West Cape Howe. Had to say goodbye to the friendly bandicoot that was hanging around the hut. Along the track stunning views; the pictures don’t do it justice. Came across 6 kangaroos, 3 bob tailed lizards, 1 dead snake and one alive that I nearly trod on. Arrived at the hut tired and weary, as there were steep climbs that certainly made my muscles burn.

Today, walked 25kms and made my way to Denmark. First stop was the Denmark bakery as I run out of food and I was starving. Had to leave the hut at 6:40 as I’d arranged for somebody to pick me up from the Eden Road gate at 2pm and I misjudged how far I had to go- made it with 7 minutes to spare. Jumped out of my skin at one point when these large snake, nearly a meter long, crossed directly on front of me. Now enjoying a days break and the a friend joins me for the walk to Peaceful Bay. 85 km’s completed, nearly a tenth of the track – feels good. Lost about 3 kilos in weight, sore feet and muscles, but all fine.

Mike

All safe.  Wonderful hike walking from Albany to Sandpatch.  Climbed the hill and looked back to the Harbour and could imagine the ships getting ready to head off to Gallipoli and the Mid East.  Met a couple of fellow hikers who, like me, are foolishly walking the whole track.  Spectacular views particularly as I came around the corner to see the Southern Ocean and the Albany windmills.  Looking at a long hike on Sunday which will test my muscles.

Mike