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