Linda Van Duynhoven (Linda Van, Hiking High n Dry)

Completed: 30 October, 2019

Linda Van Duynhoven thumbnail — **Linda Van Duynhoven**
Linda Van, Hiking High n Dry

Start date: 8 September, 2019
Age When Completed: 55
Direction Walked: Southbound

Track Towns and Supplies

Did you have any issues finding food/supplies? Yes
I posted packages ahead to the Visitors Center at each town and had no issue with this system. I had commercial freeze dried meals (Campers Pantry) supplemented with Deb instant potato and a cup of soup in the evenings. Breakfast was initially porridge, however at the 3/4 mark I became sick of this and switched to instant noodles and a protein bar for breakfast. I didn't have a specific lunch, however stopped mostly every 5km for a snack and drink. I was happy with my food choices.

Your Story or Advice for Others

General Comments
What a fantastic asset to Western Australia! The quality of this trail and the high standard of work and commitment that the volunteers put in, I am truly grateful for. Whilst the trek was physically and mentally harder than I anticipated, I wouldn't change a single day. Loved it!

Your Best Equipment
My rain pants. Whilst I did not ever use them for their intended purpose, I would put them on at arrival to camp for mozzie protection, and they worked a treat.

Your Worst Equipment
My sleeping bag. Sea to Summit Spark 3. I was too cold, and found it to be too snug, especially the foot box where I could not straighten out my feet properly.

Advice for Others
This track is very doable. All you have to do is get from hut to hut each day and eventually you will finish. Water, shelter and a toilet is available every day. This is a high quality 5 star track.

Trip Details

How you completed the Bibbulmun Track:

All at once

Who did you complete the Track with? Solo (primarily)
Was undertaking your hike the PRIMARY/MAIN purpose of your TRAVEL from where you currently live? No
What first prompted you to walk the Bibbulmun Track? Other

Your Experience

Favourite Section
I could not wait to sight the ocean. I became excited at Mt Chance where the inlet was visible from the top of the rock. I loved the Pingerup Plains, and then eventually when Mandalay Beach became visible was a real highlight for me.

Highlight of your trip
The conveyor belt. Being able to swim at on about 5 different occasions. The canoe crossing. The wildflowers. The people I met. Town days with a shower, pub grub and a real bed.