John McSwain
Completed: 20 September, 2020
- Start date: 8 August, 2020
- Age When Completed: 64
- Direction Walked: Northbound
Track Towns and Supplies
- Did you have any issues finding food/supplies? Yes
- Most towns had adequate food/ supplies, Northcliffe and DRV the exceptions and North Bannister had nothing.
Your Story or Advice for Others
General CommentsFantastic walk, very diverse, would love to see more involvement by local indigenous groups. Bush tucker tours, history talks, removal of feral animals and plant/weed pests etc. S 2 N signage not as clear in some areas as N 2 S. Overall, a world class walk, I loved it. Congrats and many thanks to volunteers for a great job.
Your Best Equipment
Backpack, hat, thermals, air mattress, sticks, Vivo barefoot shoes, headlamp, mob phone (camera) and multi function pocket knife.
Your Worst Equipment
Old, heavy, self inflating mattress ( ditched after 3 weeks!), waterproof jacket that wasn't!
Advice for Others
Take time out often to just absorb your surroundings, treat/reward yourself at each town (massage to ease achy neck, back and leg muscles is a must!) and do your own research, don't rely on others for directions ( twice I asked and twice it was wrong!!)
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
Your Experience
Tough! All sections had their own highlights, perhaps from Albany to Pemberton, because of its diversity.
Highlight of your trip
Again tough! Sunset/sunrise on Mt Chance, walking amongst giant karri trees and walking through the forests in the rain.