Stephanie Chew (Chuditch)
Completed: 17 August, 2019
Chuditch
- Start date: 24 June, 2019
- Age When Completed: 35
- Direction Walked: Southbound
Track Towns and Supplies
- Did you have any issues finding food/supplies? Yes
- Sent resupply boxes to Dwellingup, DRV and Walpole. Very glad I sent boxes to Dwellingup and DRV but no need to have sent one to Walpole.
Your Story or Advice for Others
General CommentsThis was my first long distance walk and has been an amazing opportunity to experience southwest WA on a deeper level. By taking the time to slow down, I got to see some amazing wildlife and observe the subtle changes in the landscape as I moved further south. I enjoyed meeting other interesting hikers but also relished my time alone. I had more time alone than I had anticipated, enjoying a shelter to myself for more than half of the nights on the whole trip. The solo journey allowed plenty of time for self-reflection and to process some emotions following a difficult period in life.
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
All sections had some great highlights but my favourite was Walpole to Denmark with the majestic tingle forest and the transition to the spectacular coastal scenery.
Highlight of your trip
Seeing an actual chuditch at Grimwade shelter! I called myself 'Chuditch' in the hope of seeing one on the track and obviously that strategy worked. It casually strolled past in front of the shelter while I was lying in bed, so I got to spotlight one from the comfort of my sleeping bag. Other highlights include seeing emus along many sections of the track, dolphins frolicking in the waves below the cliffs near Muttonbird shelter, climbing the Gloucester tree and hugging the giant tingle trees.