On 25 August I will head off to Perth in Western Australia to walk the Bibbulmun Track. I would rather be cycling around Europe, rowing across the Atlantic or paddling down the Amazon but I can’t do that so another Damn Long Walk will have to do.
https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/
The Bibbulmun track starts inland from Perth and goes all the way down to the coast at Albany. The track has been specifically developed so is well planned out with camp sites built an easy days walk apart (Average about 24km). Being “only” 1,000 km long and with no mountains and rivers to cross I expect that it will be a bit of a breeze compared to Te Araroa. ((3,000km). I am not fit so the first week will be my training and will hurt. I am counting on my muscles having a memory so they will develop quickly.
The challenges will be different. Poisonous snakes, spiders and ticks, kangaroos and funny rodents will add to the adventure. I have been watching YouTube videos on how to use a snake bandage and remove ticks so presume I am ready for this. Most of the shelters have big sealed bins to keep our food bags safe.
It is a full year after I had originally planned to do this. Last August the borders closed 3 days before my flight as a result of the first outbreak of the Delta variant of Covid-19. I was all ready to go, with tenants in my house and my bags packed. I was very disappointed but this time I am sure all will go as planned. The only hold up I can envisage is that I get Covid, as I have managed to avoid it so far.
My son, Cameron, and family live in Perth so I will have a few days with them to buy food, gas and snake bandages. Then I start walking the 1,000km on 1 September. Starting on the first day of the month will make it much easier to know how many days I have been out there as the days and weeks become hard to keep track of.
So follow along and enjoy.
All the best Karen. It’ll be fun following your adventure and possibly inspire me to attempt it in the future.
Good on you , you would have been looking forward to this for a year! Hope it all goes well; no dramas.!
I’m going to Aus for 12 days on Sept 25 but not WA; NSW & SA
Thanks, yes I am definitely ready for a walk. Enjoy your travels
Hi Karen I enjoyed following your TA journeys. I’m a Kiwi living in WA and having been section walking the Bibbulmun. I finished down in Albany about two weeks ago and am heading over to NZ in September to tackle the TA. I’m in your age group. If you’d like to have a chat or a coffee before you head off, let me know. Happy walking, Judy
Yes I would love to catch up before I start. Can you give me your phone number and I will give you a call to arrange.
Hi Judy my WA number is 0493434653. I have arrived and now have a cold (Not covid) so may need to delay my start until over it. But I would like to make time for a catch up or a phone call. I am staying in Mt Pleasant.
Hi Judy can you please give me a call on 049 3434 653. I have a few questions about Bibbulmun
We are so excited to have you over here soon.
This time! All the best Karen, looking forward to reading about your adventures.
Good luck on your trek Karen and watch those snakes and spiders. Will be watching for updates.
Wow, this one looks exciting (except for those nasty critters you could encounter)! Can’t wait for the updates. All the best and take care.
Another ‘little’ challenge… Brilliant, looking forward to hearing about your progress….
You inspire me, Karen. I want to walk these trips too. Good luck, and good weather all the time, with no flyes.
I admire your energy and motivation to take on these amazing adventures. Take care out there. Looking forward to your continuing story. Melva
Good luck Karen love to follow your adventures Looking You are just great
Thanks for coming along virtually
Stay safe and enjoy. Your next big adventure! xo