Seeking challenges? Don't.

At 5am, I was like being led

No, I don't mean taking up the challenge of walking this long track. I mean don't add to it. To do the Bib is a huge enough challenge already. You may not believe this, and if you've gone on a few walks like me, you may even think, what's the fuss? Just need the time, that's all.

My last trip made me admire the grit of the individuals who have walked the entire Track. I came to realize there are risks that perhaps you can't plan for, real decisions to be made which could be life threatening. Knowing this is overcoming part of the challenge.

Beautiful karri at sunrise was a highlight

 I foolishly set myself a challenge in my recent walk from Karri Gully to Pemberton, much of which passed through magnificent karri trees of the Australian southwest forests. At 60m tall, the karri are some of the tallest in the world. They are beautiful and I enjoyed these forests tremendously.


What made my walk tough was that I gave myself four days for the 120km walk when it should take six. What it meant was I 'double hutted', that is, I skipped a shelter on each of two days. On a cool spring or winter's day, walking 40km a day would be hard work but still do-able, but the 30 degree temperatures for those days would make walking unbearable.

Spotted my first tiger snake in the bush (Image fromhttp://members.iinet.net.au/~bush/tiger.html)

Indeed, I suffered. I could have been heatstruck, as I lost appetite, had nausea, and didn't eat for two days. I recognize this could mean seeking medical help, and I wasn't walking with companions, and I didn't want to use my new Spot Tracker to raise the alarm. Even as I drank lots of water, my body was losing it through sweat. I felt weak. I had lost 3 kg.

On the fourth day, upon arriving at Pemberton, I found back my energy - and appetite. I ate marron at Gloucester Motel, asked the waitress to include in my drink lemon which I plucked, and it must have been the most delicious meal I ever had.

What a shame I didn't spend more time absorbing the beautiful surroundings in my hike from Karri Gully to Pemberton. Track Log from the beautiful Beedelup Shelter (29 October 2012):

"Hope no one offers to pay me $$$ to do the 40km from Boarding House Campsite again. At least not in this weather. I miss spending time to enjoy the surrounding. Last two days were hot, must have drunk six liters of water, and often worried about getting cramps. But, all's well, I've kept to schedule, although at a slow pace. Have enjoyed the magnificent karri, the accompaniment of gurgling brooks, and the peace. For cheering me up, thanks Cliff the Tinman, whom I met."