This expedition was a wonderful new experience and provided me with new skills, to take in Western
Australia’s flora and fauna. At first, I was dreading the trip due to the frightening factor of having to
guide myself based of my own understanding of the tools provided. Although, in account of the
preparation and training taught by Mrs. Kate Dallimore, I had an increased knowledge of the several
elements that were needed to safely complete the expedition.

In the first preparation meetings the group and I went over the map containing the Biblimum track
route. We looked at the key in relation to the map, how to use a compass then relate it to the map,
where the campsite is, how to stay on the track and signs to look out for. In which was a snake on a
yellow triangle pointing in the direction that we needed to go. However, we were not always on the
track so then our compass skills come into play. If we then potentially made the mistake of using the
compass wrong, the map had a key that showed every 500-meter distance.

In the preparation meetings we produced a packing list, allowing us to know what and what not to pack.
Especially as we had to carry it all packing as light as possible was vital. Due to previous camps, we had
somewhat of an idea what to pack, so we combined thoughts on what was essential and added things
for pleaser if we were willing to carry it.

I feel that I packed my clothing very well, I stuck to the list and had no problem with weight or not being
cold. I didn’t have hiking shoes and in perspective they would have been better for my ankle support,
they are generally one of the most important items of hiking gear, since their quality and durability
could have determined my ability to the walk long distances without injury, although for a one-night
camp I was ok with sneakers. For future hikes this would be a great investment and I will consider
purchasing them. One more thing we forgot to put on the hiking list was a hat, because it was so hot, we
needed them, so we didn’t get burnt.

Our equipment was simple as we were staying at a camp site with good conditions. So, we only needed
tents, sleeping mats, a pillowcase, and some extra things that weren’t on the draft including a compass,
a map to find our way there, and sleeping bags. We also needed our toiletries, sunscreen, a towel, hand
sanitizer and a camera to take photos of our outstanding surroundings. For pleasure I decided to bring
an inflatable pillow, which ended up being a great idea. Due to it compacting small and providing me
with a great night sleep to get going the next day. The cooking utensils were simple and easy as we decided not to bring a trangier which I will explain in more detail later. So, we just needed plates cutlery and a tea towel. No cooking mats as there was a bench at our campsite and we had no need for cups as we had our water bottles.
Next, we discussed food options, and what would be the most efficient to our lightweight needs. We
broke off into pairs as Amberley and I had food requirements, so we decided on Gluten free pasta with a
vegetable sauce for dinner, muesli bars, apples, & trail mix for snacks, and for breakfast our own choice.
I chose to just eat a banana as it is light weight and filling. The communal decision was to not bring a
trangier as it was extra weight, and we still had great food without it. The rations adequacy was slightly
out of proportion as I wasn’t sure ow much Amberley would eat, and I didn’t want her to go hungry, so I
went the safe way with bringing more food. Reflecting on it now seems like a bad decision as I carried
more weight, and I could have simply asked. She also did the same thing and with some
miscommunication we ended up bringing some of the same snacks as well.

During this trip our team demonstrated ongoing teamwork, as we had to do everything without outside
help. An easy example of this would be when we were navigating our destinations. Everyone needed to
have input to the final decision, so we didn’t end up lost, and if there were disagreements, then we
calmly explained why. All decision making had a second, third and fourth opinion. Then making sure that
everyone was on board before we took off again. Every few hours we swapped the leader, so everyone
had a chance to take charge over the group and put their skills to good use. Another example of
teamwork would be setting up tents, I found it was most efficient for two people to set up tent as you
could assist with holding the poles whilst the other person put the tarp over. Overall, we worked very
well together, and that was the reason this expedition was so successful.

Personally, I feel this was a valuable experience for me as I was able to put my leadership skills to the
test. Also, my sense of direction and capability to problem solve under stress. My strengths included
keeping every in a hyped-up mood so we could continue with positivity and grace, in which was needed
especially as we got very tired very quickly. I did this by playing music, making jokes when I could and
encouraging everyone to get to the next point for a break. An accomplishment for me was walking 14km
with a heavy backpack on, as this is an irregular activity for me to do. Also, the independence of the
journey was an accomplishment for me, as I always rely on adults, such as my parents, to assist me with
everyday tasks. However, in this environment I was able to do everything on my own, e.g. cooking,
setting up a tent, cleaning up and deciding the route we went on. I learnt that I really enjoy the outdoors
and everything in life has its place. Including the little things, such as flies. Flies plays the role as both
predators and prey in the animal food chain and are a food source for many insects and animals like
birds and fishes. Then thought humans as a wholes place in life, which I believe is discovering and
expressing the worlds many wonderous environments, and details within them.

Whilst walking on the track I noticed every few km there seemed to be different sections of trees, not
species wise, but whether they were alive or not. Certain sections were burnt, which could have been
caused by bush fires, burn offs. A fire set intentionally for purposes of forest management, farming,
prairie restoration or greenhouse gas abatement.

Overall, we did well to sticking to the route, although on the second day we went down the wrong path in a fork, due to not finding the track yellow snake marker. Once we realised we check the map and the compass and went back to the fork to see where we went wrong. This took about 20 minutes, but due to teamwork and determination, we found the right way again. In conclusion is expedition was a great experience and I will take my learnings from it and apply it to everyday life where I can.