The Bibbulmun Track

In 2021 Geert hiked from North to South and from end to end of the magnificent Bibbulmun Track in West Australia.

The trek took 52 days and Geert van Keulen endured one of the wettest winters on record in this South Western part of Australia – where the Indian and the Southern Oceans meet. The trail is very well maintained and the shelters which were always within reasonable walking distance, provided a little comfort and a dry place to sleep whilst the storms raged over the country. Geert often found very interesting companions in the shelters. People of all ages with individual style, experience, enthusiasm and humor.

After only a few days in late June the West Australian government closed the borders and declared a short lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic. It gave Geert a week of relative very quiet trails through the stunning forests. He chatted with other hikers on the trail about the conditions and noted that the Bibbulmun Track was possibly the safest place on the planet!

Geert counted 6 storms but possibly there were a few more. As a result the trails were strewn with debris which caused detouring and a lot of working himself under, over, or around fallen jarrah, red gum, karri and other giants of the West Australian bush.

Geert made 105 sketches which will be published in due time.

Geert passionately believes that long distance hiking is the necessary ingredient to get through life with all its modern distractions. Whilst embracing simplicity, he literally walks into a zone of meditation while working hard. He always notices that his body and mind is getting fitter with every step.

Geert has discovered that hiking is the perfect medication for mental disorders.