Ultimate way to celebrate an 80th birthday
Janie said the hiking the Cape to Cape with her daughter and granddaughter was the ultimate way to celebrate her 80th birthday. “We’ve done a lot of the Bibbulmun Track. But my birthday treat was to hike the Cape to Cape with Gena and Indigo,” she says. “At first we were going to carry full packs and camp along the way. But logistically that was going to be pretty difficult. So we thought we’d go with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours. We’re very glad, because it rained on the first day. I’ve met so many people along the Track and it seems I’ve become quite a celebrity.”
Floral diversity a highlight of hiking in Western Australia
Janie said she particularly loved the floral diversity on the Cape to Cape Track, which was one of her favourite trails for hiking in Western Australia. “I love plants and trees, and I love the variety of vegetation along the way. That’s such a highlight. I love the terrific diversity of all the flora and the sights along the way. You’re up high on the cliff and then down on the beach and climbing over rocks. It’s been a wonderful treat, the whole seven days. And I’ve had wonderful company. Gena has always been my support and I couldn’t do it without her.”
A huge achievement tackling the Cape to Cape aged 80
Three generations make lifelong memories hiking in Western Australia
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Indigo said hiking with her mum and grandmother was “really fun”. “It was a great experience. I especially remember the beach walking. At first I thought I was going to suck at it. But then I tried walking with two poles and I zoomed along,” she says. “When I’m older I’d like to come back and do the whole Cape to Cape Track. Before this, the furthest I’d hiked was only 13km on a walk in Switzerland.”
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Gena said she often hiked with her mum in autumn to make the most of mild, calm weather. “It was great doing the walk with mum. We’ve been walking for many years. About 20 years I’d say, mainly on the Bibbulmun Track,” she says. “We’ve always loved it. We often walk in autumn because the weather is so gorgeous. You can still swim on the way but the weather isn’t too hot.”
She says she loves the diverse terrain of the Cape to Cape. “You’re on the beach with the beautiful colours of the ocean – the turquoise and the teal and ultramarines. It’s just gorgeous. Then you’ve got the rocks and the islands. And then you go into the heath and the karri forest. It’s all fabulous,” Gena says.
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Gena’s partner Glen Swift, who also joined in for two days of hiking, said he “really enjoyed seeing all the islands offshore and the strange limestone formations before you get to Cape Leeuwin“. “They’re really strange and wonderful – something you don’t see every day. Another of the highlights was going through that gobsmackingly beautiful karri forest. It’s just a sight for sore eyes,” he says.
What an inspirational family! Well done guys. If you’re feeling inspired, book your guided or self-guided adventure on the Cape to Cape Track. And we’ll see you on the Track soon!