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Walking Through the Miles: A Journey to Find Peace in Australia

Who would have thought that in my 50s, I would decide to hike the 125 km Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia with my dear friend Jen? We were both busy and exhausted — Jen was planning a wedding, I was juggling a demanding job, and we were both feeling the weight of mid-life losses. But then, like a magic spell, I made the decision: to walk for my soul. Thankfully, Jen agreed, even though she had no idea where the trail was before our trip.

We have shared countless years together, navigating work, kids, and life. So when I needed a companion for this somewhat crazy adventure, Jen was at the top of my list. Two women in their 50s, setting off on a journey along the coast, not to achieve anything extraordinary, but simply to unwind before feeling overwhelmed.

Why Cape to Cape?

I’ve hiked many places in my life and have experienced several long trails across Australia. But Cape to Cape, with its limestone cliffs, expansive beaches, majestic forests, and wildflowers dancing in the wind, called to me. This trail seemed to pose questions for me to search for truth, to feel the calmness and space I needed.

It was its diversity — sometimes standing atop cliffs watching two oceans merge, other times walking through sandy beaches with waves crashing — that captivated me. The chance to see dolphins, seabirds, and even whales between May and November was just a cherry on top.

Walking in Silence

Our trip with the Intrepid group transformed strangers into true companions. There was no need to worry about hotels, meals, or transportation; I just needed to carry my backpack, some water, and my thoughts that needed sorting. The first day passed under the sun and sea breeze. We had flown in from Perth the night before, so it felt like the sounds of life faded as soon as we hit the trail.

By the second day, our footsteps began to find their own rhythm. We chatted and walked in silence together — a silence that can only exist with someone who has walked alongside you for so long. Jen even discovered a part of herself that she had kept hidden for so long. There were moments when she would pause, take a deep breath, and say, ‘Thank you for bringing me here. This is what I didn’t know I needed.’ Meditation, yoga classes, or the gym hadn't offered her this, but this simple journey did.

Unplanned Moments

A memorable moment on the sand dunes at Moses Beach was when the group had moved ahead, leaving just Jen and me. She burst into laughter upon seeing a wild rosemary swaying in the strong wind. 'It's dancing for us!' Jen exclaimed, waving her arms as if she were dancing in front of an audience. It was a moment of emotional liberation, free from any burdens of responsibility.

Suddenly, Jen realized she had been so tense until she finally relaxed. It seemed like the sea breeze and the crashing waves had washed away all her worries after those long strides with me.

The Gentle Touch of Awareness

Throughout the week, we didn’t check the news or scroll through our phones. Instead, we simply enjoyed the fresh air and the little flowers along the path. One day, we even visited Leeuwin Estate and an art gallery. When we reached Cape Leeuwin, I didn’t feel the triumph of conquering Everest. Rather, there was a sense of relief, as if I had found myself again.

Jen, who had no expectations when we started, ended the journey with more than she could have hoped for. We began in a state of confusion and left with complete relaxation. Along the way, I rediscovered why walking with friends is so special: because with each step together, year after year, we have always been each other's solid support.

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