Family finds balance in wilderness

Balance is a necessary part of life, and for one Perth family this equilibrium was found on a 1000km trek to Albany.

Two months ago, carrying about 70kg between them, Tamsin Read, Rolf Heidecker and their children Catherine, 9, and Zephyr, 6, Heidecker left Perth with the mission of completing the Bibblumun track.

The adventurous family arrived at the Southern Terminus at Albany on Friday morning, excited for a solid meal and a hot shower.

The family is no stranger to adventure, having previously spent a year sailing off Indonesia and holidays skiing.

Dubbed Team Mush because of the number of rehydrated meals consumed along the track, Mr Heidecker said the trip was an opportunity to spend time together.

“I think it is good to be involved in their active life now because when they’re 18 and can do things, we are going to be old, so it’s a really cool time,” he said.

“The other thing is when the kids get to 12 are (they) going to want to spend time with me?

“This is a really great time where kids want to be with their parents.

“I think more people should look at doing things when their kids want to spend time with them.”

Ms Read said the children could learn plenty from the trips.

“Who knows what’s around the corner?” she said.

“It’s about living life now.

“(The kids) are learning differently and you’re exposed to so many different things than just the routine suburban life.”