Epic walk abandoned

Rockingham pensioner ‘‘Mad’’ Mike Kerswill has been forced to abandon his epic trip through the WA outback, but that hasn’t dampened the 75-yearold’s determination for a similar adventure next year.

Mr Kerswill cut short his 1600km trek from Carnarvon to Meekatharra a week after setting out due to a lack of drinkable water.

Pushing his trusty wheelbarrow, Mr Kerswill walked over 200 km to Gascoyne Junction, along the way raising more than $3000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

On advice from local station owners and police, he decided to pull the plug on the trip.

‘‘They said the floods which went through a couple of years ago had turned the drinkable water to saltwater,’’ he said.

‘‘It got to the point where I didn’t want to put anyone’s safety in jeopardy if they had to come and get me.

‘‘But the experience overall was absolutely fantastic.’’

Far from discouraged, Mr Kerswill is already planning for his next adventure.

He hopes to complete the remaining 1400km, starting in Meekatharra and finishing in Gascoyne Junction next year.

However, there will be one crucial difference to this trip.

‘‘I’m hoping to secure a vehicle which will go ahead and drop water for me in certain spots,’’ Mr Kerswill said.

‘‘I’ll also carry a backpack with a few supplies and put the rest in the car.’’

During his week-long walk, Mr Kerswill became somewhat of a minor celebrity in the North West, appearing in local papers and completing interviews.

Upon his arrival in Gascoyne Junction, he was greeted by the town’s school children, who cheered as he walked down the main street.

‘‘I think they thought I was going to be crawling in on my hands and knees,’’ Mr Kerswill said.

‘‘But the reception they gave me was just unbelievable.’’