Hills, Horses & Honey Cake

Daily miles: 28.77 | Total miles: 5,883.62

I got up a little later than usual today, knowing I “only” had about 28 miles ahead of me. A lukewarm coffee and some muesli with milk from the kitchen gave me enough fuel to pack the buggy and head out just after 6:30am. Still dark outside, I made my way through Timaru and back onto Highway 1.

Not long after, a police officer stopped to check on me — someone had apparently called after seeing me running in the middle of the street. I explained my world run, and we had a good exchange. Just another reminder: visibility and awareness are everything out here.

It stayed dark for quite a while, and I had to be extra cautious on the edge of the road as the morning traffic built up. The terrain was hilly getting out of Timaru but eventually leveled out. Once the sun began to rise, the sky turned a foggy pink with the snowcapped mountains stretching out to my right — magical.

I passed sheep, cows, ponies, horses, alpacas, and watched birds soaring and swooping around me. Knowing the day would be shorter, I took in the scenery more fully, enjoying the rhythm of a steady pace. I didn’t stop much — once I find my flow, I prefer to keep it going.

At the intersection turning off Highway 1 onto Route 82, a little café caught my eye. I stopped for a coffee and a slice of dense date-honey-oat cake. Heavy, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. That gave me the energy for the final five miles into Waimate.

The town welcomed me with old homes, a striking church, and sunshine lighting up the streets. I did some grocery shopping, then checked into the hotel I had booked yesterday. I sat out on the balcony for a bit, letting the warmth sink in, then got to work organizing the next few days — booking places to sleep and possibly adjusting my flight out of New Zealand. Every detail counts.

Dinner was simple: beans, cheese, crackers, and milk. I’m ready to catch some solid sleep.

Thanks for being with me on this journey — and remember to dream big too.