Wind, Hills & a Warm Welcome in Lismore

Daily miles: 31.68 | Total miles: 6,158.43 miles

My alarm rang at 5:30am. I needed to rethink parts of my plan this morning, so it took a bit longer to get ready. Just before 7am, I rolled my buggy out of the hostel and began the day’s journey heading south.

I didn’t feel as strong as yesterday, but I felt okay. The first few miles along the coast were manageable—until the wind decided to turn the day into a battle. Right around the junction where the road turned inland, the wind picked up, and it didn’t let go. From then on, it blew hard—often right in my face—pushing me back, swirling dust and debris through the air, and snapping branches off trees. The wind was relentless, loud, chaotic, and exhausting.

The roads were hilly—something I’d expected—but the combination of steep climbs and constant headwind was a nightmare. The branches scattered across the roadside made things worse. I had to constantly scan the ground to avoid tripping or damaging the buggy. Every step took focus. Every mile demanded effort.

At some point, a man named Peter stepped outside to cheer me on. Just a few words, a big smile—but it lifted me. These small interactions mean more than most people realize.

By mile 30, I reached a gas station. I was beyond grateful to find shelter, recharge my phone, eat something, and take a breath before the final stretch. I refueled physically and mentally and got back on the road.

Not long after, I noticed the buggy felt off—and sure enough, I had a flat tire. Thankfully, I was able to fix it fairly quickly and get back on track. But still—wind, hills, and now a flat. One of those days.

The last 10 miles? Still windy. Still hilly. But the end was in sight.

Once I made it into Lismore, I headed to a shopping center for a little warmth and quiet—my unofficial finish line for the day. There, I met Tony, and shortly after, Star. Two kind and beautiful souls. Thank you both for the love.

A friend of a friend had reached out, and that’s how I ended up with a place to stay tonight. Tracey and Edy, a Swiss, picked me up in their car—buggy loaded in the back—and brought me to their home. The welcome they offered was heartfelt.

Once we arrived, I soaked in a magnesium bath—pure heaven. Then their daughter Sasha cooked a delicious chickpea curry. We gathered around the table, shared food, stories, and laughter. I ate a lot (as usual). The warmth of this family gave today’s tough miles a beautiful ending.

Challenging days are part of the journey. And so is the kindness that waits at the finish.

Thank you, Tracey, Edy, and Sasha, for turning a hard day into a heartwarming one.

Thanks to all of you for continuing to follow along. Andrea