Hills, Hospitality & the Golden Dog

Daily miles: 27.33 | Total Miles 6,268.33

With a shorter run ahead and my room already booked, I allowed myself a rare sleep-in until 6:40am. Luxury! I made a hot coffee and toasted a bagel with two slices of “Swiss” cheese and the last of my pickles—Sunday breakfast bliss. After packing up and retrieving my buggy (thanks to a kind lady and a lovely chat), I headed out into the rising sun.

In my eagerness, I forgot to start my Garmin inReach—something I hadn’t done in ages. A good reminder that even with routine, we’re human. The run began with a shoulder-less bridge and immediately transitioned into rolling hills. The warmth and humidity settled in quickly—an Australian winter day at its finest.

Around mile 15, I met a lovely couple who directed me to their daughter Melissa’s home down the road. Melissa and her sweet dog Seb welcomed me warmly. Instead of tea, she handed me an ice-cold Coke—exactly what I needed. We chatted, and I got some helpful local insight. Encounters like this lift my heart.

The final stretch into Glenreagh was still hilly, but my spirits were high. I stopped at the shop for an avocado, Gatorade, and rice chips before checking into the Golden Dog Hotel—yes, it really exists, and yes, it was as memorable as it sounds. I met a kind biker who told me about the Mongolian yurt he’s building for hospice care on his property—what a powerful, compassionate idea. Then, I chatted with a couple from Brisbane. These connections matter more than I can say.

Now it's time to rest, recover, and prep for tomorrow. Thank you for being here with me.

Dream Big Too, my friends.