Finding Flow Between the Hills

Daily miles: 33.88 | Total miles: 6570.48

I woke up five minutes before my alarm rang—well rested and already aware that I was waking up in a shared dorm. There were two people I’d connected with the day before, and another who must’ve arrived during the night. At some point I thought I heard something, but fell right back asleep.

These YHA hostels—I really appreciate them. They’re a great way to save money, but more than that, they often have such a good vibe. All kinds of people, different stories, creatively kept spaces. There’s something comforting about that. I felt grateful to wake up surrounded by nice people and a peaceful energy.

I quietly wheeled my buggy into the hallway, along with all my other stuff. Sean, one of the guests, whispered “safe travels”—and that simple kindness in the early morning stayed with me. I packed my buggy in front of a fireplace, got dressed, and was out just before 7am.

At first I thought I’d follow the bike path out of Newcastle, but about two miles in, I changed my mind. There’s often something that feels off when I try to stick with the bike paths—it’s hard to explain, but I’ve learned to trust that feeling. So I rerouted and, of course, had to climb right away.

Climbing became a regular feature today. But with hills come downhills, too—and I embraced the rhythm of it. The weather was warm, my mind felt clear (about some things, not all), and I just kept reminding myself: I’m on my way to Sydney, traveling on foot through places I never imagined I’d visit. That in itself is something pretty special.

I didn’t stop much today, aside from the three essentials. I just kept a steady pace—not fast, not slow. Somewhere in the last stretch of the run, my body started to feel lighter. More in alignment. It’s funny how unpredictable that shift can be—sometimes it’s so hard to move forward, and then suddenly everything flows and the effort disappears. I’ll never get tired of thinking about that—how the body, mind, and everything around you sometimes sync up perfectly.

About a mile before my stop for the night, I grabbed groceries—the usual—then made it to the hotel I had booked. It’s a cozy room, with everything I need. Wi-Fi, comfort, and a warm energy.

Theresa, the owner, greeted me so kindly, coming down the stairs with a big smile to show me my room. It really doesn’t take much to spread love—and she’s doing a beautiful job of it. Thanks, Theresa. I appreciate it more than you know.

Now I’m settled in, feeling clean, cared for, and ready to rest.

I hope to see you tomorrow. Andrea