Preparing for the Long Westward Journey
Daily miles: 0 | Total miles: 7,865.07
I woke up naturally this morning, no alarm, just letting my body rest. Coffee, a bit of reading, a few stretches, and some quiet time thinking about the next one and a half months — and yes, even a little dreaming.
After a shower, I walked into town to stock up on things I might need for the road ahead to Perth. Sunscreen, mosquito spray, cheap analgesics, electrolyte tabs, lip balm, protein powder — all the little items that become important when you’re out there every day.
In a small phone and computer repair shop called bizup, I met Peter and Galia. I’d stopped in with questions about a SIM card. It turns out they had seen me yesterday running in the rain. To my surprise, they handed me a SIM card already loaded with credit. Such kindness — thank you, Peter and Galia.
From there I picked up a charger adapter, a cheap umbrella (Michael’s good recommendation), and some pain relief cream at the pharmacy — because you never know. Then I went grocery shopping for today and tomorrow and treated myself along the way to an apple cinnamon roll. By then I was loaded down with three bags, and my nerves started to rise as I wondered what I might still be forgetting. It’s funny how nerves like to play tricks.
Back at the hotel, I started to plan and organize. Of course, you can’t plan every step of the way, but I now have a good idea of when I might be where — if all goes smoothly. At the same time, I’ve built in plenty of flexibility, because that’s life on the road.
The day also gave me time for some important phone calls. Packing and eating are still on the list, but mostly I’m sitting here with all the feelings: nervous, excited, happy, tense, curious, ready.
Tomorrow, I set off west. Step by step toward Perth, through the Nullarbor. I’ll camp, live on the bare essentials, face wildlife and weather, and figure out how to keep myself supplied with food and water. It’s about survival, but also about freedom.
What an opportunity this is — to cross the Nullarbor on foot, to run to Perth. I feel lucky. And I don’t take any of it for granted.