Let's Go West

Daily miles: 22.14 | Total miles: 7,890.15

I woke up around 7am and started the day with the usual routine—instant coffee, folding my clothes, and packing up. But then came the treats: a beautiful cappuccino, homemade muesli with yogurt, and a surprise bundle of food Yolanda packed for me to take on the road—leftovers from last night’s dinner and more.

Before heading off, I organized the buggy and we all gathered for a photo. As if on cue, a kangaroo hopped by—maybe a good omen for the journey ahead. Alan rolled the garbage bin to the road, Yolanda set off in the car to walk the dog, and I waved my final thanks for such a warm, generous stay.

It was a wonderful Saturday morning. Cool air, clear skies, and—at least for the start—much less wind. As I settled into a slow and steady pace, I couldn’t help but think about the 1,500 miles ahead of me. The land opened wide: vast, arid, and awe-inspiring. Running through it felt freeing, almost weightless. This landscape is harsh, but also deeply beautiful—a world few get to see up close, and fewer still cross on foot.

At times, I felt overwhelmed thinking about how far I’ve come, and about standing in this unfamiliar place where everything is raw, real, and unpretending. Life out here just is. And I love that. Still, I found myself asking the old question: Can I adapt again? My mind wrestles with it, but history suggests the answer is yes.

Around mile 13, I had a surprise. Yolanda pulled up behind me! I had forgotten some of my own food—milk, yogurt, and a protein shake—because I’d been given so much to carry already. And here she was, kindly bringing it all before heading to the shops. What a gift.

Not long after, the highway curved west toward Western Australia. Perth suddenly felt impossibly far—yet really, it’s just a series of stops with running in between. Still, the sheer immenseness of it all can be difficult to grasp.

After 22 miles, I arrived at Nutbush Retreat. It’s a cozy spot just off the highway, with a shared kitchen, bathroom, and a recreational room. Dinner was even an option, but thanks to Yolanda’s generosity, I had more than enough.

When I went to heat up my dinner, a veggie curry, I met three other nurses. We ended up having a great time, laughing about the classic nursing question, “Did your bowels open today?” and just chatting away. Thank you Sheryl, Jim, and the two Bronwyns — that was a truly wonderful dinner together.

This feels like the right place to settle in and ease into the next stage of the journey. I’m both nervous and excited, but mostly grateful. This run is a massive opportunity to see and feel Southern and Western Australia in a way I never imagined possible.

Thanks for following along—it means the world to have you with me. Tomorrow the adventure continues.