Start of the Nullarbor Experience

Daily Miles: 34.43 | Total Miles: 8,191.15

My alarm rang at 6:00 a.m., but it felt like I had just fallen asleep. I stayed under the covers for 10 more minutes before finally getting up, making myself a lukewarm coffee, packing my things, and heading out the door at 7:30 a.m. I made sure everything was neatly organized — just in case the weather turned — so that when I reached my camping spot later, everything would be within easy reach.

Walking through Ceduna felt like the beginning of something important. It hit me: the next few days will be challenging, transformative, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I walked with my head held high, a big smile on my face, proud posture, curious mind, open spirit, and an overwhelming sense of freedom, appreciation, and gratitude for my life so far.

However sad, misunderstood, lonely, ashamed, embarrassed, or anxious I’ve felt in the past, the countless wonderful moments far outweigh the hard ones — many times over — and I never want to forget that. When I think about the people I love — and honestly, that’s almost everyone I know — tears roll down my cheeks. That love fills me with contentment and inner peace.

The idea of freedom has always fascinated me. I don’t think we can ever be completely free — we are all interconnected, and that’s the beauty of life. But maybe there is such a thing as inner freedom — a deep, unshakable sense of peace inside. As I left Ceduna, I wondered if that’s something I might come closer to out here. Breathing deeply, looking around at the wide open space, I felt invited to stay open to whatever might come.

Early in the day, I passed a sign for “Denial Bay” and took it as a little nudge to stay truthful with myself on this journey. At first, there were almost no flies, just a light breeze, but when the sun came out, so did the flies — though fewer than yesterday.

At mile 15, I met three Australian cyclists — Andrew, Tom, and Nathan — riding from Perth to Sydney. We had a great chat before I carried on. Soon afterward, the rain began to fall lightly, the wind picked up, and the air cooled. The sun peeked out now and then, which felt wonderfully warm.

I’m still enjoying this switch to walking. The slower rhythm feels like a welcome change after so many days of running. At mile 30, I met Tracey, a motorcyclist, whose positive spirit was incredibly uplifting. Our brief conversation left me feeling beautiful and grateful to have met him.

By late afternoon, I started looking for a camping spot. It took a bit of searching, but I’ve never failed to find a place yet — and tonight is no exception. I pitched my tent behind a bush, the wind now calm. The online signal is very weak, so I likely won’t upload today’s blog and reel until tomorrow.

Still, it feels like a perfect way to begin this Nullarbor crossing — with gratitude, curiosity, and an open heart.

Thanks for following along, Andrea