A Day Overflowing with Kindness
Daily Miles: 39.0 | Total Miles: 8,667.48
My alarm rang at 5am. It was cold, wet, and still dark outside. I put on my headlamp, packed everything inside the tent, and stepped out into the dewy grass. I walked to the toilets — finally, they were open again — then sipped a cold coffee as I packed the buggy. The sun tried to break through the fog, but it was thick and stubborn.
After a quick stop at the shop for water, a milkshake, and a muffin, I set off. The morning was icy, three layers of clothing barely enough. My plan was simple: run the 40 miles easy. Soon, I was peeling off layers one by one as the day slowly warmed.
At mile 11, I moved the buggy onto the narrow shoulder and tripped slightly. My first thought was, really? Another thing to deal with? I tried running again, but the constant need to jump off the road for trucks and balance on the narrow shoulder was draining and painful. I accepted that today again might be more of a walking day, and that’s okay.
Then came Heather. She pulled her car and trailer over, walked towards me with water, and radiated kindness. She didn’t just bring me water — she handed me a treasure trove: rice, beans, peanut butter, cheese, almonds, and more. It felt like the best resupply of the entire Nullarbor. We hugged, said “I love you,” and I walked away deeply moved.
Later, I stopped at mile 24 to dry my tent in the hot sun — an essential step knowing I’d be camping again. Just then, Red, a pilot car driver originally from New Zealand, pulled over and offered me lollies and sweets. Then she said, “Come pick something from my traveler’s box.” Tortellini, cookies, fruit drinks, cleaning towels — she filled my hands with gifts. Before leaving, she promised to talk to the Caiguna roadhouse owner and try to get me a room.
I walked on, stunned. And then, a few hours later, Red reappeared. She had not only arranged a room for me — she had paid for it, handed me a shirt, and even gave me $50 for a hot meal. I was speechless. Tears came. This is what generosity feels like when it hits you right in the heart.
The kindness didn’t stop there:
- John, a rock enthusiast originally from Kent, now living in Australia, stopped to chat and gave me a beautiful green stone to carry in my pocket.
- Gary, the truck driver I’d met a few days ago, pulled over and handed me a big chocolate bar.
- Marshal and Lea stopped to give me an ice-cold drink — as if the day hadn’t already been overflowing with generosity.
By the time I reached Caiguna, my heart was full. I got my room, shared laughs with the staff, and had a wonderful vegetarian meal prepared by Tysson.
Today was more walking than running, and it was exactly what I needed. The road gave me what I couldn’t have planned: a reminder of the kindness and beauty that exists in people, even in the remotest corners of the world.
I’m feeling good about my decision to walk for a while — sometimes the journey asks for a different pace. What needs to be, needs to be.
Take care, my friends. Be well. Andrea