Pushing Through Wind, Flies, and Pain – Balladonia Arrival

Daily miles: 30.68 | Total miles: 8,779.47

So just when I was about to fall asleep last night, I heard something moving on my tent. When I turned on my headtorch, I saw a giant critter with very long antennae walking between my inner and outer tent. I’m sure it was harmless, but I still kind of wanted it to leave. I tried several different tactics to get it out, which probably took about 45 minutes in total. The critter likely thought, “What’s your problem? I’m nice.”

My alarm rang at 4am so I could leave as soon as it was light, but at midnight I woke to the sound of rain. Knowing the ground and tent fly would be wet made me less eager to get up early, so I snoozed a few times and stayed warm in my sleeping bag. It wasn’t very cold anyway. Once up, I made a coffee and packed quickly – since I was heading to a hotel, a wet tent wasn’t too much of a bother.

I was back on the road before 6am, under an overcast sky with the sun just rising. On the way out I met Gil, another early bird. Once on the highway, I settled into a rhythm, aiming to reach Balladonia around 2pm. I couldn’t reach the hotel by phone, so I sent an email hoping for a room.

After 9 miles I saw a sign warning of a curve – which meant I had officially walked the entire 90-mile straight road. It felt great to be back on a road with bends and curves. About a mile later, I met Damian Rider, a cyclist riding across the Nullarbor while stopping to play all the golf courses located at the various roadhouses along the way.

Soon I entered the Great Western Woodlands. It drizzled briefly, then the sun broke through. The wind picked up, my hands started hurting again, and I realized I’d need to wear gloves more consistently. Like yesterday, I saw areas marked by past wildfires – blackened tree trunks and scorched landscapes.

Despite the cooler morning, it warmed up at times, and the forecast says it could reach 38°C by Friday. The flies were relentless today. My sunglasses keep them out of my eyes, and I wear earbuds all day – even when I don't listen to anything – to stop them from crawling into my ears. On many pictures you might see me with pursed lips blowing air: that’s to keep flies out of my mouth and nose so I don’t inhale them. I have a head net, but it’s not comfortable to wear.

Today was one of those days to simply put your head down and push through – wind, flies, pain. It’s all part of the journey and part of learning how to cope with what comes.

I arrived in Balladonia just after 2pm. Rae, the manager, had reserved a room for me, even gave me a discount, and was incredibly kind and supportive. I bought a sandwich, milk, banana milk, and an apple – simple things, but they made me so happy.

Then it was time for the usual post-run tasks: recharge devices, shower, eat, post on socials, organize and dry gear, and make a mental list of food and drinks for the coming days. Later, I had a veggie and tofu stir-fry for dinner, followed by garlic bread, and then went shopping for tomorrow’s supplies.

Another day in the Nullarbor completed. Once I fully get used to this place, it feels like I’m nearly done with it – though there’s still a long road ahead to Perth.

Thanks for following along. Dream Big Too.

Be well, Andrea