A Road Like a Dream and a Welcome to Country

Daily miles: 26.99 | Total miles: 9,116.19

My alarm rang at 4am, but I hit snooze and gave myself another half hour. When I finally got up at 4:30, everything was dry — what a relief after so many damp mornings. Packing up was easy, the moon still shining brightly above, while the sunrise painted the opposite horizon in soft pink and gold.

I made a coffee, organized my things, brushed my teeth, and stepped onto the highway. Behind me, the sunrise; before me, an endless stretch of road that looked like a dream for a morning run. The shoulder was narrow or sometimes nonexistent, but in those early hours only a few trucks passed by. It was quiet, peaceful — the kind of running I love most.

My legs felt strong, my body full of energy, and my mind calm. With only about 27 miles to go, I noticed how, on certain stretches, both body and mind seem to settle into a natural rhythm, creating space to truly take in the beauty around me — the light, the air, and the gentle flow of movement.

Around mile 10, I passed the old Yellowdine Roadhouse — closed after a fire in 2023 — took a short hydration stop, and carried on. By mile 20, I reached a hill and in the distance saw Southern Cross shimmering in the heat. The sun was high now, the air hot, flies buzzing everywhere, but I felt alive. The final miles were downhill — contemplative, flowing, pure joy.

When I reached town, I went to the hotel, but check-in wasn’t until 3:30. I called Liz, and after a few minutes she arranged everything so I could go grocery shopping and then enter my room. While waiting for her call, I sat in front of the supermarket mixing a protein shake — and met some wonderful people.

First, Kevin, a kind man I chatted with for a while. Then Valmae, who warmly welcomed me to the Country — the first time since I arrived in Australia that someone had done so in an Aboriginal language: "Kaya, wanju." And finally, Judy, who stopped to chat for a while about our lives and her wheat and sheep farm.

Eventually, I checked into the Palace Hotel, unpacked, showered, and began catching up on posts from the last few days. As I sat there, I realized — my Australian chapter is slowly coming to an end. Perth is ahead, and with it, another milestone in this incredible journey.

Let’s go to Perth together. Thanks for following along. Andrea