Kindness on the Long Road 

Daily miles: 40.82 | Total miles: 9,157.02

My alarm rang at 4:40 a.m. — the usual routine, except this morning I woke up to the sight of a citrus tree right outside my window. What a lovely way to start the day. Around 6 a.m., I began running. The first few meters were uphill around a bend, and then, as so often here, the road stretched endlessly ahead of me — perfect for a long run.

The landscape had changed drastically. Fields of green grass, more trees, and the feeling of life after rain. I was told Southern Cross had a good winter this year, and it shows. The road was quiet, probably because it’s the weekend, and although the shoulder was narrow, the few trucks passing by made it manageable.

Just before mile 10, Shane — a road worker — stopped and handed me half a liter of water. Thank you, Shane. I liked his honesty when he said he was jealous of what I do — that he’d love to do something like this but couldn’t. I smiled and ran on, grateful for the encounter.

Passing through Moorine Rock, I saw the local shop was closed for the weekend. I would have loved to stop in just for a chat. The terrain rolled with some good uphills and downhills — exactly what you’d expect from a 40-mile day. The flies, however, were horrific. At mile 25, I stopped for a sandwich, banana, and hydration break, nearly driven mad by the buzzing. Finally, I pulled out my head net for the last 15 miles — still annoying, but far better.

At one construction site, I met Robert. I told him I often feel socially deprived out here, so I take any opportunity to have a little chat. Thanks for the company, Robert. The heat was relentless, and I could feel the effort in every step.

Then, just two miles before Carrabin, Nathan — another road worker — pulled over, crossed the road, and handed me an ice-cold Gatorade. Heaven. There’s no other word for it. Thank you, Nathan.

By the time I reached the roadhouse, the sun had completely taken it out of me. I met Dave briefly before heading inside, desperate for shade. Tom, the manager, at first told me there were no rooms available. I asked him if there was anything he could offer — and finally, he found one. It was a bit smelly, but it had two beds, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, air conditioning, and a shower (without running water). Tom kindly turned the water on for me — though once it got hot, there was no cold left to mix in. Still, I love these kinds of places — imperfect, full of character. I even have no key, which I find oddly fitting. I’ve never liked locked doors anyway.

Tonight, I’m completely exhausted. I’ve got myself an ice-cold drink, rice and chickpeas for dinner, and a quiet evening ahead.

Sweet dreams from Carrabin. Be well, Andrea