The Road to Kellerberrin — Nearing the Final Stretch to Perth

Daily miles: 35.48 miles | Total: 9,218.52 miles

My alarm rang at 4:20am — far too early after not getting to sleep early. My plan was to leave by 5am, but I already knew I’d be a little delayed. At 5:30am, I finally stepped outside. Eddie was already up too, so we said our goodbyes, and off I went into the cool, calm morning.

At the gas station, I met Cole from Ireland, who was checking his tire pressure. My pump decided to be difficult today but later worked mysteriously. The automatic air machine managed to fill one tire, but the valve on the other was too short. Well, one tire is better than none!

The sunrise behind me painted the landscape in warm, glowing tones — it was one of those mornings that remind you why it’s worth getting up early. The air was cool, the sky clear, and I felt tired but deeply content. As I ran, I reflected a lot on this whole Australian adventure — and on how close I am now to the end. It’s hard to grasp. I try to take in every bit of beauty around me, but my mind keeps drifting to all the memories — from my arrival in Brisbane to the endless stretches after Port Augusta.

A few miles in, I entered a new shire, Kellerberrin — still in the wheatbelt — and felt grateful to be running west toward Perth. I stopped occasionally for snacks and water but otherwise just kept my feet moving steadily.

At mile 19, juhuii — a flat tire! The first since Adelaide. A long, sturdy wire was the culprit. I actually enjoyed changing the tube again after all this time — a little nostalgic moment of road life. It was hot by then, but luckily I had brought some melon pieces with me — a great choice.

Around mile 25, Janet and Alison from Southern Cross drove by, waving and cheering out of their window before pulling over to meet me. They were on their way to Perth and surprised me with two ice-cold Gatorades. One of them I drank in one go — pure bliss! Thanks ladies.

As the sun climbed higher, the heat became intense. My running still felt strong, but it was definitely a hot day out there. When I stopped for a quick snack, Jason, a road worker, pulled over to ask about my run. I always appreciate those short, friendly chats along the way.

Just before reaching Kellerberrin, I met Julian — the kind man who had offered me a room for free. Perfect timing! He stopped as he saw me running and told me how to check in and which room was mine. Thanks, Julian — your kindness means a lot.

I stopped at the “Welcome to Kellerberrin” sign for a picture and then went straight to the grocery store. After shopping, I met Jaqueline — a rebel — I told her how much I love rebels. We took a photo together, and it made me smile.

The room Julian gave me is in the Prev, short for Preventarium — a historic house built in 1929. It was once a place where children suspected of having tuberculosis were sent to protect others from infection. My father, I remember, was sent to a similar place as a boy.

The building is beautiful — large rooms, high ceilings, tall windows, and long corridors. When I arrived, I was the only guest, wandering through the house with almost all doors open — it felt both peaceful and surreal. Later, I met Mark and Ed, who had just checked in with a whole group, and we enjoyed a lovely chat.

It’s the perfect place to rest and reflect.

And to think — if all goes well, I might reach Perth this Friday.

Thanks for checking in. Be well, Andrea