Only Three Days to Perth

Daily miles: 37.06 | Totalmiles: 9,284.9

I got up at 4:30 a.m. with the goal of being on the road by 5:30. It took me a few minutes longer to get organized, but I was in a good mood to start the day. As I ran through town, I noticed the library door was already open — I think that’s so cool. That’s how it should be: libraries open to the public 24 hours a day.

Merging back onto the highway, I reminded myself — only three more days to go. Then I saw the sign: 155 km to Perth. Wow. The air was cooler than the previous days, and the Wheatbelt looked beautiful in the morning light. The running felt good; the smile was on.

The photo with the water pipe is for you, Fergus — thanks for your steady support and the knowledge you share from time to time.

At mile 11, I noticed one of my tires could use a bit of air. I tried to inflate it, but the pump came apart, and all the air rushed out. “Great idea, Andrea,” I thought. Instead of leaving it as it was, I’d made it worse. With a nearly flat tire, pushing the buggy became much harder, but I saw a town coming up in about three miles — Meckering — with a gas station.

On the way, I thought, 299 days the pump held up, and now, just three days before Perth, it breaks.

At the gas station, I met Naaz, who kindly lent me the nozzle for the air hose so I could inflate the tires perfectly. I then asked if she knew of a store that might have a pump. While we talked, she learned about my run and said, “Take anything from the store that you want.” I was stunned — what? She insisted. So I took a protein shake and mentioned that I’m vegetarian. She smiled and said, “I can make you a fresh sandwich.”

Across the road, the post office also doubled as a hardware store — what a great combo. I went there and met Sarah, who helped me look for a pump, but we couldn’t find one. I told myself, Relax, Andrea. You’ll be fine. You’re almost in Perth.

When I returned to the gas station, Naaz had prepared a delicious sandwich, wrapped in paper with a lovely message written on it. Thank you, Naaz — what a beautiful spirit you are. Before leaving, I met a few customers, and we took a photo together.

With perfectly inflated tires, I headed back on the road — about 21 miles to go. Later, during a break, I looked more closely at the pump and realized… it could actually be fixed. A little embarrassing to admit, but it was also a reminder: sometimes I get so focused that my perspective narrows. It was a good lesson to slow down, breathe, and think things through.

The signs showing the distance to Perth kept dropping, one by one. Closer and closer. Somewhere along the way, Laura jumped out of a car — she and her husband had just returned from a three-year cycling trip around the world. We had a lovely chat before I continued on.

By noon, it had warmed up, but not as much as the past few days. I eventually entered the Shire of Northam and took a side road down into town. I stopped at the grocery store first, then checked into a room I’d booked the day before.

From the outside, the house looked nice — but inside, it was beautifully furnished and so comfortable. After following a long list of check-in instructions and door codes (always an adventure!), I finally reached my room and met my neighbors — Franzi and Susi from Austria, just a few miles from where my father is from. We had such a good time together, as you can imagine when Austrians meet abroad! Servus, pfiati, and hello.

Later, I met Lisa, the owner. When I asked about payment, she said I didn’t have to pay. Wow. Thank you so much, Lisa and Greg.

I’ve done some laundry, had a bite to eat, and now it’s time to rest. Two amazing days are ahead — I can feel the excitement building.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. What a journey this has been. Be well, Andrea