First steps.
After spending seven hours running on a treadmill in the centre of the city we spent one more night in Perth and went on to Geraldton. After one night in a caravan Park we had an appointment at
My plan to start unofficially at Steep Point a day before the official start from Monkey Mia did not work. It was pouring when we arrived and there was no way to get to Steep Point. I was still very keen to make it to Steep Point – the Westernmost Point of
On the morning of the start of the run we got up early to drive from Denham to Monkey Mia to be there by
Finally I have made the first steps out of about 12,600.000. Weather could have been called perfect for running, apart from a strong head wind. A very hilly road did not make it any easier. But I always think, that if it was to be too easy, it would be no challenge and everybody would do it. So mentally I am ready for it. Physically – almost! Last two weeks before departure I was too busy to train properly and two weeks on the road did not allow much running either. So I know, I have to suffer a bit for a couple of weeks.
A couple of hours into the run I stared to feel a bit of pain in my right leg. My shoelaces were lose enough so I had to find out what was the problem. When I took my shoe off I immediately found out, that when I put my sock on after wading in the sea with dolphins, I did not put it on smoothly and left some creases on, which caused the pain. I fixed the problem and as a precaution I put on my new Asics Nimbus. It work like a magic and after an hour or so I felt no pain any more. What a relieve!
We made it to
I thought that it would be easy to find a commercial operator to take us to Steep Point with a 4WD. Instead it was all no no no.. too much trouble. To hire a 4WD was not an option either since they would not let us drive to Steep Point. But we were lucky. A lady saw our campervan a came with a donation and a good advice when told about our predicament. “Go to “Shotover” office at Monkey Mia and ask for Harvey Raven. If nobody can help, he will.” Meeting
Another thing worth mentioning about “Shotover” is the promise of this company: “Love it, or it’s free!” I am sure they mean it. If you visit Monkey Mia whether interested in 4WD tours or sailing, I would highly recommend to see people at “Shotover.” They can be found on www.monkeymiawildsights.com.au
After returning from Steep Point we spent the first night on a roadside. The night was very peaceful, no traffic at all. At
We finished the run at the “Overlander Roadhouse.” A big relieve after the unpleasant experience at Nanga. Here the owners and staff are very friendly and very considerate, offering a free overnight stay. Even the charges are very cheap, a powered site only $17.50.
It was lovely to have a shower after 3 days without one. There is a shortage of water which is a well know fact. People are encouraged to take a short shower. That is why Jo was very frustrated when she had to wait for good half hour while someone was locked inside the ladies shower block having extra long shower. When finally the door opened, a young couple came out. As an excuse, they offered a ridiculous explanation that “they showered together to save water.” We had something to laugh about! Some saving!
Morning was again very cold – 4 deg C so I started my run in long runners and even a jumper. But sky was clear and the sun started to warm me up. Did not take long for the temperature to raise up to 22. Wind was still easterly but since we turned south, it was very pleasant crosswind. The road became very hilly again. The countryside is not changing much and nothing eventful happened. By the time we got to Billabong Roadhouse I was ready for some rest. But before that I have to summaries the day, look at the pictures we both took and reduce the ones I want to use on the website and get organized for overnight stay. Then we have to plan for next day as well as for few more days ahead, especially regarding supply of fuel, water and food. There is no time to get bored.
Our fundraising is very slow now, cars traveling too fast to stop. The only opportunity is in the evening if we stay in a caravan park. Then we use every opportunity. The main hope is that our friends as well as the media are spreading the message around and generous people use the opportunity to donate on the website.
Temperature in the morning was on zero and for some strange reason we were advised the power will be switched off at 7 am and it really happened, I switched the heater on about a minute before 7 hoping that they won’t to too punctual, but they were.
There is one problem I did not anticipate. I expected to be able to refill our water tank in caravan parks while staying there, but it was not to be. The only water available is in bottles - 1lt was $4.90, 10lt container $15.
The sky was blue again and no wind. Jo drives ahead 3 km as always and waits for me. Every time I catch up with her I get a kiss! That’s 20 kisses a day or 2000 in 100 days! I heard a story about a couple which went on holiday in a campervan. They saved a lot of money on food and accommodation, enough to be able to pay for a divorce after they returned from the holiday. I do not know, but in our case it works the opposite way.
A couple of hours into the run I saw an impressive 4WD Motorhome approaching, than slowing down and turning around, stopping in front of us. I was very surprised to see Dick Smith with his wife getting out to talk to us. They are on a tour around the world and after driving through
Both Jo and I were really pleased to meet such famous Australian. And they lived up to their reputation as a very generous people by donating $2,000 to Canteen. I wish we meet more people like Dick Smith and his wife.
The day ended up at Neran Neran camping area, exactly as planned. It rained overnight but stopped by
Due to overcast the night was very mild and when we left just before eight it was a perfect condition for running. The countryside has changed from the moment we approached the river. Everything is so green, huge fields of wheat and canola all around. Such a huge contrast to what we experienced north of the
We also got a signal on our mobile after four days without. It was good to be able to catch up with family and few friends.
Getting back in civilization is not all good news. The traffic is very heavy, have to getting off the road especially when roadtrains are approaching. The shoulder after heavy rain is soft and muddy, not exactly what I enjoy running on. But this is not a real problem, only to have something to complain about. There are many more reasons to be happy about. I still cannot believe how green everything is. Feels and looks almost like
Today is only a very short run, we do not want to be in Geraldton before tomorrow as planned. We have plans to have a lap around the footy ground during halftime of a match between Towns and Rovers followed by a fundraising at about 3.30 pm. The only suitable spot for camping over night is Oakabella Rest Area, 36 km from Geraldton. We will have enough time to make it to Geraldton on time.
Morning started well with the wind pushing me from behind. Mid morning started to rain, fortunately we had enough spare time so we could stop when it was really heavy and found a refuge in the campervan. We even found time to play cards till the worst was over. Fortunately the weather improved and we made it to the football ground of TOWNS BULDOGS in time for halftime fundraiser. We were introduced to the crowd by the President of the club Gerry Clune and after doing a lap around the ground Jo and I mingled with the crowd. The result was almost $200 collected in donations. A very good result for the number of spectators. This is the sort of community spirit that keeps us motivated.
Tonight we are staying again in
I am not sure when I will be able to update this site again, but promise to do my best to keep it up to date.
