We awoke at Pardoo Station where we have received generous hospitality which warmed our hearts.
The people at Pardoo Station have created a peaceful oasis in the midst of the red sand with green trees and bright flowers in abundance.
Just like humans, birds in the know have flocked to enjoy Pardoo Station's verdant beauty.
They provided us with rooms, dinner and an amazing cooked breakfast prepared especially for us. We learned that several of the staff had been just passing through on a visit for a few weeks or days and ended up being offered a job and staying, often for several years. We could easily see how that would happen to people.... but thankfully we managed to leave with all our team members!
Refreshed and smiling, ready for the miles ahead. Thank you once again Pardoo Station!
As we had no meetings today we could focus on running and taking time to appreciate our surroundings and the great privilege that we have to carry the Peace Torch around this vast continent.
Today we were accompanied by a decent head wind, which seemed to make running more of an effort but also cooled us down a little, so wasn’t all bad.
The road took us through a vast expanse of land, flat and open for miles in all directions.
There was red dirt but also a lot of green as they had substantial rain this year.
As we ran, we passed the poignant remains of hawks, falcons, and kangaroos, while birds of prey soared silently overhead—a reminder of the untamed vastness surrounding us.
When we move at a running pace we have time to appreciate the small things that nature offers, like tiny vibrant flowers or a pool of water as well as the spectacle of termite mounds scattered across the land and birds of prey flying overhead.
The temperature climbed from a crisp 20°C to a dry and toasty 28°C, just right for a spirited run.
We get the occasional stop by a traveling motorist to see what we are up to and, sometimes, offer a kind hearted donation. These are always very nice encounters for us. We had one today by two First Nations women. They asked questions, cheered us on and offered a donation. Thank you so much for your generosity and visit!
Today brought a milestone: our teammate Sarankhuu pushed beyond his limits, completing his first-ever 10 km stretch on the Peace Run - a truly inspiring moment of transcendence.
Tonight we are camping with longtime friends of the Peace Run at Anna Plains Station.
Tucked away in what felt like the middle of nowhere, the station welcomed us like a hidden oasis.
This is the third time the Peace Run has stayed here and we are grateful to them for having us in this beautiful and peaceful place.
As evening unfolded, the sky exploded in a breathtaking tapestry of red and pink, and Mardie greeted us with warmth and a gift of firewood.
As the stars blinked into view, the Milky Way unveiled itself in a breathtaking sweep of stardust.
There's nothing like the view of the cosmos in the outback.
It was a day filled with wonder, connection, and the boundless joy of the journey.
