It was an early start today for four lucky members of our team.
Thanks to the generosity of Aviair, we were offered seats on a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Bungle Bungles.
The participants were selected by a random draw, and with a 5:00 AM pickup, they had to pack up their tents and load their gear into the vans before heading off to the airport for a sunrise liftoff.
Our pilot, Tom, was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights as we soared over Lake Argyle, remote cattle stations, and into the heart of the Bungle Bungles.
Hearing the geological history of this ancient landscape while flying through it was nothing short of breathtaking.
Once towering mountains—possibly as high as Everest—millions of years of erosion have sculpted them into the stunning natural formations we see today.
It’s remarkable to think that until the 1960s, only local farmers knew of their existence. Their introduction to the world was a matter of chance.
We started the day with a short hike straight from Hidden Valley Kununurra Caravan Park through Mirima National Park.
It was mere minutes from our campsite.
Abhinandan had explored the previous day and enthusiasticallly encouraged us to follow him in the morning.
Mirima is a special place for the Miriwoong people. "Dreaming stories" of how this land was formed and cultural ceremonies continue to be performed here. The overhangs and cliffs provided shelter from the sun and the wet season storms.
We were not disappointed!
Rock holes provided permanent water for people and animals. The variety of plants and animals was a rich resource for bush food, tools and medicine.
A lovely way to begin the day!
After landing back in Kununurra, we made our way to East Kimberley College just in time for a heartwarming event. Over the past few months, the students had been focusing on kindness— exploring ways to foster it both within their school and the wider community.
Colourful posters lined the school’s fence, offering encouraging messages—from reminders to “be yourself” to small gestures like “keep the kettle full.” A large banner read, “Put the I in KIND,” with a space where students could stand and literally become the "I" in the word.
The school chaplain warmly welcomed the Peace Run, followed by a Welcome to Country delivered by one of the students. The Peace Run team was then introduced to over 600 students gathered for the occasion.
Several students came forward to read their personal kindness pledges, one from each year level. The school choir performed a touching song about kindness and unity.
As a joyful finale, the teachers ran a lap around the students before the crowd divided into three groups and headed onto the field—each one holding the Peace Torch and running alongside our team.
Todor says: "I can run the next 5km without any problems"
Todor and Misha tries to climb and hide in a boab tree.
The wind was a little bit diminished from previous days which made things a little easier. There's certainly a world of difference between a pounding headwind and a nice light gentle breeze that cools you off pleasantly.
A captain's work is never done!
We had a meeting the other day and someone asked us what inspires us to keep running when it's tough and we said it's the people that we meet. This was very much the case after visiting East Kimberly College. The kilometres seemed to just fly past after such an inspiring school visit. You realise that you're running not just for yourself but for a far greater cause.
Even Misha needs a break sometimes.
A lot of the caravaners and holidayers that we meet where we're camping in the evening have seen us for multiple days on the road. Almost every vehicle that we passed whilst running gives us a thumbs up or a wave of encouragement.
The landscape of the Kimberley continues to delight all of us. I'd often heard how beautiful it is, but as is often the case, you really need to experience it firsthand before you get the whole picture.
There's something timeless about the environment here. There's an ancient vastness that soothes the entire being.
Abhinandan and Edgars have already made friends with the local boys at Timber Creek Travelers Rest. "We'll let you keep the torch, but you'll let us ride the bike."
Thank you Timber Creek Traveller's Rest for finding space for our weary bodies! We really appreciate the support. :-)
