After spending a night under a glorious full moon serenaded by the ubiquitous flying foxes of the Barkly we arose to another day of peaceful running along the roadside bounded by vast and welcoming grasslands of the great Northern cattle stations.
The “Barkly Breeze” blessed us for the second day in a row, defying our efforts at forward progress...
...yet, ultimately yielding to a stronger will – this band of Peace Runners still managed to carry the Torch a further 232km, today crossing another significant milestone – we have left the Northern Territory behind and now find ourselves in “The Sunshine State” – Queensland.
There is a comforting tranquility on these straight roads stretching to the horizon of the full circle blue sky and we all felt the embrace of Mother Nature yet again as we trundled towards Queensland.
Yet another run and ride day. The landscape has become a little monotonous but still has a majestic vastness that is undeniable.
A short day of running lends to more time to think about dinner.
Bayarkhuu’s first 6k was beautiful and the next stretch of 7k was some how easier. The last two days the legs have been a bit heavy but today the weight was lifted and he felt free.
Though similar, this running day had less wind but more sun. And alas still no sign of rain.
I love when we are running because the flies can’t keep up and at last our face is at peace.
Bush, trees, peace, trucks, cars, food, smiles: that’s our life!
Farewell the Territory….although many people living here still consider the far north of Queensland to be part of the Territory.
Today was the final day on the Peace Run for Pasha Royden, who is due back at work at The Golden Grove School in Auckland on Monday.
Pasha was our team captain for the day, leading from the front with his highest daily total of 15km.
Thank you Pasha, for your ready humour and sunny demeanour, which has kept the group cheerful and eager for the brief week you have spent on the road. We all wish you could have stayed longer!
All three teams converged at the Drovers Camp in Camooweal today where we were welcomed by Kim the caretaker who was very happy to share stories that bring the Oneness-Home once again to life when there are so many intersections in our human existence. It is easy to feel the inevitability of peace in the world when everyone we meet greets us with warm hands and open hearts.
Kim introduced us to Wayne - a lifetime drover, and Lyn and Johnny (J.R.) - Drovers Camp Museum volunteers. J.R. was stockman and road train driver for over 50 years!
Lyn offered a beautiful prayer for the health, safety and continued success of the Peace Run and he runners.
Peta and Andy - a big part of the community - came out to meet us and offer their goodwill.
We almost lost Prachar to the droving community just to wear this great hat.
Wayne embraced the spirit of the Peace Run and was thrilled to receive a Peace Run shirt.
An aboriginal artist was hired to paint the entire camp.
Kim gave the team a wonderful tour of the Drover's Camp Museum. We got some insight into the rich and arduous history of Drovers.
The camp had an excellent kitchen for us to prepare dinner. (Only for 11 tonight, as part of the team had to drive to Mt Isa to send off Pasha and Helana.)
Helena and Pasha will be missed. Thank you for your soulful contribution to the team!
