The day began with a border crossing, from the State of South Australia into Western Australia. The entire Peace Run team, while still in Border Village (SA) in the morning, carefully reviewed the food supplies so as not to accidentally leave prohibited products in the vans that are not allowed to be brought into Western Australia.
We stopped at the quarantine inspection station, opening all our ice boxes and containers to prove that we weren't carrying any contraband, such as apples, honey, unpeeled gartlic, or lettuce. Our sweet potatoes were fine, but if we had had regular potatoes - that would have been a problem. Truth be told, our ravenous team had consumed most of our fruits and vegetables – and honey! – over the preceding few days, and our supplies were practically down to canned goods and packets of pasta.
We crossed the border without a hitch. In addition, the controller wished us a successful run.
Right after the formalities of the border crossing, we find a rainy, foggy morning, peaceful and graceful.
Dhavala and Teekhnata selflessly proposed to run the first 24 km for Team A under the rain so that the rest of us can stay dry and warm. Meanwhile, the sun came back.
Whenever I look at myself running, it makes me smile and cry at the same time. There are so many unnecessary movements and jumps that I’m unconsciously doing and which are giving me so many unnecessary pains. This morning Susan gave me most useful advice about how to correct my way of running and I have to confess that it really helped me a lot ...
... I felt as if I ran more easily and painlessly and now I have a hope that by the end of this Nullarbor crossing, I may have a chance to become a "flying doctor".
We were team A today, meaning we ran the first leg. At the end of our run we found a great place for a break at Mundrabilla Roadhouse. We had a good coffee and even a fire to warm us up after the rain soaked our socks and running shoes.
The serving team working at Mundrabilla happily held the Peace Torch and shared their wishes for peace. Just like us, they are from different countries and work peacefully together.
Team B had the second stage of the run, 70km in all, towards Madura Pass Oasis Campground.
A great day for running – there was no troublesome headwind!
Light rain came from time to time, but it pleased the runners with another rainbow ...
... or two.
As we moved along the highway, a prominent ridge to our north was becoming closer, which accompanied us for our entire 194km of running today. Ashprihanal mused that this was an ancient shoreline, and the plain we were on used to be underwater. This would explain the many seashells he was finding at the side of the road.
The wind had all but disappeared, which was a real blessing. It had been the bane of all our runners for several days. Despite an occasional light shower, this was perfect running weather.
In case you're wondering why there are actual trees in these photos – today the team ran just to the south of the Nullarbor Plain. We will rejoin the Nullarbor Plain proper tomorrow...
The flora of the area wouldn't make it into too many garden competitions, but has its own calm strength and beauty ...
More regular rain came only when the runners were already in the car and driving to the campground.
Towards the end of Team C's section, leading up to Madura Pass, we discovered that our destination was closer than expected - only 5km remained. Muggi and Roni were negotiating who should run, when Muggi said, simply, “Together!”
“Oh no, now I'm in trouble,” Roni replied. “Muggi is too fast!” But they did indeed run the last few km together, finishing up a hill – and high-fived at the end.
A plaque at our destination confirmed that Ashprihanal's geological and oceanographic theories about the area were largely correct.
Upon reaching Madura Pass Oasis Campground, as usual, the team's first job was to set up tents: it is believed that some Peace Run participants can do this task with their eyes closed.
Then followed a walk on the nearby Madura Pass (the highest point we have seen in about a week) to observe the beautiful panorama.
Today the campsite was not equipped with a kitchen for cooking, but the team found "pans" carved in stone during their walk. Maybe dinner should have been cooked here?
