The first men's team began before 7am, with Muggi hitting the road first in dawn's early light. Very soon, the team had left Port Augusta behind, and everyone was glad to have filled the tank at the first service station instead of waiting for “the next one”. There wasn't a next one. Runners headed down the A1 highway, already busy with road trains (semis with two or more trailers attached) and light trucks towing caravans.
A large flat plain spread out before us on either side of the road. Craggy hills fringed the horizon. The sky was clear.
"Peace itself is vastness, beyond all imagination." Sri Chinmoy
Our team captain for the day, Susan Marshall greets Port Augusta Mayor, Cr Linley Shine. The Peace Run Team was welcomed by Deputy Principal Jack Menzies and 130 students who attend school here.
Mayor Shine shared her hope that the children of this school would grow peace inside themselves, and share it with their community. She commented, "Our community is very much behind whatever we can possibly do to encourage peace, to embrace peace and diversity as well."
A few km from PAWPS school, the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, a superb initiative managed by the Port Augusta City Council with great help from the Friends of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, welcomed the Peace Run with the planting of a Peace Tree to commemorate the occasion.
Mayor Shine followed the Peace Run team from the school to officiate at the tree planting, and offered more heartfelt sentiments on the value of peace in the community, in our hearts and our lives.
Lachlan Smith, reporter for the local “Transcontinental” newspaper, was also in attendance at both the school and the Botanic Gardens
This memorable event was made possible by the tremendous coordination of Jo Eaton, Director of Port Augusta Corporate and Community Services, and Colleen Jackson, Executive Assistant of Port Augusta City Council. Thank you Jo and Colleen! (not pictured)
On their way to Whyalla, the early start men's team fit in some of their day’s allotment of running alongside the azure blue Spencer Gulf.
Good morning Whyalla Stuart Primary School!
The students of Whyalla Stuart enthusiastically joined us in singing our team song.
At Whyalla Stuart Primary School, the team was greeted by the principal, Jenny MacDonald.
Then they ran several laps of the playground with Muggi, seemingly intent on wearing him out.
High fives all around!
Thank you Whyalla Stuart School!
Our final school for the day was Cowell Area School, where we made two presentations to classes of year 8 and 9 students. Unfortunately the school wellbeing dog, Franklin, wasn't present that day. But we did see the amazing artwork that students had made depicting this illustrious canine. Thanks to Colleen, the year 8 teacher, who led us out into the playground for a speedy torch relay with the students.
Rathin and Mahasatya visited Whyalla Westlands Woolworths, where manager Trevor generously presented us with an ENORMOUS trolley of fresh fruit and vegetables, courtesy of Woolworths. Much gratitude, this supply will keep our hungry team fueled for several days.
Thanks to Judy at Harbour View Caravan Park, who helped us with accommodation for the night.
What an excellent camp kitchen! Thank you again to Harbour View.
"Be not afraid of vastness. It is vastness that our mind needs to arrive at the ultimate Truth." Sri Chinmoy
