A moment of Streaky Bay before we depart.
Today we run to Ceduna.
The women's team covers 50km, in excellent speed, 3.5 hours.
Out here, there are few to chat to, so those who are present, do. Their sincerity is mirrored in new faces. It spurs us on, knowing that this dream is real.
Back in Streaky Bay, the first men's team are ready for the day.
Well, after a good breakfast and a nice cup of coffee, of course.
For me, it's already been a full week on the Run. It's an inspiring and fulfilling journey. Sharing the same experience with team members, who have the same yearning for peace and deeper understanding of what peace is all about. Living examples of how to be of service to humanity. In other words, selfless service.
The larger Peace Run team will split into three teams. (One girls team and two boys teams), pretty much as usual, except one boys team in 'The Lion' van has a nice day off. But can any of us have a day off being on the Peace Run? Not quite. They will have to go to Ceduna and get provisions for 6 days for the whole team, as we're approaching the desolate area of the Nullarbor Plain.
Who can explain it better than Sri Chinmoy, who said: " A spiritual person has found his work. His work is selfless service. His work is dedicated action. Indeed, he has no need of any other blessedness. His action is the divine acceptance of earthly existence. And for this he needs a perfect body, a strong mind, a soulful heart and a supremely inspired life of inner receptivity and outer capacity."
The team members shopping and not running took the opportunity to visit the Whistling Rocks, 16km from Streaky Bay. At the end of a dirt road, we found the beginning of a wooden boardwalk. We followed the boardwalk a few hundred metres, and found ourselves atop spectacular, rugged cliffs, dashed by wild surf. Giant waves broke in a rocky cove, wind blowing the crests back. Roni, who had been eager for a swim, quickly accepted that such an activity was not viable. Below us, white foam rolled angrily across a rocky shelf, ceaselessly restless.
But this wasn't even the main attraction. We moved to the eastern lookout. Here, the surf rushed up through a blowhole only a few metres from us, like a geyser, every minute or so. The rocks, indeed, were whistling.
We finished off our excursion with a little drone flying lesson. Roni and Ashprihanal enjoyed their first flights.
Next is the Peace Run visit to Crossways Lutheran School in Ceduna.
Sharing the elements of the Peace Run program we all truly love. The country guessing game...
... the World Harmony Run song ...
... a moment of silence ...
... sharing our gratitude and a gift to those we visit. Thank you Terena Evans, Deputy Principal who arranged this ...
... and finally ...
... everyone sharing their hopes and dreams for peace with the team. Your vision of peace is why we run. You embody the best and brightest of humanity.
The Crossways Lutheran students dedicate a tree to Peace.
Again, our deep gratitude for your hopes and aspirations for peace.
Thank you Crossways Lutheran School for your hearts of peace, friendship and oneness. We are enriched by our experience with you.
Some Peace Run business to take care of.
Pathik makes a friend in Warren, a local farmer who is delighted to hold the Peace Torch.
Thank you to Steve at the Ceduna Motor Inn for providing complimentary accommodations to the women's team! We are very grateful for his generosity!
Tonight the men stay at the Ceduna Blues Sports Club. The team is very grateful to the Ceduna Blues Sports Club for offering complimentary accommodation in their wonderful complex. It is a nice respite from camping outdoors and is very welcome!
MasterChef could take inspiration from the Peace Run cooking challenges. Feed 16 runners in a campsite kitchen, or sports club. Last night, our good fortune said the men cook at the Ceduna Blues Sports Club. And Atulya cooked, requesting a review: So: The runners enjoyed a vegetable soup, with spices very well balanced given the limited availability and lack of recipe. The European style of water broth with cut vegetables (no blenders here), offered hydration along with nutrition. Seconds and thirds were better than firsts, as many flavours were hiding at the bottom of the pot, so those who ran most ate best. Fats came from butter on some nice bread. A clunky knife meant for no delicate spreading, and I hope my eyes weren't bigger than my calorie count.
Good night to all!
