Day 689 – Australia – WA [Cottesloe to Middle Swan (Perth)]

29/04/22

33km

  From Cottesloe (Western Australia) to Middle Swan (Western Australia)

Australia

The crossing of Australia has started! Under bright blue skies and in perfect conditions I left the Indian Ocean behind me

Standing by the Indian Ocean, Cottesloe WA Australia

This morning I stood briefly on the shore of the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe Beach, outside Perth in Western Australia. Briefly because it was a bit “al fresco” this early, though the skies were bright blue and the sun was already shining a warm light on the brave early-morning swimmers and surfers. The mix of emotions was quite special. Of course the dominant one was linked to being, for the last time in this journey, on my two feet with a whole continent in front of me. That mighty feeling when you realize the enormity of what you are doing. But not only.

By the Bluehouse on the way to Perth

In 2018 & 2019 I spent two years getting ready for the world run. Some of my preparations included spending all my long weekends (public holidays) and vacation allowances (not many in Singapore) flying to Perth and going for “journey-running” vacations. One marathon a day, pushing my stroller containing my camping gear and clothes. 3-days stints and 5-days stints mostly. I have stood many times before in Cottesloe, starting such journeys. Going down south towards Busselton in 5 days. North towards Yanchep or east towards Gidgegannup or south towards Mandurah and back in 3 days. And my longest one, a 320 km loop around Perth, Dandalup and the many forests and parks around. This is the place where I built the confidence to embark on the journey.

Lucky the shag, Perth harbour

With all these feelings boiling inside and my feet itching to get going after the 1 month ½ break, I hit the road with appetite. I settled for a “short distance” on my 1st day as I was still a bit tired from the journey and jet lag. The road was beautiful, and one I have traveled many times before. The mouth of the Swan River, its many cycling paths, the smell of Eucalyptus trees everywhere, parrots flying around in a flash of bright colors (and what a racket they make), magpies and their very peculiar (and territorial) singing. I took it all in and it filled me with joy.

Wisdom on a bench

I reached the campground and was met by James who drove the Motorhome all along. James will go all the way to Adelaide with me, that sorts out the issue of crossing the Nullarbor! Our set-up is a bit different than South-America. We now have a proper motorhome, where we can sleep inside, we have electricity and water, a toilet and shower – and therefore we are self-sufficient to cross the Nullarbor desert (sometimes up to 4 nights before meeting a petrol station/ roadhouse). James’ role is to drive the motorhome to the end point every day – and in the meantime, as usual, he rides his bike on the many trails and roads, and enriches the journey with his own discoveries (so far he is quite impressed with WA’s meat-pie!).

This journey is a joy and a gift that keeps giving… Oh and tonight we camp in an area loaded with Frangipani trees and their fragrant flowers, what a treat!

Enjoy the video of today’s run: https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvxnQY9BB6

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: