Day 717 – Australia – WA [Balladonia (8 km west) to Caiguna (150 km west)]

27/05/22

41km

  From Balladonia (8k west of) (Western Australia) to Caiguna (150k west of) (Western Australia)

Australia

Changing landscapes, a highway doubling up as an airstrip and very light traffic

It’s a long way between service stations!

The landscape is starting to change. I notice the eucalyptus forests on each side of the road are getting thinner and thinner. 20 km or so after passing Balladonia, the forest had completely receded. The only vegetation left was low bushes, sort of maquis. And very seldom trees. I get a sense that very soon, all that will be left is the red earth.

Highway doubling up as an airstrip for the flying Docs

Meanwhile I carried on going along the straight stretches of road. I was surprised to see a board indicating the highway was doubling up as an airstrip for the RFDS (royal flying doctor service). I had not thought about it before, but this is the only way to bring health services to the people who live in these remote places. Quite impressive as it is apparently not just for emergency (though mostly) but also a wide range of healthcare services.

Empty and quiet on the Highway today

Anyway no one landed on that part of the highway as I ran through it. I notice as well that since passing the Balladonia roadhouse, traffic is getting thinner and thinner. Road trains, caravans & motorhomes as well as service vehicles make up for over 90% of all vehicles. And there are now long minutes of silence on the highway between vehicles. It certainly is quieter! I am glad James is always around, whether on his bike or with the motorhome, I appreciate the company.

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

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: