One of the real joys of this trip so far has been the people I’ve met. Most have been wonderful, and some wonderful as well as odd. Yesterday was one of those. I was running along when a white van stopped next to me and a guy wound down the window before thrusting a can of ice cold Castelmaine XXXX beer at me.
“Want a cold one?” He asked.
“Uh… Sure.” I replied, not at all sure, “but is it OK if I save it for later?”
He somewhat protested that it would get warm by then, but as it was about 11am and I was half way through my first run I held firm. He pulled the van onto the shoulder and we had a good chat. It turns out he was from Transylvania and had escaped communism 30 years before and come to Australia, where he was an iron ore miner. Interesting guy, especially when he told me his dream was to drive a car around australia – backwards! What a character.
He left me with some extra snacks and the beer, and opened himself one as he drove off, not a great plan. Guess I should be careful on these roads. Speaking of which, here is today’s long road! The fields have ended and the forests have begun.
And on for forever
Until tomorrow folks!
Run Across Australia 
Hi James,
enjoying reading your blogs and about your experiences with the locals 🙂 Sounds like you’re meeting some real ‘true blue’ people – friendly, relaxed, generous and welcoming. Would love to know where you are each day as well, I think the last place you mentioned was Southern Cross. Soon you’ll be waving to anything you see at all, and fascinated to see some spinifex! All the best to you.
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Ha I think you are 100% right! I already wave at all the trucks (they mostly wave back as well..!)
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Do you run on the road or gravel?
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On the road until a truck or car comes, when I generally move over. So a lot of time on the gravel!
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Came across your blog/strava on Reddit. Think it is amazing what you are doing. If you find yourself in the Canberra area give me a bell! Looking forward to following your journey.
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Thanks!! Not sure what my route or plan is once I get over your side of the country but I will see!
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The people you met on the road is part of the fun! Keep the interesting stories coming!
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Will do!
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