The sounds of the Run…
Along the empty spaces of roadway, the private world of the Peace Runner is attuned to the familiar sounds of the Run: his or her own footfalls, breathing, and the reassuring "whoosh" of the flame alongside one's face. In the rain, another sound is added: the singeing "swishh"es of rain droplets falling into the Torch and becoming vapour on contact. Often that "swishh" sound is the first indication of precipitation, coming even before one feels the drops.
There is a mystical, transporting magic in seeing, hearing, feeling and becoming a flaming Peace Torch in the rain...
But first – at the start of our today´s run, before we left Wagga Wagga we were met by a reporter and cameraman from Prime TV for an interview, and some shots of us running through the town.
TV reporter Tanya holding the torch and making her peace wish.
The Prime TV cameraman was happy to hold the torch too. Their report appeared on tonight's Prime news not only in Wagga Wagga, but also in Albury, so fortunately we were able to watch their excellent coverage.
Also this morning, we found the report in the Wagga Wagga "Daily Advertiser" prepared by reporter Andrew Pearson who we had met in the park the previous evening.
We are so grateful for such kind-hearted, thoughtful and sensitive reporting of the Peace Run – both in the Press and on Television – as it helps tremendously with spreading the message of the Run.
A lovely family who greeted us as we ran through town.
Then it was time to "hit the road"...
Today being the final day of school holidays, there were no school meetings arranged and hence a day of only-running, through the rolling pastoral countryside of southern New South Wales.
En route …sometimes running makes you quite hungry!
Very thorough map reading can make you get lost as well. Like Zina – here in deep map-contemplation – who took a different road (maybe to see another part of Australia? :) After this we had to find her.
Meanwhile our boys' team was making good headway.
"Does the Torch ever go out?" This is one of the questions schoolchildren ask us at almost every school we visit… Well, the answer is: "Yes it does!" In fact, we blow it out ourselves every hour or so in order that it can be re-fuelled and re-lit, ready for its next little leg around the continent…
Late in the morning, we were greeted by the first rainfall of this year's journey: a soft, subtle, silent, soothing rain; a caring and caressing rain; a gentle, even compassionate rain.
Arriving in Albury ahead of schedule...
... we were drawn to Noreuil Park, nestled in a bend of the mighty Murray River – Australia's longest, and many would say, most significant river.
The Murray forms the border between the States of New South Wales and Victoria, carries the lifeline of water to vast irrigation fields sustaining numerous inland communities and vast unique ecosystems.
Of particular relevance to our Peace Runners, the Murray River was declared a Sri Chinmoy Peace River – in honour of the life's work and ideals of the founder of the Peace Run, Sri Chinmoy – in 1993.
Today, the Murray played another role – soothing the feet of the tired runner...
Anatomy of a photo shoot...
Peter, photographer from Albury's local newspaper, the "Border Mail", met our runners at today's finishing point in Noreuil Park, right on the Murray River.
He was eager to capture just "the right" photo, and put himself and our runners through their paces to capture that perfect shot.
We look forward to the results in tomorrow morning's "Border Mail"!
This evening our girls team is sleeping well, thanks to Sundowner Hume Country Motor Inn for very nice accommodation. We had a lovely time meeting your family and your wonderful children. It brightened the end of our day!
... meanwhile, the boys team were greeted by Jett at "Albury Classic Motor Inn" on Wagga Rd, Albury.
All our thanks to Maree (Jett's grandmother) for her kindness and hospitality. After a day of running in the rain, these spacious, comfortable rooms certainly were a treat to find!
