Before we even started running today, Leeman Primary School was first on our agenda, and we turned up in Jemma's room at – well, 'about 9.45 am' ...
Ion has quite an intellectual mind; it is almost as if Einstein sits on his shoulder. Sometimes he even sees him there ...
Our meeting took place in the classroom ...
... then it was outside onto the oval for the chance to pass the Torch around ...
All the teachers were caught in the spirit of the Peace Run. Three educators – Lorraine, Fran and Sue – ran with the Torch ...
... along with all the students, of course!
Cakes and scones were shared with teachers and students. These were provided by the cleaner Maria, and the gardener Theresa ...
We walked to our van together at the end, sharing the delight and surprise of Leeman Primary School ...
From the school, it's back on the road – for our team today, a combined effort of 75 km towards Geraldton in a van with 6 eager boys. We drive to our starting point ...
... are we there yet?
Once again a giant crayfish will show us the way ...
This tree has found a way to stay out of the wind ...
At last, time for some running ...
The enthusiasm of Sarankhuu`s youth is unparallelled as he leaves for his first 5 km ...
Pathik soon follows, representing the Czech Republic ...
... he runs with the clarity of a true peace runner.
Steve feeling the benefits of an extended massage in Perth, which he reckons has improved his running by 60% ...
Bayarkhuu and Sarankhuu hold a yoga class for truck drivers.
Meanwhile, our other two teams had spent their morning running towards Dongara ...
Our girls team had what we thought was 54 km to run, but turned out to be a little longer – 65.7 to be exact! All the same it was lovely to be running along a highway which offered us views of the Indian Ocean and green countryside ...
... both teams met up before running into Dongara together ...
We were all looking forward to our meeting with Deputy Principal David Bull and all the kids at Dongara, as they were the very first school in Western Australia to agree to host the Peace Run!
Some of the students met us at the edge of town and ran with us through the streets of Dongara ...
... towards their beautiful school ...
We were greeted in the open-air assembly hall by 500 enthusiastic students from years 1 to 7, along with class captains from the High School ...
... what a bright bunch they are too – we think they were the best so far at guessing which country each runner comes from – even getting difficult countries like Czech Republic and Latvia without much trouble!
The students had written wonderful Peace Pledges which they read out to us all ...
... everyone had the chance to hold the Peace Torch and offer their wish for peace ...
... we felt that the kids and teachers at Dongara are really living the values of oneness, co-operation and respect toward each other. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Dongara District High School for giving us such a fun and delightful experience.
It pays to take notice of ALL road signs ...
... or else ...
On our way out of Dongara, at Seven Mile Farm we found the friendliest sheep we have ever seen! Just call out “come here sheep!” and they all come rushing over ...
... give them some of the grass from the other side of the fence – and they’re friends for life!
We found a couple of signs very appropriate for our team – this sign for short people (Helena and Anubha) ...
... and Irwin River (Emily´s grandparents' name.)
After another few km we ended up in the beautiful seaside town of Geraldton. Our excellent beachfront accommodation was kindly provided by Joy at Sunset Beach Holiday Park.
We also caught up with Dean and his sons Archie and Sam, who had seen us out on the road today and are travelling from Tasmania to Darwin. Perhaps we’ll see you again on the long road to the Northern Territory!
Over at Batavia Coast Caravan Park, some of our boys were fortunate enough to enjoy the kind hospitality of the helpful and friendly staff. We are enjoying a wonderful night here! Also a big THANK YOU to Frank at Champion Bay Bed & Breakfast, who kindly hosted the remining three boys of our team. Sadly due to a malfunction we are not able to supply a photo recording our presence here – please accept our sincere apologies.
