Distance for July 6 = 55.31 km; Total distance = 22,683.84 km; Location = Mundrabilla (41 km west of) – 31 52.985’ S, 127 47.652′ E; Start time = 0810, Finish time = 1643

Distance for July 7 = 56.34 km; Total distance = 22,740.18 km; Location = Mundrabilla (15 km east of) – 31 48.618’ S, 128 21.994′ E; Start time = 0809, Finish time = 1646

Distance today = 52.56 km; Total distance = 22,792.74 km; Location = Eucla – 31 40.622’ S, 128 5.044′ E; Start time = 0753, Finish time = 1551

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/339299195

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/339299152

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/339299115

I mentioned previously that the plain I’m running on had thousands of fossilised shell creatures scattered everywhere. Well, there are actually millions, and probably billions of them – mainly molluscs of some shape or form. There are clam shells, conical shells, snail shells, and others, mostly attached partially to, or in, rocks. I have been running along, imagining how it once was when the area was part of the sea floor.

A number of people stopped along the way Saturday. One girl wanted to run with me while her father took a photo. Another guy pulled up in a silver Jaguar and gave me $70 toward Oxfam. Others asked if I was OK.

Michael rode another 62 km on Saturday, while Jeff ran the last 13 km with me. They are really upping the ante, both doing a lot more than they have been used to. Jeff rode 54 km on Sunday.

On Sunday, I passed the 200 km mark for cumulative ascent. This means that, over the course of the world run so far, I have climbed the equivalent of Mt Everest more than twenty-two times.

We have been regularly passing, and being passed by, a nice couple, Pete and Elle. They drive ahead, find a campsite, and stay a few days. Later I get passed by them again. On Sunday it was my turn to pass their campsite. I’m sure I’ll see them again in a few days.

And Sunday saw the arrival of our very good friends, Jane and Peter. They have driven here with their caravan, and will be keeping us company for a while. It should be good fun with the six of us. There will be more arrivals in the coming weeks.

Today I ran to Eucla, getting my first vision of the sea while running since the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe Beach in Perth. Today it was the Southern Ocean. Just before the town there was another RFDS emergency airstrip. I’d love to see a plane landing on the highway.

It was a bit of a tough day, as there was a stiff headwind for much of the day. Michael had an even harder time, riding the 66 km into the wind, with no shelter at all.

I got in later in the afternoon, but all the others went down to the beach to see the huge white sand hills and the historic building, including the old telegraph station that is now half under sand.

There has been an unmarked police car that has been making the long round, back and forth from Eucla, the past few days. Each time he approaches me, looking like any other car, he suddenly flashes the red and blue lights to say hello.

Tomorrow I’ll run across the SA/WA border, and will have nearly 200 km before the next settlement. I am resigned to another stint without phone or internet reception, but let’s see how it goes.