Distance today = 46.05 km; Total distance = 26,104.54 km; Location = Albion Park – 34 34.252’ S, 150 46.453′ E; Start time = 0814, Finish time = 1513

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/372850772

Another day full of visitors! I did an interview early on with ABC Illawarra, as I headed across the Southern Highlands.

Soon after, I was surprised by a visit from Gregor MacFarlane and his father, John. I last saw Gregor in Newport, Rhode Island, in October last year. He was travelling up from Tasmania, and found me today via the tracker.

A little later, my cousin, Warren, stopped as he passed me on the road. I was then joined by Kate’s trainer, Matt, who ran with me for the rest of the day.

We passed through the town of Robertson, and soon after, I was met by an old school friend, Cindy Stevens, who was passing by. It was great to see so many people surprising me on the road via the tracker.

We then reached the Robertson Pie Shop, which Billy Connolly once described as having possibly the best pies in the world. Matt, Carmel, and I just had to have one each.

About one kilometre further on, I reached a spot on top of the escarpment, where I saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time on the run since Los Angeles in late February last year. It’s been more than 18 months.

From there, we started the descent of Macquarie Pass – a 600 metre vertical drop, over eight kilometres. The quads might be a little sore tomorrow.

From the bottom of the pass, a quick 10 km then brought us to my finish for the day in Albion Park, where Kate picked up Matt. Carmel and I drove on to Barry and Deb’s, where we’re staying tonight, catching up with others as well.

Don’t forget, the finish is at 1 pm at the Opera House on Friday, and I’d love to see as many there as possible.