Team A

We left Port Fairy YHA early this morning. This YHA was very  kind to host us for the previous evening and gave us a nice send off in the morning.

Running out of town was easy going – nice straight roads –different to the constant winding tarmac on the Great Ocean Road we experienced yesterday.

We made our way to Portland where were met Councillor Frank Zeigler and his wife Cathy and Deputy Mayor Robert Halliday and his wife Shirley.

Councillor Halliday offered some thoughtful words on harmony, saying that without it the universe cannot be eternal – he was extremely grateful for Sri Chinmoy’s inspiration for the event.

The councillors were kind enough to open their shire offices and feed us with a scrumptious lunch. We realised why they would want to come to work on a Sunday. Their function room overlooks the port with spectacular views.

Dolphins, seals and whales literally frolic within a few hundred metres of the building. Colm befriended some seals and a massive sting ray down in the bay before we left. Thanks to Kylie Walford who works for Glenelg Shire and helped organise such a warm function, even bringing her parents to join in the quest for harmony.

We continued in the direction of Mount Gambier in the vehicle to run the last 27 kilometres into town where we arrived at Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park where Katey the manager received the torch.

Team B

This morning the girls’ team had a leisurely 9:30am departure from the wonderful Port Fairy YHA (which is, incidentally, Australia’s oldest YHA, with buildings dating back to the early 1800s. We think it is also the cosiest. Thank you!) and after an hour’s drive westward started running towards Portland.

We were fortunate that most of the countryside was flat, and we enjoyed the serenity of our rural farmland surroundings. We had a half hour to spare

before meeting up with the boys’ team at 12:45pm for a ceremony and lunch at the Glenelg Shire Council.

What a hospitable bunch! We then ran out of Portland and headed towards our final destination for the day, Mount Gambier. The last running leg was particularly enjoyable as the temperature cooled down and we found ourselves running towards a rather spectacular sunset (just like in the movies!) Until tomorrow, we will continue to dream big…

– Julie Anderson (Australia)

Team C

On the first day of week six of our Australian journey, the Victorian section of the World Harmony Run would come to a close.

We passed many luscious green fields and enormous pine plantations on our way to the South Australian border.

Getting our mileage done early in the day left us a few spare minutes to enjoy the beautiful surrounding forestry and coastline

which provided an awesome backdrop for one of our favourite pastimes on the run – Frisbee!

Port MacDonnell, known as Australia's Southern Rock Lobster Capital, is a small community with a generous and vibrant heart.  The Port MacDonnell Lawn Bowls Club gave us a very warm reception and cheered us into the hall where Jane Fetherstonhaugh, representing the Mayor of the District Council of Grant opened proceedings.

The torch was passed around the room and everyone offered a very heartfelt wish for world harmony.

It was also our honour and privilege to present three Torch-Bearer Awards in person.

Peter Feast,

Nita Roebuck,

and Jill Cutting, for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of their fellow citizens of Port MacDonnell.

We would like to send our most grateful Thank you to the kind-hearted members of the Lawn Bowls Club for serving us such a delicious lunch and a send-off we won’t forget. Runar even got a big hug!

On our way out they even showed us a thing or two about the fine art of Lawn Bowls.

Our last stop for the day was the scenic vista of Mount Gambier. The short climb to the top gave us a stunning view in every direction and a picturesque view of the Crater Lakes.

On Wednesday we met up with the manager of Thrifty Richmond, Melbourne. Bill has provided invaluable service to the World Harmony Run by offering 3 new 12-seater vans at a very generous rate for the entire journey. Thanks Bill from all the team!

Thanks also to Ken from the Gardens Caravan Park, Port Fairy, for the warm cabin last night.

– Marichi Clarke (Australia)

Team Members:
Prabhakar Street (Canada), Edi Serban (Romania ), Standa Zubaty (Czech Republic), Sandro Zincarini (Italy), Runar Gigja (Iceland), Marichi Clarke (Australia), Misha Kulagin (Russia), Dima Lehonkov (Ukraine), Colm Magee (Ireland), Angela Muhs (Germany), Nataliya Lehonkova (Ukraine), Elke Lindner (Germany), Friederike Makowka (Switzerland), Prachar Stegemann (Australia), Veeraja Uppal (Australia), Tristan Boyle (Australia), Grahak Cunningham (Australia), Julie Anderson (Australia)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!