Epic-ness at Irrational for Robertson

We arrived at Parachilna Gorge around 12.30pm, and Kelli and Peta had our chairs out from the van and in the shade. We enjoyed cheese and vegemite sandwiches, had a sock change, and Peta treated one of my blisters on my toe. With our bottles all refilled, and a little rest, we were back out there and now on the Heysen Trail, where we were to follow the markers. This was quite a nice section with trail, and a bit of creek bed stuff. We were lucky to have the company of George and Tracey for a while out on this section. George was familiar with some of this part of the trail, so we were able to follow the signs without getting off track. It was 18kms on to Aroona, where we knew Sally and Juliet would be on the aid station, so we were looking forward to some yummy hot food. Eventually both Tracey and George got away from us, and Bianca and I were back on our own. We arrived at Aroona just before 5pm, and were treated to frittata, mushroom soup, ciabatta bread, and a cup of tea. I was also fortunate enough that Matt the medic was there, and he was able to do some massage on my back. I remember guzzling some coke before we headed out just before 5.30pm, and being able to use the toilet facilities at the camp site before we hit the trail again. We did have to concentrate to pick up the trail again, and it wasn’t long before day started turning to night. We were climbing up a part of the trail, and saw a vision on the side of the path, and met John who had gone a different route out of the aid station, and was checking his phone. He was happy to follow us along the trail, and it was great to have company. We did manage to lose the trail somewhere along this section, and were trying to make sense of the GPX, when another headlight joined us, and we met Mitch. So the four of us pooled resources to get ourselves to the next aid station which was Trezona, and 14.3kms. So with plenty of conversation, this section in the dark went reasonably quickly. I truly can’t remember the terrain! We all arrived together, and we were well looked after. Peta and Kelli looked after our water bottles, and our socks etc, and we were fed ham and cheese toasties by the lovely volleys at the aid station. So good, we all had 2 rounds, not sure if I had tea, but probably as it always went down so well. Our feet were treated with dry shampoo, and I think Mitch jumped on this foot bus too. The four of us, Mitch, John, Bianca and I left this aid station together at 1.55am, it was a pleasant 11kms to the next aid station, Bunyeroo, where Bianca and I were going to sleep. Pretty sure we didn’t get lost on this bit, and with all the chatting the 11kms passed really quickly. Heather and Erik were at this next aid, and treated us to a yummy rice dish, and cup of tea. We were sad to say goodbye to John and Mitch, and they were taking Katie with them on to Wilpena Pound, but we wanted early sleep, whereas they were going to sleep at Wilpena. We enjoyed 90 mins sleep in the van, and Peta and Kelli were able to sleep too. 

Because we had slept we were now the last people on the course and we were lucky to have the company of Robbie who was the sweeper of this section. It was going to be a long section of 24.5kms, so was good to be rested before tackling this bit. It was definitely a bit gnarly and hard to follow in places, and of course it was dark, so we were glad of the company. Eventually after some time we saw the glow ahead of a high vis vest, and I knew we had caught up to Kirsten, and sadly would have to say goodbye to Robbie, who would then stay with her. The track was a bit easier to follow after this bit, and one of my favourite memories of this whole race is going towards Wilpena Pound at daybreak and seeing the beautiful mountains with the sunlight warming them up. We got in to Wilpena at 7am, and it was lovely to see the girls and also Melanie and Simone at the aid stations, Scott and Matt the medics were here too, and RD Ben. We were treated to cups of tea, egg and cheese wraps, Bianca had coffee. We sorted out socks and shoes, and also grabbed our hats and gloves for this next loop. We had an 18.4kms loop back to Wilpena Pound, and this included St Marys Peak! I was very dubious about this section, as John had spoken about it. I am not good with heights, or technical terrain, and this was both. We headed out, and nearly took the wrong track at the start, but corrected ourselves, and then bumped in to Sophie, race photographer, who took our photo and then convinced me I would be fine going up the peak! Well, it was terrain I never thought I would be able to do, boulders climbing up and up, some almost vertical boulders where you had to work out where you put your foot to hawl yourself up, and also steep drops around you! Esther came past us, she had taken the wrong turn lower down, but had corrected herself. Then Harmony and Alexis went past, like mountain goats. A few photos and they were gone. I am scrambling at times, and getting stuck on ledges, but with Bianca’s “encouragement”, “hang on mum, I will just take a photo!”, I did make it. We were passed near the top by Mitch and Katie, and were lucky to join them on the ledge at the top and enjoy the view and something to eat. It was my birthday, and Bianca was wishing she had bought a little bottle of bubbles to celebrate, but Happy Birthday was sung again anyway. It really was quite the sensational view. Our trip down the other side was rocky and technical, and it was slow going for me, but Mitch was very patient, and we made our way down with both Mitch and Katie. I was happy when we hit level ground again.

We arrived back at the aid station, and were looked after by both the aid station volleys, Melle and Simone, and our crew, Kelli and Peta. Hot noodles, cups of tea, hot chips from Katie, and then a birthday cake and birthday wishes, how special. While we were here John caught us up, and now our little band was back together again. After having our feet sorted, all of us, and our packs refilled, we all left together to head to Black Gap. The first part we had been on the reverse way, and was nice and easy, we saw emus and mountain goats, and said hi to a few runners just coming in from the loop. Hugs and words of encouragement were given. Then we had a very technical rocky ascent, some missed the path, but we were fortunate to follow and not miss the signs, thanks to Katie, and although it was very tricky going down the cliff, with help from Mitch I did get down with no falls! Repaid the favour later by helping him with some water as his stomach had turned and he only had tailwind. We shared what water we had left to make sure he stayed hydrated as it was now a 10kms path, although easy, towards Black Gap. It was still warm, and I was grateful I had my hat on. By the time we reached Black Gap the sun had gone down and it was 6.30pm. We were welcomed by Michelle and her parents who were running this aid station, and were fed the most delicious lentil and potato mince. I know although 5 of us turned up together, we were quickly looked after, and devoured our food, and many of us asking for more! There were a few other runners in that aid when we got there, but they left before us, and I was able to sit in one of the recliner chairs for a few moments and close my eyes. Before leaving I remember having some yummy chocolate cake.

The five of us left together around 7.40pm, heading to Red Range, where there was a water tank to refill our bottles, just under 16kms to that point, and then another 16.6kms to Mount Little Homestead where we would meet our crew and hopefully have a sleep. Somewhere in this section of ups and downs we did lose sight of the markers, and came across Esther who had also got lost. We combined all our eyes, and eventually we found our way to Red Range! On the way having nature stops where we all spread out, and then came back together again. The combined joy of us all together was so good. At some stage I remember thinking I was so tired, and suggested that when we got to the water tank a dirt nap might be in order. Thankfully everyone agreed, and when we came across the water tank there was a wooden platform, and 4 of us crashed out on that, and the other 2 found a spot on the ground. We just had 10 minutes, but it was oh so good. After filling our water bottles and having something to eat, we were on our way to Mt Little. This next section was mainly along creek bed so lots of rocks, and mostly easy, at least at the start, to navigate. We did have another dirt nap along this section in the creek bed, and it was at this point Esther decided she couldn’t cope with her tights on any more, which were covered in bindi prickles! We did get spread out on this section, and Mitch and Katie were striding ahead, and Bianca and I, and John and Esther, did stay together as when we got out of the creek bed it was another navigational mine field. During this time John said he was going to go and do the out and back to the homestead straight away, and Bianca and I were going to sleep first. 

It was coming dawn as we came in to the aid station and saw Kelli and Peta, what a welcome sight. We had a 40 mins sleep, a shower (bliss), and clean clothes, before having an egg wrap and I am sure a cup of tea. It was 4.5kms to the homestead turn around point where our spot tracker batteries would be charged. It was along a dirt road, so we started our run/walking this section, Esther was just in front of us, but stopped to chat to someone so we passed her. We passed a sign that said 200 Milers but for some reason I thought it was for the next section out and so we walked right past it. About 1kms up the road I was like where is that homestead, Bianca was powering on ahead of me, and I started to get concerned. Eventually about 2kms on, a four wheel drive pulled alongside me and Ben (RD) said you have missed the turn off, I will go and get Bianca and come back and take you to the turn around. Esther had done the same. I was furious with myself, why hadn’t I checked my gaia map, why hadn’t Bianca’s watch said we were going the wrong way! A couple of cars went past with people we knew, and I was quite upset. Anyway Ben came back and picked me up, we came alongside Esther who insisted on walking to the turn off point. So back on track, it was another 2.5kms to the homestead, Mitch, Katie and Kirsten all passed us going back to the aid station. We eventually made it to the homestead, and lots of activity going on here. It was the start for the 100 milers and they were all turning up and checking in. Shaun was there, and he changed our batteries, but I really wanted to just cry, I was mad with myself, the course, the markers, I wanted to strangle him! While there we had hugs with Simone, Jez, Shannon, who was about to do her first 100 miler with hubby Justin, and Lucia too. I left there feeling better, and it was 4.5kms back to the aid station and we were still inside cut off. We passed some alpacas, and there was a baby Bianca wanted to take a photo of, but I think the male one, decided he didn’t want her anywhere close and came and stood on the bank to protect them. We passed Esther who was nearly at the homestead, and after a quick chat were on our way back. A big blue 4 wheel drive came up the road, and it was Ted and Melissa, Ted giving her a lift to 100 miler start. Bianca noticed smoke from the vehicle and said so to Ted, who first thought she was joking. Unfortunately not, and he jumped out of the car, and the rear of the vehicle canopy was on fire. As he and Melissa grabbed stuff out, Bianca and I were asking other drivers coming in for water, fire extinguisher etc, but the fire took over very quickly. Poor Ted. We couldn’t do anything to help, except warn drivers coming in for the race start to take care. As we walked away the smoke plume was huge and black, and then gas cyclinders exploded and the tyres, it was a most distressing scene to witness. Thank goodness Bianca had noticed the smoke, as only a few hundred metres on, the devastation could have had tragic circumstances. Sadly much of Harmony and daughter Juliet’s running gear was lost in the fire, but many rallied together to find them clothes etc to wear.

So back at the aid station, and much talk about the car fire, we managed to get fed and refilled and refuelled for the next section of the course. Approximately 21kms with a water drop at 15kms, and 6kms of road in to Hawker where our crew would be next. After negotiating ourselves to the creek bed, that was what we had for kilometres, rocks, slate and more rocks! This is the first time I felt a bit nauseous, and was struggling to eat anything, I just felt urgh! It got very warm out there, and we were trying to stick the bits that had some trees for shade. At some stage I know we had a dirt nap, not for long as the flies were annoying, but I did feel better afterwards. When we found some water, it was a relief to dip our buffs in, and put them around our necks. Eventually the cloud cover came in and that was a relief. I was really looking forward to finding the water drop, and then the easy 6kms in to Hawker. Wrong! The road was horrible, I thought we would never reach the aid station, we wanted to run, but couldn’t, so we hiked as best we could. It was during this bit I started to doubt myself, I was exhausted, and thought maybe I could quit here, and let Bianca go on with Esther who was just behind us. When I mentioned that, Bianca said no. Just wait until you have something to eat, and have a rest, and you will be fine. She was right. 

When we got to Hawker, oh delight, Kelli and Peta had got us a pie and a coffee from the local café, that went down a treat. Kelli, also definitely put a positive on the next section, by saying she would pace us if we wanted. This was just the kicker I needed, and we promptly agreed that was a great idea. It was a long section, 40kms but she was up for it. Scott was looking after Mitch and Katie’s feet, and we were in the queue for him to look after us. My back needed some treatment, and so did my feet. I was given a bucket of ice water to put my feet in by Sally, who was looking after Katie. So after soaking my feet, I then lay on the grass, had a blanket thrown over me, and promptly dozed off. Scott massaged my back, and then sorted out my feet, and then Bianca’s feet, then we headed to the van for a sleep. I am pretty sure cut off here was 7pm, but after our sleep, a pulled pork roll, and cup of tea, we left at 6.30pm. We were lucky to also have Lucia who was doing the 100 miler, leave Hawker with us, so our band of 4 headed out to find the first markers to get us on to the unsealed road which was the first bit. It had just started drizzling, but I felt ok with a t shirt and long sleeve top on, so it was a while before I put my rain jacket on. We hiked at a reasonable pace along the road, and then eventually hit the long climb to Jarvis Lookout, Lucia had now run ahead. I was happy to get to the top of the hill, and then the terrain changed to rock filled “paddocks” where we were following a fence line. It was rolling terrain, and gradually the rain got heavier and heavier, and the ground started to get more slippery. We were now joined by three 100 milers, who passed us, and so we followed along and under a fence, and then over a stile! Lucia came back at one stage from being in front of us, as she was not sure of her navigation. We continued on all together, 7 of us, but somewhere we lost the fence, and then we were unsure of where to go. In the cold wind and the freezing rain we tried to work out our direction, and we ended up going in a circle, through muddy sections, wet sections, and prickly sections, trying to find a Heysen sign! Eventually we saw a headlamp, we thought it might be the light from the water station, but no it belonged to a person, our saviour! A lady who ironically followed Bianca on Instagram, Melissa had the headlamp and was looking for the fence line. We followed like the pied piper, and although she was faster than us, we could see her light in front of us. Thankyou Melissa we will always be grateful, otherwise we would still be going around in circles! Bianca was in front with Esther, Kelli and I followed, and the three other 100 milers behind us. What a relief, we were back on track!! It was so cold, I haven’t been that cold in years, and really wanted to put on my space blanket, but the wind and the rain kept me from stopping to do this. We finally hit Barnes Road, a very wet and muddy track, that would eventually lead us to the pile of water containers on the side of the track to refill. I kept hoping there was a gazebo over the top and that was where I was going to put my space blanket on under my clothes. But, there was no gazebo, and we might have missed the water drop if not for someone in front of us who pointed it out. Anyway Kelli and I filled up our bottles, and then carried on the slipping and sliding track. Eventually we saw 2 people up ahead, off the track and stripping down to make dresses of their space blankets, it was Bianca and Esther. So very happy to see them, I did the same, undressed, wrapped myself in my foil blanket and then redressed. Kelli put on her thermal top, which I now wished I had bought with me. As the four of us were at this point, Lucia came back down the track, she had missed the water drop, and now had to retrace her step back another kilometre to refill, as we were still about 2 hours from the aid station at Paracoona. Esther, Bianca, Kelli and I carried on on this very slushy, muddy section of track for ages, before we eventually saw the headlights of a car. We passed through a gate, and then saw Shaun. He informed us that the race had been paused due to the extreme weather, and advised we were to carry on to the aid station, and wait there until the next decision was made. Shaun was on his way to rescue Jackson who was one of the 100 milers behind us, and now in trouble with the cold. It was at least another 2 hours before we finally reached the aid station, with extremely wet clothing, and very muddy shoes, we were grateful to finally get there, it was 4.30am. 10 hours since we had left Hawker! Peta had managed to make her way there, leaving the van further down the track due to the condition of the road in, and was given a lift in by Susan and Lee-ann, who were crew for Esther, and had a 4wd. Thankfully Peta had some dry clothes for us, but there was no where for us to sit. All the chairs were taken by other runners who had come in before us, and they were all wrapped up in blankets, and most of them fast asleep. We were extremely fortunate, Frank and Jill, Shaun’s parents were on this aid station, and they kindly offered us to change and then rest up in their caravan. We ditched our very muddy shoes, and were so grateful to be inside in the warm, and completely undress and put on warm, dry clothing. A lady unknown to us, came and cooked us noodles, and Frank made us cups of tea. Peta and Kelli went back to the van, and managed to get some sleep there. Bianca and I rested up and closed our eyes on the bed in the van, and covered in blankets felt extremely grateful. Within half an hour we heard the race had been called off, due to extreme weather conditions, making roads difficult to negotiate for crews and volleys, and unsafe for runners. 

It was kind of relief, as well as the obvious disappointment, but safety was the most important issue here. All runners were accounted for, and everyone was now safe. Frank made more cups of tea, and then cooked delicious egg wraps in the caravan, which went down a treat. Eventually we ventured outside once it was light, and found out who else was the aid station, happy to see new and old friends. We all posed in front of the Paracoona sign for our finishing photo, Bianca and I wrapped in our space blanket to keep warm.

We were fortunate to get a lift back to our van with Susan, Esther, and Lee-ann, following a convoy of 4wds, and vans, across the creek bed and up the other side. It was very slippery and slidey, and I was glad I wasn’t driving. We got to the van, passing Peta and Kellie who were walking back to the aid station with warm clothes for us. Fortunately Chris and Jenny Gerdei had been behind us, and Chris offered to turn the van around, and then go back and get Peta, and Kellie, and then offered to drive the van the 10kms out to the bitumen road. We were all very grateful to him for this, and I have never been so glad to get on to the road.

Once back at Quorn, we found a café and got the much needed coffee, and then all the runners and crews were to be back at the finish line for a debrief from Shaun and the Race directors. It was a very emotional time for all, but as runners our safety was paramount, as was the crews and the volunteers. It was not what was wanted, but was definitely necessary, and everyone agreed the right call had been made. Thank you Shaun and your amazing team for looking after us. That was an incredible event.

The after party went ahead on Sunday, and everyone who was still on course at 10.30pm on Friday night, was granted a finish. Bianca and I were given a 218kms finish distance, but our actual distance as we went to Paracoona Aid as instructed, gave us 245kms. It was a great party to chat with friends and enjoy drinks and food, and discuss this incredible event. 

We loved all the times with new and old friends, it is a beautiful but challenging landscape, I am glad I have done it, and again achieved another amazing distance.

Thankyou Shaun for the gift, I will remember this event for ever.

To our amazing crew Peta and Kelli, thank you so much for looking after us, we will always be grateful. 

Congratulations to all the runners, and thankyou to all the volleys and Race Event team.