Tasmanian ultra marathon runner Vlastik Skvaril and his wife Jo are nearing Adelaide, having travelled over 3,000 kilometres of their 3,200-kilometre Stuart Highway journey for CanTeen. Vlastik has seen it all from his trusty push-scooter – emus, dingos, road-trains and fantastic landscapes.
Along the way Vlastik has experienced cold weather, scorching heat, head winds, tail winds and massive duststorms that stopped them in their tracks. Vlastik says it was his speed that stirred the dust up over eastern Australia!
This was a difficult time for many in Central Australia with Vlastik witnessing a number of vehicle accidents as a result of the gale force winds. They have also been overwhelmed with the friendliness and generosity of people along the highway and many a story has been shared at their stopover camps.
There have been many highlights including Mataranka Springs, Devils Marbles, underground in Coober Pedy, Alice Springs and of course Dinky, the singing Dingo at Jims Place,” said Vlastik.
“We plan to arrive in Adelaide on 5 October, all going well, and then the final ride to Colonel Light’s Statue on 6 October.”
Vlastik is sponsored by the Forestry Tasmania-Southern Cross Community Assist Program, which provides funding for organisations and individuals seeking to make their communities better places in which to live. Community Assist is covering most of Vlastik’s expenses, ensuring that every dollar raised is donated to CanTeen.
Branchline October 2, 2009
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