We are so grateful to the Holiday Inn Spearfish Convention Center for kindly offering us discounted rooms for last night.
There were many old cars at the Holiday Inn. Imagine this as a Peace Run vehicle!
We met with a wonderful group in Belle Fourche, including Mayor Randy Schmidt and representatives from the police force, the city council and the community. There was a real sense of community spirit among all the locals as we shared the message of the Peace Run.
We passed the torch so that everyone could add their wishes for peace that we will carry with us.
We were delighted to meet Mayor Scmidt's wife and Belle Fourche First Lady Rhonda, and we appreciated her enthusiasm in welcoming us.
Mayor Schmidt reading Sri Chinmoy's poem from our Certificate of Appreciation: " O dreamers of peace, come. Let us walk together. O lovers of peace, come. Let us run together. O servers of peace, come. Let us grow together."
Mayor Schmidt told us, "You came here as strangers and you leave as friends."
Our gratitude to everyone from Belle Fourche for joining the Peace Run this morning.
Randy and Rhonda led us through their town to our next meeting at a junior Rodeo event. Thank You for your kind welcome.
The Peace Run was announced as we arrived at the Rodeo and we met with several of the competitors and their horses. The Rodeo was organized by the 4-H youth organization, the United States' largest youth developmnet movement. Their official motto is "To make the best better." It reflects the group's core mission to encourage members to continually strive for personal growth, improve their skills, and make a positive impact on their communities.
Most of our international team had never attended a rodeo before so we took the chance to watch a few of the events.
Tenley, with her horse Peggy took a moment between her Rodeo events to hold the torch.
This event involved riding around 3 barrels then bolting across the arena.
Our thanks to Audrey from 4-H for arranging this meeting and showing the team around. 4-H's name and emblem—a four-leaf clover—represent the four pillars of personal development. Head: Managing and clearer thinking Heart: Relating and greater loyalty Hands: Giving and larger service Health: Living and better living
Thanks to Robbi Longbreak from The Belle Fourche Beacon for coming along.
Harita taking a moment to feel peace before starting our running for the day.
At Spearfish City Hall we were joined by Colin, the Chief of Police and some representatives from the city.
Colin commented how his job is made easier because he has a great team of staff and as Spearfish is a small town they work a lot on a community level to keep the town peaceful.
We gave one of Sri Chinmoy's artworks to the town, along with our Certificate of Appreciation.
This statue, named Vision stands in front of the City Hall, encouraging the citizens to reach for a higher purpose.
We ran through Deadwood, a Wild West town which was established during the 1876 gold rush. It has retained its historic look, mixed with modern businesses.
Then we headed back out to enjoy running in the green rolling hills of this part of South Dakota.
Santiva is on her last day on the team, having started from her home in Orlando at the start of May. We are grateful for her peaceful presence, constant willingness and some fine Mexican meals!
Chintamani is also on her last day, having joined the team in San Fransisco. Thank you for your constant smiles, enthusiasm and for being our choirmaster par excellence!
Atulya was thrilled to have his friend Jarred come out to join the team today.
We are still coming across many July 4th decorations, reminding us that we are all celebrating the 250th anniversary of this beautiful country.
We were fortunate in the evening to have the opportunity to visit Mount Rushmore, a National Memorial featuring four United States Presidents who have left a lasting legacy for their role in the nation's founding, expansion, development and preservation.
The 60ft high majestic sculptures depict George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Every evening there is a film shown in the amphitheatre facing the monument, explaining why each President was chosen for their unique role in shaping America.
Then the statues are lit up, making a striking image against the night sky as America the Beautiful plays.
The walkway leading to the monument is lined with flags from all US States and territories.
Our departing team members performed the soil gathering from South Dakota which we will add to soil from all the other states to plant a Peace Tree in New York.
After another action packed and fulfilling day we were especially grateful to have complimentary accommodation with a huge warm welcome at the La Quinta Inn and Suites at WaTiki Waterpark in Rapid City. As a bonus we were also given complimentary entry to the WaTiki waterpark, giving us a chance to soak in their hot pool and test out all the fun waterslides they have.
The rooms all had a welcome care package with a hand written note which was a very thoughtful touch.
On arrival we met with Dawn who so kindly arranged our accommodation as well as the managers of the hotel and the waterpark. We will take your kindness with us as we continue our journey.
