Cathy, the General Manager of the Best Western Plus Ponderay Mountain Lodge comes out to greet the team. She kindly gave the team complimentary rooms. We had an excellent time, relaxing our weary feet in the hot tub after a long day of running and enjoying a scrumptious breakfast to strengthen us for the day ahead. The fresh local berry mix was incredible! Thank you to the breakfast team, who are represented here, as well!
The men's team is already out on the road, covering the first stretch of miles.
Cindy from North Bend, Washington, takes the opportunity at one of the team's switchpoints to hold the Peace Torch.
Crossing the state line from Idaho into Montana. Our stay in Idaho was short but very sweet! Now Montana will host us for many days to come. We're excited! Especially as we have "local girl" Saudamini on our team, who grew up in Bitterroot Valley.
The beautiful Clark Fork River will be our companion now. Its origins are more than 240 miles east of here at Silver Bow Creek, which joins the Clark just west of the Continental Divide, above Butte, MT. Its average flow rate is greater than any of Montana's rivers. Eventually these waters join the mighty Columbia River.
Mayor Gussie O'Connor receives the Peace Torch at Thompson Falls City Hall. She reads out a beautiful proclamation.
Mayor O'Connor signs the proclamation, declaring June 29 "The Sri Chinmoy Oneness Home Peace Run Day".
Salil Wilson receives the proclamation of Thompson Falls.
Mayor O'Connor receives a Certificate of Appreciation. It is a mutual appreciation.
Harita reads beautiful words by Peace Run Founder, Sri Chinmoy.
A group photo at Thompson Falls City Hall, then the Peace Torch is passed from hand to hand ... heart to heart ...
Lisa with the police department.
Kelliann Barton is Mayor O'Connors 'right hand' woman!
Skye Hill from the Sanders County Ledger. Thank you, Skye!
Thompson Falls City Hall is home to strong women!
Running towards our next meeting in Plains.
A crowd gathers in front of Plains City Hall despite the drizzle and listens to the Peace Run presentation.
Mayor Chris Allen calls Plains "a slice of Heaven". He should know, he grew up in Paradise (MT).
Owen Jermyn and Cord Greer from the local track and cross country team listening to the wise words of their mayor.
Rob from Forks Police not only provides America enthusiast Tavishi from Australia with a cool badge, he'll also provide police escort for the team running out of town.
Owen and Cord will carry the torch out of Forks. We've designated our best runner, Dhavala from Scotland, to represent the team.
Salil and Saudamini cheering on the runners as they hit the road.
Six happy feet following Rob in his police car.
Ed from The Ledger and Tracy from Clark Fork Valley Press represent "competing newspapers" but really are best friends and their playful banter and tall tales brought us no end of entertainment. Thank you for coming out and covering the Peace Run's visit to Plains.
Heading home after a job well done!
The Peace Torch travels on ...
We've finally made it to Paradise!
We sure will!
These are the stories the Peace Run writes: waiting with our van in a driveway by the side of the road at our 2 mile runner switch point, a cute little red car pulls up and the owner of the house peeks out the window - but not to tell us off for parking in her driveway, but to proclaim, that she knows these runners in blue, since six years ago she chanced upon one of them, exactly here in her driveway, provided them with water and learned all about the Peace Run in return ... at which point Chintamani runs up with the torch and hands it to Carlotta. See you in a few years, friend! :)
The cows are enjoying the lush pastures; and so are we (visually at least :)
The Prichard Formation dates back 1.5 billion years; it is one of the oldest visible sedimentary rock formations in western Montana. It can be found at the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead Rivers.
For thousands of years the SQELIXw - people of the Salish, Pend Oreille and Kalispel tribes - inhabited the valleys of the Clark Fork and other rivers of western Montana. Today, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes have over 6,500 enrolled members and maintain a sophisticated government with headquarters in Pablo, Montana.
The Salish people had different names for different places along this river to reflect its changing character and terrain. Do you think "Shining Waters" fits this stretch?
"Interesting" Yard Art pulling into our accommodations for tonight in St. Regis.
Getting ready...
