The team is ready to begin our 4th day in Anchorage! It is a crisp morning, blessing us with vastness and beauty.
Alaska's untamed nature has been giving us a lot of joy and sense of serenity.
We love you, Alaska!!
Our first stop is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) and we are warmly greeted by one of the staff at the gate.
A special plaque honoring Chris von Imhof, a founding board member and the first president of AWCC.
Honoring her leadership in AWCC's invaluable contribution to protect and give a safe home to Alaska's wildlife, we presented Torch Bearer Award to Executive Director Sarah "Howie" Howard. Also present were Nicole Geils, Director of Sales and Marketing, and a few staff members of AWCC. They enjoyed our country guessing game and presentation of the Alaska song that the founder the Peace Run Sri Chinmoy composed.
Afterwards, Howie and Nicole very kindly took us to an hour long tour of the Center for us to meet many of the animals there. Here is a male moose.
A black bear comes out to eat the few apples we threw into the pond...one of their favorite snacks!
Here is a muskox, calmly grazing.
Muskox underfur, called qiviut, is 8 times warmer than sheep's wool and softer than cashmere.
Elks...
Ziggy at AWCC holds the Peace Torch.
Howie holds the Peace Torch aloft with Rupasi, our coordinator for Alaska. Nicole on the far right.
Nicole then took us to their native garden, where she kindly put its soil into a special container for "Alaska's soil."
We have been collecting soil from each of the 50 states, so this is our 49th container of state soil. When we have soil from all 50 states, it will be used to plant a peace tree.
After leaving AWCC, we make a brief stop at Glacier Park.
This area was once all covered with glacier. The water is still quite cold, to the point it hurts to dip our feet (for some of us!) A few brave and strong ones enjoyed a brief soak afterwards!
This gentleman is from Olympicsia,WA
On the way to our final destination, the women's team spotted a few Cook Inlet Beluga Whales swimming nicely along the coast. This photo captures 3 of them with their white backs showing up above water. They are an seriously endangered species. Their smooth and swift traveling through the water gave us a lot of joy and happiness.
We arrive at Skinny Raven Sports, a running hub in Anchorage. They sponsor weekly community runs and training sessions. Coach Hallidie kindly invited the Peace Runners to be part of the Thursday evening Pub Run.
The runners who joined were enthusiastic and really enjoyed meeting the team.
Off to the 5 km run!
Skinny Raven Sports inside. A few of us had a chance to purchase some running gear and supplements at this lovely shop.
Local runners joyfully pass the torch among themselves while running the loop of 5k.
Thank you so much for another majestic and blessingful day, Alaska!! You offer peace to the world through your nature and warm-hearted people.
