Thank you to FairBridge Inn & Suites in Miles City for providing excellent complimentary rooms for the team. Everyone begins the day well rested and full of smiles!
The first team heads into early morning light and descends upon a magical landscape awakening to the sound of our running feet.
Dewdrops glittering on the lush grass.
Constant companions: Cows and yellow wildflower.
Montana is the home of swift horses!
Today, Montana is also the home of swift Peace Runners! Our two womens' teams are making quick work of the miles past Miles City.
One runner completes her miles, another prepares to start her two mile stretch down the road, relay style. "Leapfrogging" allows the team to have two or more runners on the road at one time, thus covering all the miles more quickly.
Well done runners, thank you for carrying the torch for peace.
Teammate Marina likens the landscape to Kyrgyzstan, her birthplace. She is always full of cheer and dynamism. Beautiful Montana scenery spurs her on even more.
Who got mail?
The Peace Run always gives the runners a chance to learn about local history firsthand.
This River many claim "is a mile wide, an inch deep, and runs uphill". Clark of the Lewis and Clark Corp of Discovery called it "disagreeably muddy". Mandan and Hidotsa called it "War-Rah-Sash" or Powder River.
Early to the City Park of Plevna for our next meeting, Salil makes himself comfortable.
Mayor Gary Theilen receives the Peace Run on behalf of all 179 inhabitants of Plevna, MT.
Town clerk Ashley reads out the city's proclamation. The founding father's motto of E PLURIBUS UNUM = "out of many, one" resonates well with the spirit of our Oneness Home Peace Run!
Passing the torch to the next generation of proud "Plevnians".
Ashley's daughter and "office assistant" Eleanor rounds the bend full of dynamism and leads the team back out on the road.
The railroad played an important part in the creation and growth of towns like Plevna. Piercing train horns have been steadfast companions to us these past days as well. Atulya is carrying the torch onwards to our next stop: Baker.
The women's team found a gem in the heart of Baker: historic homestead turned chic cafè: "Honey's" run by Honey aka Ira, with daughter Andrea and son-in-law Luke.
Santiva soon discovered common roots with our cheerful patrons.
An authentic meal of Mexican quesadillas. Muy ricco!
Now its time to meet our kind host here in Baker so the team heads towards Baker Lake Park
The Baker community greets the team with enthusiasm and good cheer.
Dhavala show the kids her home "Scotland" on the team portable map.
Singing the World Harmony Run song together including the actions that go with the song.
"We are the oneness and fulness of tomorrow's sun!"
Feeling peace in the heart. "Peace begins with me!"
Thank you to Chamber of Commerce and Alissa Miller for welcoming the team so warmly in Baker. Alissa receives artwork by Peace Run Founder Sri Chinmoy, called "World Harmony". And a Certificate of Appreciation signed by all each team member.
Every hope and wish for peace shared with the torch accompanies the team on its journey.
The rosy future of Baker: Reece!
Salil contemplating extracurricular activities. Yes, we all went swimming after this ceremony! Would be a shame to miss the only beach in Eastern Montana and a well deserved splash in Baker Lake!
It's a pretty straightforward transition from Montana into North Dakota.
The men's team at the state border. They certainly are legendary.
Butte country.
Brad from the Bowman County Pioneer came to meet the team that evening. Brad was happy to hold the Peace Torch and offer his own goodwill and hope for peace. Thank you Brad for all you do.
Muchissimas gracias to our wonderful Nicaraguan hosts who offered us complimentary rooms at their cheerful North Winds Lodge in Bowman. This way our only night in North Dakota felt that much sweeter!
