A big thank you to FairBridge Inn & Suites in Miles City for four wonderful complimentary rooms that send us on our journey well rested and full of smiles!
The first team heads into early morning light and decends upon a magical landscape awakening to the sound of our running feet.
Dewdrops glittering on the lush grass.
Constant companions: Cows and yellow wildflower.
But of course Montana is also 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 comes in, another prepares to start her 2 mile stretch down the road ... our system of "leapfrogging" enables us to cover more ground in less time. And of course it's always fun to cheer for the incoming runner and take a pic, while our trusted van awaits ...
Good job, girls!
Teammate Marina said this landscape reminded her of Kyrgyzstan where she was born. She always heads into her running stretch full of cheer and dynamism. But beautiful scenery spurs her on even more. Luckily Montana is full of it!
Who got mail?
Along the road, there is always time for a quick stop at historic points and informative plaques ...
This is the River that many claim "is a mile wide, an inch deep, and runs uphill". That statement may be exaggerated, but captain Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition commented on its colour and called it "disagreeably muddy". "War-Rah-Sash" in the language of the Mandan and Hidotsa roughly translates as Powder River. Built in 1946, the steel bridge over the Powder River was the last through truss bridge constructed in Montana. The legendary Red Trail runs over it. We ran over the newer one.
Passing the time before our next official meeting in the delightful playground in the City Park of Plevna. Good to see our Peace Run director is young at heart!
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" Elenor rounds the bend full of dynamism and gets the team on their way 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.
For our lunch break we found a recently opened gem in the heart of Baker: historic homested turned chic cafè: "Honey's" run by Honey aka Ira herself, together with daughter Andrea and son in law Luke.
Mexican teammate Santiva soon discovered common roots with our cheerful patrons.
Santiva was in bliss being served a plate of authentic Mexican quesadillas. Muy ricco!
After this truly delightful pit stop at Honey's, the team heads towards our afternoon meeting in Baker Lake Park full of energy and enthusiasm!
We are equally enthusiastically received by members of the community, including many children, so we plunge head on in our interactive presentation of the Peace Run.
Dhavala confirming the location of Scotland, her home country, on our portable map (lovingly dubbed the BRT = "the big round thing"
Acting out the words to our World Harmony Run song together: here everyone is carrying the flaming Peace torch.
"We are the oneness and fulness of tomorrow's sun!"
After all this action, it's time to feel peace in our hearts and make sure we'll try every day to spread it within our families, communities and beyond. "Peace begins with me!"
Executive representative Alissa receives the team's certificate of appreciation together with a colourful artwork by Peace Run Founder Sri Chinmoy, titled "World Harmony".
A sure highlight is passing the flaming Peace Torch to everyone present.
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!
Our boys at the state border. They certainly are legendary! :)
Butte country.
Local reporter Brad of the Bowman County Pioneer came to chat with us after dinner to get an insight into the ins and outs of the Peace Run and its uplifting message. We also took some fotos together in front of our RV. Certainly, we put Bowman on the map!
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 sweter!
