We're sorry to leave Mark's beautiful home and gardens behind, tucked away in his vast pear orchards overlooking the Wenatchee River. Thank you, Mark, for your generous hospitality and support of the Peace Run!
The Wenatchee area is known as "The Apple Capital of the World". It is harvest time and the runners pass many orchards preparing for picking and packing many kinds of fruit for distribution around the globe.
Sometimes it's nice to take "the Easy Street".
Carrying the torch into Wenatchee.
The team enthusiastically arrives at Walla Walla Point Park.
We are warmly received by the local Ba'hai community. Everyone shares stories, songs and some excellent fresh cherries.
The meeting was covered by media as well ...
Thank you, Dominic, for getting the message of the Peace Run out there!
Roxana and two very enthusiastic young family members from Samoa. The Peace Run has visited these enchanting islands and others in the Polynesian archipelago as well.
Marina, our Russian teammate carries the torch through impressive rocky landscapes by Entiat lake, part of the mighty Columbia River, the lifeblood of the Northwest.
Our next meeting is in Waterville, an historic junction on Highway 2. It has been our constant companion since yesterday.
Mayor Loyd Smith and his right hand Cathy meet the team in Pioneer Park.
Mayor Smith shares entertaining stories about Waterville.
The team visits the Douglas County Museum in Waterville and learn about the area's history.
Marina was excited to dive into the art of water divination under the supervision of museum curator Diane.
Diane also gave us the tour of the museum's extensive rock and gemstone collection.
Some of them are fluorescent and glow under black light.
Before we hit the road again there's time to "coffee up" at the excellent Highway 2 Brew Espresso. Lots of choices but the Mexican Mocha, Frappe and Huckleberry Smoothie were "divine"!
The lunch team prepared a plentiful bag for the team this morning. We divvy up the various chores of the day among the three teams, which means we finish everything including our miles!
Time to hit the road again after our lunch break. Saudamini loves to drive, and I love her ring! :)
The day of running was a light and magic show, with roving clouds, shifting rain, piercing rays of sun, and vaster than the vastest skies.
Attila full of dynamism charging down Highway 2.
Daulot carries the torch into wheat country. Fire risk means no flame. All is well though since we all carry the flame of peace in our hearts.
Atulya and amber waves.
O beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain!
Running the last stretch and watching the darkening skies, wandering rain drops and lightning flashes on the horizon. Thunder is rumbling, will we beat the rain?
Breathtaking colors!
The team is cheerful though as they start into the wind.
Saudamini likes to drive but also to run!
There are patches of recent wildfire damage, a burnt smell filling the air instead of the previous sweet grass. Glad not to light the torch!
Dramatic rainclouds over Banks Lake near Coulee City. The Grand Coulee Dam is not far away, spanning the mighty Columbia river.
The team got completely soaked while running but completed the miles to Banks Lake. Teamwork wins the day!
Our accommodations at the Coulee City Campground are next to Blue Lake, just a bit further down the road. The sun makes its last attempt to appear. Marina is ready for a swim and the team is half way there, being already completely soaked.
The team pitches tents by the lake, then its time to enjoy a serene evening - and Santivas increíblemente delicioso Mexican dinner. Muy ricco, hermana - gracias!
A beautiful sunset and rising moon complete this spectacular day. Well ... Mother Nature has another card up her sleeve: very strong winds rise later in the evening and have us weigh down our flailing tents with boulders - and our bodies, when we retire after all, to listen to the drama outside tucked away in our sleeping bags. Peace Runners lead adventurous (and very fulfilling) lives!
