The weather has gotten a bit warmer over the last few days but still it is quite comfortable for running; in the low 70’s F or 20C. From the cold and damp mountainous terrain we have now entered into the more arid type of desert air. The hills are quite green for this area as they have had more rain than usual in the spring. The energizing aroma of sage pervades the whole atmosphere here as we run up and down long hills and which weave around and through the hilly terrain.

Today my team ran the last mileage of the day. Salil and I shared quite a few up and downhills, but mostly uphill, so it seemed. Drinkwater Pass was over 4200 feet in elevation. That would be just as high as the highest peak on the East Coast. But soon after descending a bit from that pass, we had to share another long uphill to another Pass. The hill was over 5 miles long and it never leveled out until the top which was 4848 feet in elevation. The name of that Pass is Stinkingwater Pass. The name does not sound too appealing but in fact it offers quite an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding area. The water in Stinkingwater Creek at the bottom of the pass is quite clear and it was flowing well. Although the name is one that is not so easy to forget, it does not do justice to the wonderful natural feeling one gets after an invigorating run up miles of hills in the open air of such beautiful surroundings.

Although we did not meet any groups of people today as the tiny towns were few and far between, we did have a few unexpected experiences as usual. One of the women’s teams ran past a ‘shoe tree’. People have been throwing their shoes in this tree, signing them first. It was a strange sight in the middle of such a plain and natural environment.

Quite a few people we met in various stores and gas stations today were curious about what we were doing. We love to answer questions and offer our brochures to those who are inspired enough to ask us what we are all about.

The women’s team members who had visited the library in Burns, Oregon today met a 12 year old girl, Sarah, who seemed so excited about our endeavors. Later, she and her mom came to have dinner with us at ‘El Toreo’, a wonderful Mexican Restaurant that was so kind to treat us to dinner tonight.

We also were kindly invited to stay at a number of motels tonight. The Silver Spur Motel in Burns as well as

the Best Western and

the Comfort Inn all gave us at least one room to stay for the night. We are so grateful again to those who treat us with such kindness and respect.

O WORLD HARMONY RUN USA

O World Harmony Run USA,

You brighten many lives day by day.

Your soulful message is precious,

Your runner-children’s will is tenacious.

O World Harmony Run USA,

Your soul’s offering is here forever to stay.

Mile after mile you usher the hope of a new tomorrow,

Smile after smile you bring harmony to replace sorrow.

O World Harmony Run USA,

One day, world harmony shall be the only way.

To each state you offer something unique,

In each state you witness its aspiration-progress-peak.

O World Harmony Run USA,

For world happiness you ceaselessly pray.

Your energizing presence can heal division,

You are the true pride of our Creator’s Vision.

Slava ( Moldova)

Since we have reached halfway yesterday in our long journey into the heart of America, we now are beginning to feel that we are perhaps on our way home. But I must say from experience that it does not truly feel like we are heading home until we reach Seattle, which we will do in ten days. Then we turn and head East again after a couple of days rest there. We really look forward to our journey to the Northwest Coast and hope that others will feel the inspiration that we are getting everyday from both Nature and humanity as we traverse this great land.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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