Video of first month in USA

Now at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, or about 2 kilometers, we were laboring more for our breath as we ran long hills as well. Our main ceremony of the day was in Bayfield. As we approached this mile high town, I was stopped by four seniors in the local High School, Matt, John, Joe and Jessica, who wanted to know what we were doing with the torch. One young man asked to light his cigarette from it but I told him that he could only use the torch to spread inspiration and harmony in his own way. He put away his cigarette and proceeded to run over a mile with me and his two friends, while Jessica drove their vehicle. We stopped after entering the town and they were quite thrilled about having had the opportunity to carry the torch. I was also happy to have had the opportunity to give them the chance and to run with them.

Close by, we met another group of people who were waiting for us to run to a nearby park. With a police escort, we carried the torch with a group of young track runners, some parents, and Patti Harrmann, the wife of the Mayor.

Patti carried the torch into the park where there were about 50 people eagerly awaiting our arrival. Among them were a group of Native American Dancers from nearby Ignacio, part of the Southern Ute Reservation.

After our introductions, the Shadow Wind Dancers performed a number of native dances so beautifully dressed in traditional costumes. They even got the whole audience involved, including us runners, in a friendship ‘wheel’ dance.

We did a simple step in a huge circle together with the beat and chant of the Native singer.

Harmony was definitely tangible as everyone at the park seemed to have an experience of oneness and friendship.

We are very grateful to Justin Clifton for helping to organize this event, along with Mayor Herm Harrmann and his lovely wife Patti. We also offer a deep debt of gratitude to Mikki Roubideaux and all the Shadow Wind Dancers and other memebers of the Southern Ute Indians. We are grateful to all the runners, young and older, who came out to join us, to Pamela Smith (Mrs. Claus), the planning commissioner and Wally White, the county commissioner.

Carol, from the Pine River Times newspaper came out to cover the story and we are always happy and grateful when the media can share these important, positive community events with all the people who read the newspapers, listen to the radio or watch television.

The evening ended in the Durango East KOA Kampground. It was a very clean and quiet place to spend a restful night although the cold air seeped into the tents and offered quite a contrast to the sunny, hot weather from the last few days.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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