As soon as she saw the torch, Pipasa jumped out of her car and joined the team on this most beautiful summer day.

Video of the first month in USA

On the early morning team we ran from Winlock where we were so warmly received last night as we ran to the center of town by the giant ‘Egg’. This egg represents the industry that was so prevalent there many years ago. They are even having a series of community events during this weekend called ‘Egg Days’. We are so happy that some of the community there allowed us to play a small part in their friendly programs.

Sarah and Salil review the intricate route through the sprawling Tacoma area.

Miles up the road as we ran through the town of Centralia; we were told that there might be some people waiting to greet us at Schaeffer Park. I ran to the park outside of town and saw a kind and welcoming individual there to greet us all by herself. Shelly had been waiting for us for about 30 minutes before she decided to leave the park. As she was driving away she passed the runner with the Torch running into town. She went back to the park to wait for us patiently as I ran into the parking lot.

I did not see anyone but her waiting in her car and I asked if there was anyone who had been waiting earlier. She was the only one, and even though she did not fully understand what we were doing or why, she waited for us and warmly greeted us. Even one person can make such a difference as we pass through communities that may not have been properly informed of our arrival there.

The Saturday morning crowd at the Olympia Farmers Market listened attentively to the message of the Run.

About an hour later our women’s team ran into the capital city of Olympia. At the big and beautiful Farmer’s Market we made a small presentation on the stage there. The weather was ideal for people who were picnicking outside on the tables.

It was a captive audience as our full team was there including a few new members just joining us from Seattle. Other friends from Seattle also came down with food for us, as we were less than a day away from our northwestern most city.

Dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at the waters edge for the historical ceremony declaring the Port of Tacoma as the world’s first “Harmony Harbor”.

Tacoma was to be our last stop of the day and it was also the highlight of the day and one of the most impressive and memorable meetings yet. Our dear friend Dr. Russell (Amritananda) Barber was there to welcome us to what was now to be declared the World’s First Harmony Harbor in the Port of Tacoma.

City Councilman Bill Evans and Ports Committee President Connie Bacon, present the World Harmony Run with the unique Declaration.

Councilman Bill Evans and Connie Bacon, the President of the Port Commission were kind enough to come and offer two wonderful plaques declaring the World Harmony Harbor here.

Tacoma Ports Marketing Agent Rod Koon added his spontaneous sense of humor the festivities.

Rod Koon, Marketing Agent for the Port of Tacoma and his family Tracey, Jessie and Kelsi also made the event very special for us. Debra King from the Sister Cities Program in Tacoma was also present to offer her kind words and support.

Dr. Barber , who is a dear friend and admirer of Sri Chinmoy , the Founder of the World Harmony Run, inspired everyone with his sincere dedication to the global effort.

Dr. Russell Barber thought of this brilliant idea not long ago as we were running towards the west coast from New York. He took the ball and ran with it and achieved something quite unique and significant as well.

With the majestic snow covered slopes of Mount Rainier as a backdrop; Salil introduced the honorary guests who enthusiastically supported the event.

I am sure this is the first in a series of significant Harmony Landmarks that will change the face of the world for the better for decades to come. We are also grateful to Sharon, his sister, and Eric, his nephew for attending this memorable and touching program.

The joyful celebrants of the world’s first “Harmony Harbor” were one big happy family.

As we spoke in the shadow of the large blue globe behind us, we also had a clear and vivid view of Mt. Tahoma, or Mt. Ranier as is called by most people. This mountain is huge, vast and covered with a brilliant white orb of snow even as the summer has begun here. In a mountain range of many beautiful mountains, Tahoma stands out like a huge giant and testament to the power and grace of the state of Washington and its incredible mountain ranges.

Divija, Dori, Anya and Sevati , our inspired women’s team, say goodbye to their adventurous “life on the road” and to their brothers who will dearly miss their bright smiles. ( Not to mention their running and organizational abilities. Ciao! )

After all the formalities we had a delicious picnic with food cooked and donated by the Silence-Heart-Nest Restaurant in Seattle. The food and the company was fantastic and we were sad to leave this beautiful harbor where love, oneness and harmony manifested so naturally there.

Traveling to Seattle for the night, we were treated to dinner as well by our Seattle friends. We are so grateful to Pipasa and Prarthana for organizing the events and the food for us and to all the workers who took time to welcome us and make us feel at home.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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