Father and son get in one more mile with Pathik before sending us on our way back across America.

Video of the first month in USA

This morning, even before we left our cabins at the KOA campsite, I received a call from Clint with KOHO Radio. Our new friend who we met yesterday and who arranged for our wonderful meals, Harriet Bullet, also arranged an interview for me with this radio station that she owns. It was a wonderful experience and Clint was a very understanding interviewer. We are very grateful for the media when they participate in this way to share our message with the public.

Alex, our new friend from Russia, joined Pipasa to carry the flame out of Leavenworth on this clear and cool morning.

Alex, a Russian gentleman who is a friend of Harriet came out to run with Pipasa this morning from Leavenworth. Alex thought he could handle a mile or so but ended up running about 4 miles.

Running with the torch made Alex’s day and his joy made our day.

It’s amazing what carrying the Harmony Torch can do for our energy and inspiration.

Al and his family treated all of us to a picnic brunch with an abundance of delicious, home cooked goodness.

Allen Retasket, and wife Rose and their son Allen met us again as we approached Wenatchee, the town where they live. Allen and Allen again ran with the Torch even in the heat of the early afternoon. They also expressed the aspiration and inspiration to come join us in New York when we finish the run in August. They truly are harmony lovers and selfless friends who understand deeply the meaning of what we are running for.

The morning crew goes into one last victory huddle before embarking on their diverging paths.

In a nearby town, Cashmere, there is a Historical Society Museum, run by Kari and Jeff, that opened their doors to us as we ran in. Once again the Retasket family cooked and arranged for a brunch or late lunch for us. Sharon, Allen’s neice, and her children Justin, Jamie and Josh were so kind to cook some of the dishes for us as well.

Al’s love for The Run is clearly evident on his prized t-shirt that spans several years worth of autographs from previous teams.

At the museum we saw some incredible displays and artifacts mostly of the local Native American way of life from centuries past. They even have an authentic Pioneer Village outside with log cabins and other old time buildings.

What better way to spend a bright summer day than running for Harmony in your home town.

It was a long and steep climb out of the valley towards Waterville. My team took turns running the long hills for miles and miles as the sun beat down from the cloudless sky. Reaching Waterville, we met Helen and Lori at the County Museum. Helen has been working there for over 25 years and Lori has been the caretaker for many years as well. The incredible large rock collection including some vivid fluorescent rocks were the highlight of our tour. We congratulate Helen for her 26 years there and wish her well in her upcoming retirement.

Thank you to the Coolee Inn.

Our final destinations of the day were our accommodations near the Grand Coulee Dam in the town of Coulee Dam and Electric City. We were offered very nice rooms at both the Coulee Inn and Suites

and the Sky Deck motel. Susan at the Sky Deck and Ruta at the Coulee Inn were very welcoming and hospitable.

Our highlight for the evening was the Laser light show projected on the enormous Grand Coulee Dam after dark. The 45 minute show told a very interesting story of the building of the dam with all of its benefits to the people affected by its tremendous natural output of energy and irrigation water for many surrounding states. The music was incredible along with the artistry in portraying the whole scenario with laser light beams. It was a dramatic backdrop as the huge waterfalls were turned on from the mighty Columbia River over the dam to project the light show on. There were crowds of people from locals to tour busloads of visitors from around the world as well as those of us who ran there.

This whole area of Central Washington is incredibly diverse and beautiful and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to run here and enjoy its beauty.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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