Click here for a very funny video of Runar on a rope swing.

An early morning breakfast made by Julie and Arun at their large and comfortable farm house was the perfect way to top off a wonderful overnight stay there on the ‘Miles to Go’ Farm. Some of us were able to spend some time walking around part of the property with the family, including Benjamin and Matthew, their two young sons. Skye, their dog, and some of the cats also escorted us as we visited the horses, sheep, chickens, and large barns that were once part of a big dairy farm here many years ago.

Our first team of runners ran to Brattleboro with a short stop in Wilmington at the 100th Monkey Holistic Store And Center. Our other two teams of runners also were able to stop by here and enjoy the hospitality of Susan Lewis, the owner and proprietor. She treated us to drinks and discounts on other items as well. We had an impromptu ceremony with some of the customers and our friend Akankha Perkins, who held a welcome sign for the World Harmony Run in front of the store.

We are grateful to Akankha for arranging our events in this beautiful state of Vermont, including the next one at the Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro. To enter this park you have to drive or run over, and through, an historic covered bridge. There are not many left in this country and I think New England has the most. This one was in very good shape as it brought one back to the times of horse and carriages and simple living.

Once in the park, we were enthusiastically greeted by about 50 children and a host of staff members at the Day Camp there. Carol Lalotte, the Director of the camp, organized this event as she does every year for us. Also present to greet us were Barb Sondag, the assistant Town Manager, and Cate Lecuyer from the Brattleboro Reformer. Also present was John Parsell, from the Alana, a multi-cultural organization which tries to establish equality of various groups mostly in the communities in the New England area.

It was a very inspired ceremony as the children sat outside in the shade and seemed wrapped with interest in our adventures. They really enjoyed learning the Hawaiian version of a dance of Harmony called the Hula. After that we sang our theme song with them and then ran with them in our Harmony Train around the yard.

All of our team received a nice little gift of Ben and Jerry’s Peace Pops from Carol. She has supplied us with these welcome treats many other times as we came through here. This Vermont based ice cream company donates a certain portion of their profits to peace programs. Some of the runners who had finished their morning run here were able to accept the invitation to swim at the large pool here. They had a great time with the children swimming and having a diving competition. Needless to say one of the children won the competition with a great front flip. Vladmir, our Moldovan runner, also won a category: worst dive award.

We ended the day settling into the Windsor Mountain Camp near Hillsboro. Sarah Herman whose father started this multi cultural enrichment camp in the 60’s, welcomed us here for the third year in a row, offering us tent space, office availability, and even dinner in the ‘mess’ hall with the children and staff. We are looking forward to a morning ceremony with all the campers in the morning.

Arpan and the Team

The True and The Free

We are running from sea to sea

We are running in God’s country

We are running with humanity

We are running for World Harmony.

We are singing our oneness song

We are ringing our victory gong

We are leaping over miles long

We are feeling our souls strong.

Sisters and Brothers

It is time for a change

To the list of World Lovers

Proudly add your name.

Sisters and Brothers

Come and take the flame

It is like no other

You will never be the same!

We are running for the True and the Free

We are running for both you and me

We are running , can you see

For a future filled with harmony.

song by Bangshidhar

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