Heading north of Anchorage to the municipality of Eagle River, we found ourselves at the Fire Lake Elementary School, nestled neatly behind a range of snow covered mountains.

The first thing I noticed when entering the school was the children's colorful artwork decorating some of the hallways and one hallway lined with cross-country skiis. This certainly distinguishes this school from most schools in the other states where skiing is not usually part of the curriculum.

It is also very obvious here that the art is quite relevant to their environment.

Our program was held in the gymnasium where about 300 children and teachers gathered to join us in sharing ideas and songs about harmony and related important qualities such as peace, kindness, friendship, sharing and other qualities that the children and teachers so kindly vounteered.

After the teachers took a lap around the gym with the Torch to the delight of the children, everyone had a chance to touch or hold the Torch and offer a good thought to pass on.

Mrs. Erin Jones, one of the teachers who organized the event, along with Susan Palyati Fouse, our local coordinator, then ran the Torch outside to the fifth graders who were having an outdoor gym class.

The children had fun as they warmed up for class by following Palyati around the field in a train-like fashion. Coincidentally, at the very same time we heard a train from the Alaska Railway passing by and blow its loud horn.

After leaving this wonderful school with harmony and gratitude in our hearts, Palyati noticed that Denali, or Mt. McKinley, was finally visible in the far distance.

For our whole week here so far this great mountain was hidden behind a veil of clouds. But now, for a short while, we could see it from higher ground as we drove up the Arctic Valley Road for a quick photo which really cannot do justice to the magnificence and scale of this great natural wonder.

We also caught a bird's eye view of the beautiful city of Anchorage where we have been so kindly hosted by John and Palyati Fouse for almost one week.

As we leave this wonderful city and state, often referred to as the 'Last Frontier', we offer gratitude to John and Palyati who treated us royally, taking care of us in every way.

They are seen here figuring out once again what to offer us as we were constantly showered with kindness, comfort, transportation and food from these two great 'Alaskans'.

We are also grateful to all the schools and runners that have welcomed us and shared with us all their enthusiasm and energy for creating a more harmonious world.

We would like to thank Crowley Petroleum for their kind contribution of gasoline which fueled our long trips throughout this part of the fascinating and huge state of Alaska.

Mount Susitna, or ' The Sleeping Lady'.

Flying high above the Chugach Range.

So we leave you with two parting shots from the window of my airplane as we depart from this vast and beautiful state for the time being. I can see why some people may not want to leave here once they get a taste of the 'Last Frontier': Alaska!

– Arpan DeAngelo

Distance: 4 miles

Team Members:
Salil Wilson (Australia), Arpan DeAngelo (USA), Palyati Susie Fouse (Alaska, USA), John Fouse (Alaska, USA)

Gallery: See more images!