Even though there were no ceremonies planned for today, it turned out to be a very busy day for most of us.

My early morning team had to go shopping and then make lunch for everyone using our R.V. which we just retrieved from the mechanic for repairs.

We left from the Oneness-Family School, thanking them for all the inspiration and enthusiastic participation. As parents dropped their children off at the start of the school day some still wanted to take photos of their child with the Torch next to our vehicle. It was difficult to leave the Washington, D.C. area as we had been treated so generously and warmly by so many people there.

On the road again, some of our runners met up with very enthusiastic and interested people along the way.

The women’s team ran by the Drew Middle School in Fredericksburg, Virginia inspiring an impromptu ceremony there. Principal Cathy Williams and her assistant Brenda Hermann invited our team to hold the Torch with the students who were quite thrilled to do so.

Prakhara and Kokila, our newest women’s team members, along with our

two Russian team members, were quite happy to have had the opportunity to share the Torch with the children.

At the end of the day we were warmly welcomed to the Henry Clay Inn in Ashland, Virginia. A converted classic old Colonial Mansion, this very cozy home in a quaint area of town was a real treat after our longest running day so far.

It made for a real down home southern Virginia experience.

Our women's team was very nicely hosted by the Super 8 in Ashland. They also have supported for many years. We are so grateful for their generosity.

The second men’s team prepared a very delicious and abundant meal at the Inn which we were able to enjoy on the outdoor wrap-around porch which one does not see too often on modern housing anymore. We are very grateful to the proprietors of the Henry Clay Inn for offering us this delightful experience and such comfortable and roomy accommodations.

We also were kindly offered a discount on our grocery shopping at the family owned Cross Bros. Grocery Store in Ashland.

– Arpan

Distance: 86 miles

Team Members:
Arpan DeAngelo (New York), Atulya Lee Berube (San Diego), Yuyudhan Hoppe (Minnesota), Gabriel (Canada), Mark Collison (England), Kshetragna (Russia), Surya (Russia), Drsalu (Austria), Vladimir (Moldova), Kokila Chamberlin (England), Prakhara Harter (Washington, DC)

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