After a sumptuous breakfast of an array of fruits and bagels from our generous hosts, Jibitesh and Paripurnata, we headed out into the glorious Californian sunshine.

We continued our journey on Route 1 up the west coast.

The air was fresh from the cold Pacific Ocean as we ran fast.

The views across the many bays were stunning. As we run along the highway we have the sea to the left and rolling hills and mountains to our right. It is wonderful running conditions and so scenic.

There were many cyclists on the route. One cyclist, Mike Groves from Morro Bay held the torch.

On our route we passed a small town called Harmony (Population 18, Elevation 175). The town of Harmony grew up around a diary founded in 1869.

Until 1907 the creamery changed hands several times. In these early days rivalries and feuding among the diary farmers caused chaos in the valley. After one shooting death, a truce was called. All agreed to live henceforth in harmony, and from this the name of the town was derived. It is a great example of how people can come together to resolve their differences. It is a testament to how harmony can be achieved by simple acts of forgiveness and compassion and more importantly the will to live harmoniously.

As we wandered around taking in the ambience of this place we met many people passing through.

Two of those people were Kathy Rebsch and Louise Johnson. They offered us a prayer and a very touching and thoughtful blessing for the team’s safe journey through the country.

Just a few miles from the town of Harmony we entered the picturesque town of Cambria. At the YMCA Cambria Teen Centre we met Tyrone Armstrong, Sr., Director of the Centre and some of the young adults. Tyrone was very engaging and his eagerness and enthusiasm to assist us shone through. It was enjoyable to spend time with him and he put smiles on all of our faces.

As one of the teams had completed their running for the day at Cambria we had some time on our hands. On the advice of Rachel from the Centre we went to Cayucos Beach. It was certainly a great recommendation. We enjoyed the cold Pacific Ocean sea that revived our tired legs.

The last running team of the day took the torch further up the coast and made several new friends.

After first they didn't seem to excited to see us.

Ahhh... these guys again!

But then we got a few cheers from the group...

... and several of them really enjoyed our jokes.

From here it was just more beauty...

And of course the running...

Our breakfast was so good, that we decided to go back for dinner!

We can't begin to describe how amazing and rejuvenating it is to spend time with good friends, good food and continuous pampering!

Jibitesh and Paripurnata nearly made it impossible to run away!

We are so grateful to them!!!!!!

– Mark

Distance: 96 miles

Team Members:
Atulya Lee Berube (San Diego), Mark Collinson (England), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Vladimir Salnicov (Moldova), Kokila Chamberlain (England), Drsalu Gruenstaeudl (Austria), Maria Manecke (Germany), Jeromy Cheatham (San Diego), Abhejali Bernardova (Czech Republic), Salil Wilson (Australia), Sukhada Korshunova (Russia), Pujari Schaffer (San Francisco)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!