Morning sunrise over the Methow River
We started our morning at the world famous Mazama Store and Bakery, where Methow Valley News columnist Shelly Smith Jones met us for breakfast. As we all enjoyed best-in-class pastries, she discussed the ideals of the Peace Run with our team and smilingly held the peace torch.
The morning run through the Methow River valley was beautiful. Especially since it warmed up quickly after a chilly morning.
We ran mostly in groups today as we didn't have much distance to cover.
Our first stop was Winthrop Rink, a top notch outdoor sports facility where locals and athletes of all ages from around the state come to compete in year-round hockey tournaments. Program Director Annie Carlson kindly met us and shared an enthusiastic vision for future Peace Run (and "Peace Ski") possibilities.
Locals enjoying the peace glow.
Daulot and Stota Fountain (left) organized our events in central and eastern Washington. They are right at home in the rugged countryside and make us feel at home as well.
Long-time friend of our local coordinators, Dwight Filer blessed us with his presence for a mile run and also accompanied us to our next ceremony location, TwispWorks.
At TwispWorks, local personality Don Ashford has a radio station, KTRT The Root, where he took the time to record a lengthy interview with a few of the runners.
Don's better half, Sara Ashford, operates Cullen Studio, where she displays her art. Here, she shows the team around.
We all ate our fill tonight thanks to the generous offering from the owner of Carlos 1800 Mexican Grill. Carlos gave the team a complementary meal.
We were humbled by Carlos's generosity, and offering him our certificate of appreciation and a Peace Run t-shirt was the least we could do. We forgot to tell him he would have to run if he wears the shirt.
