Last night we had wonderful accommodations in La Crosse at the Holiday Inn. The staff was very friendly and the rooms were very clean and comfortable.
One of the staff proudly holds the torch for the Holiday Inn which offered us some complimentary rooms.
By 4:30 a.m. we were ready to start on a long adventure. Dennis and Arpan embark on a 100Km or 62 mile run to celebrate Arpan's upcoming 62nd birthday. He calls this his 'ageathon' which he has been doing every year since he was 26, a long time ago!
On the way we stopped at Camp Woodbrooke in Richland Center.
Arpan and Pavaka play our World Harmony Run song together...
...while the children and staff alike join us in the actions.
Feeling peace in the heart, and in nature, seems to come easy to the Quaker based camp-goers here.
Two of the counselors led us in an inspiring song as well.
Everyone had a chance to hold the torch and express their wishes and thoughts about a more harmonious and peaceful world.
Even the young children had wonderful thoughts about a better world.
Shawn Tikkun, one of the Directors of the Camp, offers his wise and heartfelt thoughts on peace, love and harmony.
Shawn's wife Jill, also expresses how this camp and the Quaker philosophy help to foster peace and friendship.
The Camp was located in a very peaceful and natural setting very conducive to cultivating an awareness of and a natural appreciation for living in harmony with nature and other people.
Jill accepts our Certificate of Appreciation as Anamika (Bengladesh) happily looks on.
We ended the ceremony with a fun peace run through the yard and around a small pond.
Children and adults enjoyed sharing the torch as they ran for peace around the property.
Afterwards they all received our 'official' Peace Run cards.
Pavaka (Canada) is accompanied by Zooey Tikkun on the Ukelele. Zooey is an aspiring musician who got some inspiration from our master musician.
Mahasatya uses some free time to work on the report from the previous day.
Sandro (Italy) meets an interested family while shopping.
Meanwhile Arpan's ageathon continues as he and Dennis approach the first marathon distance of 26 miles or 42K.
Trying to remain focused and soulful on this long journey today.
Mahasatya joins the run after the first marathon is completed.
At certain points these two young, strong runners go a bit ahead and 'pull' Arpan forwards to his goal.
A few walking breaks helps during this hot 90F temperature (32C).
Along the way we see some interesting features and countryside...
...and some cute wildlife as well
Ice water on the head is needed at times to keep the body from overheating.
A friendly local resident, Michael, from Madison stops to inquire about our event and to share the torch with us.
After running all morning and afternoon the sun was finally getting lower into the beautiful evening.
Dennis and Mahastya stayed the course to help Arpan make it all the way to his goal.
More local residents share the torch with our runners.
Just before sunset and with about 10K or 6 miles to go the three peaceful 'warriors' take a rest break on the grass to relieve stress in the feet and legs before their last push to the goal.
The sky was colorful and the weather started cooling down a bit.
Two young 'Yogis' and the 'old fogie'. We finally finished the full distance of 100K or 62 miles around 9:30 pm. Gratitude to Mahasatya and Dennis and all the others who supported Arpan on his long journey. It was twice as special running it with the Torch for Peace.
