After a peaceful night at the 'Miles To Go' farm house of our good friends Arun and Julie and family, we had quite a few miles to go to get to New York for basically a day off Joy Day in Woodstock.
We are very grateful to the Hein family for allowing us to stay here in Shaftsbury, Vermont as we make our way from Bennington towards our final few destinations before arriving home.
We carried the torch up the Overlook Mountain trails which is basically 2 miles of constant uphill climb.
Along the way we met very enthusiastic people who were also making the rugged hike and wanted to share the torch with us.
One of the Park Rangers was thrilled to hold the torch and offer goodwill and support for our message and mission.
Many of our friends drove up from New York City to join in the Woodstock Joy Day and help carry the torch as well.
Russia and Bali, Indonesia were represented here at the top of the mountain.
Many European friends enjoyed the view from the large tower at the top of the mountian trail.
The Overlook displays a wonderful panoramic vista of three different states, the Ashokan Resevoir and the Hudson River.
Hiking back down to the parking lot we encountered more friendly people who were thrilled to share the Peace torch and its message.
Next to the parking lot for the Overlook mountian trail is a colorful Budhist Temple that many visitors enjoy during their trek to the trails.
Inside the main temple building is a colorful and inspirational meditation hall.
Returning to downtown Woodstock we saw very colorful people taking part in a drum circle.
We had our own games and events, this one called musical chairs, was a crowd pleaser.
After our Joy Day events our core team made our way to nearby Phoenicia where we able to settle into a friend's cottage for the night.
The next morning we started our run from the Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile in Kenneth Wilson State Park.
In the parking lot we met an aquaintance from New York City as well who happened to be visiting the park at the same time.
Arpan was first to run from the start of our Peace Mile towards downtown Woodstock.
Sarvoday from Ukariane soon joins.
Mahasatya from Poland and Valeriy from Ukraine also enjoy this scenic run.
We finally make our way to the Woodstock Art Center where the Memorial Day Parade was about to begin.
These local bagpipers were very enthusiastic about our presence here and wanted to share the torch before the start of the parade.
Some classic vehicles help to make the parade a very colorful one.
Palash, a librarian by profession, enjoys sharing the torch with these young children from the Woodstock Library float.
Our core team of runners plus Palash, our local team member who helped to organize our participation in the parade, carry the torch and our official banner.
Our team was followed by the very talented and muscial bagpiper regiment which made for a very enjoyable march for us.
Groups from many local organizations marched through town.
Proud veterans carry large flags to honor the men and women who gave their lives for freedom.
Their were a couple of marching bands...
This local priest offers a prayer for peace as we are followed by the lively bagpipers.
Children of all ages enjoyed marching in the parade as well.
Many people lined the streets on this mile long journey through the peaceful town of Woodstock.
People along the way had the opportunity to share the torch.
Local merchants displayed their colorful goods.
This little one had a comfortable seat and view of the parade.
American flags could be seen everywhere on this very significant day.
After the parade we attended a Memorial Day ceremony honoring the soldiers who died in the line of duty.
We brought the torch to the soulful observance.
Some of the families shared the torch to offer their wishes for peace.
Creating a peaceful world for the children of the future will be the best offering to the memory of those who offered their life in the line of duty.
Afterwards we ran south to Fishkill, New York.
We ended at the piano shop of our good friend Amayik.
Amayik is an expert at restoring and repairing all types of pianos.
He is also an excellent piano tuner in the business for over 30 years,
After our visit there we checked into our wonderful hotel accommodations at the Hyatt House in Fishkill. We met two very nice locals who were walking by and wanted to share the torch and find out more about the Peace Run.
In the evening we were treated by Amayik to a delicious Indian meal at a local restaurant near his piano shop, We are very grateful to those who support the Peace Run making it possible for us to keep moving ahead and sharing the torch with everyone we meet.
