We are very grateful to the folks at the AmericInn of Bemidji for offering some really nice rooms for our runners.
We also had very comfortable rooms at the Super 8 in Bemidji for which we are very thankful.
Yuyudhan started the day with a brisk early morning run.
Yuyudhan Hoppe is our great coordinator from Minnesota who is joining us for a few days.
Our only current Canadian member right now, Pavaka, starts the day off with a smile as he joins his first Peace Run.
We headed to the Misssissippi River headwaters, Lake Itasca, where it all starts from deep in the ground.
Part of our 11 person team stands happily by the Mississippi source. We have crossed this mighty river numerous times in the South and now we will cross it many times in the North.
Many people come here from all over to enjoy the clear, fresh water that eventually becomes the Mighty Mississippi.
Our torch became very popular there as peace lovers from all over enjoyed sharing peace with us.
The river starts in a very calm and peaceful idyllic location.
This is a model of the northern section of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
Our whole team, minus Malijanga who is taking the photo, standing at the source of the Mississippi River which is over 2,500 miles long.
Frogs represent enthusiasm, which is a good quality to have on this Peace Run which lasts 4 months and 12,000 miles.
More friendly tourists share the torch with us.
An old style riverboat offers tours in the Mississippi River.
Pavaka leads some of the runners towards our next destination.
Mahasatya from Poland takes over the torch to lead us to the Century Middle School in Park Rapids.
We has a small stage to offer the children our program.
The children have a chance to find peace in the heart in a moment of silence.
Having fun with our World Harmony Run song.
The children pass the torch to each other making wishes for peace.
Some of the parents and staff enjoy offer their smiles and goodwill as they pass the torch.
Neil, a triahtlete and coach from the group 'Itascatur' proudly holds the torch high for peace.
We are very grateful to the Chamber of Commerce, Century Adventures and Tonja Petersen, Itascatur and the 'NFL' Group for joining us in this wonderful event.
Arpan offers our Certificate of Appreciation signed by many of our runners from around the world.
Salil checks out the colorful and creative artwork on peace from the children.
The children drew a huge peace sign for us as well.
Elaine, from Itascatur, leads the children in a peace 'train' run around the playground.
Elaine was a good train 'engine' for the children. She is also a dancer and teacher with the World Peace Dance group.
After the ceremony some of the children played soccer with some of our runners. Looks like future World Cup soccer stars may blossom here.
A big happy group of peace-lovers gave us much joy in Park Rapids today.
Amburoha from Ukraine flashes the peace sign as the women's team is about to leave to run their miles.
Malijanga is still enjoying the playground as she goes down the slide with the torch.
Time to run now as one of our guests bikes comes along.
Elaine and Neil join the women for a few miles.
Salil fuels up the torch as it is time for the second men's team to run their miles this afternoon as we head south.
Our main photographer, Yatkara from Ukraine, gets photographed as he runs strongly today.
Sandro from Italy has been with us since we were in Florida in early May.
Dennis from Luxembourg is going the whole way around North America with our team.
We don't want this friendly chap to hold the torch, that's for sure.
Salil runs past a modern windmill for a little extra push.
Now he can make it up the hill.
Looks like Sandro finished his run for the day. Now he is having a little fun for the day.
We finally settle into our evening accommodations and enjoy our meal and a peaceful conversation.
