Annie and Anja carry the torch.

We’re Back, New York!

Running through the Allegheny National Forest gave us a thrill as we had shade to protect us from the hot sun which reached into the 90’s today (30’s C). Even though the course was very hilly, long and sometimes quite steep, I felt happy to be running into New York State, or at least a few miles from it. I ran into Bradford, Pennsylvania, the last town before the New York State Line on our route. I was escorted by Salil in our car and two policemen in their cars as I ran in the intense heat through town. It was a relief to see the reception at the YMCA there where cold water and fresh fruit were waiting for us.

Meeting with the kids from Bradford YMCA.

Chuck Brooks, the Executive Director at the ‘Y’ was so thoughtful to drive out to the course earlier to make sure we would find the exit of our route for Bradford. He was now at the ‘Y’ waiting for us with Paul Rogerson, Mr. Doug, the Youth director, and about 40 children and staff. After explaining to the group about our Run and singing our song with them, the children asked very interesting questions and we shared some of our stories from the ‘road’ with them as well.

All the kids from the YMCA.

After passing the Torch around with the kids offering silent wishes, the children presented us with a wonderful and colorful thank you card that read, “World Harmony Run- Thank You for stopping by and talking to us!” They also presented us with a banner welcoming us to their town. This always gives us the energy and joy we need to keep going and the hope that there are many, many people, especially children, who really care about and think about a better world with more harmony and oneness. We are grateful to them and the counselors, Nicki, Ashley, Lindsay, Alonna, Mr. Doug and others who did not get to sign the beautiful card as well.

Our host for the evening Annie Widger tries her hand at walking Jowan’s slackline.

Our last team of women runners crossed into New York State and ended in Ellicottville. There we were greeted by Annie Widger, a friend who had hosted us in previous runs.

Annie’s Kids Quincy and Tobias fishing. Well Tobias is fishing and Quincy wants to go for a swim, but can’t because of all the lines in the water.

She led us to her house nearby which is surrounded by corn fields, a pond and her horse stables.

Jowan and Sunabin watch Michael fly fishing. He caught a fish about 30 seconds after this photo.

Her husband Mike, and her three children, Tobias, Travis and Quincy, along with some of their friends, hosted us to a fantastic picnic by the pond with a campfire and plenty of food.

Annie’s eldest son, Travis.

After singing around the campfire, Quincy showed us the art of making ‘smores’. This is a very American outdoor campfire snack of toasted marshmallows on a layer of partially melted chocolate between two pieces of graham crackers.

Sevati, Linda and Maria try a different form of locomotion.

Everything has to be heated just right or else a gooey disaster will result. I am still cleaning my hands from my ‘smores’ disaster.

Arpan relaxing after a hard day on the road.

After a very restful night out here in the countryside at the Widger’s farm, we are about to leave for Buffalo, New York.

Jowan balancing on his slackline.

We are extremely grateful to the Widgers, especially Annie who did so much work to put us up and feed us, making us feel right at home.

Running for the next few days in New York makes us feel that we are so close to home in New York City.

But New York is a big state and we cover hundreds of miles as we run into New England before heading back down into NYC. So we have 11 more days to go and what seems so close is quite far as we keep moving down the road for Harmony, meeting wonderful people almost every mile along the way.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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