Julian tries to hold off the sun.

Solitude is actually a liitle rare out on the road.

Leaving the Best Western Beachfront Hotel in Fort Walton Beach was most difficult this morning. We all were treated to beautiful rooms overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and were lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. The water was crystal clear and the sand was fine, white powder which was a cushion beneath the feet as some of us took a walk in the sunrise mist of the cool morning air.

Mood shot.

But the road of Harmony beckoned some of us on the early team as we had to drive a ways to the running route and start running by 8:00 am.

Salil shares the inspiration of the World Harmony Run.

Some of the others stayed behind at the hotel and met with the local television station there with Peggy and Ellen from the hotel who so kindly offered us four rooms for the night.

It is rare that the torch does not bring a smile.

After a few u-turns as we tried to find our way back to the route, Edi, Francesco and I started our run towards Pensacola. Running past the Blackwater River Forest area was very energizing. The towering pine trees and the wide stretches of grassy fields all contributed to a fantasticly cool morning run which eventually warmed up quite a bit.

By the time we finished our section of the route, the sun was blazing as we made our way to the Ferry Pass Elementary School in the northern section of Pensacola.

The team addresses the entire school.

We had been there last year and I had fond memories of this lovely school set partially in the trees.

We had a high energy greeting as we ran to the field where over 600 children and staff were waiting anxiously for us. After our presentation and song, they offered us canvas bags with some goodies in them.

Less than a mile down the road was our Motel 6. They kindly offered us 4 rooms for the night. There was also a clean and cool swimming pool to cool down as the heat was building. By the time the last team ran it was about 86 F degrees.

The Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant, where "all you can eat" took on a whole new meaning as we could barely walk out the door.

For dinner we were treated to the delicious food at the Golden Corral. Their buffet seemed endless as we were quite hungry and ready to go. We are very grateful to the Managers and waitresses and cooks who took care of us nicely there.

Again, we could not possibly get by from day to day if we did not have the generous support of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and all those groups or individuals who make this run.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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