Kaspers gets his first taste of real mountain running.

Video of the first month in USA

Utah’s Bear Lake is the perfect stage for the wonders of Mother Nature.

In the morning, driving along the Bear Lake to get to our starting point was one of the most scenic routes. It was very peaceful and refreshing just from looking at the expanse of blue water.

It seems so unreal to be in this amazingly cold weather wearing sweatshirts or jackets and long pants. We just came from the scorching heat of Nevada`s desert and now in the twinkling of an eye we can almost play in the snow.

Running through Afton gave us even a little bit more of a refreshment. A thunderstorm that was chasing us finally won and let splash all the water it brought down on us. Surviving the `swim-run`, we were heading off to Jackson,Wyoming.

Driving up the winding road to the `Great Teton Range` where Jackson is, one can only imagine how much snow the winter must bring up here.

The rivers along the road were flowing fast with the snowmelt water coming down from the peaks. We also saw quite a few people rafting down the very full and rapidly moving Snake River.

Our new friends from Montpelier gave us renewed energy.

One of our men’s teams ran into Montpelier, meeting up with an enthusiastic group of runners. Some of the children were cousins ranging in age from 8 to 15 years.

Also three cross country runners from the local high school and two gentlemen, Ron and Joe, came to join us. They ran through town and out of town, around three miles, with our runners carrying the flaming Torch. At first they were not sure what was going on, but after carrying the Torch with us the spirit of harmony was overflowing and their enthusiasm knew no bounds.

Immediately following their miles, this brother and sister team were all smiles.

With very few words spoken they seemed to understand and enjoy tremendously their spontaneous participation in our harmony efforts. We are very grateful to all the runners and the parents who came out to support them in Montpelier.

The pristine lands surrounding the lake are a haven for a vast variety of wildlife.

Jackson, Wyoming is very close to some of the most beautiful national parks. Many tourists come through the town to visit The Great Teton National Park and the famous Yellowstone Park just north of it.

We had some time in the late afternoon to visit the historic downtown area of Jackson and do some shopping there as well. The stores are all designed with a western flavor with modern décor and earth friendly colors.

We stopped by a wonderful restaurant called Mountain High Pizza Pie and the management there kindly offered us some great vegetarian pizzas and salads and soft drinks. Their delicious food along with their generosity and friendliness makes our memories of Jackson all the more sweet and harmonious. We thank Dan and Matt for their understanding and their generosity.

We settled in for the night at the Flat Creek Inn with four rooms kindly donated by the owner Carl King and the General Manager Erica Kamerling. The friendliness of the staff and the wonderful service will also be a fond memory of our short stay in Jackson.

Even though the clouds and the rain stayed with us most of the afternoon, the energy and brightness of Jackson will always be in our hearts and minds. We hope to come back here again next year and perhaps spend more time to run and to explore this vast wonderland of nature.

Anja and Team Harmony

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.