All the crew at “The Jersey Lily” were deeply moved by the video of The Run’s first month in America. Jerry said that “it really hits you straight in the heart”.

Video of the first month in USA

It is our sixth day running through Montana, the fourth largest state in America. We have one more day to run across this vast state, referred to as the ‘Big Sky’ state. The land just rolls on endlessly with no real skylines in terms of large population areas with their typical big buildings defining man’s domination of the urban areas. There are less than one million people living in this huge state so you can imagine how much land spreads out for mile after mile into the sky vast blue horizon.

We started the day in Ingomar after a restful stay in the gymnasium building complete with a fully equipped kitchen, bathrooms and showers. We basically had the run of the town again as only five people live here full time with about a dozen temporary residents and some tourists and regular visitors as well. When the place is ‘bustling’, there may be as many as 40 or more people here. Perhaps the photos will do more justice in portraying the unique old charm of this unusually peaceful and friendly old town.

The team is treated to a stagecoach ride out to where the Buffalo roam.

The real charm comes from the people themselves, those who live here and those who work here as well. Jerry Brown owns the only real business in town, the Jersey Lilly Café. As stated in yesterday’s story, Jerry is an accomplished marathoner, having run the Pike’s Peak Marathon in Colorado 13 times.

The essence of the great American Frontier is alive and well in the lives of great people like Jerry Brown.

Now, although he does not run anymore, he rides a horse like a ‘tried and true’ cowboy. He escorted us on horseback as we were took a stagecoach ride by two of his friends, Morris and Kelsey, into the range where the buffalo were roaming. Jerry sneaked up behind the herd of buffalo and then had them to run towards us and right past us as our cameras clicked away and our hearts beat even fast than the camera shutters.

Jerry skillfully guided the herd of bison directly toward the stagecoach for a spectacular charge that none of us shall soon forget.

It was an unforgettable experience as we had a firsthand and very direct, close-up experience of a buffalo ‘stampede’. The big bull, leading the pack, looked as if he alone could topple the stagecoach, not to speak of us. But it was all done with the skill and techniques of the traditional cowboy, so we felt safe.

Returning to the Jersey Lilly after this very exciting and scenic stagecoach ride, we spent time with our Ingomar friends, sharing with them our recent video of our first month on the road, photos and gifts. Patty Erickson, one of the full time residents who also works at the gift shop here, was so kind in making us feel at home here along with all the waitresses, Jerry and all his workers and friends who were present. Jerry offered us gifts as well and even gave contribution to our cause. We are so grateful to Ingomar and all of the people we met there at the Jersey Lilly Café.

We want take a moment to wish Erik, our runner from Chicago, a happy birthday today. Jerry offered him a Jersey Lilly t-shirt, and in a short conversation which ensued found out that Erik was born and raised in the same small town in Minnesota that Jerry’s four sons now live in. What serendipity! In this smaller than the smallest town in the middle of ‘nowhere’ to meet someone whose four sons live in a distant state in a town where one grew up is quite an unusual and pleasant coincidence.

Starting in Ingomar, Erik ran 29 kilometers today to celebrate his 29th birthday. It was a very hot day and this is what Erik has to say about his experiences:

“Today I had a nice birthday run, for my 29th I ran 29 Km. We were in the middle of no man's land where we hardly even saw cars going by. It was very hot but the ice in my hat really kept me cool as I glided through the rolling hills of eastern Montana. After the run we headed to a local swimming hole where we jumped into the river from a swinging rope it was great fun and a well needed cooling off. Later we had a nice celebration for my birthday with cake and ice cream and gifts. We shared many laughs and smiles. It's a real joy to be with the team for my birthday.”

Big Sky Camp & RV Park

Thanks you so much to the Big Sky Camp & RV Park for providing us with a place to rest out weary bones. Another great experinces of Montana's hospitality!

The days are getting much hotter and the air is more humid as we make our way east into the Midwestern States. With a little over one month left in this four month journey, it will be more difficult to run as the weather and the population density will soon increase. Some of us ‘full timers’, five of us who have been on this epic adventure for three months already, will try to maintain our enthusiasm and strength as the quest for harmony continues and we are strengthened by all those who support us and offer their goodwill.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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