We were on the road again at 7:35 to begin our miles and miles on the road. I was the first in our team to run. Only a short distance into the run along the Gallatin River, a gust of wind blew out the torch. Regrettable since I was too far out to turn back and yet so early on in my miles.

I continued on past the Rainbow Trout Lodge. Then the clapping began. I looked over to a crowd of people at the door shouting "We saw you in the paper!" I trotted over to the lodge to share in their excitement. They asked many questions and produced a lighter to remedy the flameless situation. The torch was then passed around to all present before I said my goodbyes. It was a joy to hear their whispered enthusiam as I trotted away.

For me, it was another banner day of running. It was a thrill to race along the river, swept up in the beauty of nature and the silence of early morning.

Later, all 14 runners met outside of the city of West Yellowstone for a run to the West Yellowstone Visitor's Center and a reception prepared by the Chamber of Commerce. Our host Laurie Augustin was there to greet us. We paid homage to the painted buffalo outside of the Visitor's Center than went inside.

We were received warmly by Jan Stoddard of the Chamber, Melissa Alder, owner of Free Heel and Wheel and her son Nathan and other guests.

All team members introduced themselves and we sang the World Harmony Run song for them. They enjoyed it so much we sang it again so they could post it on UTube on behalf of the Chamber.

Melissa then invited us over to her bike shop - Freeheel and Wheel -  for refreshments. She and her gracious staff treated us like family in one of the coziest coffee bar/bike shops that I have seen.

The rest of the day was a free day to rest or visit Yellowstone Park. With visions of moose, buffalo, and geysers in our heads, we set off to explore.

We managed to find all three including some very relaxed moose...

...a spectacular display of geyser gusto from Old Faithful and...

...a rather large buffalo ambling down the white line of the road next to our car as we drove by. It was fortunate we were not carrying the torch that stretch of road, there may have been a problem with a rather large delay.

We finished up the day celebrating Jagadata's birthday with song and a birthday cake Jan Stoddard generously provided. Jan not only gave Jagadata and wonderful birthday cake but also provided extra blankets for all runners since it is expected to be a cold night tonight in West Yellowstone, MT.

Thank you to Jan and Laurie for their kindness and goodwill.

Thanks also to our hosts at the Madison Arms Campsite, Jack and Shigeko Clarkson for their kindness and generosity.

– Rupasi

Distance: 48 miles

Team Members:
Atulya Berube (San Diego), Jagadhata Amrhien (Chicago), Drsalu Gruenstaeudel (Austria), Vladimir Salnacov (Moldova), Mark Collinson (England), Kokila Chamberlain (England), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Dima Grygorievski (Ukraine), Sukhada Korshunova (Russia), Michaela Pokorna (Czech Republic), Moni Neradilek (Seattle), Rupasi Young (Seattle), Jwalanta Voelckner (Germany)

Harmonemail:
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