Joshua Tree: Day 6: June 20
We ran by the giant wind farm in Indio, CA this morning. It was indeed super windy, but what a view! It was mesmerizing to watch the different sizes and speeds of the giant windmill turbines, and to think about the number of mills at work. Against the gorgeous mountains, the turbines became the breathtaking beauty in the landscape. We began running a little after 4:30am with the temperature at about 65 degrees. By the time we finished the temperature was over 100 degrees. Because it is getting so hot these days, we are starting our runs earlier and earlier.
A big thank you to Pastor Dave and the Trinity Baptist Church of Indio, CA and to John, Jeremy and Patrick of the congregation for opening their doors to accommodate the team, and for all their help and support.
Click on the card below to view those service members we ran for on June 20.
Subject: Hang in there. YOU ARE APPRECIATED
Hi to the whole team!
What a heck of a run yesterday, today and tomorrow, Monday, across the endless boiling desert in 100+ degrees and wind! You are awesome. Thought about your effort every mile as we sweated in Irvine but who were we to complain in comparison! My husband and I in our active days have driven that stretch of Route 62. Warriors you are indeed.
Sure hope the press along your route is waking up. Just to let you know I was so proud to see today you honored Justin Pollard who was the first casualty from our Irvine community. I passed the info to Andy who runs the Northwood Memorial here in town to make sure Justin’s folks knew. I also sent details to several families nationwide whose grief is as long and hard as the runs you are doing these past few days. I had this back today from Pflugerville Texas. Yari Mokri was the best buddy of one of my former students and they went through basic together, special training, Hawaii posting and finally roommates in Hawija Iraq. I asked her to send a post to you but in case she doesn’t this is one more little thank you for making a difference, one step at a time.
I alerted my friends the Gilomens in Sedona you are on your way so I hope Tom jump starts some action for you. Also contacted two retired sister friends of mine in Prescott who I hope will also be spreading the word!
You are not only shooting for the moon with your vision, you are landing among the stars.
Judy (who saw the clip on CNN)
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Judy,
Thank you for sharing this with me. I am deeply moved by it and humbled by the kindness of others. It means a lot to me that Yari will be honored in this run and it’s so appropriate for him to be honored this way because he was a tremendous athlete and runner. I know he would be proud. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Desiree
I was driving to Las Vegas listening to the radio when I heard what the soldiers from Ft. Irwin were getting ready to do on June 14th. My husband was killed in Iraq almost 3 years ago. I was moved by the idea and I will run a mile on the day they will be running for my husband, July 18th. I think of your group everyday and wonder where you are in America. Thanks for remembering all our loved ones!
I just want to say thank-you for what you guys & girls are doing. it was pleasure to meet you all. I thank-you for comming by this morning. I’m glad I could help in just a small way——-U-ROCK