Miles and Milestones
After a hearty campout next to gorgeous waterfalls nestled in the mountains, Karuna Sindhu and I emerged from our tent at 3 AM. In the second tent and automobile slept Michael and Daruka who both deserved the extra mileage of slumber. In the pitch black of the evening, Karuna and I made our way along on what in broad daylight is viewed as a pure emerald lake. We then crossed a creek that feeds that magical lake. Only our mini flashlight guided us through a mountain trail and to Crowsnest Pass going westward.
The stars were multiple sparkles in the sky, and trees discharged their special perfumes as the sun started peeking.
We then hit a milestone – the Alberta/British Columbia border. That’s 9 down and 1 to go, provincially. It became a moment of victory I shared with Karuna.
At one point, I ventured on foot alone while Karuna joined Daruka in order to take to camping kitchen duties. I came to a town called Sparwood, and entered the tourist visitors’ centre. While there I was informed that Clara Hughes, Canadian Olympic winner for speed cycling and speed skating, had been in the facility earlier that day. This unique athlete, I realized, I met on the road two days earlier. She was accompanied by two other cyclists near Lundbreck and was having a break when I appeared on the prairie shoulder of the road. Positioned to reconvene their riding, she saw me, and raised her arm for a high five, and then shouted aloud, “Hey!” She was all smiles, I didn’t know who she was at the time, but when Michael showed me her picture via the iPhone, sure enough, that was her. It was another milestone. I do hope she succeeds in her dreams.
May the Source be with you!
37 KM
In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions. SB 11.5.32 
Whatever result was obtained in Satya-yuga by meditating on Vishnu, in Tretä-yuga by performing sacrifices, and in Dväpara-yuga by serving the Lord's lotus feet can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. SB 12.3.52 
Why Worship Nitai-Gaura Deities at Home?
Srila Prabhupada says: "Irregularity in worshipping Guru and Gauranga can be tolerated, as They are always kind and forgiving, but irregularity in worshipping Lord Jagannath and Sri Sri Radha-Krishna is not good." Srila Prabhupada letter to Karandhara das, 19th September, 1970)
"Lord Chaitanya is very kind and He accepts the simplest worship or sincere chanting of the holy name of Krishna." Srila Prabhupada letter to Sridhama das, 8th July, 1970) 
My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom. SB 12.3.51 
New Godruma Dham, Iskcon Lithuania 
With Radhanath Swami. 
Thousands of people get the mercy in a crowded Rome while the devotees of Krishna chant and dance happily with enthusiasm and bliss! 
Several local people came running towards our car. We saw the completely surprised looks on their faces. They inquired if we were all fine and went on to say, . “Your god is great, Oh my god! We cannot believe this. We saw how the car was spinning and landed crashing into the drain. We thought you guys are finished. But not even a scratch? Uhhhh!”
In less than a minute, out of nowhere, a tow truck arrived at the scene! It was middle of the night, somewhere at the outskirts of the city, in Accra and a tow truck appearing in less than a minute? Yes, totally unbelievable! 
O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all, including those who are free from all material desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and also those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge. SB 2.1.11 
900 people got prasadam-cooked meal as well as sandwiches and apples, each day. Devotees come to a village, place their table on the street and invite everyone.
Our devotees tirelessly serve from 5:30 am until 10pm every day for the last 15 days. 
There may be discrepancies in pronouncing the mantras and observing the regulative principles, and, moreover, there may be discrepancies in regard to time, place, person and paraphernalia. But when Your Lordship's holy name is chanted, everything becomes faultless. SB 8.23.16 
My dear King, the chanting of the holy name of the Lord is able to uproot even the reactions of the greatest sins. Therefore the chanting of the sankirtana movement is the most auspicious activity in the entire universe. Please try to understand this so that others will take it seriously. SB 6.3.31