(see www.rangzen.com)

Spring is surely on the way. Although temperatures have been quite chilly and Spring rains have caused the walk to be damp, Spring must surely be just around the corner. Illness is still plaguing the group; some walkers have chosen to take some time off to fully recover. Despite all the obstacles, 270 miles have been covered and spirits remain high.

The kindness of strangers is one aspect of the march which is truly humbling and remarkable. One day, a while back, a woman was driving home and saw the marchers. Not even really understanding what the march was about, she quickly went home, baked some brownies, drove back out and gave the still warm pan saying, "I saw you out here in the cold on your long walk and thought you might like these." A similar situation occurred during the past week. A woman and her son were driving home from church and saw the march. As the walk approached their house they came outside and delivered Cokes, a bag of Doritos, and a donation of money explaining that it was all they had on hand, but what the walkers were doing was so wonderful they wanted to help out in some way.

The woman said goodbye, but her son, Matt, decided to stay and walk for a few hours. Matt explained that his mother, in the 1960's and 1970's, was very active in the peace movement and also happened to know a little about Tibet, so she educated him as they drove home. He said, "When my Mom talks about the protesting she did I sometimes feel like I've missed out on so much. Anymore, Americans don't want to stand up for anything. I think it's amazing to see all you people making this long walk. It's really great!" So, with Matt joining the group, the walkers continued and a few miles later arrived at the White Buffalo (the RV) for a hot lunch of rice, potatoes, beef, and stir fried vegetables.

Route 14, the road the walkers will follow south for a few more weeks is not just a beautiful road that edges along Seneca Lake, but a road with much history and a road that deservedly can be called a freedom trail. Before there was pavement, even before wagon trails, this route was heavily traveled by the Seneca Native American people who peacefully inhabited this land for over 2000 years. Also, just over 100 years ago this road was used by Harriet Tubman as part of the underground railroad that carried hundreds of slaves to freedom in Canada after the passing of the Fugitive Slave Act. This area is also known as the starting point of of the Women's Rights Movement with the cities of Seneca Falls, Rochester, and Geneva being the homes of women such as Elizabeth Katie Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Blackwell.

This route is also surrounded by many white pine trees. Approximately 2500 years ago a great peacemaker came from north of Lake Ontario, calmed the various warring Native American Nations, and united them into what is today known as The Six Nations. Their weapons were buried under a white pine and ever since this tree is thought of as the tree of peace. With all this in mind, it seemed incredibly appropriate that someone should pass out to all the walkers a postcard with a quote from Margaret Mead that read: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has."

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Funds to support the "March for Tibet's Independence" are still needed.

Please share whatever amount you can afford and forward it to:

International Tibet Independence Movement

PO Box 194

Fishers, Indiana 46038-0194

USA