I’m sitting at Logan Airport in Boston awaiting our flight across the Big Pond to Shannon, Ireland. Two teams are already over there ready to start running at Noon, Shamrock time.

Green Team’s second day included running into and being a part of the Riverfest festivities in Norwich, Conn. Simon and I split our first and last leg. I ran first and into the fest, passing excited kids and thrilling a youngster by inviting him to touch the baton, which he did! It was over 90 degrees and very humid and sunny. As I ran onto a dock and along side the river, I almost jumped in, only to learn later that it would not have been safe. The ironies are everywhere. From there we ran to Westerly, Rhode Island, through Mystic Seaport and lots of other wonderful places. I ran the last leg to the 9pm exchange point smelling hydrangea along the way. We are having lots of fun with our driver Peter. He is from Poland and has the patience of a saint with four backseat drivers and GPS Betty directing him constantly.

We ended the night with an Italian meal and a long drive to our hotel in Norwood, Mass. As we left the restaurant parking lot, our waitress ran out to the car and said she could not take our tip, and she donated it to Blue Planet.

Day 3 was to be our big Boston event. Jason ran first, then I to hand off to Simon inside Boston proper. My run was lovely, lots of flowers and rolling up and down the hills on Washington Street. I was struck by all the natural things water makes possible, the flowers, trees, green lawns, and how we take those things for granted. We are surrounded by beauteous scenic products of water yet so many people don’t have a drop to drink.

Today was cool and overcast. Compared to what we experienced in Connecticut and New York, it was a disappointment but reminded us that the reception along the way will vary. It is the surprises that are so special and compelling. We had a lot of competition today with the annual Aids Walk which was gathered in another section of Boston Common. Jason entertained those that did gather and Simon ran in to pass me the baton. I ran the baton out of Boston Common and have the honor of carrying it across the Atlantic Ocean (in my pack) to run again in Ireland.

It’s been a joy to see friends along the way the past two days, and now we’re off to Europe and Asia, gone from U.S. soils for the next two months. Stay in touch!!!!!