June 12 - Politie encounters
- Runner: Dot Helling
- Birthplace: Yokohama, Japan
- Currently Resides: Montpelier, Vermont, United States
- Language(s): English (conversant in German and Spanish)
- Family:
- Statement: "I am inspired by the opportunity to spread the word about the need for safe water and the global impact this message can have.” – Dot Helling, 2007
The Green Team (Dot , Jason, Laura, Simon and our driver, Fabulous Fabio) have earned a reputation as BPR outlaws. Thus far they have experienced five encounters with Netherlands police, four times for a speeding runner and slow pilot car on the roadway and once for disco dancing. One of the four roadway violations resulted in Laura being pulled off the main highway and rerouted to a secondary road. The "disco" violation occurred when the team started disco and salsa dancing to their van's blinking warning light in front of an elder home during the wee hours. Mind you, none of this was intentional and in each case the police really just wanted to know what was going on and to keep everyone safe. Of course, imagine their initial reactions when told we are running around the world. Telling that to people during the middle of the night invariably has led to reactions of disbelief and thoughts that we are either whacked or quite inebriated. As for the dancing violation, Melissa from the Blue team swooned them with her eyes and they left with a soft warning to be quiet. The closest the Green Team came to being cited was when the Politie rolled up to an exchange point on a busy auto route to Jason acting out the role of a black worm in his down sleeping bag. Luckily the racing runner was sweet Laura who immediately convinced them we were innocent and very sorry. We will do our best to stay within the law in the Netherlands. Luckily, as I write this, we are hours away from the border and soon to be safely in Germany.
October 25, 2007
Life goes on.....sort of. I’m a different person. I’m struggling with the issue of how to make a living and still keep active in the cause. Water issues surround me.
Day 94, September 2
What another amazing day, with perfect beach weather along the Jersey Shore! We are JUST ONE DAY from the finish!
Day 93, September 1
What an amazing day, with perfect weather to boot!