Day 16: Schkopau and Bohlen, Germany

June 16: Day 16 — Homecomings & Car Troubles
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Heiko's star continued to shine brightly today as he and his fellow runners visited two of The Dow Chemical Company's facilities in Germany. Heiko's fellow Dow employees and their families turned out to make the afternoon a community celebration, complete with barbecue and musical entertainment. Our very own music teacher, Lansing Brewer, got in on the action, conducting the marching band and generating smiles and laughs from all. The most dramatic moment, however, came today, by way of our video team. Upon arriving at the last exchange point of the day, the driver removed the key from the ignition and the ignition shaft promptly dropped onto the dashboard, next to the steering column. After two hours of "fishing" with a medley of pens and pliers, a member of the logistics team was able to push the shaft up to the keyhole, where the video team could get the key in and start the vehicle. Then, in true MacGyver fashion, the key and shaft were fashioned tightly with a lanyard to the steering column. With that, they were off on the two-hour drive to Dresden, where a repairman was called to fix the van finally. Anything can, and does, happen when you're out on the road. Fortunately, a little team spirit and cooperation goes a long way.

Lansing on his way through the countryside to Bohlen, Germany

 

The Blue Planet Run team receives a warm welcome in Schkopau

 

Dot is flanked by employees of Dow in Schkopau