9 juneathon - dutch cross team selection

who wears a winter coat in june. come on.

I had a sweet day today with my friend's 13 yo daughter. She likes sports, so on the spur of the moment, I invited her to go with me to volunteer at the off-road triathlon where the Dutch national team was selected for the European championships next month. What a fine lot of athletes. 25 men and women were competing. All muscle and courage on this tough course. Wow. The weather was cold and blustery. 

to race is lovely. but to volunteer, divine.

The athletes looked ice cold in the early part of the bike race. Though they pinked up by the second lap. 

inspiring athleticism. unfortunately I had to pay attention and keep the park-goers from getting run over. So I couldn't take as many photos as I would have liked. 

S and I goofed around, she corrected and laughed at my awful Dutch. and despite my huge limits, we talked all day. we even rode in the way back of the bus together. And played side-walk hopscotch. 

post-race debriefing

Afterwards, the entire country watched football. 

Everyone inside this beach restaurant is dressed in orange and facing the big screen TV.

Except for me and S. We ate dinner at a little Turkish restaurant with all the German tourists.