The Two Harbors Kayak Festival has been an event I've made it to every years starting in 2003. In '04 I did the 18 mile race in 3hrs 42 min, so all though I am 4 years older, I still did the race it 3 hrs 26 min. It certainly isn't close to the top competition, but what the heck. I'm all right with it! Chris E and I did sort of a team effort by hanging together throughout the race, I think at times I was pushing him, and I know there were times he pushed me harder than I would've done alone. Now, speaking of the competition .. I get placed in the early 50's age group, these guys are some of the strongest paddlers that show for the race .. what the heck is with that! On another note, Gail Green from Living Adventures would have beaten her '04 time, but she stopped to do a rescue for a guy in a surfski. He started bonking and capsized, couldn't get back on. She had to stay with him for a while until he got his wits back about him ... she missed her old time of 2hrs 58 min by only 4 minutes. But if you know Gail .. that's her. Grant and Gail are two of the best ambassadors to kayaking we have here in the Midwest.
When I first started going to the festival in '03, I didn't know many people in this sport. It was a solo adventure for me. I'd show up, get a campsite at Burlington Bay, and just hang out, meet people, it was sort of my beginning in kayaking. In 5 short years I've met so many great people, now we cram as many tents as we can on 4 campsites!
6 comments:
Great meeting you up there, Ron. What a gorgeous day out there on the water... though I was sorry to miss DaveO. Next year we'll have to share a few cold ones. -jeff
Great meeting you guys too, I'm looking forward to next year, though I may just to the 5 mile race next year. But then again .. it's a long ways off!
Hey Ron! I stopped at the Festival on Sunday and looked for you. Glad you had a great time! I heard it was a great year with alot of people doing the race! Maybe next year!
Hey Nora, I did get your message later that day. We headed up the North Shore to Split Rock for a day paddle, but some thunderstorms and lightning forced us off the lake. Great Weekend! Hope you can make it there next year.
I must have drove right passed you that day on my way to the Gunflint. Have you picked up a WW kayak yet? The Verm usually bumps to mild in the fall.
No WW kayak yet, still in the planning stages for the WW boat. I may still be able to get a loaner now and then.
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