Announcement
MAPA didn't field a womens team, however Freda paddled with the WCC girls and was in the winning boat, which is better than being in the whining boat. Men's race we were lucky enough to get a displaced outrigger from Santa Barbara California (Ian D) on temporary work assignment in DC who gelled well with the crew. When I met Ian I told him we were not much for customs and hawiian words and such, that we were just some folks that liked to paddle and race. Ian was surprised when I told him to wear whatever shirt he felt most comfortable in during the race. Apparently, in SoCal, if a team doesn't have matching team jerseys they are penalized $50. Told him we all just liked to paddle and keep things simple and laid back. He said that sounds like a traditional Hawiian attititude to him. Anyway, we got off the line a ways back and had to steady pass by the teams that had a much quicker start. Had the ama set pretty tender and got a bit squirrely steering in all the faster starters boat wakes. Did an emergency poke once on the right and the ama popped up 3 feet in the air that was quickly reacted to by all but in particular Jim and Tim. Kyle in stroke, kept in long and steady and before the point we were in third behind Philly and WCC's "A Team". Grinding in out in typical MAPA fashion "Long and Strong", we passed WCC just before the bouy turn up the Potomac. Rain hit us had when we got back to the point, and while passing the Baseball stadium the were several lightening flashes and we were steady gaining on the Philly team. Translation: we were close enough that you could tell it was a six man outrigger in front of us, instead of a dot on the horizon. They cut the race short by about a mile and a quarter and we all felt good and were glad clean living (at least clean enough living) saved us once more from being struck by lightening. Congratulations Mens team (in seat order) Kyle M, Ian D, Jim F, Tim J, Greg P, and Rusty M. on a fantastic second Place Finish.Next it was the Mixed race and not much rest for the weary. Well we got off the line a little quicker so in no time we were in second only behind WCC's "A Team". Think the hard rain during the mens race put even more logs, sticks, trash and crud in the river, if that was possible. Ginding our way through the bands of trash and debris on the way back past the point, we were passed by a strong Kent Island team. The Kent Island crew must have had more fresh horses then we did, as they blew by us rather smartly. Maybe, I thought to myself we were dragging a crab pot or a navigation buoy behind us. I looked back and didn't see any tell tail signs, but then again I didn't see any other OC-6s either. Greg P did a great job calling Huts, everyone could hear him and switched on time even though he would take an extra stroke every so often just to make us laugh. Congratulations Mixed team (in seat order) Leza M, Kyle M, Greg P, Susie J, Freda R, and Rusty M. on a fantastic Third Place Finish.The team made quick work of breaking down and loading the mirage onto the trailer. Then it was time for the awesome Hawiian Food banquet and traditional Hula Dances. Amazingly, MAPA (read Rusty) was NOT first in the food line. Awards were Chocolates in the shape of famous DC building, they were so good, I was eating my Mens award when we went up for our mixed race award. Everyone had a great time and are all looking forward to the Paddle for the Bay on August 1st.Rusty McLain
757-465-1317 home
757-761-4737 cell
canoe_dude@cox.net
757-465-1317 home
757-761-4737 cell
canoe_dude@cox.net
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