Park staff was to be at the main gate until 11 that night, but between unloading the vehicle's kids and gear and reloading with camping equipment and kayak stuff, I couldn't make the gate until 11:10. I contemplated negotiating the "Do Not Enter" spikes, but found a DNR officer that let us in. Thanks, bud! Hope you found your cell phone.
The next morning, after forgetting to pack a ground pad or air mattress and paying the all-night-long price for it, we hopped in the van, ready to tow the 'yak and make our meeting with time to spare. Not happening. The van wouldn't start. Incredible. A nearby Scoutmaster strolled over and offered to "...help other people at all times." Way to lead by example!
The ramp was ready for us, along with our friend, Dave Booth. Dave's divorced, and his kids were with their mother that day, so he was easily able to join our group. After the event, he and fellow paddle enthusiast (and friend, and neighbor, and A.I. programmer, and photographer, and inventor, and naturalist, and Greek food chef) Joe Webb spent a few hours helping us get our vehicle back home. Happy Birthday, Dave! Thanks for the help, guys.
Triathlon kayaking is quite fun. It seemed we were a little paddler-lean, but the positive side to that is that we got to paddle more! A few swimmers requested a breather on the hull, but I don't recall anyone being pulled from the water. The highlights for me were:
- paddling with my best friend and life partner.
- seeing a repeat swim with a father and son who were at the St. George Tri in June. I think they brought more of the family along, this time.
- watching the stoke-meter needle hit red when Dave and I did a quick tour around the island in borrowed 1-man 'yaks from Mike and Aqua Sports. Dave's a fan.
