County Canoe Race 2003
Here is a report from a member of the troop who took part .... Akela from Scarlet pack also took part.
One grey and gloomy day (12th October) I set of as the sole representative of the 1st North Springfield Scout troop in the County canoe race. I was competing in the 3.6 mile, with 2 portages, under 14’s race. After a short briefing, I clambered into my trusty kayak Rusty, which was no mean feat as the water-level had gone down and it was a long stretch.
At last my class, in which there were about 25 entrants, set off and I with my new 2 star qualification and regular training was ready to prove what I could do. I shot off and after a slight scrimmage with another boat I was in second place and determined to go one better. However it was a windy day and we were heading into the wind and I was one of the younger ones. Still by the first portage I had maintained my place and was still looking to improve on it. One scrambled portage later (I stepped into the water in my haste to get out) I was powering away from the lock. This part of the journey was absolutely exhausting as I went round bend after endless bend heading for the half-way point. Sadly, I was overtaken by a hulking 13 year old as I came to the dam. After what seemed like an eternity I swiftly and easily rotated through 180 degrees and tiredly paddled off. During this stage of my journey I amused myself by telling people how far they had to go as I passed them with comments like "Oh yes, not far now" and "Too bad still miles to go!". This helped to keep my morale up and soon after I was approaching the lock. However misfortune befell me as I came upon the scourge of the waters the deadly SWAN! I crept past them to the lock where the people who helped me with the portage told me I was doing very well.
The last part was uneventful and I finished third in a time of 1 hour 17 seconds.
Peter W
Click here for more pictures from the event
Last updated: 16 November 2003
Copyright 1st N. Springfield Scout Group