We did this same paddle last weekend in the worst possible conditions - howling winds and low, low tide. I think I commented on the fact that none of the commercial or pleasure boats were on the water?
Anyway, this Saturday was calm, beautiful and HOT. Pete had decided to split the trip into 4 legs so that everyone could switch up and try the different boats - OC-6, 4, 2 and single. I had on my bikini and carried a bag of gatorade, water, sunscreen and aspirin (see previous post re: jello shooters). I started out steering the 6 which is quite easy if you have someone who knows what they're doing teach you (thanks Peter!). I need to qualify that "easy" - 4 or 5 years ago at a db training camp, we had some Oc-6s to try out. They asked me to steer in a race - no one knew how to steer them so all I did was rudder and draw. It was exhausting! In reality, steering OC-4s and OC-6s just requires you to jam the blade in at the side of the boat and use the top hand to make subtle adjustments to blade angle. Okay, anyone who grew up sailing or steering crew boats is thinking, "Yeah? And what's your point?" but this kind of stuff is new to me. Point is, compared to that first time in OC-6, this was way less taxing, incredibly efficient and ummm...logical. The OC-4 is touchier and breaks away quickly if you oversteer. I've always had respect for those who race in the big water but this took it to a new level, especially for the steersperson.
Anyway, the trip was relatively uneventful. I ended up steering the OC-6 for 2 of the legs because Coach Del was a no-show for the workout. Something to do with Mucho Grande flu. We had some concern when we arrived at Howard Park because one of the OC-2s, Clem and Gail (a non-swimmer wearing a life-jacket), was nowhere to be seen. Rich paddled back in a single and found them making slow progress in the shallow water between the channel and Howard Park. They had hulied just where we entered the Gulf of Mexico and while walking the boat across a sandbar, Gail cut her foot badly on a shell. They had very little rest before we decided it was time to head home.
The trip back was more difficult. The beautiful weather had brought everyone out and the weekend traffic was unbelievable. The wash from those big boats and sea-doos was challenging to say the least. The OC-4 and a couple of singles hulied and we were all happy when, 4 hours after starting out, we got back to the bayou.
I grabbed a quick nap after breakfast at Danny K's and then headed back to the bayou where we unrigged and loaded the boats. I kept my C-1 out so I could keep paddling until we left but otherwise, all 34 boats were on the trailer by the end of the afternoon.
Afterward, we cleaned up and got ready to hit the town. We had tickets to see the Senators play the Lightning in Tampa Bay. St. Pete Times Forum was packed and Tampa has great fans. Even when they were down 7-2 they kept cheering for their team!
Everyone was leaving the next morning so it was a great way to finish the training camp.
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