13 August

Once again a very early start- a bus ride to the start and a scramble for bikes and boats. Rained during the night so scoop water out with plastic cups. Contrary to usual conditions it is cold with a chilly wind.  In the morning  Wendy and Sue cycled and from all accounts it was a Rally in itself - marsh lands and slips and falls. Thank goodness Sue is an adventure racer and Wendy practiced on the bike. They looked like mud packs at the end of the morning. 

The race begins and we lying about 5th or 4th overall. The morning route is a rather tough leg with hair pin bends to make it interesting. Also very narrow bridges to challenge whoever is coxing.  Team Oarsome South Africa row really well and we take 4th place overall!!! In chatting to the German crew ( young and strong), they tell us they thought the organizers and timers had made mistakes as our boat is going so fast and we placed so high up despite us being an "old" crew. Has to laugh! We currently beating them which defies logic. But still two days to go - let's see who does better - the tortoise or the hare? 

In the afternoon not a timed section - thank goodness - so all the girls in the crew with one honorary male "lady" rower and one male "lady" coxswain. The male "ladies" swooped out at lockes and earned the names of Antoinette, Simone and Maggie. .. ( was a reasonably tough row - You carry around a strapping lad as a coxswain).   But a very comfortable technically proficient row. Tim was on the bike and designated as the photographer. 

An element that is critical for racing the Canal Di Midi is that everyone must know their job. Wendy  manages the boat trolley like a champ - I am astounded she hasn't had her head or body parts beaten to a pulp. Simon and Ant and Tim heave the boat out of the water and launch the boat down cliffs at times. Brut strength??? Seriously they have it down pat. Whoever cycles holds the boat steady while the crew alights into and out of the boat with shipped oars. A feat in itself especially where you launching from Cliffs. Sue has managed bikes and helps with the trolley or the rope or holding the boat steady.  Me - I am the rope girl - still having nightmares about the blasted rope. So far crew roles have worked like clock work. But as crew gets tireder - let's see. 

We got to finish early and treated ourselves to coke and beer at a cafe. At a Harbour no less. Amazing sites. 

Then off to our humble abode - a castle no less - at a reasonable time - 7-30pm??? Shower, wash hair and off to dinner at 8-45pm. The French never sleep it appears. Food included stuffed chicken, potato with cheese and made into a soft scone and beige coloured beans. Stunning as usual!  We had some cheese and the team was too tired to wait for desert and ambled off to bed. 

Leslie fortunately took the day off to tour the castle and experience its magic. With the muddy cycle paths you needed to be an accomplished mountain bike rider..

So all in all - another amazing day. So many sights- so much to do and see and such amazing people. We will have friends all over the world! 

Till next time! 

Judy Van Es