Second last day and long stretches of rowing. Also timed morning and afternoon. So pressure on. Today the girls joined the boys club- so we have names like Wynand ( Alias Wendy), another Simon ( alias Sue), etc. the crew decides 007 is young so he can do it all. He gets a bite by something in his check, but carries on regardless. Youth is a wonderful thing and also youthful talent! No times.. Yet... But let's see. Pressure is mounting!
Leslie cycled entire length - 21.4s.
This afternoon another 21.4 Km's. racing. Times are relatively tight and the crew would like to retain this 4th place. The German crew from Stuttgard wants to take this position. from a boat class perspective - the quads- we coming 3rd. Let's see. Everyone tired and still okay - only an occasional snap.... But forgivable levels.
Lunch was ham and bread as a starter with a special aperitif ( read a delightful wine - a rose wine but stronger- Simon and I water it down with water and much improved.). Everyone lying down in different poisons of repose. Absolutely tired but happy. Maybe partial exhaustion - but who knows???
Of course the vistas and surroundings are amazing.... Pity you cannot stop but merely appreciate them at racing speed.
While rowing narrowly miss barges, take on and pass other crews and call " bonjour" as you go past.
Tonight all will be in bed very early as last day. But let's not get ahead of ourselves... Still have a long afternoon of racing....
The afternoon session was rather tough. When we finished we had rowed and carried the boat ( read run the boat around the lockes like nut cases) for 155 Km's.
Launching the boat down cliffs in brambles has resulted in our legs bearing cuts and scrapes - we look like we have done an African safari on foot - then hands are all plastered - seriously we look like hospital cases and this is touring France???
Today when following a barge up to a aquaduct, the barge stopped suddenly ( novice driver) and then reversed??? We were 20 meters behind at racing speed! Sudden call to hold hard and another barge squeezed through the aqueduct in the opposite direction. No space to pass so we loose valuable minutes. The cyclist team were yelling, the crew was vociferously explaining to the barge driver exactly what they thought of his driving skills - really hope he only speaks French. Mark manages to maintain his gentleman status or prehaps he was not shouting as loud as everyone else??? give him the benefit of the doubt. Eventually get through the aqueduct and with tensions high the power in the boat was "Oarsome" - we were flying.
Leslie took the afternoon to relax and engage with the organizers and the French . Rather hard to do when some do not speak English. While sitting listening to other teams and organizers chatting she noted that a lot of people were talking about the South African or Afrique Du Sud Team. We seem to have made an impression. .
Dinner - lamb shank and veggies and bread and cheese and wine and water... Lamb shank outstanding!!! Beans - well okay- hope they do not create wind - but who knows may make the boat faster???
Nearly forgot - had to run the boat between two lockes as ONLY 700 meters between the lockes - (ONLY???) - - and you also run past and around lockes- so read about one km- ( through rough terrain ) - for me felt like a marathon. Once again Ant - our 007 Secret Weapon single handedly pulled the boat with me hanging on - really getting crazy - The rest swopped out and ran and cycled. Ant then Ant launched the boat with his dad and I barely managed to grab the blasted rope before it flew down the bank about 2 meters. These boats and the trolleys are really hardy and survive absolute abuse. In the running sections sometimes you have to choose a route. Simon strongly recommended the high or top road - the crew took the low road - about 100 meters later - the crew recognized the error of their ways - so the crew dragged the boat up a rugged bushy section to get to the high road. This was an excellent decision and we made up time. Well done Simon - we all were a bit befuddled but eventually saw the light.
Repairs to the boat - duck tape and garrots make it functional but it looks a sorry sight - a bit like the crew!!!
Simon and Wendy continue their managing roles and Sue manages to hold riggers and not turn the boat over. Bruises delux to prove it is not an easy job.
Last sleep at the castle and citadel - so packing tonight!!! Aaa awww gee!
Till next time...
Judy Van Es
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