Run of the Charles

It turned out to be a fine day for a canoe race today and many skiers were in evidence out on the Charles.  The CSU Jrs. entered a relay team for the first time, organized by Chris Stock, who unfortunately couldn't race.  It was evident that the juniors had a great time!  Rob Bradlee, Bob Burnham, Wes Denering and I paddled for the Quinobequin Boat Club team, my 12th year doing the relay with them. 

Cate and Jim

Starting out strong on Leg 1 with Jim Stock and Cate Brams, the CSU team handed off 2nd to Isaac Hoenig and Corey Stock, while our team handed off 5th.  Isaac and Corey powered their way to first for a while, but they had to deal with the engine I had in my boat in the form of Bob and we finally passed them about a mile from the end of the leg.  CSU handed off for Leg 3 to Neil Garrison and Kaytie Innamorati in 3rd, while Bob and I handed off in 1st.  Our team hung in in first through the 3rd leg, handing off to Wes and Everett for the 4th leg, maintaining a slim lead when they handed off to Rob and I. We almost blew it at the put-in on our first portage and were being hounded by the Snoopers, our major competition for several years but put a bit of distance on them as Rob and I kicked it in to the finish. Neil and Kaytie handed off to Eli and Hannah for the long 4th leg to Waltham where Erin Dubinski and Kevin Sprague from Harvard took over.  They had a little mishap in the quick water and got caught by a sweeper tree leaning over the river and got a bit wet, but finished strongly for 11th place overall.  The CSU team did great and with some practice I think Quinobequin better watch out!

Corey and Issac (Peter Hoenig photo)

Hannah and Eli (Peter Hoenig photo)

Bob and Jamie (Peter Hoenig photo)