Sunday, April 12, 2009
Fun on the Mountain
April 10/11, 2009 Park City
Our family has skied/snowboarded Park City for the last 2 days. The weather has been springtime perfect. We have had brief periods of flurries, and the temperatures have been very pleasant for skiing.
Over the course of the last two days, the proficiency of the children has improved markedly. Beginning on “First Time” bunny slopes yesterday, all have progressed to the beginner trail “Home Run” I am absolutely amazed at how well they are all doing on the slopes. After lunch, there has been some rough spots with a bit of lack of motivation to return to the slopes, however, much has been overcome with a small tincture of well-heeled cajoling.
Last night we spent a very pleasant evening sharing in Mark’s 40th birthday surprise party while Sid’s nanny watched our kids, and his son Ben. Rebecca and I enjoyed some adult socialization, especially amongst the Sid posse which is a great group of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yesterday morning I worked out with Sid at his Crossfit gym which is a killer workout.
Tonight, we had a wonderful dinner with Dick and Sue and were treated to the brand new state of the art Olympic Ski/Snowboard Association training facility. It was marvelous, and testimony to all of Dick’s hard work as the Chief Operating Officer of that organization. These days I have been very thankful to have such wonderful friends without whom this trip would’ve been possible.
Leaving on the non-rev flights tomorrow through Saint Louis and then home to Orlando after a wonderful family vacation to Park City. Rebecca, thanks for organizing it for your humble, loving family.
A Day on the Mountain
April 9, 2009 Park City
Woke up to a fresh blanket of 6 inches of snow. Of course, it was pretty exciting for 3 Florida kids. It was a flurry of activity to get ready to hit the slopes. Rebecca went to the grocery store early to get us breakfast, and lunch supplies. Next we prepared the food, and got all the kids into the gear they would be skiing/snowboarding in. Talk about herding cats!!
We picked up another gold pass from Dick and then took Rachel to her lesson. But first she needed her skis from the rental place, and so Ryan and Dylan also got fitted for their snowboard gear. Rebecca had everything set up in advance, so it was just getting the kids to their designated places.
Rebecca showed up at the lodge, and got her gear, as I took the boys to get their snowboard gear on. We had previously had a little “ground school” instruction, so when we got to the snowy slopes, we just had a brief review.
Rebecca got Rachel into her class, and she was excited for an all day ski lesson, her very first time on the slopes. All the kids wore their bike helmets for protection.
Dylan and Ryan did exceptionally well for their first time on snowboards. I was amazed. We stayed on the beginner hill for about 3-4 runs, and they were doing exceptionally well, so we headed for the 6 man chairlift, Pay Day. The beginner slope off this lift was called Home Run, and it was a little narrow, so Ryan and Dylan were a bit frustrated. It was time for lunch. We met Reb at the lodge, and had the lunches she had prepared. Mark showed up, and we convinced the boys to face the challenge of the Pay Day lift again. Since the snow was warming up, and slushing out, the boarding had slowed down, and they mastered the Home Run trail!!
By 3 o’clock, Rachel was pooped from her all day lesson, and she was done for the day, she stayed with Rebecca, however, she had notified her brothers she had skied an intermediate slope, so they insisted on skiing Silver Hollow as the last run.
Rebecca took her day cautiously but enjoyed a great day of skiing. It sure is great to enjoy the sport with the whole family, while none are in a stroller any longer. These kids are enjoying the mountain sporting!!
Travelling to Park City
April 8, 2009 Park City
Got to bed late last night at about midnight since we unpacked from Panama, and prepared for Park City in the one day we were home. Dylan was the first awake this morning at 0530, and promptly woke up his brother and sister. Although they were unhappy to have their slumber terminated, all were in good spirits anticipating today’s travels to Utah.
Our flight schedule was a 1025 departure from MCO to DEN, then sit for 2 hours then onto SLC on a short one hour flight. The kids were helpful getting the minivan loaded and out the door, it was unbelievably, an evolution proceeding ahead of schedule. They were also eager to get to the airport since they figured correctly they could enjoy a breakfast at McDonald’s.
Dropped off Reb and the Dylan curbside, and RY Rach and I proceeded to the employee parking lot. They really enjoy feeling like an airline employee and riding that employee bus on our trips.
I brought the kids down to the SWA pilot lounge where Sally gave them all a bunch of candy, however, Rachel is only stockpiling hers, since for Lent she gave up candy. She has been most diligent adhering to this sacrifice.
We were able to preboard, much to everyone’s pleasure. The MCO ops agent really hooked us up, and it was another clear example of the wonderful SWA employee culture.
The 4 hour flight to DEN was instantly transformed into 2 hours for me, as I was asleep before the wheels were in the well. When I awoke, both Rach and Ry were asking me where we were, and I was fortunate to look out, and see the Mississippi river, furthering the mystical, omniscient aura of the airline pilot, whether in the cockpit or cabin.
In DEN, the boys were hungry for hamburgers, and Dylan is on track to match his previous Park City record of eating a hamburger for every meal. Rebecca was very happy to have lunch at the Paradise Deli, and after lunch, it was time to board.
In SLC, the bags arrived very quickly, and all the kids were on the lookout for snow, having seen a fair amount in the Rockies around Denver, and in the Wasatch range in Salt Lake.
Got our rental car, and my apprehension was alleviated when all of our luggage, including snowboard fit into the midsize SUV, Kia. Humorously, we actually loaded the wrong one, and when we were ready to drive off realized the key did not work. We were in K-37, not K-35 where our designated rental was parked.
It was now time to head up the mountain, and the GPS did not fail us. Some rain had begun to fall, and we could see that the mountains in our direction of travel were obscured with fog and virga, so we counted the outside air temp down on the KIA’s thermometer, and when we observed a temperature drop from 56 to 37, we were exiting for Park City. To the excitement of all, the rain was now snow, and Rachel continued to proclaim she intended to dive head first into the snow, like a hedge hog.
We got gold ski lift passes from an old friend from the Delta Surf Dog days who is now the Chief Operating Officer for the US Olympic Ski/Snowboard team. Our lodging has also been provided by another dear friend from the same Delta Surf Dog era, Mark. When we pulled up to his vacation rental home, I was in shock at how nice the home was that he had so graciously offered us lodging at. I felt guilty even staying there.
The first order of business was to get into snow gear so the kids could go play. Ry and Dylan were the first out the door, and disappeared somewhere on Empire Ave. By the time Reb, Rach and I had caught up with them we had found a snow saucer on the road, and procured it for later use.
I observed the “town lift” at the end of Mark’s street, and upon gathering up the boys we headed up the hill in that direction with saucer in tow. It was a perfect little snow playground for them, with a great hill to sled down, snowballs to be rolled, and winter fun to be enjoyed.
Mark and his son Ben arrived, and we headed to dinner at one of Mark’s favorite kid friendly restaurants on Main Street. It was a great time, and Rachel enjoyed distracting Ben while Mark and I caught up on old times, it was a pleasure to hang with my old bud. Of course, Dylan was able to order another cheeseburger, and in short time realized he was not hungry, so stashed the burger in a to go box to ensure one of his meals tomorrow would be another burger. My son is Wimpy from Popeye!!
All of the 3 children were overly tired, and when we arrived back at the house, Rachel was upset and crying for no apparent reason, while the boys happily watched TV from their bunk bed furnished room.
A great day of travel to a fun destination. What a world of difference a few years of age makes for the kids to become expert travelers. We are all excited to hit the slopes of the Park City Resort tomorrow for the boy’s first day of snowboarding, and Rachel’s first day of skiing.
Got to bed late last night at about midnight since we unpacked from Panama, and prepared for Park City in the one day we were home. Dylan was the first awake this morning at 0530, and promptly woke up his brother and sister. Although they were unhappy to have their slumber terminated, all were in good spirits anticipating today’s travels to Utah.
Our flight schedule was a 1025 departure from MCO to DEN, then sit for 2 hours then onto SLC on a short one hour flight. The kids were helpful getting the minivan loaded and out the door, it was unbelievably, an evolution proceeding ahead of schedule. They were also eager to get to the airport since they figured correctly they could enjoy a breakfast at McDonald’s.
Dropped off Reb and the Dylan curbside, and RY Rach and I proceeded to the employee parking lot. They really enjoy feeling like an airline employee and riding that employee bus on our trips.
I brought the kids down to the SWA pilot lounge where Sally gave them all a bunch of candy, however, Rachel is only stockpiling hers, since for Lent she gave up candy. She has been most diligent adhering to this sacrifice.
We were able to preboard, much to everyone’s pleasure. The MCO ops agent really hooked us up, and it was another clear example of the wonderful SWA employee culture.
The 4 hour flight to DEN was instantly transformed into 2 hours for me, as I was asleep before the wheels were in the well. When I awoke, both Rach and Ry were asking me where we were, and I was fortunate to look out, and see the Mississippi river, furthering the mystical, omniscient aura of the airline pilot, whether in the cockpit or cabin.
In DEN, the boys were hungry for hamburgers, and Dylan is on track to match his previous Park City record of eating a hamburger for every meal. Rebecca was very happy to have lunch at the Paradise Deli, and after lunch, it was time to board.
In SLC, the bags arrived very quickly, and all the kids were on the lookout for snow, having seen a fair amount in the Rockies around Denver, and in the Wasatch range in Salt Lake.
Got our rental car, and my apprehension was alleviated when all of our luggage, including snowboard fit into the midsize SUV, Kia. Humorously, we actually loaded the wrong one, and when we were ready to drive off realized the key did not work. We were in K-37, not K-35 where our designated rental was parked.
It was now time to head up the mountain, and the GPS did not fail us. Some rain had begun to fall, and we could see that the mountains in our direction of travel were obscured with fog and virga, so we counted the outside air temp down on the KIA’s thermometer, and when we observed a temperature drop from 56 to 37, we were exiting for Park City. To the excitement of all, the rain was now snow, and Rachel continued to proclaim she intended to dive head first into the snow, like a hedge hog.
We got gold ski lift passes from an old friend from the Delta Surf Dog days who is now the Chief Operating Officer for the US Olympic Ski/Snowboard team. Our lodging has also been provided by another dear friend from the same Delta Surf Dog era, Mark. When we pulled up to his vacation rental home, I was in shock at how nice the home was that he had so graciously offered us lodging at. I felt guilty even staying there.
The first order of business was to get into snow gear so the kids could go play. Ry and Dylan were the first out the door, and disappeared somewhere on Empire Ave. By the time Reb, Rach and I had caught up with them we had found a snow saucer on the road, and procured it for later use.
I observed the “town lift” at the end of Mark’s street, and upon gathering up the boys we headed up the hill in that direction with saucer in tow. It was a perfect little snow playground for them, with a great hill to sled down, snowballs to be rolled, and winter fun to be enjoyed.
Mark and his son Ben arrived, and we headed to dinner at one of Mark’s favorite kid friendly restaurants on Main Street. It was a great time, and Rachel enjoyed distracting Ben while Mark and I caught up on old times, it was a pleasure to hang with my old bud. Of course, Dylan was able to order another cheeseburger, and in short time realized he was not hungry, so stashed the burger in a to go box to ensure one of his meals tomorrow would be another burger. My son is Wimpy from Popeye!!
All of the 3 children were overly tired, and when we arrived back at the house, Rachel was upset and crying for no apparent reason, while the boys happily watched TV from their bunk bed furnished room.
A great day of travel to a fun destination. What a world of difference a few years of age makes for the kids to become expert travelers. We are all excited to hit the slopes of the Park City Resort tomorrow for the boy’s first day of snowboarding, and Rachel’s first day of skiing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Paddle practice at Gamboa boat ramp
April 1, 2009
Rebecca and I spent the night last night prior to travelling at her brother Patrick’s house, as I had just completed a trip the day prior to our travels to Panama. We arrived early for flight 435 to Panama City which departed at 0700. Since we had minimal sleep, I spent a significant part of the flight sleeping, and woke as the shining Caribbean gave way to the forest covered terrain of Panama.
The flight overflew the isthmus, and I was able to catch a glimpse of the Pacific shoreline, and an incoming swell. We landed, and proceeded through the lengthy baggage retrieval and customs process. At this hour in the morning, the lines moved swiftly, however, Rebecca’s checked bag was the last to make it to the carousel.
Got an AVIS rental car, and thoroughly inspected for damage, alerting the attendant of every tiny scratch so the small diagram of the car on the inspection sheet looked like a porcupine with blue quills. That process is a necessity in overseas car rentalship.
Our driver Richard, skillfully navigated us through traffic, and our first stop is Anita’s house. All the while our driver explains the proper method of Latin American traffic technique, and the “karma” of Panamanian driving, with heavy emphasis on the” block” and the “creep”.
Our lunch was at the Albrook mall at Pizza Italia, which is a Napoli knock off, however, the pepperoni pizza is still yummy. We quickly are dropped off at the Casa de Reyes, retrieve the front door key from the pre-designated secret spot, and change for our first cayuco practice. We are at Gamboa, and ready to practice within hours of arrival in Panama.
The NIC is the cayuco Richard has arranged for our crew. She is freshly painted a shiny gold with yellow and black letters. A good looking boat. It is evident from our first two hour paddle that this craft is a very stable, and less tippy than the Rojo Diablo. A true performer. The gunwales are quite low, however, this is a time proven cayuco, having raced many times on this very canal.
We launch the boat at the Gamboa boat ramp, and head out under the low, one lane bridge at the inlet to the Panama Canal. Rich directs Diana to steer, and advises to stay out of the shipping lane. We pass 4 ships on our 1 hour upwind paddle through the emerald green forest on either side. The boat is performing like a dream, and takes some great rollers from the passing ships.
As we turn around, and head back toward Gamboa, we accelerate upon gaining a view of the dredging division, and the telltale cranes Titan and Hercules. It is a good practice, and this crew is feeling ready to race two days from now.
This evening, all the Canal Zonians converge on Napolis outside the old Canal Zone, roughly located near the old Ancon Inn, now defunct. It is a festive gathering, and all the former residents are steeped in conversations from, “back in the old days” The night would not be complete without a visit to the Elks Club, hence, our final stop , except for Andrew’s tour of his rental property, including his private 1 bedroom apartment getaway, which surprisingly has a window view from the shower to the room? What is all that about?
Site of a Sweet Surf Session
April 2, 2009
Had a very nice and relaxing wake up this morning at the Reyes’ house in Diablo. No scurrying around required. Rebecca and I had a leisurely walk down to the 24/7 for coffee and empanadas. We listened to the tropical birds on the slow saunter. Rebecca pointed out all the residences which previously housed family friends from her childhood in the CZ. Today is another gorgeous dry season type day. On the way back to the Reyes home, Rich and Di drive up in the rental car.
We also had seen the Policia Nacional cayuco team trailering their boat, the Commando Expresso on their way to practice for the ensuing race. Frequently these craft are viewed in the area either being trailered or parked in local driveway/garages. Apparently, the Policia team is a formidable crew every year.
This day the husbands and wives have agreed upon separate itineraries. So, we must rent another car for Reb and Di at Albrook. Once complete, Rich and I make haste towards the beach having caught word that there may be a swell. Our route takes us over the Canal on the new bridge just past Paraiso. On the trip to la playa, Richard explains the intricacies of the harbor pilot business, and gives me an explanation of the route we will be paddling over the next three days.
On each successive beach town we pass on the Autopista, our sense of excitement grows anticipating the Pacific rollers and a fresh surf swell. As we arrive in Playa Palmar, we are not disappointed! Upon our first glance, our hopes were fulfilled as a solid ground swell was hitting the Pacific shore line with the favorable high tide which Palmar requires. The onshore breeze does nothing to deter our hopefulness as this swell was generating overhead, outside point break sets.
We hastily borrow 2 boards from Richs’s friend Mike Stump who has a small beach cottage in this town. Rich takes the 7 foot something board which has two of the three fins, and I am eager to wax up the 9 foot something performance tri. This board has definitely been around the block a few times, however, since we have the chance to surf some warm Pacific point break waves, there is absolutamente no problemas!!!
Palmar is a beach rich in Grimi family history and tradition, and the site of many CZ high school parties from “back in the day.”It is a point break which produces a long right with a good swell and a high tide, luckily we are blessed with both.
Having retrieved the boards, Rich and I can barely contain ourselves to a slow jog down the beach to paddle out at the Point. We quickly deposit our flip flops, and glide out into the inviting Pacific waters. What a pleasure to have this unexpected surf opportunity. We rarely have to duck dive at this point break as we paddle out around the rolling chop. Out in the lineup we share the takeoff point with the crew of El Machete, out sister crew for cayuco racing. We also strike up friendly conversation with 2 other surfers, Americans living in Panama.
The seas are pumping us a long period swell creating exquisite form, and easily anticipated from a long way out. The takeoffs are easily makeable, and after the drop, the wave peels right, easily overhead. We are treated to many great rides this day, and as the tide drops, we realize that we must conserve some arm strength for the following day.
It is time to head back to the old Canal Zone, and a mandatory stop is made in Coronado’s El Rey to enjoy some empanadas and Crunchie bars for lunch.
With the post surf contented feeling, and sore paddling muscles, I slip into a passenger seat nap.
Arriving in Balboa, we head to Jane and Bill Huff’s home to accomplish some last minute repairs to NIC, fixing a seat back, and installing the PanamaCanalMuseum.org sticker to her stern.
We join up with the ladies, and it is off to the YMCA for massages for recuperative muscle therapy. There is only 1 masseus at thi time, so I opt out of the massage and write for this blog as I wait for the others who shop for the kids and receive manicures/pedicures, a favored activity in Panama for the girls.
As I observe the feeling of relaxation Rich demonstrates after his massage, I opt back in. First, we must stop at the Elks once again for him to pay his annual dues. We also pop into La Parada ceviche bar, and although a dive bar, it is the best ceviche we have had so far.
As per usual, I am not the greatest fan of massage. Reb has a brief “discussion” about the pricing, and a price is struck despite a formidable language hurdle.
We prepare for dinner then met the crew of El Machete, Scott, Karen, Christy, Charlie on the Causeway at the restaurant Mi Ranchito. Still eating for the race, we enjoy steaks, patacones, and yucca. The talks are ongoing as to how the crewmembers will be transported to the Atlantic side for the start of tomorrow’s race.
After a great meal, we stock up on hydration supplies at El Rey, and continue to discuss our options for tomorrow’s transportation. We are narrowing the idea down to a one way rental car and drop off in Colon.
Trailering to boat repair facility
April 3, 2009
Today is the first day of the 2009 cayuco race. Whe have experienced some logistical difficulties with transportation. We have the boats being trailered over to Colon, however, we were not able to organize a ride for the racers. A logistical summary: rental car returns, damage, shuffle to other cars, etc. It would definitely pay to have the transportation set up in advance.
Sat at the rental car office in Albrook for awhile as the National rep assessed the minor damage for the returned car. Meanwhile, while in the adjoining coffee shop, I met a corporate pilot who was named Louis, also a surfer from Coronado. He is going to Libya to fly the Airbus. Other CZ friends also showed up while waiting.
Di’s uncle and cousin have volunteered to drive us to the Atlantic side. It is my first time on the Transisthmian Highway, and we make our way North as segments of the original Las Cruces trail cross our way. This is where Spaniards took gold from the interior and the Pacific side to the Atlantic. Las Cruces means the crosses. It is Rebecca’s first trip over this road since the 80’s, so we are enthralled by the views, and the dam of the Chagres River that created Gatun Lake.
We arrive in Colon City and dine at Burger King due to some limited choices and time constraints. Vicki dropped us off at the Colon City container terminal where an empty lot is serving as the staging area. There is a flurry of cayuco activity as 102 crews prepare to race.
We end up waiting hours in the sun for the race to start. Fortunately, we are able to seek sun refuge in the canopy provided by the Moab crew. Nissan also had a sun shade up for crew use. As the boats were towed to the launch area, we waited under the pavilion. All of the crew was experiencing pre-race jitters. Diana was a bit nervous about steering, and the start, and Rebecca was nervous about difficulties getting back into the boat if we swamped.
Finally it was time for our crew to carry the NIC down the launch ramp and into the clear, warm waters of the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. We paddled around for awhile longer waiting for start time as many of the boats sought sun refuge under the shade of the tree-lined shore, or beneath some of the area piers. We waited it out holding onto Buoy #6 while listening to the race official boats patrolling the start area blasting the tinny sound of The Eye of the Tiger on a seemingly endless loop.
The juvenile boats were the first to start, and the open (or patch) category started 10 minutes later. We began only about 15 minutes after our scheduled start time which turned out to be 3:45 local.
As the boats began to line up, Richard provided us with last minute start strategies while we postured for race position on the left, less crowded side.
We hung back slighty, so as the starter counted down 5-4-3 we were underway, and paddling across the starting line. All the boats dashed towards the open canal around the pier. Nic took the inside track, as Diana expertly maneuvered our boat.
We hugged a large container vessel on our left, and closely followed the pier as it turned left. The field began to stretch out, and our position was beautiful with the 1st third of the racers. We let out across the open water as the chop began to build. Making our way through a sailboat anchorage, some boats began to swamp. We progressed forward making impressive way as the swell shifted to a quartering sea. Suddenly we began taking water over the stern and the unthinkable struck. The NIC took water over the low gunwales and began to full with water. We sat trying to bail as the boat became completely submerged. We were in quite a dilemma since upon exiting the craft into the seas, the chop from the moderate swell continued to break over the sides, making bailing impossible.
One of our crew gathered all of our gear, however, one of our 2 bailers was lost. The decision was made quickly to manually tow the craft to shallow water to continue bailing. As the crew of Pedro Miguel passed us by, we hailed them to throw us a bailer, and they complied with a toss. Other boats we had passed continued the procession by our watery position of submersion.
Gaining traction in shallow water, we bailed for all we were worth, and finally the crew was able to reenter the craft and make way.
As we continued to close again on the other racers, the NIC now required continuous bailing by Rich and I. As we took another stern wave we shockingly found ourselves underwater for a second time.
We again repeated the previously described bailing exercise as we push-pulled the NIC close to shore—a longer distance this time. Although disappointment was facing us head on, we did our best to push any detrimental emotions aside which may have detered our finish.
Miracuously, we cleared the water suitably to again reenter NIC and again made way. We remained heavy in the stern, and heard some strange gurgling noises from that aft area. Rounding the corner, we could finally view Gatun Lock, as the swell kindly subsided. However, even in the flat water, we required continuous bailing, which only slowed our time more. It was difficult at this time to even see the back of the pack of Cayucos. We paddled tirelessly on, offering each other verbal encouragement, especially for Diana who was in the most difficult position as bailer. Richard was now steering, and hugged the left bank on the final approach to the giant locks, which two ships were presently exiting.
Undeterred by our multitude of misfortunes, we arrived at the finish line at approximately 1:12, a substantial overage of our 50 minute pace.
It was clear we had a problem with NIC, and I suspected a leak in the hull.
After waiting about 1 ½ hours to get the boat out and onto the launch ramp, we pointed the stern down the ramp, and water literally poured out of the stern cover. This was not a good sign. In the process of carrying the water burdened, overweight craft, I jammed my right heel again damaging it.
We got the boat trailered, and a quick realization was made that some emergency shore side repairs were necessary. As the other paddlers left to seek accommodations, Rich and I gathered what tools we could find from the boaters lagging behind, and we were able to scrounge a caulk gun with ½ tube of caulk, a tool box, and a Panamanian with Marine-Tek.
We first disassembled the canvas stern cover, and realized the plexiglass cover beneath was not holding a watertight seal. This plexiglass cover is responsible to maintain integrity of the aft watertight compartment. Clearly it was not.
As a result, when we took seas from the stern, the watertight compartment was filled up with water, further increasing drag, and decreasing stability. It was a stupendous feat to even finish, and recover from 2 sinkings with that chamber full of water.
The master boat repair team (Pletch and Rich) spent about 2 hours into the night attempting to ressesutate NIC. The final repair was only as good as the Marine-Tek seal between the wood and plexiglass since the caulk we used was nearly useless. We used nails and screws to try and shore-up the seal, the canvas, and the side strips. Tomorrow’s Gatun Lake transit will determine our repair’s success.
Got a cab to Hotel Melia, and was reminded of the countless 3rd world nighttime cab rides I have taken over a lifetime of ships in the Merchant Marine, Navy, and surf travel. Winding our way through Gatun seemed almost familiar as those memories were vividly relived. We made it to the hotel, and dined with Diana for her 38th birthday. And a soggy one it was.
I have to be truthful to report that the entire crew was very disappointed today, however, I believe the strength and fortitude of our crew was proven by an above average start, survival of two sinkings, and overcoming technical difficulties in our boat that is float challenged. A true testimony of paddling determination, and the presentation of obstacles beyond human control.]
Tomorrow is a new day!! Wake up call at 0500! Good night.
A cayuco couple in Gamboa, Panama
April 4, 2009, Panama
Long haul “lake day” today. We planned to arrive at the race start point,, at Gatun Locks at 0600 this morning. Unwelcomingly, the alarm sounded at 0530. Upon calling Rich and Diana, they had already been awake since 0430, not feeling very rested after the disappointment, frustration and exertions of yesterday’s paddle. However, a quick packing was commenced and the buffet at the Melia consumed. All of our hydration bottles and Gatorade was also made ready. It feels like a shame that Rich and I had such a short stay in the hotel since it is a very nice one. When Rebecca and Diana showed up, we were upgraded to a suite which included a happy hour with cocktails, and hors deourves , sadly that was not available to the master boat repair team.
The popular hydration method of the cayuco racers is to have a Gatorade bottle resting in the boat’s drink holder with a small, thin (aquarium) tube extending to one’s mouth. This method allows the paddlers the ability to hydrate without discontinuing paddling. In addition to the Gatorade contraption, our boat has also equipped each racer with a hydration pack innard from a Camelback, and GU energy gel. It is imperative to stay hydrated through this day’s 3plus hours through Gatun Lake. This being the longest stretch of the race, approximately 21 miles.
We launch NIC 5 minutes prior to the start below the South side of Gatun Locks. We are pointing directly at the Tiger Islands, while all the time continuing to tolerate the continuous loop of the song, “Eye of the Tiger” that continues to blare incessantly from the race official boats. It has become maddeningly repetitive, and I can only imagine how the boat drivers feel as the music is transmitted over the tinny sound system
Our seating position within the boat mimics that of yesterday’s finish: Geoff 1st, Rebecca 2nd, Diana 3rd, Richard 4th.
As the countdown begins for the start, Richard deftly maneuvers for a keen starting position, and as the start is commenced, we are off. We have another strong start and our craft is piloted directly towards the Tiger Islands, all the while the field thinning. Soon, we slow the start-sprint pace to “lake” pace.
Our first reach is through the Banana Channel, and NIC starts to catch some of the youth racers who had a 10 minute lead. Since it is still early , the sun is low in the sky, and mercifully, an intermittent layer of cumulus clouds provides some cover from the tropical sun.
As the pace setter for the boat, I receive continuous input from the racers to slow the pace for endurance. My natural inclination is for a faster pace. Periodically any of the racers to my rear will declare, “slow down!”
Our weeks of paddling practice has definitely paid off as we transit the lake from Gatun to Gamboa in 3 hrs. 24 min. a very respectable time. We have an exciting finish as we have been proceeding nearly at an identical pace to the cayuco BC Net, and have a sprint to the “photo” finish in the last buoy before the dredging division in Gamboa.
During the very last stretch prior to the finish, a large container vessel passes to our starboard in the shipping channel. The Patagonia Mystic passes as we hear cheers for our crew from the bridge wing, the pilot is our friend Andrew encouraging us on to the finish. That is some personal paddling attention, as we are getting cheers from a passing merchant ship in the Panama Canal.
The boat ramp exit at Gamboa is the usual zoo-like, organized chaos, and as we try to lift our craft, we easily recognize we have again taken on water making our stern very heavy. This will again make more boat repairs necessary on the morrow.
Returning to the old Canal Zone, our first priority if for a meal, and we head directly for Nikko’s. After lunch, we partake of another Latin cultural icon—the afternoon nap.
This evening, many of the former CZers converge at Napoli’s Pizza in Ancon for large carbohydrate laden dinners. Many stories are shared about today’s lake adventure.
After dinner, we make a brief visit to the Panama Vacation Quarters to say hello to more of the Grimi family CZ friends. It is a short visit since we must also proceed to El Rey on the way home for more hydration supplies.
It will be another early morning tomorrow, but our crew is pleased with their performance, this being the most challenging day of the 2009 Ocean to Ocean Cayuco race.
Reb and Di prep Day 3
NIC
NIC is the name for our boat, and is an acronym for Non Illegitimus Carborendum, and the translation is roughly, “Don’t let the bastards get you down.”
That name and its meaning are very applicable to the challenge we met on the first day of the Cayuco race. The boat submerged twice in the seas we were taking over the gunwales, and more importantly, the aft (not-so watertight) compartment was filling with water. This compartment having been designed for flotation had lost its seal. This created a situation where the craft was riding stern low and thereby allowing the compartment to stay filled with water.
During the 1st leg, day one, we were unaware of this situation, and continued to be surprised that the boat continued to sink.
It was solely the sheer determination of our crew that carried us across the finish line.
Although we suffered through disappointment and frustration, experiencing two swampings, in the spirit of her name, we did not let the bastards get us down.
NIC Paddle Crew on day 3 of Ocean to Ocean race
April 5, 2009 Panama
Day 3 of the cayuco race, a day spent performing more launching,, recovering, trailering, and staging the boats than actually paddling them Since we are not to be allowed to transit the locks of Pedro Miguel or Miraflores, some slight modifications are made to the race. This is to maintain the integrity of the original race distance when “locking” has been allowed. Additionally, it will truly legitimize the name, “Ocean to Ocean”
Our boat is launched at Gamboa, and we must paddle North for 2 miles, towards the lake, a stretch we already paddled yesterday. This will facilitate a 2 mile sprint, thereby duplicating the water distance between the two sets of locks we will not be passing through.
After much waiting, the sprint is started, and we have another very respectable start and finish. This leads us to more recovering and then trailering the heavy vessels.
With much joyfulness, our water incursion problems seem to have been resolved. We do not appear to be taking on any additional water as Ralph has made more canvas repairs to the stern cover this morning attempting to assure a water tight seal.
We wait on the water for today’s 2nd stretch of race to be commenced. As the youth category is assembled to start, we raft with the cayuco Moab (Bucyrus) under the angled bow of a fuel barge. It is one of the only refuge’s from the searing sun.
Today’s 2nd stretch is through the “cut” which is a straight section transiting the original “Galliard or Culebra” cut, a very historic excavation during the building of the Panama Canal. It is also a miraculous feat to have created this man-made miracle.
The open category is finally started, and we are off to another strong and stellar start. We again fall into our efficient “power” pace, and pass some ships through the “cut.” We pass the new bridge over the canal which is roughly located North of the town of Paraiso.
This section is shorter than the lake, and our crew happily performs a 1 hour 23 min. “Cut”
We have lunch at the Las Cruces landing just North of Pedro Miguel locks. Marian, our “Boat Queen” has really helped out today, moving cars, photographing NIC, and now bringing us lunch. We could not have performed today without her selfless efforts.
After lunch, our boat is towed with the 100 plus others to an open field on the South side of the Miraflores locks, where we wait for a frustrating few hours in the mid-day tropical sun anticipating the final leg of the race.
We finally launch the boat, and paddle to the lock, start area attempting to maintain position to start amongst the eddies of the currents from the lock drainage.
We barely hear the start signal, and it becomes our only poor start of the 3 days as we jockey for position and have multiple collisions with the Slave Galley. We paddle for all we are worth to catch up and sprint to the Diablo Spinning club, however, we are not quite able to reach our most efficient pace in the “zone.” However, we make the final sprint across the finish line to the deafening roar of the spectators at Diablo Point.
Once we hoist the boats through the throngs of spectators, the air filled with excitement and sounds of the local mugda band, we retire to the Tiblier “shed”. It is a home built on the point facing the canal. Mr. Tiblier has made some ceviche for the ensuing party from fresh catch, rooster tail grouper. It is without a doubt the finest I have ever had, and I am able to cajole his recipe from him. The party is like a mini-reunion for the CZers and the racers bask in satisfaction of another Ocean to Ocean race completion.
Party for the awards ceremony is held at Mi Pueblito. We stay for awhile, but leave before getting our patch, which Diana retrieves for us.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Video of Day 2 "Lake Gatun" finish
April 6, 2009 Panama
Up at 0630 to head to the airport. Richard and Diana pick us up at 0700. We proceed through downtown Panama on the way to Tocumen Airport. A United States of America, 737 is parked at the airport FBO and a U.S. Navy E-2C does a low approach to the airport. It appears as though a U.S. Cabinet level official is visiting the country, which may explain why the U.S. Ambassador missed the final leg of the race yesterday.
We had no rental car return issues which often plague a typical 3rd world rental car drop off. Our only hitch was the COPA agent who was apprehensive to check our cayuco paddles without shrink wrapping them . Her solution was to provide us a waiver for damage, which she taped prominently in banner like ceremony to the paddles. This would certainly assure the paddles would be used for “baggage toss” experimentation by the plane’s baggage loaders.
Had a Panamanian breakfast at the airport, and Rebecca did pretty well challenging her feelings of anxiety during the ground portion of air travel.
Prior to boarding, we got our Ocean to Ocean patch from Richard, and viewed the official time sheets. We placed 14 out of 25, which all felt was very respectable for a crew which spent an additional 20 minutes on day one logging submarine time. We figured we would have finished about 8th or 9th had we stayed upright for the beginning of the race. Top third!!!!!
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