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Canoe Classic Race - Short Story

By Vic Castleberry

Was it Father's Day or Grandfather's day?

Any case it was a beautiful day for canoeing on gorgeous Liberty Lake in the annual Canoe Classic Race. This was the second time that this race was held at Liberty Lake, as the race is usually held on the Spokane River. The river's discharge was at alarming rates to 20-24,000 CFS which is dangerously scary. The lake on the other hand was placid and sunny except for the wake of the occasional power boater.

Before entering canoes, we were oriented by the race committee. My 11 year old bow partner was taking this all in as she was adjusting her PFD and her bottle of Gator Aid. Going onto the water and lining up with the dozen plus canoes, kayaks, and other paddle craft I could sense that Jodi was running all the three day instructions of paddling through her head. Remember a forward stroke, Which rudder. Will I back stroke or forward stroke, I love the cross bow draw or rudder! With all these ideas swimming through her head, John announced the four minute warning. Now forget all the garbage and enjoy the excitement. Whistle and we are off.

Of course there is a narrow hole to pass but suddenly some big guy near us leans on her gunnel. Now that is not very nice and there were no excuse me's. We had to deal with some bumps and jostlings. The forward strokes came off very well and the "huts" (call to tell the bow to change sides and not lose a stroke)..oh well, only miss a stroke and a half. All this time Uncle Jeff and his partner (Jodi's brother Bobby) are slipping away with speed and grace. Up the first leg Jodi looks over her shoulder as a Jensen with woman and son move up on our larboard but excitement and a lurch forward sent their boat into a spill. I could hear a rescue occurring and we kept up the pace. Boy, now we were in a contest with two high school or older guys in a green not usually swift boat. They were putting biceps, hamstrings, quads, and all the muscle groups they could find in pushing that craft past us. After the first turn their anaerobic state took over and we inched past them. Jodi felt compassion for them and explained that she never liked to be passed.

Another leg and a half and we were able to come alongside a kayaker and chat. He was content with his effort and wished us bon voyage as we moved along. The next big thrill was approaching the finish line and a lot of cheers greeted us and we knew that we had won a T-shirt (of course every racer was presented one). Believe me, for