Where R We Now?

The race began at 7:10 a.m.. The team reachs Columbus, 16 hours & 15 minutes later at 11:25 p.m.. Their race is over. They made the 100 miles (actually its only 96+ but 100 sounds so much better) six hours thirty six minutes faster than last year. What an accomplishment. The night on the river was as dark as black ink and the promised three quarter moon appeared as they approached the finish line. Cait & Tony could see stars overhead, they could hear thunder behind them. The temperature is now 75 degrees but the humidity officially soars to 104 percent (I thought rain was 100% but obviously the air can get super saturated).

Although the river is running faster than last year, the difference it made in the record time only accounted for a part of the speed. The rest is a better trained race team. Cait & Tony are glad to be back on terra firma and look forward to a good night's sleep. The last five miles are the most difficult of the race as sore muscles began to scream. At the finish line they are numb with happiness that they did it, again, and it is over.

In order not to repeat the mistake of La Grange (we were not asleep, just enjoying the air conditioning in the RV when the team arrived), all of the support team heads to the final dock at 10:00. As each boat arrives in the night we wonder, "are they here yet?" But there is no doubt when their lights pierced the night, it is them. We are jumping up and down so excitedly it is a wonder we did not fall into the river. Hugs are endless. The joy, unspeakable. We are soooo proud of Cait & Tony.

After the race there is a lot of discussions among the paddlers. Cait & Tony are thinking about participation in the Water Tribe of Florida Challenge Ultra Marathon, a 67 mile run along the Florida coast, next year's Buffalo Bayou Regatta (12 miles, so the support team can also paddle) and others. It's time to rest, so no decisions until later.

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The End, no more stops!