Trip Report by Nora Whitmore
Photo by Ron Olsen

Two Harbors Kayak Festival Aug 1, 2, 3, 2003

Friday night started with the reception for all the participants. The food was exquisite and the beer was free. They had a great band playing and there was a feeling of anticipated excitement for the weekend to come. It was a treat to watch the many different kayaks as they arrived in the campground and meeting the different people.

Saturday dawned with the races scheduled for that morning. The weather was not cooperating and they delayed the races for half an hour. From SKOAC, Ellen Nacik was in the "under 19 foot" 18 mile race. Ron Olsen was in the 5 mile Betty's pies race. I was in the "19 foot and over" 18 mile race. For all three of us it was our first time in a race. SKOACers Mark and Jean Lusche were also at the festival with Mark competing in the 18 mile race. With the weather being bad, the waves were high...especially around the first point. The race was exciting, to be sure, with several capsizes and some people turn ing back. Thankfully no one was hurt and all of us came back with another story to tell around the campfire. Which we did...that night...we made plans...next year we said as we drank our wine around the fire.

Saturday also brought classes, demo's, tour's and talks. The instruction and talks were great. The tours were a fun ride with the waves playing with the tandems. There were also many fine boats for people to try. Saturday night finished up with a dinner and awards.

Sunday there was more instruction and demo's. The weather was beautiful and the bay calm. There was also the tandem races to be run. Pam Schilling and Harry Linscheid, from our group, entered and won 4th place. Congratulations Pam and Harry!

On the whole, the weekend was great! The people that put on the Festval were wonderful people and every volunteer was absolutly great! A big "Thank You!" to everyone who put their time in to bring us this weekend. Everyone had a great time! ... .Next Year!!

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