Training Day 1: 9 June 2009

We picked up our canoe in the morning from the ever-helpful and laid back Jack down at Spencer Canoes, who had put in a rudder and a few other bits and pieces for us. Dowker had his first "moment" of the the trip when he saw the positioning of the middle seat (at the widest part of the boat) but all was forgotten as soon as we put the canoe in the river and started paddling: lightweight, streamlined, stable - we were very, very happy with the yellow We-no-nah Minnesota 3. Dowks and JM were also extremely pleased with their new carbon fibre ZRE race paddles,  each weighing about the same as a large watch!

We paddled about 6 miles just to get the hang of the canoe and, apart from hitting  a couple of logs and rocks in the faster moving water, had a very smooth run. We also had our first taste of Perpetuem, which will be our main source of nutrition during the race, and were pleasantly surprised. All in all, we came out of the river at Staples Dam feeling pretty good about our prospects for the race.