The Load and I plan to do a series where we talk about the various treks that we typically went on along with the highs and lows of each one. When it comes to the Saranac trek, I think we will almost certainly have only positive things to say about it.
Day 3 started in the Saranacs. Day 3 was to be the shortest day, with only 3 carries, and two of them very short. However, we knew something was a bit different when the race organizers told us that we had to wear our life jackets for this leg of the course. Up until today, it was only necessary that the life jacket be in the boat. It didn't make sense at the time because it seemed very calm at the start. Nevertheless, we followed the rule. To an extent. One of the fastest guideboats, that had led consistently since day 1, came up with a unique solution. He simply tied the life jacket around his waist. I think he was concerned that if he wore the life jacket it could interfere with the rowing. When you are going as fast as he was, I think it was a legitimate concern.
Jim and I were in good spirits because we had moved up 2-3 spots in the rankings. I think it was a combination of a very slow first day and a better than average 2nd day. We had found our rhythm at this point and it was like we were back in college again. The start was uneventful, we separated into our respective groups. But, after 30 minutes or so of paddling, we left the sheltered confines of fish creek pond and entered Upper Saranac Lake. This was a big lake, and we now saw why the life jackets were required. The wind was shipping pretty good, there were whitecaps with 2-3 foot waves. Fortunately, we were heading straight into them, which is a lot safer than having them come across the bow. Personally, this was my favorite part, I would routinely get a good soaking as the bow would come crashing down off one wave and encounter another. A number of boats capsized or swamped here. When you build a boat for speed you sacrifice stability. Some of the really fast boats simply couldn't handle the waves. It was heartwarming to see teams that were obviously racing, take time to help the capsized boats. Even though it was a race, people never forgot that we were all out to have a great time.
For whatever reason, Jim and I seemed exceptionally good at rough water paddling. We probably had about 5-6 miles to do along Upper Saranac Lake. At the end there is a carry to Middle Saranac Lake. Unbelieveably, we actually reached the carry a few yards ahead of the leaders. Our guideboat was the only one not made of wood, it may have been a bit heavier than the other crafts. I tend to think that this additional weight was an advantage in the rough water and made the boat more stable and better able to handle the high waves. This was definitely the roughest water I had taken her out in. A couple of times I would travel from the Chicago River, through the locks to Lake Michigan, but only if it was calm. Mainly I had stuck to smaller bodies of water.
We were feeling pretty good reaching the carry first, but our lead did not last for long. The usual leaders simply picked their boat up, put one end on each shoulder and took off at a jog, while we took off at a fast walk. I lost sight of them about 1/2 way through the carry. Midway through the carry, there is a relatively steep hill. Although I didn't know it at the time, there is a guy who comes out every year to play bagpipes to motivate people along. It worked. Perhaps it was because it was so unexpected, or perhaps it is because bagpipes are inherently awesome, but I felt like I glided up the hill. This was to be the last carry of any real distance, the next couple were about 100 yards each.
We continued on through the rest of the Saranacs, Middle Saranac and Lower Saranac. At this point, the wind had died down but it was still very gray with bouts of rain and occasional winds. The Saranacs have a number of islands that dot the various lakes, which makes for extremely beautiful scenery. Although Jim and I were still pushing hard, we admired the scenery a bit more than we had in the past.
There are two small locks that you have to go through to get from Middle Saranac to Lower Saranac Lake. These locks are a lot of fun, because you get to operate the smaller one yourself. But, since this was a race, we had to carry around the locks. The first one was easy, it was probably 50 yards or so. The second one was a bit trickier because even though it was only 200 yards, you went up and down a steep hill. I was at the front of the boat and Jim was at the rear. I noticed he was struggling going up the hill, but he didn't complain or ask to stop. Once we started going down I realized why. There were several gallons of water in the boat. Going up the hill, it had all sloshed down to Jim so he was carrying an extra 40 pounds or so. I immediately noticed it on the way down, and realized how much more difficult it was. But, I was going downhill, it had to be particularly difficult on the way up.
From that point on, it was smooth sailing to the finish. The finish line is at the end of Lake Flower in the village of Saranac Lake. It is an exceptionally pretty town, so it made the finish even more special. Also, as you reached the finish, the race organizers would call out your name and everyone would cheer so enthusiastically that you thought you had won! There was an after race picnic and a few other events, but it was still cold, raw and windy, so we didn't stick around for too long.
All in all, it was a great experience. There are trophys given out at the end, but even more impressive they hand out pins for number of 90 milers that you have participated in. Jim and I were in the 1st group, towards the end, they handed out pins for 25 90 milers. I can see why people come back year after year, and I would Love to do it again. Particularly, I would like to enter the father daughter division!
No comments:
Post a Comment