Sunday, August 14, 2011

Bird Island Challenge 2011

This morning, the Bird Island Challenge was successfully met by a good number of paddlers and rowers on the waters of Buzzards Bay.  The rain held off until after the event, just as forecasters had promised.  Many participants fueled-up in a manner similar to the kayaker pictured at left and the dockside gasoline pump took it easy for a change.  The combination of clouds and southerly breeze helped to keep participants cool and collected.  The same breeze had seas kicked-up a bit at Bird Island and this resulted in the course being shortened by a couple of miles. Therefore, the island's tern population went undisturbed by event participants.
The ride back to the starting point was with the breeze at our backs and those paddling or rowing a little ways past the finish line were able to see one of the old Nantucket Lightships enjoying her retirement years in the Wareham River... 
 
The Bird Island Challenge is a fund-raising event for the Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham and is unique for its relaxed atmosphere and choice of 3 scenic courses. 

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