Last week we were hosted by Hokuloa of Ventura.I heard it was a pretty good race.
Some of the guys said it wasn’t as rough as it usually has been.Ventura’s course is know for its downwind run and some of us carry fond moments of long rides. The open women’s race was won by NAC.They are strong and determined and are a force to be reckoned with.So far this season, they have battled with Lanakila for either first or second.Also their second team seems to be hanging around right on the edge, which makes them very capable of producing a good nine-man team.I presume their steersman “Elainer’ was steering, which gives them experience in the back. If anyone has a photo of the NAC open women please send it in and we'll post it here.
In the open men’s category, Imua won.Congratulations Imua. “They’re Baack.”“Ole man,” Dennis Campbell was steering.Good job Dennis.This is the first race this season that Imua scored a first open men and I know it must feel great to them.Sometimes you work and work and nothing changes, then all of a sudden everything clicks and wham, you got a first. If anyone has a photo of the Imua open men please send it in. I don't have any photos. There are no short cuts in athletics; hard work is still the key to success.According to what I gathered, Imua and Lanakila were tight up to the first turn and then it was Imua slowly walking away into the wind.Coming downwind there might have been a little push from Lanakila, but it was all Imua after that. Way to go guys.By the way, Hokuloa Sr. Masters won their division.I only mention it because, my team races against them every race and all the seniors get to recognize their competitors. Good job Captain Phil Shockley and crew.
My race information is sparse, because I happened to be vacationing at Catalina Island and didn’t attend the race.Although I tried calling for race results, almost everyone was busy either racing or had shut their cells off.Yes the town of Avalon is still there and the great fire didn’t burn it down.In fact it looked like nothing was amiss and the town was as beautiful and sparkling as ever… until you looked at the hills above the town or traveled in the backcountry, which we did, on a touring tram.The entire landscape was charred in gray- black ashes.The locals said after the fire every inch of the town was covered in ashes.Pompeii.At one point the fire had encircled Avalon all along the mountain ridges and was creeping down to town.At this point everyone was evacuated off the island, except for Firefighters and necessary workers.Our tour guide stopped at one point where the leading edge of the fire had traveled down a small canyon road just outside of town.He said if the fire had jumped the road, it would have surely consumed trees and brush next to houses and burnt the town down.Avalon is only about two square miles and the buildings are close to each other.At this point, the firefighters were with their backs to the wall.They made their stand.It was the point of no return and they worked furiously cutting trees and brush and pouring water and dirt to stop the flames.Then the wind changed, blowing the flames back helping the firefighters.Thanks to their heroic efforts and the change of wind, the town was saved, “So was our condo.”As we toured the scorched countryside, out of curiosity I looked for crispy critters… but saw none, not even one single buffalo.Maybe the buffalos in Catalina actually do have, “Buffalo wings.”
Mahalo to Hokuloa Canoe Club for hosting the race.Its always a nice venue and challenging course.For race results please visit the SCORA site.www.SoCalOutrigger.org
The next race will be at Avila Beach. Hosted by Pale Kai Canoe Club
… the members of Pale Kai expect to see a supportive turnout for this race. Campsites have opened up, so if you were discouraged, now’s the time to pick up the phone and reserve a site. The entire beachfront area was renovated and should be a beautiful and exciting venue to race in. Drive safe and see you on the water! http://www.palekai.org/race.htm
MahaloAL
Need a good photo to go with the story. If you have a great photo you'd like to share with us. Please email it to acelocc@aol.com Since I can't shoot pictures while I''m paddling, you'll notice most of the photos are on land.
Your water shots would be wonderfu to share. Again, Please email it to acelocc@aol.com