Following the America's Regatta - all the classes moved down to Charlotte Harbor to train at the Worlds Venue. 6 Sonars, 12-15 2.4 & 6 Skuds. It was hectic for everyone - first time for many of the competitors at the venue.
The venue & the harbor are GREAT, however, as I have mentioned in previous postings the harbor is shallow & has significant tides (can be up to 2 feet) - well for the SKUDs -that's for sure. The SKUD draws almost 6 feet - some parts of the harbor is not that deep.
We had 9 days on the water & anywhere from 2 to 6 boats. I think most of the practice was getting in & out of the marina with the keel up & various situations with sails set & being towed by coach boats. When we were training - the "stars were aligned" for the perfect difficult tides. Full moon approaching, NE winds & rain inland - all which make for "exceptionally extreme low tides". I think we ran aground a few times. Thank goodness for sandy bottoms. Most of the boats left on Thurs. Dec. 15. Ken & I took a few days off & then finished off with a BEAUTIFUL sail on Sunday - hauled the boat & called it for a well needed holiday.
Saturday 24 December 2011
America's Regatta - St Pete - Dec. 2 - 4
Oops - little late with the update. Where does the time go.
Nov.28 - Dec. 1: Ken & I moved the boat to St Petesburg, Florida in preparation for our first big regatta. Prior to the event, it was a good four days of training with 2 British boats & 1 US boat. We got some great upwind & downwind tuning. We learned alot during our training. Unlike other times I have sailed in St Pete - we had big winds & chop. Really good practice for us - we felt ready for the regatta.
Dec. 2 - 4: America's Regatta. Alex Fox came to St Pete to coach us & he was GREAT. He really helped us out & is always fun to be around. Thanks Alex for all the support.
WOW what a huge learning curve for us during this event. We had hope to have some better results - but what does one expect when sailing with the top boats in the World!!! Most of these teams have been together for 6 years: Ken & I have only really been sailing full-time together since October. We were able to be in the mix a few times, had some good starts & as the regatta continued we really honed in on some key "go fast" techniques. This regatta gave us a good platform on which to keep moving up. It ws nice to get a few good comments from fellow competitors.
Best part of the event - was catching up with a few of my international friends!!
Sorry no pictures - I will try to get some for next time.
Nov.28 - Dec. 1: Ken & I moved the boat to St Petesburg, Florida in preparation for our first big regatta. Prior to the event, it was a good four days of training with 2 British boats & 1 US boat. We got some great upwind & downwind tuning. We learned alot during our training. Unlike other times I have sailed in St Pete - we had big winds & chop. Really good practice for us - we felt ready for the regatta.
Dec. 2 - 4: America's Regatta. Alex Fox came to St Pete to coach us & he was GREAT. He really helped us out & is always fun to be around. Thanks Alex for all the support.
WOW what a huge learning curve for us during this event. We had hope to have some better results - but what does one expect when sailing with the top boats in the World!!! Most of these teams have been together for 6 years: Ken & I have only really been sailing full-time together since October. We were able to be in the mix a few times, had some good starts & as the regatta continued we really honed in on some key "go fast" techniques. This regatta gave us a good platform on which to keep moving up. It ws nice to get a few good comments from fellow competitors.
Best part of the event - was catching up with a few of my international friends!!
Sorry no pictures - I will try to get some for next time.
Monday 28 November 2011
One Boat Training in Punta Gorda
Howdy
So go give you a bit of the logistics involved with in sailing in this area (not going to go into the steps to put the boat into the water). There is only 1 crane in the whole area - it is at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club (CHYC). Our boat has to be lowered into the water by a crane.
- note the nice pink bulb.
Keel lifted based on the water or shall I say the lack of water. Towed over across the bay & under 2 bridges (see pics) - probably about 20 minute tow. Please note that it is me doing most of this work BUT luckily I have been able to get help of 2 others. So that was the afternoon of the first day - no sailing but the boat is in the water & in its spot @ Laishley Marina.
Day 2 - Turns out we got one FABULOUS day on the water. Nice Southwesterly with about 8-10 knots of wind. GORGEOUS. (No pictures of us sailing cause we are out by ourselves). Weirdness part is sailing under two bridges to get out into the harbor. YEE HAA we made it.
Day 3 - Ken & I planned to sail for the morning & then tow/haul the boat at noon. Now you have to know that this is Thursday Nov. 24. For those of you who have not clued in - this is American Thanksgiving. Remember on Day 1 - I mentioned that I needed help from others to do this task. I had two gentlemen lined up to help (Doug with the tow & Dave as shore help) but it had to be between noon & 2 PM as both of them had Thanksgiving Dinner with family lined up. GREAT PLAN. Well that is where the "great" ends.
So back to Punta Gorda - AGAIN. Feels good to be back at my home away from home. I need to put some pictures of my place up - it is a really nice 2 bedroom condo.
Although we knew it was going to be A LOT of work - we decided that it was a good idea to sail for a few days out of the new Venue. The organizing committee did a lot of work to get it usable for sailors to train in PG - but we ended up leaving to go to Miami (last week). So we wanted to ensure we "tested" things out at the venue, getting in & out of the venue & all the other logistics you don't think of when you sail out of a familiar venue. Basically we wanted to get a "feel" for the area (Charlotte Harbor). Again a lot of work - we knew that it would be at least 1/2 day to get in & 1/2 day to get out of the water. So that would leave (at best) 2 half days & 1 full day of sailing.
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| Brian attaching CAN 022 to Crane (okay this picture is a few weeks old) |
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| CAN 022 being "splashed" (again - used this pic before) |
Keel lifted based on the water or shall I say the lack of water. Towed over across the bay & under 2 bridges (see pics) - probably about 20 minute tow. Please note that it is me doing most of this work BUT luckily I have been able to get help of 2 others. So that was the afternoon of the first day - no sailing but the boat is in the water & in its spot @ Laishley Marina.
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| Me be towed out of CHYC - heading south |
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| Me being towed out - looking North back to CHYC |
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| Between the 2 bridges - looking north |
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| Heading East - about to go under Bridge #2 |
Day 2 - Turns out we got one FABULOUS day on the water. Nice Southwesterly with about 8-10 knots of wind. GORGEOUS. (No pictures of us sailing cause we are out by ourselves). Weirdness part is sailing under two bridges to get out into the harbor. YEE HAA we made it.
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| Sailing NW towards the two bridges - apparently they are 45' tall |
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| Right under bridge #2 |
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| Just sailed under the 1st bridge |
Day 3 - Ken & I planned to sail for the morning & then tow/haul the boat at noon. Now you have to know that this is Thursday Nov. 24. For those of you who have not clued in - this is American Thanksgiving. Remember on Day 1 - I mentioned that I needed help from others to do this task. I had two gentlemen lined up to help (Doug with the tow & Dave as shore help) but it had to be between noon & 2 PM as both of them had Thanksgiving Dinner with family lined up. GREAT PLAN. Well that is where the "great" ends.
- Ken & I arrived at the boat @ 8:15. I attempted to lower the keel - DENIED - low tide
- so we went to Starbucks - had a coffee
- back to the boat @ 10 - loaded Ken into the boat (Ken is a paraplegic - so we use a lift to get him in the boat)
- I continued to rig the boat - planning on leaving by 11 to sail over to the crane to meet our Noon helpers
- 11:15 still could not get out of the harbor due to low tide - called the sail off
- phoned Doug to come tow us - he can't get his boat off his lift due to low tide until 13:00
- 13:00 - Doug comes to get me & I get tow back to CHYC
- 13:07 - mullet fish (probably 12 inches long) jumps into Doug's boat & flops around - seriously - where is the camera when you need it.
Welcome to the world of SKUD sailing. Grasshopper (aka - me) has had to learn patience. For those of you who know me might laugh at this. I know I laugh - patience is a virtue - but it has not generally been mine.
Next adventure will be training & our first regatta with more than 3 boats --> St Petersburg Florida.
Till then.... Thanks - Brenda
Training Miami #2 - Nov. 17 - 21
So - back to the sailing adventure - or maybe I should call it the "de-
rigging - packing - driving - unpacking - rigging" adventure. Wow - I
am getting good at it. I time myself now speed - but there is also a
quality factor that has to be taken into account.
Due to logistics (that I won't go into) we had to go to Miami AGAIN to
train. Don't get me wrong - Miami is a great place to sail but it is
EXPENSIVE. Anyhow.... drove the 3 hours SE via "Alligator Alley" and
once again - NO alligators sighted. Got to MIA - set up the boat &
got a nice sunset shake-down sail. At that point - it seemed to be
worth it. Sometimes those moments in life (where you actually stop &
smell the roses) are GREAT!!!!!
Day 2 MIA - get to the boat - getting ready to rig & the weather is
looking dark & stormy (not to be confused with the YUMMY rum drink) -
check the radar. Oops lots of red (which is not good) showing on the
radar. So we go into a holding pattern. Start doing boat work (cause
what else do you do on a SKUD, but boat work). Deluge of rain - hide
under cover. Rain stops - back out to do more boat work. Deluge of
rain - run & hide..... repeat - repeat..... get the picture? So that
was day 2. Here is a few pictures of "sunny Miami".
Saturday & Sunday - we had two really good days of training!!! We are
really happy with the boat we have chartered. It is solid & the new
rigging/sails are great. Finally feeling like we have the boat set up
the way we want it. Communication between Ken & I is GREAT. It is
good to sail with him. He is smart tactically & is really learning how
to sail the SKUD. (NOTE: Ken has sailed for a long time - but came
from a different class. All boats sail a wee bit different. Now add
the weirdness of the SKUD & there is a need to sail the boat different.)
Monday - packed up the boat & headed back to Punta Gorda. Excitement
on the road - 1 alligator spotted by Kenny. I however did not see it.
I arrived back home & got to move to my "new" condo - thank goodness -
right next door. I am in there for the next 2 months. Thank goodness -
I don't have to move anymore.
Brenda
rigging - packing - driving - unpacking - rigging" adventure. Wow - I
am getting good at it. I time myself now speed - but there is also a
quality factor that has to be taken into account.
Due to logistics (that I won't go into) we had to go to Miami AGAIN to
train. Don't get me wrong - Miami is a great place to sail but it is
EXPENSIVE. Anyhow.... drove the 3 hours SE via "Alligator Alley" and
once again - NO alligators sighted. Got to MIA - set up the boat &
got a nice sunset shake-down sail. At that point - it seemed to be
worth it. Sometimes those moments in life (where you actually stop &
smell the roses) are GREAT!!!!!
Day 2 MIA - get to the boat - getting ready to rig & the weather is
looking dark & stormy (not to be confused with the YUMMY rum drink) -
check the radar. Oops lots of red (which is not good) showing on the
radar. So we go into a holding pattern. Start doing boat work (cause
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| Pat & Scott - "under cover" rain storm #14 of the day!!! |
under cover. Rain stops - back out to do more boat work. Deluge of
rain - run & hide..... repeat - repeat..... get the picture? So that
was day 2. Here is a few pictures of "sunny Miami".
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| Raindrops on the water |
really happy with the boat we have chartered. It is solid & the new
rigging/sails are great. Finally feeling like we have the boat set up
the way we want it. Communication between Ken & I is GREAT. It is
good to sail with him. He is smart tactically & is really learning how
to sail the SKUD. (NOTE: Ken has sailed for a long time - but came
from a different class. All boats sail a wee bit different. Now add
the weirdness of the SKUD & there is a need to sail the boat different.)
Monday - packed up the boat & headed back to Punta Gorda. Excitement
on the road - 1 alligator spotted by Kenny. I however did not see it.
I arrived back home & got to move to my "new" condo - thank goodness -
right next door. I am in there for the next 2 months. Thank goodness -
I don't have to move anymore.
Brenda
Monday 21 November 2011
CAN 022 - Nov. 7 - 16
This boat is the Gold Medal Boat from Beijing 2008. My friend Sarah Everhart-Skeels purchased this boat from Mary-Kate Scandone after Nick - Gold Medal winner - passed away in Jan. 2009. Sarah sailed this boat until Oct 2011 - then she kindly chartered it to me & Ken for our kick at winning the Canadian spot for London 2012. The boat is named "Nick's Karma" & we are soooooooo excited to be sailing this amazing boat with such an amazing history to it.
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| Brian Skeels |
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| Brian getting ready to "splash" Nick's Karma |
Normally the keel bulb is red - we had some work done to the bulb & keel. I just happened to Ezra who was doing the work for us that I would like the bulb to be pink AND he did it. Got to love people who give the customer what they want. Seriously it is the only pink bulb in the World. I think it might be called "go fast pink".  |
| Breast Cancer Pink Keel bulb - only one in the WORLD!!!!! |
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| Nick's Karma - notice the keel is 1/2 way up - for towing out the channel!!! |
I need to mention that the people here have been great & very helpful. We could not be doing all this with out them. I think they like us - but they can't like us too much as they have to cheer for the US teams - none of which are sailing here yet.
Well off to bed..... I will get the last 2 weeks written soon.
Brenda
Training in Miami - Oct 19 - Nov. 3
So originally we were suppose to have a training camp in Punta Gorda Florida. This is the 2012 Worlds location. As well it is many country's, including the Canadian's, Trials for team selection. Ken & I figured since we had such a short time (3 months) to pull it together it made sense to live & train here. Unfortunately the venue was not ready (no docks & no ramps to access the ramps) - so we decided to do a 5 day training camp in Miami. So I arrived to MIA on Oct. 18 - as did a tornado & a monster storm. Being the country bumpkin that I am - I had to call down from the 8th floor of my hotel to find out what one does in the event of a tornado!!!! It was weird - I was watching TV & the announcer would state "don't worry - you won't miss a moment of dancing with the stars but just wanted to update you on the location of the tornado".... I don't get people's priorities (then again - why was I watching DWS?)
Anyhow, needless to say - we did not sail this day. I can't remember what it was blowing - but too crazy & dangerous for us. So what does one do.... boat work AGAIN.
Well then we got out with US SKUD 053 - Scott Whitman & Julia Dorsett. We had an excellent 4 days of training with US SKUD Coach Jonathan Farrar. Ken & I got a major ass-kicking the first few days but then we started to work it out & I think challenged S&J. We were pretty happy - S&J are one of the top teams in the World!!!
After that I headed to Kingston, Ontario for a few days of meetings. I am the Athlete's Rep on the Athlete Development Committee for the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA). It was a good set of meetings - but I spent from noon to 9 PM in meetings on my birthday!!!! Good thing is a ran into a few people that I had not realized would be there and that made it all worthwhile. In addition, to the meeting I was able to get 2 visits in with David, Elisha, Henry & Daisy Heasman - good friends in Toronto. We managed to go out & celebrate my B-day after the fact.
While I was back in Canada - Ken continued to train against Scott & Julia. Bob Jones (who use to crew on the SKUD & good friend of Ken's) came out to fill in for me. Their team was coined the "Old Bastard Team" - very funny. Those two kind of remind me of the 2 old guys on the Muppet's - Statler & Waldorf.
Halloween - I am back in Miami & back training.... Weather is better & sailing is good. Four more days on the water. But we were only 2 teams of 2 for one day. Julia was down & out starting on Tuesday. Scott sailed with Pat vs Ken & me..... big winds - so great down wind. But then we went through a gybe - I got Ken around the neck with the mainsheet (don't worry I did not strangle him) but he did re-injured his shoulder. So then he was out. Down to me & Scott. We had a great sail in big winds & chop on Day 3. Day 4 was back to me & Ken & we had a great day - I think the picture below is from that day.
What day are we at now???? I think Nov. 4 - 6. I managed to get in on Sonar (3-person paralympic class boat) Training camp with 2 US Teams, 1 CAD, 1 NOR & 2 of us from Team Paradise. Check out the blog on that... http://www.teamparadise.org/mag-blog/paralympic-training-camp.html
I really enjoyed sailing the Sonar - I was only responsible for 1 sail - the jib - unlike when I sail the SKUD & I have 3 sails to trim.
Brenda
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| Picture does not do this justice - 8 am during a crazy storm |
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| This is Miami - does it look nice??? |
Well then we got out with US SKUD 053 - Scott Whitman & Julia Dorsett. We had an excellent 4 days of training with US SKUD Coach Jonathan Farrar. Ken & I got a major ass-kicking the first few days but then we started to work it out & I think challenged S&J. We were pretty happy - S&J are one of the top teams in the World!!!
After that I headed to Kingston, Ontario for a few days of meetings. I am the Athlete's Rep on the Athlete Development Committee for the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA). It was a good set of meetings - but I spent from noon to 9 PM in meetings on my birthday!!!! Good thing is a ran into a few people that I had not realized would be there and that made it all worthwhile. In addition, to the meeting I was able to get 2 visits in with David, Elisha, Henry & Daisy Heasman - good friends in Toronto. We managed to go out & celebrate my B-day after the fact.
While I was back in Canada - Ken continued to train against Scott & Julia. Bob Jones (who use to crew on the SKUD & good friend of Ken's) came out to fill in for me. Their team was coined the "Old Bastard Team" - very funny. Those two kind of remind me of the 2 old guys on the Muppet's - Statler & Waldorf.
Halloween - I am back in Miami & back training.... Weather is better & sailing is good. Four more days on the water. But we were only 2 teams of 2 for one day. Julia was down & out starting on Tuesday. Scott sailed with Pat vs Ken & me..... big winds - so great down wind. But then we went through a gybe - I got Ken around the neck with the mainsheet (don't worry I did not strangle him) but he did re-injured his shoulder. So then he was out. Down to me & Scott. We had a great sail in big winds & chop on Day 3. Day 4 was back to me & Ken & we had a great day - I think the picture below is from that day.
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| Hey look that's Miami!!! |
I really enjoyed sailing the Sonar - I was only responsible for 1 sail - the jib - unlike when I sail the SKUD & I have 3 sails to trim.
Brenda
Drive to Punta Gorda Florida - Oct 8 - 15
So I packed up my "treasures" ready to head to Punta Gorda Florida
(5000 km away) for 3 months. I loaded up my truck (thanks Bev) with
little room to spare on Oct. 9 and headed south. I figured 5 days at
11 hours of driving/day & I would be there.
Day 1 - I made it as far as Cranbrook & had my first stop (for those
of you who don't know - that is only 1 hour south of my place).
Stopped & had a great visit with my good friend (thanks Tanya). Now
it is early afternoon & I still have 10 hours to go.... oops. Oh well
- it was worth it. My friends are important to me.
Heading to the border I finally managed to finalize "living
arrangements" for my cat - Bubba. My cousin Gloria & her partner
Brian have taken the Bubster until into January. Big THANKS to G & B -
totally saved me on this. I know they will take good of Bubba. Amazing
really - cause Brian is allergic to cats.
So now it is early afternoon - I am 1 hour from home & have at least
10 more hours of driving to go (I know it makes no sense).....made it
to Bozeman Montana.
Day 2 - Drove from Bozeman to Denver Co. - long driving stretch
through the lovely state of Wyoming. It was a great trip - beautiful
weather - nobody on the road - speed limit is CRAZY fast 70 mph - just
me & my music. I did a TON of singing. Sometimes it is so great to
be out on the road driving - well I love it. Gives you lots of time to
work through EVERYTHING - good - bad - purposeful & meaningless.
After another 11 hours of driving I landed at Beth & Wally's (my step-
sister & husband's) place in Denver for 2 days of laughter & love or
was it wine & wisdom. Regardless it was a much needed visit. Thanks
Bethie & Wally for our time together - I am soooooo looking forward to
Christmas at your place.
Day 3 - this was probably one of my most favorite days..... I got to
pick my mom up at the Denver Airport & she drove with me the rest of
the trip to Punta Gorda. 3 more days of driving 11 hour days &
finally arrive to Punta Gorda late on Oct. 15. It was such a great
trip with my mom. I don't remember ever spending that much time with
her - it was great. I really liked that I was able to share a bit of
my crazy life with her. I even managed to get her involved in "boat
work". Now for those of you who don't know what that means - it is not
fun. More often it is dirty, body contorted in weird positions & is
always done on the hottest day in the hottest parking lot. Of course
she was a trooper & might even enjoyed herself (although she might not
admit it). We did a quick trip to St Petersburg Florida to pick up my
bike from a friend's place, she helped me move into my condo & she got
a drive through Alligator Alley (I-75 South) but unfortunately we did
not see one alligator. Mom flew out of Miami & I started the first of
many training sessions. Thanks Mom!!!!
Sorry not many pictures & really not that good of pics!!!! I am so
bad for taking pictures. Here are a few..... me driving - cause that's
exciting. Also a nice one of the St Louis Arch. Oh forgot this one of
Hopkinsville, Kentucky - only the sign - we were on a tight timeline
so no stopping. Last picture is of my Lucky Duck on the dashboard.
My good friend Meg gave me the Lucky Duck in Weymouth UK last
June. Turns out it was a Lucky Duck cause after I got him - my life
took a great change. Now LD travels everywhere with me.
Brenda
(5000 km away) for 3 months. I loaded up my truck (thanks Bev) with
little room to spare on Oct. 9 and headed south. I figured 5 days at
11 hours of driving/day & I would be there.
Day 1 - I made it as far as Cranbrook & had my first stop (for those
of you who don't know - that is only 1 hour south of my place).
Stopped & had a great visit with my good friend (thanks Tanya). Now
it is early afternoon & I still have 10 hours to go.... oops. Oh well
- it was worth it. My friends are important to me.
Heading to the border I finally managed to finalize "living
arrangements" for my cat - Bubba. My cousin Gloria & her partner
Brian have taken the Bubster until into January. Big THANKS to G & B -
totally saved me on this. I know they will take good of Bubba. Amazing
really - cause Brian is allergic to cats.
So now it is early afternoon - I am 1 hour from home & have at least
10 more hours of driving to go (I know it makes no sense).....made it
to Bozeman Montana.
Day 2 - Drove from Bozeman to Denver Co. - long driving stretch
through the lovely state of Wyoming. It was a great trip - beautiful
weather - nobody on the road - speed limit is CRAZY fast 70 mph - just
me & my music. I did a TON of singing. Sometimes it is so great to
be out on the road driving - well I love it. Gives you lots of time to
work through EVERYTHING - good - bad - purposeful & meaningless.
After another 11 hours of driving I landed at Beth & Wally's (my step-
sister & husband's) place in Denver for 2 days of laughter & love or
was it wine & wisdom. Regardless it was a much needed visit. Thanks
Bethie & Wally for our time together - I am soooooo looking forward to
Christmas at your place.
Day 3 - this was probably one of my most favorite days..... I got to
pick my mom up at the Denver Airport & she drove with me the rest of
the trip to Punta Gorda. 3 more days of driving 11 hour days &
finally arrive to Punta Gorda late on Oct. 15. It was such a great
trip with my mom. I don't remember ever spending that much time with
her - it was great. I really liked that I was able to share a bit of
my crazy life with her. I even managed to get her involved in "boat
work". Now for those of you who don't know what that means - it is not
fun. More often it is dirty, body contorted in weird positions & is
always done on the hottest day in the hottest parking lot. Of course
she was a trooper & might even enjoyed herself (although she might not
admit it). We did a quick trip to St Petersburg Florida to pick up my
bike from a friend's place, she helped me move into my condo & she got
a drive through Alligator Alley (I-75 South) but unfortunately we did
not see one alligator. Mom flew out of Miami & I started the first of
many training sessions. Thanks Mom!!!!
Sorry not many pictures & really not that good of pics!!!! I am so
bad for taking pictures. Here are a few..... me driving - cause that's
exciting. Also a nice one of the St Louis Arch. Oh forgot this one of
Hopkinsville, Kentucky - only the sign - we were on a tight timeline
so no stopping. Last picture is of my Lucky Duck on the dashboard.
My good friend Meg gave me the Lucky Duck in Weymouth UK last
June. Turns out it was a Lucky Duck cause after I got him - my life
took a great change. Now LD travels everywhere with me.
Brenda
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| Driving through St Louis |
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| St Louis Arch |
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| Yes - a town named after me!!! |
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| Lucky Duck in Tennessee |
2012 Paralympic Games - Take #2
Wow - where did the time go.... it has been 6 weeks since I left
Fairmont (home - not that I would know that these days). I promised to
start a blog & keep those interested up to date on what I am up too.
Obviously the blog has been a little slow to get going - but here it
is. I hope to keep it up dated more regularly. Honestly - I have
barely had a moment to do anything "extra" since leaving home on Oct. 9.
A little background......
For those of you who may or may not know - I am back on the Campaign
trail for the 2012 Paralympic Games in England next September. Back in
June 2011, my previous sailing partner & I split up the team. It came
as a shock to me & I was devastated for sometime. I had invested 3
years of time .... then it was all gone. But in all honesty - it was
the best thing that ever happened to me. We all know that life is full
of changes - some we like & some we don't - but they all have a
reason. I can't control what happens to me - but I can control how I
respond to it.
So what does one do when they have a "crisis".... well they go to Vegas
baby!!!
4 days of non-reality was exactly what I needed. Had a great time
with my friend Richard.
Then back to reality - back home to East Kootenays. I forgot how much I
LOVE the valley. Nice little hike to make me rethink priorities.
Okay - back to sailing story.... At first I decided I was DONE with
sailing. But then I started to realize I was
not finished with what I started & needed to stay on the Canadian
National Team & continue sailing. Looking for some closure I guess.
So I decided to get back in the circuit - I participated in one of my
FAVORITE regattas in Chicago at the beginning of August. I was sailing
a boat called the 2.4m. It is a boat sailed by one individual (little
old me) - requires me to do all the sail trim (I am fine with that);
all the steering (ok - that was new & a stretch for me); and all the
tactics (wow - a really big stretch for me). Anyhow, first race I
pulled off a bullet (i.e. first). Well then I was sewered - my head
got too big & I started to over analyze EVERYTHING. So all the rest of
my races I was in 4th or 5th - but I had a good time & it was good to
be back on the water. Got to hang out with some old friends & even
better, got to meet a some new ones (sparky!!!). Long story short -
the best part of that event was the support & encouragement I received
from sailor friends to get back in the SKUD (the class of boat I have
been sailing since 2006 & the one which I was hoping to go to the 2012
games in) and sail with a new skipper - Ken Kelly. What the heck -
how tough can it be to pull together a 4 year campaign in under 3
months???
Fast forward to Oct. 8th - Ken & I packed up our lives in Canada & both drove down to Punta Gorda Florida to train full time until our
Canadian Trials - Jan. 7 - 15, 2012. Outcome of this event determines what I am doing & where I am going & where I will be living from
January to September 2012. I know it is cliche but honestly "it is what it is" and I just plan on doing my best & let life unfold the way
it is suppose. I do know that the last 5 months have probably provided me with the most change in my life & I know I am a better
person for it.
Brenda
Fairmont (home - not that I would know that these days). I promised to
start a blog & keep those interested up to date on what I am up too.
Obviously the blog has been a little slow to get going - but here it
is. I hope to keep it up dated more regularly. Honestly - I have
barely had a moment to do anything "extra" since leaving home on Oct. 9.
A little background......
For those of you who may or may not know - I am back on the Campaign
trail for the 2012 Paralympic Games in England next September. Back in
June 2011, my previous sailing partner & I split up the team. It came
as a shock to me & I was devastated for sometime. I had invested 3
years of time .... then it was all gone. But in all honesty - it was
the best thing that ever happened to me. We all know that life is full
of changes - some we like & some we don't - but they all have a
reason. I can't control what happens to me - but I can control how I
respond to it.
So what does one do when they have a "crisis".... well they go to Vegas
baby!!!
with my friend Richard.
 |
| Bellagio - 2 hours of water show & a few beers |
 |
| Wee nap after lunch after hike in to Top of the World |
LOVE the valley. Nice little hike to make me rethink priorities.
 |
| Top of the World |
sailing. But then I started to realize I was
not finished with what I started & needed to stay on the Canadian
National Team & continue sailing. Looking for some closure I guess.
So I decided to get back in the circuit - I participated in one of my
FAVORITE regattas in Chicago at the beginning of August. I was sailing
a boat called the 2.4m. It is a boat sailed by one individual (little
old me) - requires me to do all the sail trim (I am fine with that);
all the steering (ok - that was new & a stretch for me); and all the
tactics (wow - a really big stretch for me). Anyhow, first race I
pulled off a bullet (i.e. first). Well then I was sewered - my head
got too big & I started to over analyze EVERYTHING. So all the rest of
my races I was in 4th or 5th - but I had a good time & it was good to
be back on the water. Got to hang out with some old friends & even
better, got to meet a some new ones (sparky!!!). Long story short -
the best part of that event was the support & encouragement I received
from sailor friends to get back in the SKUD (the class of boat I have
been sailing since 2006 & the one which I was hoping to go to the 2012
games in) and sail with a new skipper - Ken Kelly. What the heck -
how tough can it be to pull together a 4 year campaign in under 3
months???
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| Ken & Brenda - 4 hrs on the boat - Larchmont, NY Sept, 2011 |
Fast forward to Oct. 8th - Ken & I packed up our lives in Canada & both drove down to Punta Gorda Florida to train full time until our
Canadian Trials - Jan. 7 - 15, 2012. Outcome of this event determines what I am doing & where I am going & where I will be living from
January to September 2012. I know it is cliche but honestly "it is what it is" and I just plan on doing my best & let life unfold the way
it is suppose. I do know that the last 5 months have probably provided me with the most change in my life & I know I am a better
person for it.
Brenda
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