davidandmarta.blogspot.com: paddle season

two weekends, two canoe themed events.

first it was the annual all-family-dress up slow paddle down the river to end at the waterfront festival on the other lake. every year, it's a total blast, and helps wisconsin's waterway health by supporting the wisconsin river alliance. last year we were pirates, and before that we were vikings, and we've often been cheerful spectators. this year, the kids picked our costumes, and we were "magical animals." thanks, ramona, for this amazing idea.

here bunny liberty trims the vessel with flags and lights...

and here are bunny liberty, dancing cat, underwear skeleton, and magical butterfly, all ready to launch at the riverbank.

under a bridge full of spectators...

paddle paddle paddle

and then ramona got to hang out with the big flotilla fish at the concert after the paddle.

the following weekend, we finally finally signed up for paddle and portage, the paddle-and-carry-and-paddle race across town that david and i have wanted to for many years. this year, we had nana and papa in town, which means we had a way to do a canoe race and have a babysitter all at the same time! it was great fun, and a pretty good work out.

early morning canoes..

start line readiness...

shoving off at james madison park into lake mendota!

out of the lake and starting the not-so-pleasant portage across town.

my bow view selfie. i had limited vision for the portage.

portaging that big heavy canoe up the hill towards the capitol square...

and then across the square and past all the farmer's market shoppers.

and the finish line at olbrich beach in lake monona. here are some friends in wigs, making their triumphant finish!

and here are some committed costume folk. they didn't even win, but i bet they got close. i'm sure they got hot. they are definitely awesome.

these guys dresse up in body paint, fish net, stilettos and lampshades in christmas story movie style, completed the race in these costumes, and OF COURSE won the costume contest.