Eagle Nest Lake Paddling Competition

On July 1 there was a paddling competition at Eagle Nest Lake State Park. Freddy and I arrived there a little after 8am to take some photos. We should have brought a few pirate flags for the couple of canoes that engaged in nefarious actions.

Since I am Canadian and Freddy now calls himself a Royal Canadian Water Dog, we were glad to see the park honor Canada Day with this contest. Although it also might of had something to do with the 100th anniversary celebration of the completion of the Eagle Nest Lake Dam.

Anyway, we arrived shortly before the event started. Some boats were already lined up on the shore.

Some folks were already gathering in the Visitor Center.

Yeah, you have to look close. We were on the beach without a great camera angle.

Lots of people were fishing, not even aware of the races about to begin.

Finally things got underway.

Freddy started paying attention.

Sort of. He resumed looking for whatever he looks for in the bushes.

After everyone was lined up, the starting paddle was dipped and the first race was underway.

Paddlers started going different directions.

But in the end number 9 won. By a trout's nose.

That was just the sprint race. Now they set out for a longer paddle..

The Ranger kept an eye out for any misdeeds by fish or fowl.

And then they were off again.

The only paddle boarder just never gives up.

But number 9 won again.

After everyone was back onshore, and after beating and berating number 9, they headed out for the long paddle. Almost at the opposite shore. Now endurance will be the winner.

Freddy nabbed a quick scratch.

They arrived, turned around, and raced back.

Number 9 tried his best despite his injuries but number 6 prevailed.

Everyone was just happy to finish.

Hey, straighten those arms!

The paddle boarder participated in all three single events and it was showing. But he persevered until the end. Barely.

Then it was time for the big boats. Canoes.

 The red boat ended up winning.

Back at the launch area, they all decided to have another run from the middle distance. The ladies got the guys started trash talking each each and they paddled off with smiles on their faces.

 

Then it was on.

With the guys playing pirates and ramming each other, the gals skirted around them.

Then the unforgivable occurred. You cannot grab another boat while in a race. Both were disqualified but they did not know it.

They battled on.

And there were peace offerings, lol.

In the end they sat dumbfounded as the victorious ladies won the race.

Everybody had a great time. They all celebrated afterward in the visitor center patio. Freddy was getting too hot so we left. But he did have some final comments.

"Greg, that was a fun day."

"Yep."

"Those ladies were smart to get in the heads of the guys."

"Yep."

Then Freddy explained his mammal intelligence ratings.

"Dogs at the top, of course. Then female humans followed by male humans."

I asked what was at the bottom.

"Cats, obviously. Just above them are squirrels and mice."

He is a very smart puppy.

Regards,
Greg and Freddy