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The Lady of the River
by Peter Fitzgerald
My fellow paddlers, did we not have a marvellous
Avon this year? Record field, good level, rain at the right time,
cool conditions and one of the greatest displays of sheer fighting
spirit I have ever witnessed on the river.
I first saw her entangled in a scrubby ti-tree
somewhere near Hart's Farm and Lookout and although my attention
was on the race, I knew who she was. As a repeat offender in the
Avon Descent, I know the bitter taste of defeat, I have felt the
pain as in '97 when I hit the wall near Middle Swan and had to
pull out. I know when the body is defeated but the mind wants
to continue on.
But this year my race finished at Garratt Road and apart from an unfortunate encounter with a double wave ski and a swim and a gum tree that stepped out in front of me, I had a good race. I even pipped two other sea kayaks in the final dash to the finish line.
But for "PAT" the pain continued,
drawing on a deep reserve and with dogged determination "PAT"
refused to give in.
I was at the finish line basking in post race
hazy funk which we all know, when over the loud speaker came the
electrifying call, that "PAT" and her angel in a red
Finn were about to finish.
Well done, Pat. All the training over the years paid off. You are an inspiration for all us paddlers.
Regards, Fitzy.....No.535....Ascot Kayak Club & South West Canoe Club