This entry was posted on 6/17/2008 2:30 PM and is filed under Trip Reports.
There are a few short clips showing the launch followed by an 11 minute clip that chronicles the first leg of the 2008 Everglades Challenge. Towards the end of this 11 minute clip the video will go dark for awhile. The narration continues about getting hit in the head with a fast traveling boom.
This firs clip shows DaveOnCudjoe launcing right beside me. Notice the hard cranking as he kedges off the beach. While he is launching I am just waiting and watching the clock tick by.
DaveOnCudjoe Launching
After Dave launched it was my turn. Notice how easy the Tridarka Raider is launched using the 3 inflatable rollers. I actually have to hold the boat back so it won't roll into the water too fast. Unfortunately the video cuts off before I get to the water then the second clip is after the boat is off the beach. It only took a few seconds to launch.
Chief Launches
Tridarka Raider in the Water
This next clip was shot by Lugnut as I passed them a few hours after the start. Notice my super relaxed lounging position. This clip shows my fat profile and was the inspiration for changing from class 5 to class 2 for the next Everglades Challenge. Sailing is fun but paddling for 300 miles will inspire me to get back in shape.
Short Clip By Lugnut
So what follows is the insane misadventures on Leg 1 of the 2008 Everglades Challenge:
Fort Desoto to CP1 in the 2008 Everglades Challenge.
I did leave out some further adventures. After getting knocked in the head, I tried to go under a bridge and took a hard hit to the mast. After that I made my way to Bird Key and spent the night nursing my wounds. When I awoke I was high and dry on a mud bank. It took several hours for the tide to come in so I could make the last couple of miles to the CP.
With all my misadventures I think I was the last one to get into CP1 at about 11:00 on Sunday -- only 1 hour before the deadline. I made up a lot of my lost time on the next leg, but that is in the next video.
