I had the good fortune to be asked to use my little runabout as a safety boat for the Outdoors, Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race Saturday. It was great fun. The dozen or so safety boats and a couple hundred canoes and kayaks gathered at the Wolf River confluence with the Mississippi at the north end of Mud Island. Just before the race began, the safety boats spread out along the course — which runs the length of Mud Island, then back into the harbor to Mississippi River Park, just below the U of M Law School. Then we just drifted along, watching for potential accidents or spillages.
After the race, contestants gathered for beer, music, and camaraderie. Here are a few photos I took.
Before the race, at the mouth of the Wolf River.
An eager contestant.
Observing the race, watching for spills.
John Ruskey, subject of a recent Flyer cover story about the exploration of Big Island. His canoe team won the large canoe category.
Not a Bass Pro Shop yet, but looking good.
