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Paddling Cape Ann

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By Vladimir Brezina

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Summer’s here—it’s high time to make our summer paddling plans!

And, as in the last four years, those plans absolutely have to include the Blackburn Challenge—our favorite open-water boat race. It’s 20 miles around Cape Ann, Massachusetts. All manner of human-powered boats take part—canoes, rowboats, dories, kayaks, surfskis, outrigger canoes, dragon boats, stand-up paddle boards—making for a fun day out on the water and afterward on the beach.

Last year, we raced in the Blackburn Challenge, then spent another two days paddling leisurely around Cape Ann.

In eager anticipation of this year’s trip, we’ve been looking over the photos from last year…

Our tracks and the locations of the photos:

Cape Ann

(click on any photo to start slideshow)

Day 1: We paddle up to the start of the Blackburn Challenge Tension builds We chat with fellow competitors A minute before the start A few miles into the race, I just had to snap a few photos of this man tending his lobster pots from a stand-up paddle board: see http://windagainstcurrent.com/2013/07/29/a-stand-up-paddle-board-earns-its-keep/ Just a few miles to go! Eastern Point Lighthouse Johna relaxes at the finish line All manner of boats... The Greasy Pole: see http://windagainstcurrent.com/2013/08/17/weekly-photo-challenge-carefree-take-two/ Day 2: We paddle leisurely up the Annisquam River A party! It's a sparkling day Annisquam Light Above and below Party in the Essex River Moody seascape We return home Afternoon light We paddle back down the Annisquam River Toward sunset Wild skies You see all kinds of things from a kayak Gloucester waterfront at dusk Day 3: We paddle around Cape Ann once more, in the opposite direction Eastern Point Lighthouse again This time we paddle farther out to sea... ... toward Thacher Island The twin lights... ... of Thacher Island Even farther out to sea are the Dry Salvages, famous in poetry: see http://windagainstcurrent.com/2013/07/25/the-dry-salvages/ Lonely rocks Except for the birds ... and the seals (photo by Johna) Hello there! More seals on the Little Salvages Meeting on the sea We head home End of day

Every year that we’ve paddled in the Blackburn Challenge, Johna has won a medal—either second or third in her class. I don’t have a good celebratory photo from last year, but here is one from 2012:

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This year, I think she’s aiming to win…

The Blackburn Challenge: this year on July 19th!



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