There have been a number of lovely experiences over the years, as part of the larger Appleby community a highlight has to be our time participating on the Dragonboat teams. Claire started as a member way back when she was just a little fresh-faced kid in Middle One. This season she's been joined by her not-so-fresh-faced brother, Cole. The team is made up of students, alumni and faculty with ages ranging from 14 through over 50. It is such a fun, kind, enthusiastic and inclusive group. Me? I take photos, so far. It has been a joy to watch my kids broaden the circle of people in their lives and watch them be so welcome.
After weeks of training each Sunday morning, the day had finally come for the Festival! We arrived at the Don Rowing Club in Port Credit early, by 7:45AM, which was not early enough to get a parking spot - well, not one close! I walked back to be there for the first race, after all, our two teams were going head-to-head. It was the only race that would matter ... unless they made it into the finals together :)
(Above) Claire heads to her boat with members of the OnFire team.
(Below) Cole heads to his boat with members of the H2O Tested team.
Siblings are separated to take advantage of their competitive natures. Shrewd decision!
(Above) Rich steers his team (with Cole) to the start.
(Below) Sheila makes sure everyone is sitting straight and paddles up! I love the broad smile on Claire's face. Testament to her joy!
H2O Tested wins by a dragon's head!
Between heats, time is spent socializing and studying.
In the end, Cole and his H2O Tested crew won Bronze in the A final; Claire and her OnFire crew won Gold in the B final. A pretty good day, I'd say!
A welcome break from the grind of exam study - but now they're back in the thick of it all.
