Jack, John, Bill and Tom paddled the NCMC’s C-4 in the Adirondack Canoe Classic on September 9. They had good weather on the first two days of the race, but high winds canceled Day 3. It was the first race day ever canceled for Jack, Tom and John. Bill had Day Three canceled in 1996.
The NCMC’s two-day time was 11:40:23. That time was good for 46th place among the 238 boats that entered the race. There were 50 C-4s in the race, and they finished 21st out of that group. Not bad for a boat with a crew averaging 63 years of age.
As usual, they stayed at Clark’s beachfront motel the night before the race and ate at Sisters Bistro. They actually saw a boat in the race with a Sisters Bistro sticker. Bonnie flew in to Saranac for the race on Friday and Mary drove from Buffalo. They stayed at the clubhouse on Friday and Saturday nights and enjoyed the access to Upper Saranac Lake and the outdoor shower. After the last race day was canceled, they headed for Lake Flower for the post-race meal and ceremonies. John picked up his pin for his eighth 90-Miler, and Bill and Tom got their pins for 19 races. Jack got his pin for 22 Adirondack Canoe Classics.
They saw a couple of loons during the race and a bald eagle flew overhead on Day Two on the Raquette River.
Race photos may be viewed here.