FC Update #7

Mark Reports 3-9-10 8:08pm
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Big paddling day on Florida Bay. Headwind the whole way. Blistering 2.5 miles an hour. Plan is to eat a big burger and fries catch some zzzzzz's; then move on.
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A personal best to Key Largo, by 3 hours.... [smile]

FC Update #6

Woes of Wizard
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Last long leg to Key Largo...Wizard reported he hasn't see any gators this trip, but there were some dolphins. I could hear tourists (or paparazzi) in the background at Flamingo asking questions about "the small boat."
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Wizard's Peeps and the Guakers just wont let him be!! Don't they know he's in a challenge!
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:-)

FC Update #5

Etch Reports: 3:30pm
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States Chief is on his way, seat fit pretty good, bungied it to the truss. Sails were switched out, dropped down from a 36sq ft. to a 24sq. ft.
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The "use a bigger hammer" approached applied as Chief needed to persuade the quick release pin to the aka to seet.
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Chief's on his way..... paddling as the wind has died to nothing.

FC Update #4

Chief Reports: 3-9-10 1:54pm
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Stuck in traffic on the causeway; has a bunch of parts to put the sail rig back together; if doesn't work will proceed by paddle. There may be issues with hole orientation of two different rigs being melded together.
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The big issue is getting the seat figured out. Has a couple of a Sea Wind seats from Stan "Etch" to see if they can make it work; concern is the width of the truss - bars fitting snugly into the truss.
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Stan "Etch" is shuttling Chief back to his boat! Bumper to bumper traffic!!! "@!#$%^^%$!!
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The Capt'n Reporting

FC Update #3

Toby and Mark playing a little cat and mouse. Looks like Toby is at Flamingo; hope he calls to update. Looks like Mark is out of the mud and on the move.
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There is a lot of challenge left, anything can happen.
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The Capt'n Reporting

FC Update #2

Chief is gathering gear and equipment. Spoke with Stan who is rounding up a Kruger Canoe Seat. Rogue wave dumped him and scattered gear. Everything "kapakahi" (Hawaiian). Looks to be back on the water this morning.
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Capt'n Reporting

FC Update #1

I am back in Wisconsin after a wild first day for us and everyone else that took the outside route. Wow! Big water and high winds. Lots of drama and intrigue. Check the mobile updates to catch up, along with the other sites listed.
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Mark Reports 3-9-10 6:26am
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GPS must be off a bit, missed the channel and is stuck in the mud and the darkness; working his way out. High tide is Noon!
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Note:
With the high winds and cold, I am not getting the phone calls I from all the FC competitors. This is to be expected as all attention needs to be put on the task at hand. With 3 capsizes, broken and lost equipment; who gives a crap about calling the Capt'n.
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I'll try to keep up with the action.
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The Capt'n Reporting

Going green

Tribal drums are calling; we're gone paddl'n. Follow along in the green section to the right. Mobile updates and pics will be uploaded while on the fly. We Gone!

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The Capt'n Reporting

Bulk up

Looks like it is going to be a chilly WaterTribe adventure by Florida standards. Forget about the norms and past experiences in Fla.; get ready for Chill-fest 2010. Received multiple calls from the locals. "Bulk up and pack heavy."
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Quoting every one's favorite mariner; Better a witty fool than a foolish wit. -William Shakespaddle

Ramping it up...

Etch Reports:

Looks like the six man 40 foot canoe will be assembled today.
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NightNavigator and the band of misfits were in the race mode at 9 AM yesterday putting on some miles; they arrived at Etch's boat lift at 4:45 PM. Reported head wind most of the way. Very close to 30 miles. Looks like they went and checked out the new bridge at CP1
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Which begs the question; who and what were paddling yesterday? 3 days and Boo and I are out of here!!