Dragon Boat Festival!

Wow...what a day that was!  I'm exhausted but so high from such an intense day of races, friendship and this ceremony.  

18 Teams took part in the festival this year, and just to get the bragging done right up front...The MammoWarriors took first place in the Community Division....wooo hooo - our times were nothing short of spectacular:  44.3 seconds, 44.1 second and in the final heat.....37.....something or other!   we were over the moon with excitement.   A few years ago we didn't come even close to ranking!!!

But this part of the festival is so wonderful.   The Carnation Ceremony takes place half way thro the day, the Cape Breastoners .... and 2 other boats take to the water and paddle slowly down the wharf.  Meanwhile all the other teams and spectators gather on the wharf and hold their carnations up high!   Once they have paddled past us, and the song that leaves not a dry eye on the wharf is sung....we all toss our carnations into the water, with the contemplation of someone we love either dealing with cancer of having passed due to this horrible disease!   Nothing short of amazing!!!   see the extra for some more shots.

The festival raised over $35,000 that goes directly to cancer patient care here on Cape Breton Island.   Our team raised over $27,000 of that total...so we also took home the trophy again!!

Also in the extras:  me walking back from one of the races (i think it was the third one), the MammoWarriors third race.....and my wonderful cheering team.   Terry isn't in the shot because he was the designated photographer when i was in the boat!!!