Congratulations are also in order to Immer Perez, tour guide at Anwar Tours, for willing the Male solo!
www.cayecaulkerchronicles.com Reef Festival Kayak Challenge
On May 6th at 6 a.m., 44 teams of intrepid kayakers blasted out of the San Pedro Lagoon, starting the 29 mile leg of a 43 mile race around Ambergris, through Bacalar Chico and returning to Mar De Tumbo beach May 7th.
There were 3 Solo teams from Caye Caulker: Myself, sponsored by E-Z Boy Tours, Immer Perez from Anwar Tours and Dean Baldwin from Say L King. 2 doubles teams from Esperanza, 1 Belizean /British solo "BIANCA" from London and 8 Dory teams from Sarteneja. The balance were representing San Pedro, including last years top teams from Ramons Village and many College students as well.
Off we flew, paddles blazing! Imagine my pleasure and surprize to find myself leading the entire pack. It was awesome. I pulled and cajoled my body to keep up the pace, but at the 4 hour mark I relenquished my lead to 5 doubles teams, whom I followed the final 3 1/2 hours to Pt Robles. I finished 6th that day.
At Elito Arceo's property we were nourished and rested and fed and fed and fed some more until we happily went to sleep on the beach. A good breeze kept away the bugs and we slept to the sound of the waves crashing the reef.
The next morning the race started at 9a.m., and it was a great start for me. I led again , but only for the first hour, then I bonked. That means "run out of steam"... my body rebelled against my brain, I kept sending the signals but my arms weren't doing what I was asking them. Hmph! I nearly gave up, until at last, the Caye Caulker Cheering squad showed up beside me in the E-Z Boy Tour boat. Their cheers and encouragement strengthened me so I could finish strong. Thank God for Sports fans.
Here are the winner stats.
1st Female Solo/ 1st Overall Solo- Allie Ifield- E-Z Boy Tours CC
1st Male Solo - Immer Perez- Anwar Tours CC
1st Male Double / 1st Overall - Jambal Jerk Pit( Eperanza men) SP
1st Female Double- Tides Gal-( Esperanza Females) SP
1st Dory- Bull shark- Sarteneja
I'd like to thank God; for the strength he gives me, the fans and my husband (Lova Lova) for their support and Elito and all the volunteers who help make this race the best race on the planet, according to me. See ya next year. Paddle Hard! Race to win!
[This message has been edited by Auxillou Beach Suites (edited 05-15-2006).]