Let's go row in Vancouver!

The Genesee Rowing Club decided to participate in the Canadian Masters Rowing Championships, just outside of Vancouver in the town of Burnaby.  No, you don't have to be a Canadian to participate.

Mary decided to go, so I tagged along.

Julie and Mary check out the venue, Burnaby Lake.
It has a lovely view of the mountains in the distance.

But it's not the most fan-friendly place I've ever been.

In fact, it's a wreck.
I got a peek underneath this mess.  It's plywood over a metal frame.
The stands were build for one time use at the 1973 Canada Summer Games.
The only work done since was to remove the bench planks.

The site has a narrow approach for huge shells to pass each other,
where I saw two boats smash riggers.
(Riggers are those spindly things where they attach the oars.)

And there is precious little room for pedestrians.
This poor man was skewered, and now his head is a bow ball.

There was also a tight turn....

...down to the crowded dock.

Calling this a "lake" is very kind.
They have to dredge it continuously to keep the swamp
from reclaiming the course.

BUT...

They have six lanes of flat water, 1000 meters long,
they run a pretty nice regatta, and...

...they have a World Class collection of lily pads.

Besides, swamps aren't so bad.

There is beauty in the swamp.

The damselflies clearly enjoy the goop.

And here and there,
lovely flowers emerge from the surrounding thicket.

When the clouds clear, the view to the North can be striking.

Several of the participants said that while rowing to the start,
"You could almost convince yourself that you and your mates
are all alone in the wilderness."

There was an event for those who could not use their legs.
Very cool.

Here's a video that will give you a sense of the place and the race. 

 Skip to 2:00 to see the photo finish and feel the excitement!

Everyone seemed to have a good time!

And the medals were as nice as any I've seen.

But really, the Gold, Silver and Bronze
should have been in the shape of lily pads.