Thanks Beemer, but as I recall, you were right there with us at the end.
More portages in that race, would suit me just fine. When everyone pulls out just before the dam and clogs up the take-out and put-in, I pass many canoes. I take out about 50-100 yards early and run through the woods (bushwhacking :) ), and around the masses. Then I put in a safe distance ahead. Hey, they never say how short your portage should be ;).
Yes, I did crack my paddle on about my 3rd stroke. I had to keep the Babe Ruth side towards me for the next 19 miles or I would have been left with a stick.
I think we (my nephew and I) finished somewhere around 17th or so, out of about 100 in our class. The year before I placed 3rd, with my cousin. If you saw him you'd know why.
See you in about 5 months.