It's like a racing snail

You may have noticed the canoe propped up in the back of the deck photo in our previous post. The canoe was propped up to help dry it out after we removed the spider webs, wasp nests, and other general nastiness from it in preparation for a canoe race. Not just any canoe race, but the 32nd Annual New River Canoe Race near Jefferson, North Carolina.

Jessie and I most recently raced in the New River Canoe Race back in 2009. Our history in the race is excerpted here from a classic Moanstead blog entitled, Local paddlers achieve mediocrity!:

"In last year's race (2008), we took 3rd in the Mixed Novice class. This is admirable until I tell you it was out of 5 and the 1st place person got disqualified. Because of our epic first year luck, we were forced to enter the Mixed Expert class this year. Our results were a tad bit lower in the standings this year, but a step-up from the bottom. You're hearing from the 8th place champions!"

The event this year offered us the opportunity to try out our never-before-camped-in Eureka Timberline tent, seen here in its natural habitat.

 

It was awesome. We camped at New River State Park, the same park in which the race occurs, though we were slightly farther upstream. The camping was also a chance for Jessie to try out her hand at camp cookin'. Behold our smoked chicken with roasted red pepper sandwiches and coal-roasted spiced potatoes.

As for the race, we were again obligated to enter the Mixed Expert class. And once again, Team Moan - Carolinas dominated, taking second...
 ...to last! Mediocracy achieved.

This one's definitely going on the wall of fame, "2013 New River Canoe Race - 11th place!"