It was a grand day to be stationed on the river, awaiting competitors in all classes for the classic downriver event of FIBArk, the 26-mile down-river marathon.
The day was warm, with barely a cloud in the sky, and it was a pleasure to be outdoors, waiting to photograph the paddlers in kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and rafts. Before any competitors came into view from the observation deck alongside the bridge carrying County Road 175 over the river, there appeared a poignant reminder of the other big event this Sunday morning.
The first vessel I spied heading downstream was a raft
Strange, I thought, imagining that kayaks and SUPs would outdistance any rafts from the starting point far upstream for either the 26-mile or 14-mile downriver races. But there it was, being guided expertly under the bridge – by a woman on the oars, enjoying a leisurely float, unrelated to any of the FIBArk competition.
When they got closer, I smiled to see a dad, reclining with a beverage in hand at the front and a child in a baseball cap enjoying the ride alongside. Dad just smiled broadly and waved. What a treat for him, I thought, followed by my shout-out; ‘Happy Fathers Day.’
Featured image: Not everyone is in a hurry to compete in the FIBArk 2023 downriver races on June 18 – Happy Father’s Day to all. Dan Smith photo
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