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Was the photographer sober when he took this picture?

Balmain Regatta. Time is flying through. It's already one year ago that we reported on the Balmain Regatta, and we hereby continue this year. The stories sound similar: Again Peter is the official photographer, and once again Claudia is crew member. For the first time since she broke her shoulder in May, hence, very carefully. That's why Poppy's dinghy gets replaced by Jeremy's stunning wooden yacht Sjö Ro. More than 45 degrees of heeling do not have to be expected, and the first beer does not only wait after the finishing line. A wonderful day where we catch up with lots of friends.

Who has got the coconut?

Rugby Worldcup. What's soccer in Germany that's Rugby in Down Under. Okay, okay, it has to share this part of a real Aussie's heart with Australian Football and Cricket. Nonetheless, the Rugby Worldcup is the major event in spring 2003. Approximately one billion people will watch the matches on TV, the stadiums are completely sold out, flags and fans in the colours of their respective favourite teams mark the appearance of the city, and the pubs echo with their songs. Eric and Peter, both all but experts, decide to experience the atmosphere of a match: Georgia vs. Uruguay. An exciting evening. They both come to the conclusion that the main idea of this sport must be not to catch a ball. Cause the poor guy, who by mistake does, is buried under a horde of opponents (weighing at least one ton) the very next moment ...

Exhausted, but done very well

Bay to Bondi. In a country with an official record of history dating back just over 200 years, an event is already a Classic when taking place for the second time. Bay to Bondi Classic 2003, that's supposed to be a 20km race from Rose Bay to the Opera house, from there back to Rose Bay and out between the heads down to Sydney's most famous beach. Not so in 2003: Gusty winds up to 30 knots and choppy swell and waves do not allow to leave the relatively sheltered harbour. An alternative race route is suggested. Everybody now thinking of a calm coffee cruise mercilessly will be surprised by the facts: Head wind and waves ask their toll. Lots of paddlers capsize, one kayak even gets smashed into two halfs. For Claudia and Kevin, once again joining for a well-adjusted race team, this competition is the hardest they ever faced. But what a satisfaction and reward to cross the finish line after a bit more than two hours! Well done, Claudia, Kevin!

Encounter on the water

Dolphins in Port Stephens. Is it Peter's new kayak? We should have swapped the old boat for the new one much earlier, because since Peter takes out his blue-white-apple green Mirage 530 (see Monthly Report September), we are having the most thrilling encounters on the water: Port Jackson Sharks and already for the second time dolphins. When this picture was taken, about 20 sea mammals were playing around us. A big thank you to Adrian for this perfect organization of a paddling trip!

Encounter on the road

Two Diamond Pythons along the road. We don't want to evoke the feeling that we don't do anything but paddling no more – even though it is true, and the picture on the left has been taken when we unloaded our kayaks at Port Stephens. These two Diamond Pythons were lying in the gras next to Max' car, closely cuddled up, directly next to an empty bottle of Champagne... They wouldn't have made...? In any case, our two Pythons were obviously exhausted: When we came back to the same place five hours later, they were still lying at exactly the same place. Will we find little snakes when we'll come to Port Stephens next time?!