After a pretty good sleep, I woke up at 0530. I got ready and then drove a short distance west on US-20 so I could have breakfast at McDonalds in Richfield Springs (0605). Ate the food in the car while I then drove east (on US-20) and south (on back roads) towards Lake Otsego, where I hoped to find the starting line for the 62nd General Clinton Canoe Regatta (62+ mile paddling race from the source of the Susquehanna River to the town of Bainbridge). Got on NY-80 just north of Brookwood Point and later found the location for the start - lots of other cars with canoes/kayaks were driving down towards the water and I just followed them to the parking area (no one asked me any questions). By 0640, I was parked and started looking for Eileen and Will. Literally right at that moment, I spotted their canoe (with an X10 on the side) moving towards the trail to the boat launch. As a result, I was literally "just in time" to watch them put their boat in the water. I also met Will's wife (Sue) and dog (Pepper). Less than five minutes passed before they were off the shoreline and paddling towards the starting line (two red buoys in the middle of the lake). I walked down some trails towards the north end of the launch area and watched all the other teams assembling. Everyone was so far away, however, that it became clear I wasn't going to see very much when the race started for the Mixed Amateurs at 0700. Instead of waiting, I left the water's edge and started walking back towards my car. On the way, I passed Eileen's friend, Mary, and told her that Eileen/Will had launched (I don't think she knew who I was, even though we'd met before). I was able to get out of the parking area pretty easily and continued south on NY-80 until I was in Cooperstown. The day was shaping up to be very pleasant and it would have been great to be able to visit the historic town a bit. Since I'd come to watch the race, though, I made my way towards the mouth of the Susquehanna River. From Council Rock Park, I was able to see (using binoculars) the canoes coming south from the start. However, the boats took a long time to reach the mouth. Meanwhile, I met a professional photographer and talked to him for a little while. It was also interesting to watch the drones in the area. The first boat (with two orange-shirted men paddling) crossed the mouth just after 0715. I got some good photos and cheered for Eileen and Will as they passed (0720). After that, I practically ran up the hill to my car so that I could drive a short distance south to where the first portage of the day (Bassett Dam) was taking place. By the time I parked in the lot for the Bassett Hospital, boats were already coming by. I asked a lady where the portage was and she pointed back to the north. Just then, I saw Eileen and Will flash by on the footpath. I knew they'd be in the water again quickly so I moved south towards a nice viewpoint. At 0725, I was able to cheer for Eileen and Will again. Their boat's tag (X10) had already sustained some damage and I could see why - there were many logs and branches blocking the river. In fact, it appeared that the participants had to constantly be on the lookout for dangerous obstacles. After they'd passed, I checked the times on my phone and was startled to know that I'd only had five minutes between cheering stops. Realizing I was going to need to go very fast all morning to keep up with them, I jumped back in my car and started driving south (CR-33). At first, I was following a large group of cars but they started to peel off at different places (river crossing areas). Instead of joining them, I continued until I reached NY-11C. By 0740, I was parked (near the Heritage Veterinary Clinic) and joined a small crowd of fans on the Compton Bridge. We had to wait about 20 minutes before Eileen and Will arrived so I had time to get to know some of my fellow race fans, most of which I saw again through the course of the day. After cheering for Eileen and Will (I'm almost certain she saw me and my sign), I got back in my car and drove south on CR-33 again. Again, I followed a few people but saw from my Google Maps that there was a route towards the Susquehanna that no one else used. Taking Clintonville Road, I reached a dead end on someone's private property. There were other cars there, however, so I made my way towards the river's edge. I actually met the homeowner and, after I'd asked for permission to stay (he gladly agreed), we ended up talking for a while about what it was like to see the race chaos each year. We were located on a high bluff above the river so could see pretty well downriver. Meanwhile, I met the dad of the orange shirted competitors in the T4 boat and he told me about how the family had all chipped in to get matching orange shirts. Just after 0850, Eileen and Will passed my viewing location and I cheered (with my sign) again. This time, Eileen yelled something about "dragging Will along to the finish" - she had a big smile on her face so I knew she was having a great time. Back in my car again, I headed back to CR-33 and followed it all the way to the end (junction of NY-166). Due to the many other people who'd chosen this location (the County Sheriff's department was trying to clear cars and spectators by that point), I was parked pretty far from the Milford Bridge. After walking down to the pavement and seeing very little space for standing, I made my way *under* the bridge. When I arrived, I found Sue, Pepper and Mary waiting for Eileen and Will. This time, we all got to visit for a little while (remembering previous encounters) - I also met Mary's husband, Allen. Everyone liked my sign, including a nearby young girl who was also named Eileen. At 0920, Eileen and Will came blazing by our location. As they passed the bridge, they yelled out requests for their upcoming Pit Stop. Mary shared some locations for later meet ups but we all separated to find other viewing spots. By this point, I was in need of food and a bathroom. Continuing south, I crossed the river (on NY-166) and got on NY-28. Stopping a few times, I didn't have luck on creature comforts until I reached the little hamlet of Portlandville - whew! After exploring the area, I walked out on to the bridge (1010) and soon found myself surrounded by folks I'd seen earlier in the day. I also met a mutual friend of Eileen (Ed, from SLVP) while I was waiting. Everyone shared information about past races, competitors to watch, funny stories and recommendations for future viewing spots. The Pro racers came by (very fast) at this point, the first time I'd seen them (they started at 0730). The little girl named Eileen showed up too - this time, I suggested she should cheer loudly for her namesake and, sure enough, she (and her whole family) did just that as Eileen and Will paddled by us (1030). I got some good videos and photos, which was good because I was the only one of Eileen's support group who was in Portlandville (I kept them all updated about the X10 Team's progress). Next, I continued south on NY-28 until I approached a huge gaggle of cars next to the Good Year Lake Dam (I saw a sign later that called it "Collier's Dam"). I parked there but soon realized that I couldn't really watch the race action from where I was - the teams were portaging through the trees on the opposite side of the river. As a result, I departed again (1045) and headed towards the Colliersville Bridge Public Boat Launch. Once there, I found Mary and Sue, prepping for the Pit Stop (Allen was on the bridge, overhead). I remained with the ladies and, when Eileen and Will arrived at around 1115, watched as they resupplied the X10. There were some tense moments (boat tipped precariously) but the canoe was away in less than three minutes. After we climbed back up to the parking lot, we met Allen and Matt (another of Eileen's friends) and made plans to meet up at the next portage in Oneata. This time, the map coordination was much more complicated - the route required Interstate highway (NY-28 to NY-7 to CR-47 to I-88). Continuing west, I got off the highway at NY-23, drove into Oneata and then used back roads (including David We Brenner Road) to reach Neahwa (or Catella?) Park. After we all met up (1135), we walked (via the trail to Southside Dam and New Island) to the north edge of the Susquehanna. It was about a 15 minute walk from the cars to the viewing area, located at the end of the third portage. This spot was full of chaos, with jostling/pushy crews, fire (from people repairing boats) and crowds of spectators. After some skillful maneuvering to a point away from other viewers, I found a spot where I got to see Eileen and Will pass by (carrying their canoe) on the trail (1205). Minutes later, they got into the river and were whisked away by the stronger current. Due to logistics and travel time, my viewing/cheering time was done at that point. There was a bit of discussion about who would do the next Pit Stop and I almost decided to stay. However, Matt agreed to fill in for Mary and I stuck with my plan to depart. Still felt good about my morning - I got to see some amazing examples on teamwork, preparation, pit crews, portaging and stamina. Also absorbed lots of wonderful energy from the friendly and supportive residents of rural New York! After walking back to the car (arrived at 1230), I said goodbye to all of Eileen's (and now my) friends and retraced my route to I-88. Heading east this time, I called Mollie and we chatted for a little while. Later, I snacked in the car while listening to audiobooks and music. After a mostly overcast and cool morning, the sun came out and temps rose into the 80s. My drive went well and, later, I decided to try to listen to race updates on WCDO (internet livestream). There were lots of updates on the Pros but very little about the Amateurs. It was still interesting, though... I passed through the Capital Region on US-20, I-87 and NY-7. Crossing the Hudson at Troy, I continued (much more traffic) towards Vermont. Wanting a break (and feeling hungry), I stopped for lunch at Man of Kent in Hoosick Falls (NY) at 1415. While there, I ordered Elphics (basically a super grilled cheese with turkey) - it was all good. I stayed in restaurant until 1510. After that, I continued east on NY-7, took the bypass (NY/VT-279) and then used US-7 to reach Manchester (VT). I crossed the mountains on VT-11 and VT-103 and got on I-91. From there, I headed home (usual I-89 and NH-120 route after that) and arrived at my condo by 1715. After unpacking, I found out that Eileen and Will had completed the race in less than 10 hours (personal best?). From the same website, I concluded that Will also attained his "700 Miler" pin. Later heard from Eileen that she'd seen me and my sign, so that made for a great ending to my weekend getaway!
