Even in a race, kayakers help each other
Published 7:55 pm Thursday, December 2, 2010
It may sound dangerous. A 6-mile kayak race through Deception Pass isn’t for the squeamish.
It’s for the courteous.
“If someone tips over, others will help them get back in their boats,” says Blair Corson, who plans to be among those on the water for Saturday’s Deception Pass Dash.
In the race, organized by Outdoor Adventure Center, competitors will navigate high winds, sea swells, powerful eddies, whirlpools and tremendous waves.
The top racers, Olympic paddlers, will finish in about 40 minutes, Corson says. There are more than 170 registered to tackle the course.
Setsuko Cox, of Lynnwood, has been paddling for three years.
“I have been thinking racing is way over my head,” Cox says. “But recently, I found out that I can keep up with my big brothers.”
Cox will be racing in honor of a kayaking mentor who has cancer.
“Although my ability to paddle through there in some heavy conditions is very limited, I just have to see what the weather will be,” Cox says. “I will be very happy if I can finish all the way.”
There are safety plans in place on race day.
“It’s not too dangerous,” Corson says. “It’s extremely cold.”
Racers have to pass skill tests, he says, and everyone has been practicing.
Prizes after the competition are awarded in a raffle.
“It’s not an event where they are trying to come in first, second or third,” he says. “It’s a friendly thing.”
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The Northwest Organization for Animal Help’s Animal Adoption &Spay/Neuter Center in Stanwood received a $2,000 grant from the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation.
Funds will be used to spay or neuter pit bull terriers.
Free spay and neuter services for the breed are planned Dec. 15 and Jan. 12.
Space is very limited. To schedule an appointment, call N.O.A.H. at 360-629-7055.
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Read about Snickers the happy farm dog and Grandma Betty, a pompous chicken.
They are critters at The Open Gate Farm on Camano Island.
Their farmer, Jon Stevens, has written a book called “Dear Friends — Letters from the Farm, 2009.” He’ll sign copies from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Snow Goose Bookstore, 8616 271st St. NW in Stanwood.
We wrote about Stevens on Aug. 4, shortly after he harvested about 250 heads of garlic.
“It’s drying on the deck and smells like a cheap trip to Italy,” Stevens said. “Just close your eyes, breath deeply and you’re there.”
He speaks to groups about “Creating Soil on Camano” and “The Happy Locovore” and designed and teaches a class called “The Honorable Farmer.” He’s developed, with other businesses in Stanwood, a film series, “Food for Thought,” showing movies about agriculture.
Sustainability is the farm theme. His wife, Elaine Stevens, tends to bountiful flower gardens.
They offer lettuce, rhubarb, beets, onions, carrots and beans, all grown to adhere to strict, certified naturally grown standards. Meet Stevens on Saturday and have some coffee, cider and cookies.
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451; oharran@heraldnet.com.
