PNHB proudly presents a cheque for $2000.00 for Survivor`s Abreast Dragon Boat Team from December 2009 benefit concert. Dave Kirk, president, PNHB, hands over cheque to Carol Bates, president of Survivor`s Abreast Dragon Boat Team.

On Saturday June 5, 22 wanabee Dragon Boat paddlers a.k.a. 'The Dragon Busters" landed on the lovely lawns of Helen and Vince Gatt`s home to prepare for their debut race across the waters of Little Lake.

Photo opps next and then the moment had arrived. With considerable assistance from volunteer staff we eagerly but gingerly slid down on to our assigned seats in the big Dragon. As drummer my seat was more like a bird perch up high at the front. Drum between my legs with our tenacious team and steersperson facing we paddled out to the middle of the lake to position ourselves in lane one.

Ready , paddles up, stroke 1,2,3,4,5. Four hundred metres later we arrived at the wharf amidst the roar of our cheering band fans.All done in 2:29 minutes-- not bad we thought. After indulging in some nourishment and massages, we rested and waited.

Our next foray into uncharted waters began at 2 p.m. Now we were in lane four. Once more the youngsters assisted us down onto our seats. This time we faced ferocious head winds. Did I say my perch was wobbling wildly?But undaunted and fearless we remained, heading out to the distant sea to get positioned once more.[ close to the cemetary actually]

This time we felt the surge of confidence that comes with experience and with the'paddles up' command away we glided, chopped ,and dug] 2:40 minutes this time- head winds you remember and fourth place with red ribbons was our reward. My mother always said 'it`s not the winning- it`s the journey"-- so you don`t need to ask how many other boats were in our second heat.

From Captain Lori`s log book.

I would like to thank our courageous team for their camaderie and spirit. A great day that we plan to repeat next year! What fun! And many thanks to Helen and Vince Gatt for opening their home to us, providing a comfortable and welcoming abode for recuperation. A huge thank you to John Andela for sponsoring our periwinkle blue tees- really spiffy. And to all of the band groupees who cheered us on.

Finally to all of our band family whose pledges totalled close to $1200.00

WOW!!

PNHB is the best!!
Paddles up, Happy Playing, Happy Summer.
Lori