2001 Corporate Dragonboat Races

18 March 2001 Corporate Games at Penrith Rowing Centre

After all the fun that was had the first time around, I put myself back into the boat and rowed for AAPT in the Corporate Games Dragon Boat Races.

Since I had roped in Veronica to row for Burwood Council, she thought to see fit that I return the favour by rowing for her company, AAPT.

Several practice sessions on the weekends at Black Wattle Bay and we were rowing like professionals, NOT!

 No idea how we ended up being strokers/pacers for the team, but this is how I got my start into dragonboating after resisting all attempts by my cousins to join their group ACCA. Didn't manage to get any trophies, but we improved with every race, giving it all in the finals to be pipped at the post.

 The whole family turned up to support us bringing along a picnic lunch.

 Here's Kaylene munching on a corn.

 And below are photos of the ACCA dragonboat team

I've Had the Climb of My Life

On Sunday 4th March, I celebrated my birthday by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a group of friends.

Sunday morning, I along with Veronica (who also shares the same birthdate, took a jet boat ride on the Sydney Harbour with Harbour Jets. Lots of thrills, but no spills, just a bit of a drenching.

Then we stopped for lunch at Cockle Bay with some of Veronica's friends. After which we made our way down to The Rocks at 2.30pm to meet up with my friends from work and an old school friends, Christina, who I was delighted to see.

As we got suited up in our distinctive grey coveralls, excitement was building. Sitting in our groups being debriefed, we could not wait to get going. Soon we were on our way up the bridge pylon and making our way over 1,500 metre sof steel as we ventured across catwalks, ladders and arches. We wondered at the courage of the men who built the Bridge, with the guide telling us stories of incidents that happened when the bridge was built.

As we climbed before us lay a spectacular 360 degree view of one of the greatest harbours, Sydney Harbour.  It was a clear day and we could see as far as the Blue Mountains.