Dragon Boat Race '01
Place: Center Island, TorontoDate: 30th of March, 2001
Toronto's Center Island has always been the venue for the City's annual Dragon-Boat races. Here, people of all ethnic backgrounds and origins can meet to participate or watch the events and enjoy the chinese cultural festivities. A 15 minute ferry from the Queen's Quay Docks in downtown will take you across Toronto Harbour and out to the island.
The Events take place over a period of 3 days, with the finals taking place on the last day, usually a sunday. Many teams enter the Dragon Boat races, some are from Chinese Associations from Canada and around the world, most entrants are from Toronto High Schools, Universities, Sports Clubs, Organizations and even large Corporations.
Cher and I have been planning to watch the races with our friends, so we invited up all our friends, cooked up some nice picnic treats and set out for the island very early in the morning. We all met and found a favourable spot near the finish line, where we set up camp and watched the races while stuffing our faces. When the day was over, we strolled around the island taking pictures and causing mischief. Like getting my butt fondled by a young girl, the Evian Water bottle fights, Cheryl accidentally dousing a crabby old lady, and having gum-spitting contests.
(Background Music - "Into the Wilderness" from Wild Arms.)
St. Robert's Rams
Some of Cher's old High School chums, paddle for their team, "The Rams"
Aargghh...Cast off ye Swabs!
The Rams get ready for their race, as they hop into their boats and take the oars.
Strike, Strike!...err...Stroke!
The St. Rob Rams are lagging behind in this pic but came back to win 2nd place.
Qualifying Runs.
This picture was taken earlier on in the morning, when the teams started their Qualifying Runs.
Grateful Geese
Contrary to the "No Feeding the Birds" sign, Cheryl gives the remnants of our bread to a gaggle of hungry geese..
Feed the Ducks foundation
Not to be left out, a flock of ravenous ducks mobbed Cheryl and the geese once they saw all the free food!
Picnic Party!
Our poor little picnic blanket saw many butts that day...time to disinfect!
Group Picture
Just before the end of the races for the day,
we gathered together for a group picture by the water.
From Left to Right are: "Sandra, Remon, Milli, Me, and
Cheryl"
Cher and her Friends
Cher poses with two of her old classmates from
St. Rob's.
from left to right are: "Christine, Cheryl, and Melissa".
The Fountain.
It's the tradition for the winning team to all hop into the fountain and take a picture together, this year however, they got quite a surprise!...Cher stepped in doggy poo and we washed it off in the fountain! = )
The "Beach"
This glorified sand-pit poses as a beach, nevermind that the water had pond scum on it, people were still happily splashing around in it.
The Docks.
Cool, a huge two-story dock that stretches a couple meters out into the water...for what purpose, i don't know, but it provided a great view of the beach and the breakwater.