Paddle done!

Oh my goodness. The paddle was tough as expected and we were all
pleased that it was not an extra 30km, which we did last year.

Unlike yesterday the sea was as flat as a pancake, which means hard
work on the water. In one place, between islands we had to get out and
pull the boat. Weird manipoud type mud stuff where we sank up to our
shins.

The only excitement came where three teams ahead got out to portage.
As far as I know we are not allowed to. This may have only been for a
specific section to the optional or in general. Not sure. Anyway, they
dragged their boats over and we paddled around.

I think it cost them all big time because we are sure that when we
came around the first team, way ahead of the third in the portage
bunch, was only just nearing the water. These boats weigh almost 50kg
without all our gear.

We were very pleased to see the finish after 7hrs on the water. I dont
know our placing. We were 28th in but this includes many teams who did
not in to the optional. These are teams who came in 2 to 5hrs after us
last night.

We may have done the paddle in the mid to upper teens. Very happy with this.

We are on the bus now to in to the desert camp. We start trek in the morning.

There is a team of triathletes here. The one guy was 2005 Ironman
champ, the girl was 2007 German Ironman champ. They have all recently
done Hawaii. So we saw the main guy yesterday after paddle when we
were on the island. We asked how his day had gone. If replied that it
was a tough day at the office. He also added, "At Ironman I do not
suffer. Today I do".

We all agree that today we paddled like champions and we are very
pleased with the day. I may be able to type more later. Till then.