Patagonia Expedition Race
I Can See Clearly Now The Rain Has Gone
José Manuel Jiménez / 11.02.2006
At about 9:30 am the first teams were trying out their equipment in a huge abandoned barn in Rio Seco about 6 miles from downtown Punta Arenas. After doing some rappelling the teams had to get into their paddling gear and get into the Magellan Strait.
With close equipment inspection from both the organization and Chilean Navy, all teams passed without any difficulty. This whole activity lasted for about two and a half hours and all the teams showed equal skills. Although some teams are looking stronger than others in certain areas, no one is making any predictions – the road ahead is too long.
All the teams are incredible individuals and everyone is very relaxed now that they are aware of the race sections. This afternoon the meeting of team captains and a “wingman� was held and the race charts and all the necessary information was given to each team. This race will have 8 PC’s and 5 food drops for teams. Last year some called this race the Patagonia “Starvation� Race, all competitors must rationalize very well and be very careful in planning how they will distribute their food for those limited food drops. If not, there’s always calafate berries (a type of Blue Berry) along the way. Last year Team Fukawi and the Kings Own Calgary Rifle team 'enjoyed' these berries, which they will probably never again willingly eat!
For tomorrow there is a big luncheon at noon for all in PER 2006, that way we will all start with a full stomach. Later on in the afternoon, everybody will be shipped off to Punta Dungenes for the start and to make preparations for the beginning of this epic challenge.
SleepMonsters
