It has got to that stage of the race where midcamp has been buzzing for the weekend. Teams started to arrive consistently as of Saturday evening, tirelessly welcomed by volunteers no matter what unsociable hour. Teams have a lot to take in once they get here. While reaching this location in itself brings much relief and achievement, many teams have also experienced a bitter side to midcamp. Provisional time penalties have been awarded for missed checkpoints, on the Leg 2 Kayak and Leg 6 navigation at Sonoma, and together with the glory and high of reaching half way, there is a real sting in the tail for many teams as they feel the impact.
The sight at midcamp Sunday morning was pea soup fog across an oval peppered with tents set up for competitors to enjoy their 6 hour compulsory break. This is not the only luxury. An exciting bucket of warm water for each team member and a big hot breakfast await, often enjoyed well before teams delve in to the Stage 3 course notes and maps!
SleepMonsters
