Dragons!

[tvordlj]

Not only are we lucky to be living by the ocean, but our cities have many lakes. Dartmouth has 22 of them and Lake Banook hosts world class canoeing racing regularly. Today was the 10th annual Dragon Boat festival on Lake Banook. These long narrow boats are painted with a sort of dragon skin pattern and have a dragon head on the front. One person sits and keeps the beat for the team of about 20 or so. The teams are mostly all sponsored by corporations and the proceeds go to charity, Amateur Sport Nova Scotia in this case. Dragon boat racing is a very old Chinese tradition. The day started out looking a bit dismal but it cleared up around noon so i made my way out. Caught a free shuttle bus from the ferry terminal and walked up to where the crowds where. The last time i went, they had displays on the shore and some entertainment but there didn't seem to be any of that this time unless i missed it. I knew my nephew, Justin, was going to participate in the morning and as luck would have it, they had proceeded to a semi final heat and i got there in time to see the race! They came in fourth so i don't think they were going to go again but they'd been hanging around and having a few drinks and some food and enjoying the day. I didn't stay too long, just spoke to him for a few minutes and continued on my way. I walked all along that side of the lake to a park called Graham's Grove (where we had our photos taken in March) and stopped there for an ice cream break. I then walked around the end of the lake on the path which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. That ultimately takes me out to near the Mall and i caught a bus to a grocery store, got a few things and came home. The weather held off as far as rain goes but the sun has come in and out all day.

Justin in the Dragon Boat races

Dragon boat racing

Justin (third from right)

Comments

[acey.livejournal.com]

We both saw dragon boats today, although Tim and I didn't hang around for the 20-person dragon boat race which was later in the afternoon. :) For some reason, I had imagined that the dragon boats would be much more ornate than they were.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

I know. they're quite plain really. at least the ones they race here.

[acey.livejournal.com]

Perhaps I am getting confused with Chinese dragons in parades. I googled dragon boats and most that I found were very similar to those that you and I photographed, although it makes a difference when the teams are dressed in colorful costumes.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

I think there was a Chinese dragon, i saw the works of it on the ground but i think it was being put away.

[loraine.livejournal.com]

I wish I lived nearer the coast or at least had bigger rivers around here - that looks the sort of thing me and Dean would go see.

x

[tvor.livejournal.com]

We're so lucky here. Next weekend we have the Tall Ships!

[blueberrymoon.livejournal.com]

Dragon boats races are exciting to watch. So many people all pulling together.
What team was Justin with? You got a nice big walk in too.

[tvor.livejournal.com]

He was with the Enterprise rentacar team. the E-racers i think they were called. It was a good day for the walk too, not too warm.

[trixiedelarue.livejournal.com]

cool! must be great living by the ocean

good pics thanks for sharing