Life in a Northern Town

This weekend was the annual Red Green Regatta on the Chena River here in Fairbanks. The website probably gives a better overview of the contest than I could, as does their list of rules, which are (so far as I know) the ONLY rules for the contest. The "All entrants assume responsibility for any calamity caused by their entry" line is especially telling, as is the line after that one. ("Removal of vessels from the river is the responsibility of the Captain.")

You know you're in for it when you enter a contest that includes the word "calamity" in its official rules.

Last year we built a floating roof, which nearly scuttled itself several times downstream of the Pioneer Park boat launch. This year, we set out to build a "life" size Loch Ness monster. It ended up about 130 feet long and was floated entirely by Rubbermaid tote containers.

I didn't have a camera with me on the river this time, nor did Orion, due to our absolute conviction that we were going to sink. However, Orion's parents showed up for the fun, and got some nice pictures of us going down the river.

( Slow loading alert - lots of pictures under the cut )