Largish captain. . . .

      Underway!!

      Close-up---not just a piece of cloth.

      Shortly after we set out, both chains on our drives derailed.  We were able to get them back on (we were well prepared---one can see the tool box in this picture :) ), but they almost immediately derailed again--and it was obvious that we weren't going to be able to power the craft that way.  A little know fact: A craft that is not under power (or drag), cannot steer.  -Think of moving a rudder in still water.  This was news to me (some captain, eh? :) )---however, Robert did make sure I was informed of this, before we were in the water.  We did have a rudder, and were trying to power the paddlewheels by hand---but there was a "differential load"--and our driveshaft sheared in half (picture).  -Maybe we should've used more duct tape.  :) As it turned out, this was actually a blessing in disguise--as it gave us differential steering.  However, we hadn't figured that out, yet. . . .  ;)

      Open water

      As I said, a boat without power, cannot steer.  Shortly after this picture was taken, I heard a shout from above, "There's no shame!"---and we crashed into the right-hand bridge abutment.  :P :P I began to be glad that Rosie was not aboard. . . .

      *ADDENDUM* On 6/22/05 Wednesday, I learned from Robert (who was on the bridge during the crash) that some people--when they saw our craft inevitably cruising towards one of the abutments--panicked, and raced to either side of the bridge.  (!!) :) :)

      We were able to extricate ourselves without too much trouble, and we continued on, only slightly dimished.

      Still goin'

      On to more pics of the 2004 Red Green Regatta.