Last year the MR340 was delayed by 90 minutes because of a storm, this year it is being delayed 28 days because of a storm. Because of all the rainfall we have had here in the Midwest and the releases from the dams up river the Mighty Missouri has been flooding or running near bank full all spring and summer. Last night about 4 inches of rain fell in the Chariton River valley and that has pushed her above flood stage so (ironically) the MR340 is being postponed because of too much water.
This is the right decision. With 300 plus canoes and kayaks on the river in flood conditions it wouldn’t take much to create some tragic events. With the high water most of the boat ramps will be underwater as well as the levies and the buoys. Then add in night travel on a flood stage river and one comes up with even more obstacles.
A lot of effort has been made for next weeks race both by the promoters and the entrants and many of the entrants will be inconvenienced but we won’t be having any funerals at sea. My schedule is pretty flexible but I know Kyle has to put in for his vacation well in advance so it is to be determined if he can reschedule next month. Our ground crew has other obligations so we will need to find a new ground crew.
As Popeye would say “It is what it is”!
This is the right decision. With 300 plus canoes and kayaks on the river in flood conditions it wouldn’t take much to create some tragic events. With the high water most of the boat ramps will be underwater as well as the levies and the buoys. Then add in night travel on a flood stage river and one comes up with even more obstacles.
A lot of effort has been made for next weeks race both by the promoters and the entrants and many of the entrants will be inconvenienced but we won’t be having any funerals at sea. My schedule is pretty flexible but I know Kyle has to put in for his vacation well in advance so it is to be determined if he can reschedule next month. Our ground crew has other obligations so we will need to find a new ground crew.
As Popeye would say “It is what it is”!
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