Nigel Hook 2004, 3 of 5 Nuestros Rios Son Navegables

ESPN TV Production
Race Days 2, 3 & 4 -- August 29-September 1, 2004

Day 2 Cunaviche to Parguasa -- 109 miles
Day 3 Parguasa to Maracas -- 138 miles
Free Day
Day 4 Maracas to Santa Cruz -- 155 miles
One of the unique elements of the Nuestros Rios Son Navegables is the Baptism Ceremony for newcomers. Everyone in the race boats and support boats who were new to the race suffered this public welcome and embarrassment. To me this was the turning part of the race. From this point forward I truly felt like I was "in" it rather than "on" it, if that makes sense.

The baptism ceremony comprised of each new team being called up in front of the Neptune panel of four Rally "Elders", made to kneel in front the panel, and after many words (in Spanish) being anointed over the head and shoulders with a disgusting mixture smelling of old sardines, methylated spirits, and pancakes. I'm not sure whether this had the same repellant effect on the mosquitoes. In fact, I think it had the opposite effect.

Needless to say we rushed to wash off in the river at the earliest opportunity. It took many repeated washings with any soap and detergent we could find to eradicate ourselves of the pungent aroma. The silver lining was that the river was refreshing to swim in.

Now we were no longer rookies


http://www.nigelhook.com/riosrally/riosrally-nigelhooklog.pdf

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Nigel Hook
• Nuestros Rios San Navegables
• Mike Seebold
• Boat
• Racing
• Ian Hawkins
• Nick Pavlichek
• Ilmor