Hmmm.....

Why would www.scotsman.com be intererested in a story about "dangerous dragon boat dumplings" in China?

I have eaten sticky rice dumplings wrapped in tea leaves ever since I was a young child.  I have even helped my mother make them when I was young.  But now we usually purchase them at the many Chinese food stores.

Sticky rice dumplings are traditionally thrown into the water to appease the sea monsters during a dragon boat festival.  In Vancouver, I think we feel there is enough pollution in False Creek already - even though the local rats would probably love them!

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=792892006

May 27, 2006



Here's an article from our paddle buddies in Tacoma - Check out the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association.

Babes and Chix make International Debut at Vancouver Regatta
By Janice Brevik

Vancouver, Canada -- Under questionable skies at the Dragon Zone (venue near the Science Dome at former Expo site) in Vancouver, Canada, the Babes with Blades and Chix with Stix made their international debut at the 9th Annual False Creek Women’s Regatta.  This is the fourth year a TDBA crew has participated in the annual False Creek Women’s fundraiser regatta.  Clad in Hawaiian attire complete with stunning red lips (provided by Ann Martin) the Tacoma teams with their Canadian teammates had a great day of racing, eating, and talking story.  All that kept the rain at bay for the entire day.

The Babes, with first-time captain Ann Martin, started the action very well with a first place win in their heat with a time of 2:49:74.  Not to be outdone, the Chix, captained by another first-time captain, Diane Wetzel, followed suit in their heat, also with a first place time of 2:49:61.

As luck would have it, the two first place wins had the Babes and Chix opposite each other in heat two.  The Chix placed first again with a time of 240:15 and the Babes a close third with a time of 2:41:75.  It was a very close race with the three boats inches apart.  A great finish watching—for spectators-not those in the boats.

The third and final heat garnered the Babes with another first place win with a time of 2:37:87.  The Chix placed third in their final heat with a time of 2:43:62.  Both teams finished in the top 10 of the 52 teams entered.  Nice job ladies!

Both boats had composite teams of experienced, novice, first-time racers and guest paddlers from Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragonboat team from Vancouver.  Gung Haggis also hosted us with food, water and shelter, not to mention a healthy dose of good company and paddler fun.  Topping the racing activities was having Todd Wong serving as guest drummer /caller/motivational dude with the Babes.  Way to go Todd!

Tips o’ the paddle go to Merri McHugh as our paperwork queen, Head Coach Clem for critique of each race and tips to improve and our hosts Gung Haggis Fat Choy—you are awesome!  A great time was had by all and we shared the spoils of our day with luscious Canadian chocolates provided to each team by the race organizers—after the race, of course.

Thanks to all the paddlers, coaches,  supporters and family members that enjoyed this delightful event.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

The Lotus Sports Club's Bill Alley Memorial Dragon Boat Regatta is always a fun friendly race. Chilliwack and Ft. Langley teams really support it well. I have attended many years with different teams. Our team really had a lot of fun. Our rookies were very excited to be in their first races, our veterans were calm, cool, collected and shared information. Dan brought smokies, Joe brought camp stove and tent. Dave brought the large Gung Haggis tent. Food, shelter and friends - what more can you ask for? Okay... we had a team bbq afterwards at Joe's Burnaby home following the regatta. PICTURES + FINAL RESULTS   more »