Rick & Mary,

I really enjoyed the Steeplechase this year. One of the best years ever for wind. Saturday was a little chilly but nothing that we were not prepared for.

I think we were all a little weary pushing off on Saturday morning with the predicted high winds. I was pleasantly surprised when we left Anglefish creek with a nice wind at our back. I greatly enjoy the challange of this race.

I liked the new way to finish both days where we didn't have to drag our boats on shore to get a finish.

The reason I travel 1400 miles for this race isn't for the trophies or the sloppy joes. It's for the race. It was run quite well this year I thought. I'm happy that Rick waited a few minutes for the folks to get to the starting line as that way everyone got to start. There was a bit of a line getting off the beach and I wouldn't want to beat someone because they had let me go first.

Trophies, food, and Beer are really not even in the equation for me. It's about the race, the scenery, the challenge.

I did enjoy the sloppy joe's Mary. Thanks for making them. I never end up drinking the champane as I'm always driving a ways after the race. But please one bottle is plenty. And I'm not sure if Andre is in the tradition or not?

Question on the results. You had me beating Rick Bliss in the results you posted but the results you announced had him beating me? Which are right? Doesn't really matter but just curious.

Thanks again for hosting. Definitely the best distance race in the USA.

Mike Hill
N20 #1005 St. Louis Cats.