Projected river levels for the Phatwater are 9.1' on the Natchez gauge on race day. This will necessitate manipulation of the landing, at Natchez Under-The-Hill. Our present plan calls for a series of plywood sheets to be placed end-to-end across the riprap complex between the end of the concrete ramp and water's edge.

Offshore from the landing will be a buoy; probably the Redbull Buoy, which will serve as the finish line. Once paddlers have crossed the finish line it may be necessary to "hold" position in the water to await your turn for extract by manly men, or at least High School Football and Basketball players. Not to be construed a "sexist", we welcome the support of manly women as well, should any choose to volunteer from this most hazardous duty.

The Hatchie River race yesterday was a blast. Our hatzoff to Joe and Carol Lee Royer, and all their excellent support personnel, and the good people with Forest Fest, in Boliver, Tennessee, for their fine event. Although there was also concern about the low water in the Hatchie, everything was fine, excepting that sandbar which popped up two inches in front of the finish line. But it was no problem, really, and though the race times were a bit slower than the previous year, the weather and all other conditions were perfect. I urge all within reach of this email to consider the Hatchie and Forest Fest, next September.

Check out Outdoorsinc.com for race results. As you might expect, Joe, Wim, and Richard Savoie were needling each other to the bitter end, with Elmore Holmes taking first prize. Once again, Melissa and Carol Lee battled to the finish, and, once again, Carol Lee eclipsed Melissa, though by but a fraction of a second. For my part, Phil Capel blinded me in the last stretch with the gold colored flukes of his new Epic Wing Paddle, and passed me like a Baptist Minister at a Buffet.

It was good to race again with the Memphis crowd, before the Phatwater. We look forward to seeing you all in three+weeks. I will try to get out a photo of the finish line later today or tomorrow, for "Educational Purposes".

Keith Benoist
200 Dunkerron Road
Natchez, Mississippi 39120
(601) 445-8843
www.kayakmississippi.com
keith@kayakmississippi.com