National Honours

Secondary schools National Rowing competition at Lake Ruataniwha NZ. My first ever attendance at such an event and ended up being immersed in the whole spectacle. Knew several kids rowing and thanks to their mothers soon understood what was going on. This photo was taken this morning as the eights were finishing. There were some very close races all watched from a natural grandstand of lawn right down to the edge of the lake.
Everyone sitting on camp chairs or rugs and leaping to their feet when their team was rowing. I have never been to such a polished event, the timing down to a very fine art. Races were starting every few minutes and very well commentated. It stared Monday morning and finishes on Sunday.
We watched all day yesterday and were back there at 9 am this morning to watch my friends grandson rowing. We then set off about 11.30 am to head for Mt Cook enjoyed the trip up the road but no Mt Cook as down came the rain. It was obvious it was not going to clear today so came home tonight, however it was a lovely couple of days away in a really special part of NZ. Magnificent mountain scenery with the autumn colours showing up made one feel very lucky to live so close to all this grandeur.
It has been pointed out that there looks like two races taking place. Not so. The pairs are coming up on the inside close to the bank heading for the starting area. The actual races were out further. I could have zeroed in on them but wanted to show the Rowing sign