When I was watching the New Year's day water skiing in the Mississippi, I met Doug, pictured below. He gave me the story about the event. It raises money for the Missouri Disabled Water Ski Association. The dollars from these events has purchased specialized water ski equipment for the disabled. They provide training and opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the sport. Doug wasn't out on the river last Tuesday (the newspaper said the water temperature was 33 F or 0 to +1 C) but he loves to crank it up in warmer weather. Water sports are clearly a great pleasure for him.Since Wednesday's post, I've had some email from Brown Sugar, the dog in those photos, and his owner, Kevin Day. Brown Sugar says dogs like to get email, too. Kevin is a former state and national water skiing champion. He owns a large water sports equipment and training center in our area, Lakeshore Ski Company. In the last few years, he has raised more than $56,000 to help disabled aqua athletes.
By the way, there is a video of Kevin and Brown Sugar out on the river on Tuesday here, from a Chicago TV station for some reason. Also, note the background of the picture above. Unbeknownst to most of the world, St. Louis has become Little Las Vegas on Mississippi. Our Midwestern town has three casinos in the downtown area, two with upscale hotels. The one in the photo is moored on the Illinois side of the river opposite the Arch. There are four more in the suburbs. Whooda thunk?
TOMORROW: more pine needles than you can count. Not even if all your friends helped.
9 comments:
The snow doesn't make me shiver but getting in that water really gives me a chill. Yesterday we were down to 41F and now it's 58F(8:40 AM).
Open water! Neat idea. I'd love to go skiing, but I got nothin' but ice.
Very cool pics, love the last one, looking through the spray.
So do we need to talk about this online relationship with a dog? ;)
- Mitch in Minneapolis
I think I could brave cold water. But I'm not sure I'd want to come in contact with the waters of the Mississippi at any temperature. Impressed that guy could navigate those crazy cobblestones in his chair. Nice documentary reportage.
ils sont courageux mais surtout très fou ;o). La deuxième photo est superbe.
c'est bien la mairie que l'on voir a cote de miss cathédrale. Si tu viens, je te ferais visiter, par contre moi je préfère que le change ne bouge pas, même qu'il monte encore ;o))
They are courageous but mostly mad; o). The second picture is superb.
It is the council that we see a ratings miss cathedral. If you come, I would visit you, against me I prefer that the change does not move, though it still amounts ;o))
Well, as long as they've got their wetsuits...
The poor dog, though. I always hear, "Dogs don't need coats/sweaters/wetsuits; they've got FUR!" but... I have my doubts. Especially in icy Mississippi water!
I saw this on the portal and couldn't believe it was now they were water skiing....very cool event.
Yikes! That looks cold! Water skiing in January, I guess these guys never heard of a bake sale or a silent auction! Looks like they're having a great time!
Now that is one cold water sport! What a great program, though.
Wow, what a story, i didnt know that theres something like water skiing for the disabled. damn cool.. and a great pix too. especially the middle one
Mindless Mumbai
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