Today the weather alternated between sun and clouds with rain threatening throughout the day. I awoke early with the goal of going to the boat races. it has been quite some time since I have gone to boat races. I believe I was a small boy and was taken my grandfather. I don’t recall much other than the high volume of the engines and the rooster tails thrown up as the boats raced around the course.
Boat racing loudly returned to Western New York this weekend in the form of the annual ‘Thunder on Niagara” boat races. The boat races take place in the upper Niagara River and use Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda as its base. As the morning progressed, I changed my mind several times regarding riding my bike to the races and taking photographs or not going at all. I find myself getting so busy during the week I want to do nothing more than vegetate on the weekend. I know for me this is not a good idea so I packed my camera gear in my backpack, got the mountain bike and made the short ride to the Niagara River and Gratwick Park. Once there, with camera in hand I found myself enjoying the time alone. Between races I found myself writing in my enjoying the solitude and writing in my journal. I’m not sure what it is but I feel a tremendous amount of tranquility when I am on or near water. The afternoon was a nice escape from the busyness of the week.
I hope you enjoy the photos. Thanks for reading.
Chris
The boats are gently lifted from their cradles and placed in the water awaiting the signal to fire up their engines and prepare for their designated race..jpg "Boat races-102")
.jpg "Boat races-21")
Rooster tails.
.jpg "Boat races-36")
In the lead.
The “Crush.”
The “Baby Doll.”
And the winner is…
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[...] we have actual weights for the bikes, too! Hit ‘more’ to see the photos and read the [...] Thunder on Niagara Boat Races – christopherkijowskiphotography.com 09/02/2009 Today the weather alternated between sun and [...]