My long time friend Alix Ahmed just completed a second year at the Yukon River Quest! The 715 kilometre (444 miles for my US friends) from Whitehorse to Dawson City. It is the longest annual canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard race. Ninety-six teams and 234 paddlers representing 13 different countries were registered to compete this year. If you aren't familiar with Canadian geography is it very far north, close to the Arctic Circle. They took advantage of the midnight sun and completed the race in 55 hours 57 minutes! Her team was Paddlers Abreast #68 and their empty canoe is above.
Paddlers Abreast was started by a cancer survivor. Eight women were on her team. Six are from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory one from Atlin, BC and Alix lives in Maple Ridge, BC. Their motto is:
A survivor driven group living with breast cancer whose mission is to:
Provide an opportunity for personal growth while meeting a physical and mental challenge.
Provide an opportunity for a shared and supportive experience.
Create an understanding that those living with breast cancer can live full and active lives.
Create an opportunity for remembering those who do not survive this disease.
Raise awareness about breast cancer.
Alix will be 67 on August 8th. These women are an inspiration to all!
I couldn't find Alix in a picture and she hasn't replied to my emails. I'm sure she's exhausted! I did find these other pictures. It doesn't look very warm!
