Mud glorious mud

We've had a lot of rain lately. Not as much as Launceston, but still, a LOT of rain. River levels are high, dams are full and paddocks under water. Perfect timing then, for the annual Winter Challenge multisport event run in Franklin yesterday. It rained on and off during the event, but the mud was already there waiting to coat the competitors from head to foot as they ran 10km, mountain biked 18km, road biked 37km and kayaked 11km through the Egg Island canal and up the Huon River. One mud-covered competitor was heard to say as she climbed off her road bike for the final kayak leg of the event: "Never again!". Don't blame her.

We have been marshals on the run leg of the event for the past few years, stationed at farm gates in paddocks, and it's always so impressive to see these amazingly fit guys and girls power past us. Many of them even spare the breath and energy to say thanks on the way past. Seriously, no need to say thanks, it's kind of an honour just watching them and we always enjoy the few hours out in the fresh air.