Paddlers return to Miramichi

Breast cancer survivors return to Miramichi for a day of paddling, make stops in Eel Ground, Wilsons Point, Ritchie Wharf and Douglastown.

Twenty women from Moncton, Shedic and and Amherst converged on Miramichi this morning for a paddle in a dragon boat.   A member of the ‘tit Bateau, Joanne Belliveau of Barachois, told MO))) that the group consists of breast cancer survivors and support paddlers.  The women enjoy each others company and support as they paddled twice a week, and take part in three events a year.  

The group participated in each of the dragon boat festivals held in Miramichi until the festival ceased due to lack of volunteers.  The festival in Saint John also ceased, so the group decided to visit Miramichi this morning to make it three road trips for the group this summer, including Moncton and New Glascow.  Belliveau said the group tries to have three outings a year, and when the Saint John festival ceased, comingto Miramichi for a day of paddling was an easy decision because of all the fun they had here previously.

Belliveau said the group raises a little money to keep the equipment in top condition.  The boat costs $20,000 and requires some yearly maintenance. The groups also has a custom-made trailer for the boat that was donated by Frank McKenna, in honour of his wife July who is also a breast cancer survivor.

This morning the group launched in Eel Ground with plans to stop at Wilson’s Point, then on the Ritchie Wharf for lunch, and finally to the marina in Douglastown.  A second boat followed the paddlers in their journey for safety purposes, and the service was donated by Brian Gray of Miramichi Sport Fishing.  (LINK)

The weather was lovely and the tide was going out, making it a perfect day for the paddlers.  Belliveau says she loves the activity and encourages woman in other areas to take up the hobby.