There was overcast, the beach sand was cold, the water looked cold, but it was not! Nice 1.5km swim, I saw a stingray near the first buoy. The course was 2 laps around a rectangle of buoys, 
but one extra buoy in the middle of the outer side confused me. I thought it’s a corner and turned 
left, only to be told by a paddler that I have gone off course. The transition area had sharp gravel all over it, and to make it worse, the athletes were required to do a lap around it before they reach their bikes. We said “Ouch ouch ouch ouch” at every step, then sucked it up and kept running.
The bike course was flat with some rolling hills, but never had to switch to the 
smaller chain ring. The road was rough, but still enjoyable.
The run was undulating 10k and heaps fun. There were bits of off road, grass, a long bridge with climbs on both sides, and a scenic shore line. The finish area was full of spectators and Pete was at his best as always in keeping everyone entertained with his commentary.
After the finish, the fruit ice cream platter in the refreshment area was the best thing you could have. Excellent 
festival environment, great support from the locals, and the scenic beauty of Forster makes this event stand out.
Saw a number of trannies, including Marnifer at the dinner, Coach@Tri at the ocean swim, Mr Blonde at the finish line, Mr Flower who was seriously smashing the run and made it to podium in his AG, smitty who won silver in his AG, animal who ran past me like one.
