France Day 23: Atlatls and the Atlantic

Sunday 6/20/10: There are few things that will get me out of bed early in the morning. Until today I thought that fire alarms and the smell of bacon were the only items on that list. After today however, I can now tack on throwing spears at an archaeological site.
Today Alex and I woke up at the unearthly hour of 4am to make the 3 hour drive up to St. Cezaire (a famous neanderthal site) for a European atlatl competition. Despite being extremely sleepy, watching the sun rise while munching on croissants in the car made being a bit drowsy more than worth it.
We arrived at St. Cezaire (took the obligatory Tamara + Neanderthal photo)

got registered, and then looked around desperately for some folks to form a group with. Normally we know plenty of friendly faces to throw with, but at this particular event we were definitely the strangers. Not only that, but we were wearing matching t-shirts. Despite this, two friendly young men (Philippe and Emanuel) invited us to join them to throw the European (or just the competition as they call it)
Normally the European competition in the US consists of a number of targets (varying in size and distance) lined up rather close together, and you throw 30 times at them. In Europe, you walk. A long way. Through the mud. Up hills. Down hills.

Alex and I didn't throw particularly well given the massive darts we were borrowing. 

The other two members of our group however, threw quite well. Really well. Amazingly well. Turns out, they're consistently ranked the #1 and #2 men in the European competitions, and today was no exception as they ranked #1 and #2. (Alex ranked 18th among the 35 or so men, and I ranked #4 among the 15 women!) 

Following the European we took a quick tour around the site 

 (made some Wooly rhino friends)

before heading to a wonderful lunch of sausages! After stuffing our faces thoroughly we took part in the ISAC. Alex and I were able to borrow lighter darts, and the change was quite noticeable. So much so that I ranked! Being the only World Atlatl Association members there, we were then recruited to score the rest of the competition. 

After a beautiful day, and kisses on the cheeks from new friends, we decided to make a quick detour in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to see the ocean on our way home. 

A lovely day of throwing spears, followed by a stroll along the Atlantic (from the -other- side than we usually see), complete with a dinner of mussels and frites. 

We have now been up for 20 hours, my dear husband is fast asleep, and we have some rock collecting to do in the morning. Still, I wouldn't trade it for anything! Good night everyone!