Saturday, the day of the competition. The entire first half of the day revolved around those 20 minutes. The team checked over everything again and again to make sure we had the most important thing: the sunglasses. For the competition, almost everyone wore sunglasses and a bucket hat except me. I already looked too good for a bucket hat. The team was ready for competition, to take on the world. The drivers had practiced, the programs had been checked, and everyone had relaxed. We were ready to compete.
When the robot began, we all knew something was wrong: the motor was backwards. One of the thrust propellers was facing the wrong way. Then, merry seconds later, the robot cut out. The first run was an absolute nightmare. Run two was worse. The ROV cut out more than once. The entire team was frustrated, tension began to rise. However, Dalton recovered well and focused on his part of the mission course. ROV cut-outs were persistent, happening at least twice. Overcoming the obstacles, Dalton finished with 80 points. Now, the biggest challenge was to cheer up the team and keep the peace. Luckily, the team bounced back incredibly quickly.
We may have done worse than we wanted, but nothing could be done now, so we might as well have fun. The next move was a trip to Walmart for party supplies such as glow sticks and a piñata. That night, all six of us went outside and played with glow sticks. The best of all the activities was playing ring toss, but with Henry, the cockroach-eating horse and glow sticks. No night walk, but a nice glowstick party to finish off the whole trip.
Thank you all for helping the Wahkiakum robotics team go to D.C and for all your support!!!
-Evelynn Miller
