GRETTINGS FROM SCOTT SMITH

Jack & Crew:

We're back from Venice for the December holidays and some skiing. Thx for the merry holiday greetings, and my best holiday wishes to all of you. I'm getting hooked up w/the Sarasota rowing club, getting the required training, and will be cleared to row on my own soon after we return. So during next winter -- 2011, if any of you want to come to Sarasota for some winter vacation & rowing, I may be able to accomodate you -- I'll have to see if the Sarasota club will let non-members row the club boats along w/one their club members. If so, you'll enjoy the summer weather conditions, and the flat water on the intercoastal, delightful -- no need to hassle w/the wave action like we MRC rowers must do every summer.

Scott

Reply From Dana Young (Health Coach)

Dear All:

I'm sad to report that it was not much of a rowing summer for me. With school (most every other weekend), being a single mom, the weather and for whatever other reasons it just was not something I got out there to do. That being said, I absolutely love it and missed it and hope to get back out there next year. The few times I did it felt amazing and surprisingly could keep up with some of the regulars. I contribute this to the fact that staying in shape and trying to eat right makes all the difference.

Jay you sound like you have quite alot of training and help in all these matters and that is awesome. Charlie, there is so much you could do that can be simple. Scott, I wish I could be in Florida for the winter rowing. Does this mean you are going to kick my butt in the Great Race next year? :)!

I am a certified health counselor and for the most part talk with people about what they eat, why they eat what they are eating and of course help them to get stronger, healthier, etc...I do workout most days and always have so I do work with them on that aspect as well. I love working with my clients and seeing the results and positive changes they are making.
Lets start at the beginning however and for those of you who aren't finding yourselves doing anything on the workout front then simply trying to get in atleast 20 minutes a day of cardio (OK lets aim for 5 days a week) would be great. I don't care what it is but don't let yourself go this winter. Start thinking about it now and get in the best rowing shape you can. Cross training in so important. Don't just pick one machine that makes you happy. You will get bored. Running/walking on a treadmill, Elliptical machine, rowers, jumproping are all great options. Mix up steady workouts with interval. Even try one called tabata (http://ezinearticles.com/?Tabata-Anything---Four-Minutes-of-Pain-to-Gain&id=348486). Great option for the rower in your gym or the method can be used with other equipment as well. Its a great four minute workout to incorporate into your other workouts as well. Find a studio that has TRX classes. Such fun and a great workout. Pick up kettle bells if your gym has them. Better yet guys I'm going to be teaching a new class to this area called intenSati. A cardio class with the mindfulness of yoga. Such a blast to teach and take and I would love to even have a special Rock n Row night if you guys are up for it. Its all about your intentions. Check it out at http://www.intensati.com/. Don't forget about weights. So important!! Atleast twice a week. Find a trainer, a friend, hey even a health counselor that can help you with some new ideas. Studies have shown that people who create life changes together experience more success than those who attempt to change alone.

As for the nutrition piece that too is so important. Go organic as much as possible. Overcrowd your plates with leafy greens. Introduce yourself to the many whole grains out there. Don't forget I'm here if you want some tips. Spend an hour with me touring whole foods and coming up with some new ideas over the winter. Stay away from processed foods, sugars, etc... Drink plenty of water. I'm sure you've heard by now but try the Shake and Cleanse system that I have been working with for over a year now. I have had huge success with so many clients, feeling more energy, losing weight, less stressed. I even got our "Captain" to try some of the products and I believe he felt good on them. Now if I could just get him to stay on the program with me. For more information on them go to http://www.danaappelyoung.isagenix.com/. I would be happy to talk further with you about them as well. I'll tell you, amazing!!!

This is a crazy time of year. Don't wait til New Years to figure it all out and make that resolution. Start now taking care of yourself, exercising, maybe losing some weight and feeling great. Keep sharing your emails and tips with each other. I think its great and very motivating.

Its a NEW DAY everyone. Amaze Yourself.Dana
http://www.amazingnewday.com/
dana@amazingnewday.com
781.389.0538

Reply From Maryellen

Hi Jay,
Great to hear from you and learn about your off-season program. I admire your discipline!
As for me, I seem to be challenged by the transition from on-the-water to in the gym. It's a process for me! Actually, I'm still on-the-water -- confident and comfortable in my Echo. I took a LOVELY 4 mile row this morning out of Little Harbor, crossing the mouth of Mhead Harbor and hugged the coastline along the neck and back around Brown's Island to the beach. The weekend before Thanksgiving, I rowed with a friend in Hingham Harbor and enjoyed the Northeast Youth Open Water Championships off Hull! Watching the teamwork and joy of the kids was fantastic!
With indoor storage, hose and my beach launch, I'm all set to take advantage of rowing on calm days like today! I enter the boat dry (wearing knee-high neoprene boots) and layer-up. There are a number of Maine and south shore folks who are rowing year round. My last day out in 08 was Dec. 26th, this year it all depends on the weather. There are 2 IROW events coming up I'm hoping to participate in: the Jingle Row on the Charles (Dec. 12) and the Snow Row off Hull on March 6. Folks can join the IROW blog for updates on monthly group rows typically off the southern coast of Maine. For more info: check out: http://www.irow.org/
I have also gotten myself back to the Y. My intention is to return to 3-4 days of elliptical, my weight training circuit plus 3 yoga classes a week. Yoga has improved my comfort level rowing longer distances and agility considerably! May your discipline rub off on me!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Maryellen

Reply From Scott Smith

Jay:

Thx for the world quad champs video and your observations on the importance of aerobic and free weight work-outs. As to the workouts, I agree entirely. We're in Venice FL for the winter and I try to get to the local 'Y' 3 times a week for a weight workout, using a 'supersetting' routine which means that I choose 2 or 3 exercises, and run through them w/no break in between. I usually do 3 or 4 sets of each exercise, before going on the the next 2 or 3 types of lifts using the same style of routine. That way I do not exercise the same muscle group w/o some rest in between. It's extremely efficient. I do one routine the 1st day and a 2nd routine using exercises for different muscle groups the next day. I do abs in every workout. Now that I'm rowing, I do more back, lats, shoulders, and quads exercises than I used to do. For aerobics, I'm biking 35-40 miles 2-3 times a week, and walking 3 to 4 miles nearly every day. Retirement permits all of these aerobic activities that I used to be able to do only on the weekends when I was working.

Fortunately, I've found a rowing club in nearby Sarasota, much like Rock 'n Row. I've been working w/a retired Navy destroyer captain who was on a crew team in college. I've had 2 one on one training sessions w/him, and have learned a tremendous amount. I'll attend a small group class on Sat/morning for more instruction. I haven't met many of the club members yet, but ultimately, I will. We row on the intercoastal waterways between south Sarasota and Venice -- the water is always flat even w/the wind blowing 20+ -- much more like rowing on the Charles, and it's delightful. Unlike RnR, I can row by myself w/o another club member along, which is a great convenience because the boat storage and ramp into the water are only about 20 minutes from our house. The intercoastal water depth is relatively shallow, so if you tip the boat over, and can't reenter it, it's never very far to swim the boat to a water depth where you can stand and walk to shore. After the training and rowing experience here, I should have a much higher skill level for next summer's rows around the north shore.

My training experience in Sarasota leads me to make a suggestion for RnR to consider --have a serious and formal training program, taught by RnR experts, required for ALL new members, unless they were 4-year varsity crew members in college. I thought the RnR training I had received during my rookie season had taught me the basics, but I've learned in Sarasota that I'd barely scratched the surface of proper sculling technique. Perhaps the first session could be inside w/some training videos & the Polish quad video. I learned something from watching that video after my training down here that I would have never understood before receiving that training. Then the rest of the training would be on the water, much of it one-on-one. Food for thought.

Scott

Winter Rowing Thoughts From Jay Paris

Hi all, In this muddy time of year, if southwest winds are gentle and warm, I think about finding a boat to take to a quiet river or lake to recapture the rowing spirit of last summer. On the other hand, when winds are screaming and cold rain is about, rowing couldn’t seem farther away. A news flash is that Paul Mazonson and son Jake drove to Phili and back a few weeks ago to pick up the soon-to-be Rock N Row boat trailer, which will give us additional access to rowing water and extend our season! Thanks Pauli! In talking to a few Rock N Rowers, it seemed like a good idea to start an email rally about winter training – ideas or actual strategies that club members use to stay lean and strong. To kick it off, I’ll share my own. My approach reflects my interest in doing some racing next year, as well as my age, at which point strength is easier to maintain than aerobic capacity (that’s why highly competitive weight lifters stay in the game into their Forties while swimmers and runners do not). So the key, I’ve discovered, to building aerobic capacity is consistency –five to six days a week of moderate exercise with only one hard day and one somewhat hard day in the mix. Steady state –getting into a heart rate zone of 70% of my max – light sweating but I can still talk – is my baseline. I also like to cross train. So I use a rowing machine two times a week but then add Pilates, weightlifting, the Stairmaster and jogging on other days to keep it as varied as possible (indoor exercise can get boring fast). On my hard day, I keep my heart rate at about 85% of my max (at age almost 61, my max is 170), usually alternating hard and easy pieces of two to four minutes in duration for 45 minutes to an hour. Exercising 6 times a week is hard to do but I find doing even a little every day is better f than, say, only two big, killer workouts on the weekend. Even a brisk half hour walk is good for the soul and seems to keep all parts lubricated. Stretching is also important but I am remiss more often than I should be. The question is, what are you doing and what tips can you share? On the inspirational rowing front, I came across this video clip of the Polish, three-time world quad champs, at a practice. Notice the soft catch and fast hands. The boat hardly lurches—the smoothest quad I’ve ever seen. And they are rowing hard, at about a 30, even though they make it look like a 24.
It’s how I want to row when I grow up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWtoUczoyaA&NR=1

ROCK N ROW GOES MOBILE

Yesterday, the newest addition to the RnR fleet arrived in M'head in need of a name and a paint job.

We purchased this trailer, thanks to Carlton and Craig's List, from St Mary's College of Maryland. With a little reworking of the racks she'll carry 8 boats plus oars and gear.

If you are interested and /or willing to help with refurbishing let me know.

Just imagine how terrific she'll be cruising the streets of M'head fully decked out in RnR boats and colors!!!!

Video of Eight Race in Sacramento

This is an experiment to see if the video someone took of our race on October 24 on the Folsom Rivewr will play. The Rock N Rower involved is in the seven seat, or just behind the stroke. The stroke is occasional R & R guest, Rob Slocum. Others are members of the 1971 Princeton Crew, coming to the finish line. This could be R & R next year at the Head of the Charles...

Final Race of the Season

We arrived in Sacramento, nine old classmates, ready to revive our old racing spirit of long ago. The Head of the American is the West Coast equivalent of the Head of the Charles with almost as much pageantry if not international competition. We practiced for two days and then raced in the Master’s Division against eight other crews, all among the best out here. Considering our limited practice time, the race went well—we were the oldest crew but managed to take 3rd. So, I return to Boston with my 2009 season officially over, already thinking about when the waters around Marblehead will be warm enough to head to Halfway Rock.

The Other Fall Classic

Training off Plum Island

I rowed yesterday on the Danvers River with five swans that attend the quieter marshes at its far end, all present and curious about my yellow shell. I amtuning up for my last race of the season--the Head of America on Lake Natoma in northern CA in 10 days. I'll be meeting the guys I rowed with in college. We are exactly the same age and half of us curiously born within a week of each other (what is it about the Taurian personality?). We met during freshman week in 1967, recruited for our height and gangliness. A few of us had rowed in high school but most were basketball players and swimmers drawn to the novelty of propelling a missle of ash wood through H2O at running speed. We suffered and sacrificed together for a few years, eventually contending for the national title, and in the Olympic Trials. Then all too suddenly graduation arrived and our brotherhood ended as we scattered to graduate schools and jobs around the world. I kept in loose touch with a few but mostly it was a slow drift apart . Then, nine years ago, one rower died tragically and unexpectedly. Word of his death spread. Without planning it, we all showed at his funeral at our university chapel -- every one of us -- even those who had had no contact for thirty years.

At the end of the funeral, we spontaneouly gathered on the rise of a pristine college lawn with our families to get reacquainted. Two had married late and had young children. Two others were grandparents. One had survived cancer, another alcaholism, and we all had known professional victories and losses. But through it all, we'd come to the same conclusion -- that nothing mattered as much as family and friends. We ended by deciding to row together that very afternoon -- leaving our fallen friend's seat open. The old sense of flow and swing was affecting, even profound.

Afterwards, over beers and pizza , we pledged to do it again when a second boat rower offered to replace our expired friend. We've met every year since, somewhere in America, rowing in a borrowed eight-man shell. Nothing fast or too long but very pleasurable every time. Then last year, after a few single malt Scotches, I asked if anybody wanted to race in 2009. Nine hands shot up too fast to retreat (the ninth was the small fist of the coxswain who had always steered us well).

So this year we race as the Princeton Class of '71 crew for men 60 and over , Master's Division. We've had special shirts and hats made and our families will be there. Over the summer, zinging emails have flown between us with daily challenges, jibes and terrible jokes. One of us who is head of research at AOL is thinking about wearing a webcam beanie to take the race 'live.' Another guy with the CIA whose name I can't mention is flying in from Bajestan. A third is cutting short a peace keeping mission to Armenia and Turkey to row in the bow. Each year it's been like that although this time everyone has trained and wants to be competitive. And I'm sure at the starting line our throats will be as dry with nervousness and adrenaline as they were 40 years ago. I have no doubt we will pull hard enough to feel the familiar, punishing fire in our veins.

But unlike all those years ago, this race won't define us (unless of course we win, in which case we'll be on the cover of AARP Quarterly, which will lead to a book deal, Oprah, sponsorship by Viagra and, of course, Hollywood.). What does define us is friendship and to that I credit the act of rowing. How nice if not surprising that it's happening again -- making friends for life --at Rock N Row.

Rowin' on the Charles!

Last week I decided to take Jack up on his generous offer and borrowed the Alden Star to row in the Ernestine Bayer Race On The Charles. I decided that I needed to do a trial run over the course since I had never rowed on a river or in a race and wanted to get a feel for what it was like. My partner in crime, Sarah, offered to help me out. As luck would have it she was able to borrow a boat from Jean. Thank you Jean. So this past Saturday we loaded up the boats onto the roof of our cars in preparation for an early start the next day, Sunday. The race starts at 7am so I wanted to see what it would be like at that time of day. I downloaded all kinds of maps off the Head of the Charles website, along with directions to the drop off and pick up sights. I arrive at Sarah's at 5:45am and proceed to follow the directions,we finally manage to make it to the starting sight, only to find the park which is the starting point is closed and there is no place to put our boats into the river. Sarah ventures over to one of the rowing clubs and asks questions and find that we can put in at the finish.
So once more we get into our cars and manage to find the park at the finish. We walked the shore line to find a spot to enter since there are no public docks(I guess they use portable floating ones the day of the race), unload the boats and with the help of my sister(who showed up) we make it into the river. We left an orange cone(that happened to be on the sidewalk) on the bank so we would know where to get out. It was very exciting to see different types of sculls, lots of college boats with their coaches trailing behind. So off we go ...learned the rules of the road from a fellow rowing down river...it was amazing to me how the river twists and turns and how fast those bridges come up! But we made it to the start and picked up some great tips listening to the team coaches.On the way back I went ahead of Sarah and timed myself and tried to plan a strategy for race day!! I am so glad we went.
What a fabulous day. I have always dreamed of rowing on the Charles.

Awesome 14 miler with Lorna; Star trouble.

What a day! Five open water rowers showed for this morning's annual IROW -- Row to the Shoals. Lorna & Maryellen left from the infamous Martin Boat House and met up with Ray Panek, Kinley Gregg and Jim. Jim rowed an Alden Star. All others rowed the Echo. The water was calm and perfect at 8:30, but the marine forecast listed a small craft advisory with up to 17 mph northwest winds predicted.

Initially the group decided to row up the coast of NH -- staying close to shore. A few hundred yards out, Ray, Kinley and Jim decided to go for the Isle of Shoals. So the group split off.

Lorna and I enjoyed the peak foliage along the beautiful coastline, heard loon call and were greeted by at least a dozen, curious large grey seals! The wind really picked up on our return and we were glad for the lee of the shore. The only real slogging was crossing Kittery Point Bay to the point of return calm back up the tidal creek to the boathouse. We completed a stunning 14 miler and had all geared stowed by 11:45 a.m. More of those days to come!

The Row to the Shoals for the other 3 rowers was a very different experience. They made it out to the Isle of Shoal's Star Island no problem. Heading back after a rest, the wind hit 20 knots and Jim was unable to make any headway in the Alden Star.

Ray and Kinley held in calm and Ray suggested they call for a ride home. He called the coast guard on his marine radio with no response. Another 15 minutes of slogging, Jim lost control and capsized the Alden Star. Jim spent several nervous minutes in the water and was thankfully able to get back into the Star with Ray and Kinley's assistance.

Kinley and Jim rowed with the wind back to Star Island and found shelter and warm drink. Thankfully, the Star Island Conference Center was still open. Ray rowed to shore and called the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard brought Kinley and Jim back to shore with their oars. They had to leave the Alden Star and Echo behind.

I learned recently that Ted’s company East West Boat Builders built all the Aldens for 20 years -- from 1984 - 2004. He worked with Doug in building and launching the Star and Doug & Ted made improvements to a bunch of others. It surprised me to learn that the Alden Star was not designed nor built for open water.

By now -- you all know I’m an Echo enthusiast and not much interested in any other shell for my enjoyment and safety in rowing on the open water. I have great respect and appreciation for the depth of knowledge Lorna, Ted and Doug offer the open water rowing community. My love, enthusiasm and sheer joy of open water rowing is because I am rowing with confidence in the stability and performance of my Echo.

solo Atlantic row, entitled RoRoz Savage: Rowing The Atlantic – Lessons Learned on the Open Ocean

Friday, October 16
An Evening with Roz Savage

The first woman to row solo across the Atlantic, Roz is now on a journey to be the first woman to row solo across the Pacific. She will be coming to Mhead fresh from the second phase of her journey, over 100 days of rowing from Hawaii to Tawara, an atoll in the Central Pacific. Her theme for this segment is climate change and she will be attending the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December.

Admission is a membership donation to Salem Sound Coastwatch. Free to those whose membership donation is current.
Where: Eastern Yacht Club
When: Friday, October 16 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
http://www.salemsound.org/

Rock n Row Awards

Continuing our long held tradition of season ending awards; along with our long standing tradition of end of season revelry, along with our new tradition of releasing diva nature....
WE the people of Rock n Row as voted by the revered and respected nominating committee, whose members, of course, will remian secret, do hereby honor, acknowledge, love and cherish the following for their unique accomplishments this 2009 rowing season;

Recognizing those individuals whose contribution has advanced the ethos
of the Marblehead Rowing Club:

The R N R Humorist Award - To a person who most reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously using humor to help us appreciate the infinite Zen of rowing, especially a person whose blue eyes are known throughout the Viking world as magnificent - Jon Hanke

The R N R Newbie Award - Awarded to the member whose persistence, commitment and enthusiasm reflects an appreciation for embracing the joy of learning how to row, and in doing so, learning what it means to jump in to a shell and alternately, the water, with both feet. And this year, the award goes to two inspiring 2009 members - Eileen Perry and Sarah Simon

The R N R Howard Blackburn Award - For taking this grueling event on from the inside out; for the courage to try for the summit, and for sharing this life changing experience with great enthusiasm-Maryellen Solomon-Auger

The R N R Good Shepherd Award - For the member who acts as the mother duck we all yearn for, for taking such good care of our little ones, and for being the face of Rock N Row for those who come to the sport ready to learn-Terri Leake

The R N R Inboard/Outboard Awards - To the two rowers of the 2009 season who have embraced that part of the Rock N Row ethos that speaks to going all out, to not holding back in the face of competition and striving for new heights - Stephanie Brocum and Thomas Vogel -guess which one is inboard and which one is outboard?

The R N R Captain of the Plantation Award-To the person who acted in the role of overseer of club activities, we the servants, the galley slaves, the indentured souls, the pirates and wenches, give this award in deep appreciation of his generosity; and we say -- O master-for this we are forever in your debt! Capt Jack
However....this is it -there's no more awards for you - you are done!

Sometimes Good Intentions...

On Sunday morning not too many hours after swigging my last gulp of Pirate Punch at the infamous R & R party, I left for Putney, VT to row in the Head of the Green Mountain Regatta. I was entered in a double with a friend who is a hard nosed competitor. The weather was wet and the field where we parked steeped in mud. Still, seeing 267 shells in one place was impressive and even in mist and drizzle, Vermont in the fall is strikingly beautiful. Our "class" crossed a few age divisions and as older rowers, winning wasn't likely. However, what chance we had blew up when we pulled around a buoy at the half way point and my partner's oar popped out of his hi-tech Magilock oarlock. The seconds ticked by as he rushed to put it back in. When we got underway again, we were 30 seconds down--too far back to make a move in such tough competition. Instead we got into a good drag race with the crew that had caught up to us. We maintained a 27 to 28 spm rate. The words of my college crew coach entered my head that last mile as the lactose built up; "Are you willing to pay the price?" Well, I did feel like I paid it at the end and rode home listening to the Patriots thinking about how I could row better next time. But win, lose or draw, racing has inimitable pleasure. I'm glad to hear there are a few R and R rowers thinking of entering the Head of the Charles rec division.

WHERE ARE ALL THOSE RNR PICTURES?

Good question. If you take some time to venture down the left side of this BLOG layout underneath the "COUNTDOWN TO BLACKBURN" you'll discover "WEB SITES WORTH CHECKING OUT". There you'll find some links of pictures to the different events hosted this summer. Now granted, I haven't been able to process them all yet (must be a couple of hundred), but Celilia and the year-end party has been posted. In the next couple of months the others will be up for your viewing pleasure

PIRATE PUNCH RECIPE (SEE BELOW)

FOR ALL YOU SWABBIES WHO ATTENED LAST NIGHTS SEASON END FESTIVITIES AT GAILS HOME THAT BE NOW WANTING MY SECRET RECIPE TO ME PIRATE PUNCH HAVE TO WAIT NO FURTHER.

THE CAPTAIN IN HIS GENEROSITY HAS DECIDED TO LET THE SECRET OUT ONE MORE TIME.

MIND JA' NOW BE CAREFUL. THIS PUNCH OF MINE CAN CARRY A WHALLUP IF NOT PROPERLY MANAGED. FOR INSTANCE, I NEVER ALLOW MYSELF TO HAVE MORE THAN 3 GLASSES IN ORDER TO GET THE BALANCE OF THE FLAVORS JUST RIGHT. BREAK OUT A PENCIL NOW AND TAKE THIS DOWN. OF COURSE YA SWEAR ON DAVIES JONES LOCKER THAT YA NOT BREATH A WORD OF THIS OUT SIDE THE RnR MEMBERSHIP.
________________________________
16OZ BACARDI 151 RUM
8OZ MEYERS DARK RUM
4OZ OF MALIBU COCONUT RUM
2.5 CUPS OF PINAPPLE JUICE
2.5 CUPS OF ORANGE JUICE
4OZ OF ROSE'S LIME JUICE (FOR THE SURVEY YA' SEE)
3 TBLS OF GRENADINE SYRUP

MIX WELL AND GARNISH W/A COUPLE OF "CROSSBONES"
DRINK HEARTY ME MATES
HERE'S WISHN' FOR A QUICK RETURN TO THE WATER-CAPT

"Pinned at 270 Degree" and the "best row of the season"

Last Thursday morning at 6:20am Emily and I met for a sunrise row to give it one more try before the RnR fleet goes into winter storage. Since the forecast predicted some choppy waters and an increasing breeze coming from NNW we decided to take the two Club Alden Stars.

Daylight had broken and the rising sun was behind some clouds by the time we exited Little Harbor. Thinking briefly of which direction to go, I said "Halfway Rock" remembering one beautiful morning row, when Jack and I had made it out there. Emily loved the idea, since she had not been there yet.

Off we went. We passed between MHD Rock and Children's Island and headed towards Halfway Rock. The water appeared calm and beautiful except some long rollers, and there was not a boat in sight. The clouds had moved away and revealed a beautiful morning sun beaming low above the horizon by the time we reached Halfway Rock. The atmosphere on the water was too beautiful to return back home right away. We extended our row and continued towards Bakers Island. At times the long rollers made our row feel like slow surfing and within little time we made it around Bakers Island, where the lighthouse looked picture perfect in the morning sun.

After Bakers we turned southwest toward our home base. As we had set our course on 240 degrees the chop got bigger and a NNW wind showed some strength blowing from the Beverly coast. It became more difficult to maintain the Alden Stars on course and we found ourselves going towards 270 degrees instead of 240. Not only kept the wind us from going back home the shortest distance. It lifted the flat bottom Stars upwards on the winward, which made it more difficult to keep the starboard scull in the water. Emily said "it feels like being pinned at 270". We both felt like rowing on a rowing ergo-meter where one seems to make little progress.


It was yet another new rowing experience and at the end, I called this morning row "one of my best three rows throughout the season". Emily called it her "best". What a beautiful thing saltwater rowing can be. I am looking forward already to the start of the 2010 RnR season.

IN THE MHD REPORTER LAST WEEK

Salem Mission appreciates rowers’ efforts
Marblehead - Letters to the editor:
I write to express the extreme gratitude of the Salem Mission to Jack Tatelman and Paul Mazonson of the Marblehead Rowing Club (www.rocknrow.org) for their magnificent effort in raising $30,000 for the Mission from the Blackburn Challenge, when they rowed the 20 miles around Cape Ann.

Paul and Jack chose the Mission as the beneficiary this year because of the bleak economic picture and because, in Paul's words, “We thought, ‘Let’s do something for the least fortunate members of our community.’”

The good news is that the programs at the Mission are working: Even in this crisis, we have been able to move 70 people from homelessness into permanent housing in the last year!
In recent months, however, the Mission has lost one state contract as well as funding for its psychiatrist, so the funds raised by Jack and Paul will be a huge help as we try to overcome these cuts.

I can promise all who supported Jack and Paul, and all who support the Mission directly, that we will continue to strive towards our clear goal: ending the abomination of homelessness. The support from Paul and Jack is both inspiring and humbling.

Andrew Oliver, president
The Salem Mission
Crown Way

BACKED TO #1

Thanks to Carlton we have solved the mystery of the growing counter. It appears it was counting # of hits instead of unique members to the site. Problem is now solved with both a "Visitor Counter" on top and the "Hit Counter" below. With this new blog entry we are back to #1.

So much learned, so much to learn

I’m rowing a demo-day Alden Star along Riverhead Beach. The causeway, together with the full tide, is giving us the closest thing to flat open water around here despite the heavy winds blowing outside. It suddenly strikes me that I’ve been here before…different time, different boat, different conditions, but the flashback is real. Early last summer I had my first taste of sliding seat rowing, my first Rock N’ Row experience, at this very spot. An introduction on an Echo that Lorna and company had brought to a similar event.

That first time out was humbling, but exhilarating. Today is just as exciting; I have balance and speed that last year I couldn’t imagine. The catch, drive and release feel good. Last year I fumbled through the actions, fearing my next mistake would be the one to capsize me. Still, from that experience I was hooked.

I reach the neck and I'm returned to the present moment. I circle around and head back, the photographer’s boat now pulling up to shadow me. I try to ignore them, but some vain part of me wants to be in my best form just in case.

I return to the beach, and before I know it, I’ve found a learning opportunity. What starts as questions about foot stretcher position leads to a coaching session. Yes, at my height, the stretchers should be all the way out. My recovery should be more controlled, my stroke isn’t level, and I’m not extending my hands before the catch. (Only later does the obvious sink in that there is a reach to the mantra reach and pull).

Next up is the Star Double, and this drives the lessons home. If you want to spot your problem areas quickly, try synchronizing your strokes with someone else. Jack, who can “rush the slide” with the best of them, is no match for my body slam forward. Together, we’re a perfect example of quick backwards momentum slowing forward progress. But once we slow down and get in sync, we start to fly through the water. What a great training exercise.

One last row in the Quest and I try to put it all together. I can feel the bits and pieces, but know it will take more time, practice, and some limbering up added to my winter work-out. My mind starts to wander again as I reflect on these two fabulous seasons completed. So much learned, and so much more to master.

LAST SUNDAY ROW EXTENDED

The "YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH FUN" Subcommittee of RnR. Pictured here on their Sunday Row off Little Misery Island.From left to right: Gail, Sarah, Eileen, Thomas, Scott, Carlton, and Dee (Missing are Steph and Emily who rode the Alden Star Double into infinity and beyond). have asked the Captn' to extend the last Sunday Row one more week. How could I refuse especially after my third Mimosa.
SO.......
The boats will be available one more week only and I mean it. The weather is calling for great rowing. Call around, I'm sure you'll find someone who wants to get one more row in. You can thank the "You can never have too much fun" committee the extension of the season rowing.

WHY CAN'T I BE 2 PLACES AT ONCE?

Last Sunday row of the season! I'll miss you guys.

Rock N Row this summer reminds me of summer camp, endless fun activities, physical challenges, fresh air and sunshine, new friends, old friends and an abrupt end!

And a long wait, anticipation building to the opening of next season.....

See you at the party

PAULIE

The Challenge to the End of the RnR Season Row/ Thanks for the Alden Demo Day

Eileen and I went out this morning and it was later than our usual, 7:00 or so. It was beautiful to start and we went against the wind to Tinkers. Then the wind started coming up. It was wild and turned around. We were pretty far apart and each worried about ever getting back. It took forever to pass the lighthouse and cross the mouth of the harbor. I have never been so thankful to get to the dock. Hopefully tomorrow will not be the same.

Thank you to everyone involved with setting up the Alden Demo Day. It was great to have a chance to try the different boats. I particularly liked the double. I have never been in a double before and it does present a challenge to keep pace together. At least those few strokes, when it worked, it felt wonderful. Maryellen set a good example for me to follow and I would love to learn to do this well. In addition to a selection of boats to demo, the Alden folks brought along a tasty selection of goodies which were much appreciated.

THANKS TO JAY AND COMPANY

A quick shout out of thanks to those who made yesterday's Marblehead Magazine Photo Shot a reality. It was only a short year ago, after reading the publication I thought what a great opportunity for RnR. It was on the board's to do list with Jay in charge of bringing it into action. Yesterday was the 1st step in making that happen. Not to be deterred by 20+ gust from the NE, overcast skies and monster waves, we showed the editor and photographer of MHD Mag what our club was all about.
My appreciation to Jay, Carmi, Dee, Jon, Maryellen, Carlton, Thomas, Paul and Emily (Did forget anyone?) for rowing the salt. A special thanks goes out to Sarah who in the true RnR spirit came to help with the shore logistics and washdowns.

Blogging and the Future

Have you noticed what's happened with the visitor counter?

Either Capt is manipulating the counter OR we have a lot of people following the goingson at Rock N Row.

About two weeks ago I commented to Jack that we were approaching 1000 visits to the blog, I think the actual # was 950. This morning I noticed that we are approaching 1800 visits. THATS 800 VISITS IN 2 WEEKS!

AND over 200 entries this season!

Remember, last April, we had no blog, this is all new AND wonderful!

What does it mean?

What's the future of ROCK N ROW?

Some Year End Satisfactions

Watching many rowers progress well beyond where they were a year ago

Improving my leg drive

Putting 11 boats on the water with ease and efficiency on any given Sunday

No accidents or incidents

New acquisitions, including the rising of the Alden Stars

The spawning need to get an R & R trailer

Passing the 50 members mark (there were only five three years ago)

Putting the in-drag patrons on notice at the Tea Dance in Provinvincetown that we will row it!

Marking the spot of our future club house

Others?

A "DELICIOUS" SUNDAY ROW

What a different a day brings. After Saturday's snot of a day filled with wind, waves and downpours, this past Sunday brought out a "gaggle" of Peaceful Warriors to enjoy one of the few remaining Sunday rows of the season. Eleven of us got to enjoy the flat seas, calm winds and clearing morning skies as we took to bay heading North to the Beverly Light house on the other side. Initailly starting in the "missing man" formation in honor of Charlie who for some reason did not make it to the row (What happen Chas?), we soon broke up into mutiple pods of scullers. Pictured here in the team photo is Gail, Carlton, Eileen, Sarah, Thomas, (his friend), Paul, Jay, Jon, Kate and yours truly (bow shot front of photo). Congrats to both Gail and Kate on their 1st Sunday row. Round trip was an honest 6 miles. Not too many days left before we have to start moving out the boats. Lets get out there and row people!!

Remember Wed. Night

This Wednesday, the Marblehead Home & Style magazine editor and photographer will be at our dock at 5:30 to photograph and write about a club row. Let me know if you can be there! Wear your best R nR garb. This is a nice opportunity to portray the club for all that it is.

CAPTN'S NOT HAPPY

Saturday AM. Woke ups late (6:00) with th hopes of enjoying some morning activity on the water. Too rainy and windy to fish or row. I guess I'll head back to bed. I'm not happy about this weekend weather. Lets hope for a great Sunday Row tomorrow. All boats out on the water!!

Winter Rowing

Now that I am totally addicted to rowing, I have been searching the internet for places to row during the winter (I can only do so much on a rowing machine). I came across the Essex rowing club, they have an adult winter program! You can row indoors at the Brook School! I called and the new sessions will be posted shortly. I can't wait. Of course I will have to learn to row with a crew!
Then in the spring I am off to Florida to take lessons at the Florida Rowing Center!

So thank you one and all for making this sport so much fun.

A RNR LIFETIME ADVENTURE??

I don't know about you guys, but after seeing that video of Thomas V. jumping out of the airplane on "U Tube", I've been thinking about what will keep me young and spry between now and the next rowing season.

Nothing like jumping out of an airplane to keep those rushes coming...

Any takers??

3 weeks to get the blogs out - 8/21 Saturday morning newbie row

I was a bit nervous before my first solo row, but I needn't have been...Gail, Pal, Sarah, and Steve helped Julie and I (newbies extreme) get into the water almost effortlessly. Sarah, bless her, stayed with us the entire time as we braved the waters adjacent to shore. It was relaxing and great fun! I can't wait to do it again.

Now if I can just get the stroke down. Any advice from the group? I seem to pull harder with my dominant side. How do I fix that?

IS MONDAY THE NEW SUNDAY?

Well it certainly felt that way for Labor Day Monday when I counted 8 of the RnR's finest made it out on the water this AM. It was a glorious morning filled with low humidity, crystal blue skies and a gentle rock to the sea. Of course starting off the day was the early morning team of Eileen and Sarah. These two dynamic duo's have embraced the sport of sculling this summer and have never looked back. They are usually seen returning to the basin on the bright yellow Alden Stars when the rest of us are just beginning to launch.
I joined Jay, Emily, Jon and Stephannie on a jaunt down to Rams Island off Deveroux Beach. We found some wonderful flat water following the shore's edge almost to the Swampscott line. Jay returned the way we came while the three of us pushed East to the Pigs. It was here that Emily in her Ace and Stephannie in her Maas Aero decide to leave Jon and I in the dust. So much for companion rowing. Of course it wouldn't have mattered what boat they were rowing. These two women are such incredible rowers, they would have beaten us just as easily in Echos.
Jon and I not to be discouraged we returned outside Tinkers (Where we had a chance encounter with Maryellen who was also rounding the island) and outside MHD Rock to give us an honest 10 mile row for the morning.
It was an incredible day and following Sundays 20kt blow from the North, should count as the Sunday row of the week.
Enjoy your Labor Day :-))

WE TRIED, BUT NO GO IN TODAYS WIND AND WAVES

Eileen and I were ready to go out for a very early morning row. At home the winds were calm and the sun was thinking about coming up. We got to the dock later than usual, the sun was just up. We noted that the dock had moved and the plank was at a serious angle. We tested it and it all seemed secure, so we got our gear and boats ready. This would have been my second time in the Alden Star, so I am still figuring out the best way to get in. Eileen and I decided that we would leave from the same side of the dock so that the wind was pushing the boat into the dock., otherwise the boat would be gone before we got out feet into the straps. Eileen got settled and took off. I got mostly in, but did not yet get the sliding seat under me. It was stuck and would not move. I was trying not to tip and yet pull and wiggle on the seat to get it in motion. Finally, it relased and I was set and pushed off. Just then, Eileen returned having already been out and back and warned that the waves were breaking over the boat and there was plenty of wateralready inside the boat. We reconsidered our plans and went back to the dock. We cleaned and carried the boats back to the racks.

Instead we went and had a lovely breakfast and coffee at Foodies. Oh well, we will try again tomorrow.

More rockin, less rowin'

For the soundtrack to today's row, you would have heard the gravelly-voiced baritone growling: "More ROCKIN' and less ROWIN, at WRNR Marblehead!" The winds were a steady 10 knots with gusts to near 20, out of the northeast, and the tide was running in. As soon as Jon, Stephanie and I passed the rocks and day-marker just off our dock, the waves were fast, steady and strong. While I thought rowing down to Salem Harbor might make sense, cool-headed Jon thought that rowing straight into the wind was our only option. And he was right. We didn't want to be taking these waves abeam, especially not Jon and Steph who were rowing easy-to-swamp Aldens. We slowly made our way past Gray's Rock, our cockpits filling with water, and headed towards Eagle. Jon and Steph were some 50 yards ahead of me, their boats often out of sight in the waves. Just as I was wondering, "Do I really want to keep rowing dead into this wind", I head Stephanie's voice from behind asking, "Do you want to turn back? It's kind of rough out here." She and Jon were already pointed back to shore, and I didn't argue as I made my own 180 turn towards home. I have never moved so fast in a rowing shell! It was more like body surfing or boogie boarding than rowing, as I tried to time my strokes to catch the waves. And when I caught a big one, I went down the face of the wave so fast that when I bottomed out the next wave would often quickly fill my cockpit. It was great fun! "Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world!" (Beach Boys).

Back at the dock, the long slings hanging off the boat yard crane were flapping away, like sheets on a clothesline. Jon suggested that we have to carry the boats up the gangway on our right shoulders (windward) because left shoulder (a lee) risked having the boats blow away.

My drive back to Melrose was picture-perfect. The sky had the clarity that comes with late-summer mornings; the skyline of Boston seemed so close I could reach out and touch it. A huge freighter lay just past Egg Rock, waiting for clearance to head into Boston harbor.

While the row was cut short by the conditions (Jon said 50 minutes and 2.3 miles, I believe), the company, as always, was superb, and the row was as exciting as it gets (short of risking one's safety).

Rock and row!

Chas

I was wondering........

what would give first – my arm or my legs or my butt or my back or my mind? It was the back – a little pinch and a little stiff. It happened at Tinkers, but that was ok, because I had just rounded Egg Rock and I was on my way home. Not many miles left, so I knew there would be no problems.

The water supply disappeared about the same time. I only brought one bottle so I had to ration it. I drank the first half at the Rock and divided the last half in three, a sip every 2 miles

I must admit it was a little struggle from Tinkers to home base - a little sloppy rowing and I was getting tired. Some magic gel from the Captain might have given me a boost, but no Captain around.

I brought the Garmin, and I taught myself not to look at it every second or even every minute. I concentrated on keeping a good rhythm and to enjoy the ride. That is difficult for me, but I am getting better. I did get bored at times, and I don’t know if I really got into the zone even though I believe I was there on and off. Spent some time looking for fish in the water, but only saw jellyfish – lots of them. I also rowed into birds floating on the water. They were lined up in a row about ½ mile long. It must have been hundred of them. When they took off, they made the splashing sound waves do when hitting shallow rocks or islands.

I thought about Thomas experience with the fog, and it was good that none was in sight since my Star is without a compass. It is going to be swapped out so I have not put one on. So while I was rowing I was wondering how straight I could row with my beautiful blue eyes closed. It turned out to be a great exercise getting to feel the boat, how deep the oars went into the water, the balance of the boat and the direction It turned out that after a few tries, I could row straight for the minute or so that I kept my eyes closed.

It was interesting to see how the Rock faded away as I was rowing towards home. After a while it melted away, becoming part of Nahant. I passed the Pigs and then they became a distance dot on the horizon. Didn’t I just pass them minutes ago? Did I just experience the Zone?

Getting into little harbor towards the dock at the Clubhouse, I looked at the Garmin which indicated 14.6 miles. My goal was to go around the rock logging 15 miles, and I was not going to be short of either goal, so I turned around out of the Harbor into the open sea and when I finally got back to the float, I had an even 15 miles.

Let me end with a Thank You to all who responded to my blog: “To all the specialists out there.” I am a person who needs to be constantly reminded of what this is all about – that there is no finish line, and to enjoy the ride. I am still technical and I will still pursue the technical aspect of rowing, but I will, with the help from all of you, enjoy the ride just like I did today.

It’s a beautiful thing.

PS: Stephanie, my hands looks like I just had a manicure!

Zen and the Art of Shell Racing

I like being able to go fast in a shell, but the operative words are “being able,” which, like e-liz, is not always why I row. I love the unmistakable pleasure of harmony in and with the sea, which is endlessly intriguing. If I’m looking at my heart rate monitor and focusing on how much harder I can push myself, that doesn’t happen. So for me there are definitely days when rowing pleasure is only about being at ease so I can soak up every iota of my environment. But even on those days, if I row less well than I can, I feel like I’m falling short and disrespecting the process. Then on days when I feel like maximizing speed and glide, rowing well while rowing hard makes an obvious difference. But in either case, I can’t disconnect the Zen of rowing from harmony with the shell anymore than the sea. One can always improve, always come closer to the perfect stroke. It’s that quest for mastery that is the most fun for me, which I’ll never achieve but will never stop trying. I’ve been trying to take ten perfect strokes since the eighth grade -- really perfect strokes in perfect balance and proportion. I think I did three once. In the meantime, I keep trying little things every time I row to improve a little. I think getting better is nothing more than that, plus some instruction from time to time. Currently, I need a rowing lesson because I’ve been working on quickening my hands out of the finish and it’s made my catch a little harder than I like. It’s pretty subtle but I’m eager to figure out how to make it better. I'm watching videos, reading some and hoping to get an expert "eye" to watch me for a while. To the Viking I say we can probably help each other on technique, and should: To go faster but also to get into the Zone --the Twilight Zone, where mastery really lurks.

Here's to the Zen

The Capt respond to the "To all the specialists" post (seeking advice about improving speed through technique) with the comment that another approach is to not worry about it.....just go for the zen of rowing.

I'm here to second that idea, mostly to encourage new folk and prospective members who might be intimidated by some of our stars. If you don't care about heart rate and stroke rate and speed, there's still room for you. I know, cuz there's room for me.

I've been a member since RnR's beginning. Used to row a shell (which I still have), now row a sliding seat whitehall, a Heritage 12 (Little River Marine). In this boat, I don't worry at all about wakes and waves. It is relatively slow compared to a shell -- it weighs maybe 100 pounds, but I don't care at all about my speed. I mostly row by myself -- partly cuz I really like to, partly because I don't want to hold others back.

What do I do instead of monitoring my numbers? I get into the zone....the sound of the boat, the click of the oars in the oarlocks, the 'shoop' sound I deliberately make when I exhale in the stroke. I love the symmetry of the puddles I leave in my wake. I think about what the water is doing -- tide, current, wind. I look for birds. I stop and look deep into the water -- anybody notice the thousands of jellyfish right now? They're capsule-shaped; last year they were round. I explore the coast. Sometimes I chase fish action; no success yet, but I'd love to be in the middle of a school in a frenzy. I row a lot in Mhd harbor -- when the wind is right, you can row the length without dodging moorings -- and I look at boats, which is always a valuable past time, maybe chat with people I know. Sometimes I just hang out -- once I even read while I sipped some water at the mouth of the harbor (a Heritage has room for all sorts of stuff).

I'd also like to improve my technique -- efficiency is good, strength and technique are important if the wind comes up, and injuries ain't fun. But depending on your destination, sometimes you can find it faster by taking your time.

It's time to work and it's time to row

It's 2:00 PM on a Friday and it's time to row.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Ultimate flat water rowing

Ultimate flat water napping

(notice the dragonfly along for the ride?)

To all the specialists out there

During my last row I was able to get my heart to beat consistently under 130, but the speed was far from Thomas’ sustained 6 miles per hour for 70 minutes. My speed was more in the 4.5 miles/hr range. Now if I use a lot more power (160BPM) I only get another mile per hour in speed. I have been thinking a lot about this lately and I think it’s fair to say:

A) I am in better shape now than 3 months ago (OK, it should not come as a surprise)and my heart beat is dropping.
B) I am lacking lots in technique because I have to increase the effort a lot for just a small increment in speed.

Let me be more specific about point B. I have read about rowing faster, I have been watching YouTube about rowing, and I have been listing to people about rowing, and it has become very clear, but to no surprise, that it is difficult to row fast. I am not talking about competitive fast or big muscles fast, but efficient fast. I can only compare this with cross country skiing, where I could outrun most people while smoking a pack of Marlboro’s. I was fast not because I was in good shape, but because I could ski very efficiently. I had and have a good cross country technique. So short of jumping on a plane to Florida spending thousands of dollars in rowing camps, how can I achieve my goal of becoming a more efficient rower and therefore a faster rower? Does anybody of you long time rowers dare to step forward with your opinion?

Diary of an "unplugged" rower.

Last week, my family and I spent a week in a little cottage on Pemaquid River in New Harbor, ME, near Johns Bay and Pemaquid Lighthouse, and across South Bristol. This has been our fourth year and I consider it my “electronic detox - week”, since I am totally “unplugged” for a whole week. My MacBook stays at home and ATT offers no bars. One can only dream of a G3 internet connection.

It’s been the perfect place for kayaking, reading, family time, games, and fresh lobster from the local and oldest Lobster Coop’s. Yet, this year was different, since I traded our two sea kayaks (a single and a double) for an Echo and a Dolphin (to the chagrin of my family).

We arrived on August 22^nd, when hurricane Bill was still roaring. On Sunday we watched 15ft waves off Pemaquid Lighthouse around noon before heading back to our river cottage. At the cottage we had water access only during high tide. Therefore we (I) needed to coordinate every row with the time of high tide. I waited until around 3pm and gave it a try with the Echo. I ventured just a bit into Johns Bay but realized quickly that “Bill” still showed some force even in the bay. I decided on going back into the protected cove and rowing up Pemaquid River for a leisurely row. The river was calm and the weather was perfect. Smooth flat water rowing.

Monday was a Dolphin’s day. The bay had calmed down significantly and only a light breeze created a bit of a choppy surface. It was fun switching into the faster boat. My only obstacles were countless lobster buoys up and down Johns River. After my solo row I ended up turning into a new breed of powerboat pulling Alexandra in her raft (see enclosed video).

Tuesday turned out to be an Echo day. Initially, I dreamt of rowing in Johns Bay towards the Territorial Seas (the open ocean), around Pemaquid Point to Pemaquid Lighthouse. Yet, 2.5 miles into my row the rolling 2.5-3ft swells made me uncomfortable even in the stable Echo. Every so often there would be a 3-4ft wave pushing my heartbeat wayyyyyy above 109 (180 to be exact). I waited for the right moment to turn around in between two waves and went back home.

Wednesday turned back into a Dolphin day. First, I rowed with Ilene, who gave the Echo a try and liked it. Then, I took off by myself and crossed the busy Johns Bay over to South Bristol, where one of the narrowest bridges must be opened before boats can continue into the Damariscotta River. The span of my sculls barely made it through the narrow pathway and bystanders and boaters were watching and probably wondering what a rower was doing in this sacred turf of Maine Lobster fishermen. The row up north and back home was exceptional. Light breeze and wonderful water conditions made a great Dolphin row. At one point I even passed a sailboat. In the end, it was a 10 mile plus.

Thursday was father – daughter - time on the water with my youngest daughter Alexandra (age almost 12). She was in the Echo, which unfortunately was rigged way too high for her (as one can see in the enclosed video). We rowed about ninety minutes and a total of 3+ miles up and down the protected area of Pemaquid River. In the end, Alexandra enjoyed the whole experience and even accepted her first painful blisters. Afterwards, I ended up going out for another solo row in the Dolphin into Johns Bay and up north along Johns River.

On Friday I decided to get up at 5:30am and row during the end of the night/morning high tide. I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise and calm waters. On my way out into the bay a seal greeted me and sent some good morning smiles. This made my day. I then continued into Johns Bay and towards Pemaquid Point knowing that I did not have much time since the morning tide was more than a foot lower than the afternoon high tide. My goal was still seeing the Pemaquid Lighthouse. The seas were smooth and only a few lobstermen shared with me the calmness of the morning. Seeing a second seal on my way back, I returned home fulfilled with a week of daily rows.

In the end, I had enjoyed more than 50 miles of beautiful rowing in the river and open waters of Maine. Next year, we are planning on spending two weeks “unplugged”.

A Regatta coming to a city near you

Yes indeedy. Today's Salem News reports that Endicott College is hosting a six-college rowing regatta on.......Halloween!

http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_244000804.html

Start time is 8 a.m. at Porter River in Danvers. Course is 5K, down Danvers River, under Kernwood Bridge, ending on North River by MBTA station in Salem. (Don't have my Eldredge's at hand to confirm that this will be high tide!)

Sounds like they'll be rowing eights; participants will wear costumes. Maybe they need some RnR pirates to liven things up?

(The scary part will be loading boats and driving back through the Halloween traffic......me, I'm planning on reading about this.)

The Facts and nothing but the Facts

Left the Clubhouse float at 3:27:39 PM
Route: Clubhouse - Tinkers - Children's Island - Clubhouse
Distance: 7.4335687 Miles
Time: 1:38:07:97
Average Speed 4.57648 Mph
Average Heart Rate: 138.4756 BPM
Max Heart Rate 165.6574 BPM
Conditions: Clear sky, 1 76/100-2 3/89 foot waves, temp 76 7/64

Do I dare write some more? No! It might come back and hunt me :)

DAY DREAMIN' IN SOUTH CAROLINA

So here I am in South Carolina, more specifically on the beach in front of the home my daughter spent her summer located in the town of Isle Of Palms. Behind me is the mid-atlantic warm as toast on my feet. To the left and right is beautiful hard packed sands strengthing almost as far as the eye can see.
It's the closest I can get to the RnR experience without my rowing scull.
I'm here this week with wife Debbie and daughter Jennifer to collect her things before driving to her college around 3.5 hours Northwest of Charleston.
So the best thing I can do is dream of rowing and sharing vacariously through the blogs of my fellow RnR Comrades. Not to be just loafing through my duties, I also just sent along the Sept newsletter which includes the Alden Demo Day on the 19th and the year end party on the 26th. (You can never message enough). I return this Friday but not in time to row. Sat and Sun AM will find me on the water weather permitting. I look forward to anyone who wishes to join me. Blessings to all Capt'n

Did someone flip a switch?

Went out for a 6:30am row this morning. The weather was just perfect and the water looked fairly calm. The forecast said "Light winds with a slight chop. Small short period wind waves. Winds: NNE 7 to 10 knots, Seas: S 2 feet at 7 sec.

At the dock, the water appeared relatively calm at approx. 1ft swells plus some wind chops caused by the NNE. I figured perfect conditions for taking out the Dolphin and heading towards the ocean. Yet, I was surprised finding myself in the midst of heavy Echo territory once I had passed MHD Rock. The ocean got rougher and the waves crashed over both riggers. The busy traffic from various Lobster boats and the Salem Ferry made me head towards Children's Island and back into the calmer waters of Salem sound.

I enjoyed rowing against the wind towards Beverly Lighthouse. For a few minutes I was accompanied by a seagull flying against the wind and keeping my speed before taking a turn towards a lobster boat. The water became much calmer and I enjoyed the speed of a faster boat. I passed Coney Island, Great Haste and Green Buoy #15 before turning around and heading back.

The current and wind brought me back in what seemed little to no time. It was a great morning row. A good seven miles in 70 minutes. Yet, something felt different compared to recent weeks. The air was cooler, the winds harder and the water rougher. Thomas, the manager at the MHD Trading Co. boat yard, mentioned "it's September 1st and someone must have flipped a switch".

There is no doubt: Fall is on its way. I am planning on making it out as often as possible during the next few weeks of our remaining RnR season.

Sunday Row, 8/30 - additional pictures

I didn't hear about the Sunday AM row, so.......

I went out by myself. Relatively short row at 5 PM. There were white caps on top of the swells which made for a great row. I especially like it when the sea comes from the stern. Sometimes the large waves make the bow torpedo into a swell, almost stopping the boat. About half the scull disappears under water, then a little shudder and the boat pops out of the water. On the way in the wind and waves died so the conditions settles at about 2 feet waves.

Clocked a 4.5 miles row. Not too far, but very needed since I did not get out a lot last week.

Sunday Row 8-30-09

The hearty souls in this photo (Paul, Carmi, Stephanie, Sara, Eileen, Thomas and Jay) took off at a good clip to Misery this morning, arrriving to plain muffins and water for breakfast, provided by Jay in the best tradition of Marblehead seamen. Spirits ran much higher than the seas as onditions were good over and back and the clouds helped to keep boat traffic to a minimum. Thomas took the long route-- ten miles -- by rounding Misery twice while the rest of us rowed closer to eight. Sara and Eileen did beautifully, clearly defying the titles of Newbees or even novices. There were rumblings about putting a Rock N Row racing team together for one of the Northeast's head races (Housatonic, Green Mountain or Charles, for examples). We figured Jack needs a new clothing design project and the Viking can build a trophy case when he gets his heart rate below 150. In the meantime, all the superlatives about the joys of rowing around our blessed islands held true today. We all returned safe and sound and with that mysterious exhiliration that comes from being at one with the ocean.

Easy days in Barnstable

Before being pushed away from Provincetown by Hurrican Bill, and while services for Eunice Kennedy Shriver were happening only a fw miles away, Carmi and I with kids, cousins and siblings retreated to a little known gem of a place off of Barnstable. It is a protected five mile long and mile wide harbor that is shallow and too tidal for most motorized and keel boats. But for rowers it is perfect. We rent a place that overlooks it with a boat shed ideal for our shells and random kayaks. You live in tee shirts and bathing suits, letting the tides decide the priorities of the day. Next year we will try to organize a row in with R & R's new trailer that will be able to haul six or eight shells (any other board members listening?). Because the water is usually flat, it is a grand week to work on form --all the things that Emily listed so well when she wrote of taking out the Ace. So, with Carmi in her Aero and me in my Empacher, someone snapped the photo here of us heading out in the morning. Nice water, eh?

RIGHT DAY...RIGHT SPORT

Good Morning
Eileen and I went out this morning at the first hint of light. The sky had color but the sun was not yet up. There were more swells and chop than normal for that hour. We headed around Children's Island and there were similar conditions to Sunday around the rocky point. The temperature was perfect and we got to be out there at the most beautiful time of day. This is just to let the rest of you know that there is great rowing before 7 AM.

Sarah

RIGHT DAY...WRONG SPORT?

It was a mill pond type of morning. Could the water be any flatter as I departed from the dock off Anchorage Lane? Haze was lifting off the Beverly side of the bay as the sun began to peak over the horizen behind Misery. The oars dipped silently as I made my way into Salem Sound.
It looked like a perfect setting for rising fish. Low light, flat seas and 2 hours into a falling tide.

I was not disappointed when bait fish soon started busting around the middle islands. Sea birds with keen eyes flocked from all directions and soon a blitz was in action. This scene repeated itself over and over again during the hour+ of my row. Ended up doing around 6.5 miles but I was left with a tugging sensation. Did I pick the wrong sport this morning? No worries. My next step is to rig a couple of fly rods and get back to the action tomorrow.

E-mail from Sarah

We certainly did have a fun row on Saturday with perfect weather and water conditions.

I joined the 8:00 row this morning (I got to sleep in) and the water was very different. It was a good size group today with Jack, Stan, Sheila, Jon, Emily, Eileen and me. Thanks to Eileen, for rowing with me, I made it around Children's Island with all of the 'wild' waters. It certainly is different than the typical calm conditions at 6:00 AM. It was a challenge for me, but it was fun.
Sarah

It was a "SWELL" of a Sunday Row

No matter what your rowing pleasure happen to be, this past Sunday Row had it to offer. Well everything except perhaps flat calm, but who wants that anyways. "Mr. Bill" our resident hurricane 200+ miles to our east provided some great rolling swell sets alternating between large and REALLY large. A light WNW breeze and a falling tide made for some crazy mixed up patterns. The further out of the bay you ventured, the bigger the thrill. Kudos's to my team (Stan and Shelia). Sheila decided to row the early AM slot because as she said to me. "I want to row to Children's Island". Well with alot of Rockn and Rollin' we managed to get out as far as the western point of the island. Going around did not look that appealing to us so we turned west towards Gray's Island and what we hoped would be calmer seas. They were but not by much. G-d bless the Echo's. Shelia "popped" a pin but proceeded to stay upright. Check you equipment fellow warriors especially in rough seas.

The other team members made up of Jon, Emily, Sarah and Eileen decided to round the East side of Children's. From what I heard afterwards they had a fine taste of open water rowing by disappearing and re-appearing between the monster swells. But as Jon pointed out later, it wasn't as bad as we all predicted it to be. Another lesson learned by Eileen was to make sure your bow port is closed properly. Evidently, some one had opened it up in the Alden Star while it was stored on the racks. She took on water everytime the bow submerged. Check all ports before departing!
Hey, just asked anyone who made it out that morning. It was definitely a "swell of a time"