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!