COLD WATER EMERSION VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xohI3B4Uc

This video about cold water emersion came from RnR member Henry Livingston
Clink on the link above. It's about a 5 minutes show. Makes me cold thinking about it.
The more of the story is that your life preserver is the best friend you can have

MARBLEHEAD GREAT RACE TO RETURN IN 2011

AN INCREDIBLE PARTY TO END THE SEASON

What can I begin to say about the incredible time I had at last nights Season Ender at Eileen Perrys home? First my sincere thanks to Eileen for hosting the Motley crew of pirates. You take your life (and your home) at risk when you agree to host us and hopefully we did not inflict too much damage to either. Food, Food and more food. I of course made it my duty as "the captn'" to sample as many as the provisions as possible but even I fell short of my responsibility. There was just too much to go around! (I sense a RnR cookbook somewhere in our future). And the costumes of characters could fill their own page starting with your fearless leader Paulie. He took it to the next level complete with a real set of roses ringing his head. Lady GaGa ( you know who you are). I think you look marvelous as a blond. Gail loved the oufit and yes I was afraid everytime you should me those "undies"!! Everyone was dressed in their best pirate (or parrot) attire and it all just added to the festivities. A special congrats to those award recepients this year. It seems that this addicting sport has taken a major bite into all of our psyche. I think we will have a very strong presence in next year's Blackburn Challenge. But I degress. My last shout out goes to Thomas Vogel who provided us with a wonderful slide show of our 2010 season and brought closure as well as laughter and some tears of this crazy club we call RocknRow. My sincere thanks for all the hard work you put into the project
BTW I found the following circulating around the party last night and thought it worth reprinting for all you lady pirates
TOP TEN PICKUP LINES FOR THE LADY PIRATES
10 What are YOU doing here?
9 Is that a belayin' pin in yer britches, or are ye.......(this one is never completed)
8 Come show me hoe ye bury yer treasure, lad!
7 So, tell me, why do they call ye, "Cap'n Feathersword"?
6 That's quite a cutlass ye got thar, what ye need is a good scabbard!
5 Aye, I guarantee ye, I've had a twenty percent decrease in me "lice ratio"!
4 I've crushed seventeen men's skulls between me thighs!
3 C'mon lad, shiver me timbers!
2 RAMMING SPEED!
........ and the number one Female Pirate Pick-up Line:
1 YOU, Pants Off. NOW!!

HAPPY HOLLOWEEN FROM YOUR PIRATE FRIENDS AT ROCKNROW!!

The Birth of Twins

Now and again

Something special comes along

To complete a dream

Welcome a Maas Carbon Double to the

Rock n Row fleet

Spontaneous and synchronistic

She arrived last week

A first workout

On a warm fall breeze

A door to doubles rowing

Opened with Blackburn

And a borrowed boat.

Now…our best will row the best!

Written by Paul Mazonson.

Check out the video of Paul and Jay in action here:

THE FAB 4 AT THE CHARLES REGATTA

The following is a reprint from the news release we hope makes it into next weeks Marblehead Reporter.
"MARBLEHEAD ROWING ROCKS THE CHARLES"

The Marblehead Rowing CLub, also known as RocknRow, is now making a splash on the international rowing scene. This year, four the club's seasoned roweres entered a boat in the Head of the Charles Regatta last week, the world's largest single rowing competition, in which 9,000 athletes competed from over 50 countries. Rowing in a borrowed boat and with only a few days to practice together, the crew of Thomas Vogel in the stern, Stephannie Brocoum, Carmis Paris and Jay Paris came in 16th in their division. "They had stiff competition but we are proud to have them represented Marblehead in this prestigious regatta, "said Jack Tatelman, President and co-founder of RocknRow.
RocknRow has been well represented in many ocean races for the last few years but this is its first foray into head races, in which crews go off in staggered starts and seek the fastest time. Rowing in the rain and fall temperatures, the boat from Marblehead had a particularly good first half. "The slick rain eventually slowed us, "said Jay Paris, the Club's Vice President, "but the pageantry, the challenge and the competition made it a great race. Next year we plan to come back with a vengeance!"
for more information about the club go to: http://www.rocknrow.org/

Moonlighting

It must have been the anticipation of the upcoming Head of Charles race this weekend, a feeling of not having prepared enough for the race and seeing the sun while driving up north on 93 that caused a chemical reaction at 4pm on a beautiful fall day.

Initially, I was planning on adding a hot yoga session tonight but there was an energy that put only one thought into my mind: ROW. Thanks to smart-phones I was able to check wind and wave conditions as well as time of sunset while sitting in traffic. Not sure if I really would be able to make it I finally ended up at my house at 5pm before continuing to Little Harbor. There, the water looked perfectly and unusually calm. Realizing that the temperatures dropped quickly and the sun had less than 40 minutes before setting I quickly launched the Dolphin and off I went.

Since I did not know for sure how long I could row before darkness would catch up with me, I decided to turn right towards MHD Rock. I figured the twilight might be brighter slightly longer in the wide open compared to the shade of the land line. The water was peaceful and only one sailboat crossed my path to return into the harbor while the sun got ready to set.

After MHD Rock I turned east towards the red wind chiming bell buoy and then headed back north. Having rowed at a steady pace for 20 minutes I started with my 10 minute "hard and full out" training row. The incoming tide seemed to push me even faster than the thoughts of wanting to get back to Little Harbor before total darkness kicks in.

After finishing my "all-out" training sequence it turned out that the twilight still gave sufficient light to row even further. Yet, since this was my first experience in moonlight rowing I decided to go back to Little Harbor. The colors turned out to be spectacular and the surface of the water blended seamlessly with the sky. The calmness of the water made me aware of the cormorants diving and re-surfacing around me.

Compared to all my previous rows of the season this turned out to be the shortest one. Yet it was an awesome row that brought me closer to nature and our HOC race. It also showed me that even though the days are getting shorter the season is not over yet and there is still time for more beautiful rows.

SUSAN HANCKE AND JACK

Sometimes it's very cool to see what's above the ocean as opposed to seeing whats on top of it.

RNR ROCKS THE CHARLES

It's official--we're in. Right now it looks like Thomas stroking, Stephanie in 3, Carmi in 2 and I will steer from the bow. Clean those R & R yellow regatta shirts, stretch, sleep and peak for the Sunday afternoon give-'em-hell row. There are about 65 boats in our division, including some young international studs and studettes but we'll row our own race and beat our fair share. Paulie is cooking Saturday night for husbands, wives and bon vivants.

Allez, allez!

Jay Paris

Director Program Development and Services

Director if Youth Link

----------------------------------------------------------------------

APPLICATION RECEIVED:

Thank you for applying for the Head Of The Charles Regatta using RONIN Racing! Your application for the Directors' Challenge Boats has been received. Entries to the Directors' Challenge are accepted upon receipt of application and full payment. The Regatta office may contact you for additional information regarding the experience of your steersperson.

Accepted boat(s) will be posted here: HOCR Competitors Draw (http://www.hocr.org/competitors/ScheduleDraw10.asp).

APPLICATION CONFIRMATION NUMBER: 21348671295.

Please save this confirmation number as you can use it to check, edit or review your registration through the My RONIN area of our website (https://www.roninregistration.com/rowing/secure/myronin/account.asp?p=hocr&p

t=rowing).

EVENT INFORMATION:

Event Name: Head of the Charles Regatta Directors' Challenge Boats Event Dates: October 23 & 24, 2010 Closing/Cancellation Dates: 8/1/2010 for Singles; 9/1/2010 for Doubles & Crews; 10/13/2010 for Directors Challenge Boats Entry Fee: $240.00 for Quads and $170 for Doubles

Donation: $760.00 for Quads and $330 for Doubles Regatta Contact Info: Elizabeth Diamond

Phone: (617) 868-6200

Email: regatta@hocr.org

Website: www.hocr.org

RULEBOOK:

The Head Of The Charles Official Rules are available here (http://www.hocr.org/competitors/rules_apps.asp). Please be sure all coaches, coxswains, and competitors are familiar with the

irector Program Development and Services Director of Youth Link

R& R Preparing for Head of the Charles Regatta

Offical training for the Head of the Charles got underway last weekend when Carmi and I did a workout in a racing double in Stamford, CT. It went well. We have a quad on loan and are pretty excited to get in it with Stepahnie Brocum and Thomas Vogel. Paul and Kathie M. have offered to host a training meal--a kind of rower's Last Supper -- at their house the night before our race. There are a lot of boats in our division and many fast ones but we ain't afraid of nobody.

Columbus Day

Thomas, Paulie and I decided to celebrate Columbus Day doing what was appropriate to commemorate an explorer of the sea, even a controversial one. We rowed to lighthouses.

Going down, the breeze was stiff and the waves washed into our cockpits. Hitting our lower spines, it reminded us that it's October. But by the time we started back from Beverly, the conditions had improved, which we took as an encouraging omen. If there is a lesson to be learned from salt water rowing, it's that nothing ever stays the same and that conditions off Brown's Island can be radically different from conditions in front of Jack's house, which can be radically different from conditions off Children's. Most of us consider the ocean a friend but when the sky is half gray and half sunny, and the water dark yet very beautiful, it's easy to remember that we are mostly guests out there. Still, great row, great company.

IS THIS THE SECRET WEAPON FOR OFF SEASON TRAINING?

Scouting in Haiti

I was in Haiti last week to see my daughter who is a UN photographer living on the island. There still is a great deal of suffering in Port-au-Prince, where the devestation is real and sometimes surreal. But when we left the city for the hinterlands, I found a different Haiti, one that was chock full of smiling, kind and hard working people. Up country I tried to give five Rock N Row hats away until I learned that Haitians don't wear baseball hats. Ever. Covering the head like that is a submission to the Vodou spirit. It isn't allowed.

In this second photo I'm on a beach, failing at my first hat give-away effort. But even here all was not lost. Turns out this boy's uncle owned the two cobalt blue fishing boats in the village. We rowed them out past the reefs to catch small tuna with nets. The boat weighed a lot more than an Echo. Still, it was as singularly joyful and fun. Anyone for a late winter adventure row up the southern Haitian coast?

AN AL(DEN) STAR CAST

When Jon and I decided to row this past Sunday morning, I knew we would be in for an interesting time. Winds were stiff from the Northeast 12+ knots. That along with a fallen tide made for major sets of chop and rollers. Even the fetch from across the bay made departing from the dock off Anchorage Lane a trapeze act of major proportion. Both of our cockpits were totally submerged before the first stroke of the oars. Soaked from spray and waves did little to suppress our sheer feeling of excitement from being out on the bay for a late Autumn row. Our first leg took us down towards Winter Island off Salem Harbor thinking that from there we could do a little better from the soaking of the Northeast rollers. From there it was a quick pull to Beverly Harbor where we tucked ourselves into the lee side of the bay making our way eastward. Flat water greeted us along the way where we discovered 2 other rowers Thomas and Stephanie in Echos. (see picture). Determining that Misery Island would make a great "go-around", we slogged our way up and down rollers till we cleared the islands. Turning down of the wind and wave, survival instinct took over. Jon and I did everything we could to handle the Stars as they bottomed out at the troughs or sluiced left and/or right surfing down the top of the wave. It was some incredible downhill rowing that lasted almost the 2 miles back to the dock. 9.8 miles overall. Soaked, happy and alive, Jon and I both agree that it was the best row of the season. (but hopefully not our last)

2010 Boats to Winter Quarters

ONE LAST CONQUER FOR THE SEASON

She is out there. She is always out there. Halfway Rock. Halfway to where you may ask? I'm not quite sure. Perhaps between Boston and Gloucester. I never took the measurements. She was my first great row. Was that five years ago, perhaps six? I had finally ventured out beyond Marblehead Rock, beyond Childrens. It was where my Echo Islander became "Wilson" as I fearlessly rowed the Southwest swells and chop back to the safety of the bay. (don't kid yourself, I was scared shitless at the time.) A lifetime ago. This morning she greeted me with open arms and still waters. When I set out around 6:30, I hadn't planned to make the visit. Figured a 3-4 mile pull would be long enough. I hadn't rowed since Sunapee and didn't feel I had the juice for something larger, but she knew otherwise. Like a Siren oout of Greek Mythology, I sensed a whisper as I crossed Marblehead Rock heading towards the bell. It grew stronger as I approached Childrens. A peek over my shoulder keep revealing her silhouette against the steel gray of the ocean palette. She was there for one last conquer of the season. Turning East I started making my way towards our rendezvous. Long rhythmic pulls of the oars combined with the sounds of her calling put me in a meditative trance that brought me to her side in less time than I would have otherwise imagined. We embraced for a short period of time, enjoying each others intimate presence and than I had to depart for the return trip home. Around 2 hours later I returned to the dock with sore hands and a sadness in my heart for she will be missed until next season.
Blessings

ETHOS

From the beginning there's been a mystical quality to Rock N Row. More than a rowing club, more than a gathering of likemindedness. Something untouchable, unreachable that answers a need, a desire being beautifully acknowledged.

Recently I started reading a book Kathie gave for my birthday in 1999! Yes, it took me 10 years. The book is titled, Eternal Echos, by the Irish writer, John O'Donahue. Here's a passage....

"When we go out alone and enter the solitude of Nature, we return home to our soul. When you find a place in Nature where the mind and heart find rest, than you have discovered a sanctuary for your soul. Perhaps Nature senses our longing, the restlessness that never lets us settle. She takes us into the tranquility of her stillness. Our longing is purified and we gain strength to come back to life refreshed and to refine our ways of belonging in the world. Nature calls us to tranquility and rhythm."

AHH.......the ethos of Rock N Row...now reconcile this with Pirate Culture!!!!!

Rain Row and Delicate Skies

It’s easy to be spoiled by the visually voluptuous sight of ocean, isles and brilliant sun, stretching endlessly beyond Children’s. It’s easy—especially after this gorgeous summer of nearly perfect weather – to think of anything less as gloomy. This morning Paulie and I struck out in classic “gloom” with worsening wind off our beam and finally light rain. But there was nothing gloomy about it. Maybe that’s one of the fineries of ocean rowing – that the sky is always so present, that even with a grey pallor; if you watch it long enough, initial flatness will reveal subtleties of the most interesting kind. So we pulled and watched the skyward narrative.

The plot down to Beverly formed as a hedge of high, dark wisps skided toward us in the shape of a mare’s tail, then passed bringing rain. But it was a nice, cooling drench, especially as we headed back from the lighthouse, pushing ourselves for a two-mile, uptide run that on a sunny, August day would have left us covered in sweat. This was much nicer, much sweeter. By the time we reached Brown’s Island, my eyes had adjusted to small differences of shade and color that made me regret leaving my camera in the car. On the dock, we didn’t need to comment about how great it had been to be in the currents, wind and waves under a delicate sky. So we mostly just smiled and didn’t talk, putting our boats away— sort of the norm these varying fall days at Rock and Row.

Autumn's Perfume Is In The Nose

Nothing like September light. The edge of summer is held by the sun but the wind and air infuse the nose. It's the hint of autumn, but still just a flirtation.

With brisk clouds at a distance, Carmi and I headed out early to get a jump on the flight team of Thomas, Steph and Dave Brocum, hoping to meet them at Tinkers after we sojourned to the beach and out by Pig Rock. But in our two-hour row we never did, even though it was nice to see Pal Bickford and Sara Simon out in front of Peter Lynch's spread, nicely accommodating the northerly breeze pushing at their sterns.

The long forgotten hurricane has cleared many boats from our waters and we went a whole hour without meeting a single wake. Carmi said when she becomes God she will limit motor boats to ocean travel between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Rowers will have all other hours. Amen to that.

Thomas, Stephanie, Carmi and I have decided to row a mixed quad in the Head of the Charles if we can capture a boat and get a few practices in. It is R & R's first appearance at the largest regatta in the world, and about time. Let's hope we can find that dubious quad and show our colors to all those flat water whimps from Harvard, the boat clubs and the like.

THIS IS THE TALE OF 5 INTREPID ROWERS WHO WENT ROWING ON SUNDAY SEPT 5TH: Frank, Loretta, Gail, Shelia and Stan

Windy but mangeable seas, but other than that a beautiful day
We rowed as a group to Salem Harbor saw "Friendship", under partial sail, on its way to Gloucester Harbor (ed note: for the Schooner Festival), and the "Fame" under full sail doing a sight sighting trip. Never saw that view of the "Friendship" before:very majestic and certainly a beautiful vessel. If I had a camera, which I don't have enough courage to carry on these trips, it would have made and impressive picture.
The "Fame", a "Chebacco" fishing schooner, was sailing out of Salem Harbor, my guess a sight seeing trip, because it turned to avoid us and continued in the channel towards Marblehead. Also about this time the Salem Ferry left for Boston: quite an interesting array of vessels.
But I digress:on the adventure of the intrepid five
At about Salem Harbor the wind picked up and seas became interesting. So discretion being the better part of valor we turned back to Marblehead. Things were proceeding fine: seas were active, wind was up but we were making good headway. When we turned to go around what I think is Peaches Point, and that is when the wind shifted to our side and backs and proceeded to blow is all out to sea! So again we collected ourselves turned and preceeded toward Browns Island. About this time I lost track of Gail and Frank, I think that they headed towards the main inlet to Browns Island while Shelia, Loretta and I headed towards the inlet closest to Salem.
Shelia was blown furthest off course and rowed hard agains the wind and sea, making slow but steady headway. About this time another strong gust of wind came up and turned her slighty, caught the bill of her cap, and blew her hat off her head! It was quite a sight watching her try to rescue her favorite baseball cap, but alas it was not ti be. After trying for several moments to retreive the cap from its watery imprisonment, the capricious nature of the wind and tide won out and the cap, with her signature rear-view bike mirror, "now sleeps with the fishes" (ref: Godfather part 1) or lobsters as the case may be.
Loretta was partially in the harbor while I stayed out: we both cheered Shelia on to her safe harbor. We watched and waited while the wiond, her haur and the spray was flying all over the place. Gee I wish I had a camera! Inexorably she closed the distance and we all proceeded across the inlet to the dock. Whe we arrived at the dock we saw that Frank and Gail had safely embarked on dry land. We all congratulated ourselves on a well earned accomplishment.
Unfortunately, this may be our last row this year:with the fast approaching Jewish Holidays, her mother visiting for two weeks (I actually get along with her), a 60th birthday party for her brother in Bar Harbor and possible follow on treatments for Sheila's Thyroid cancer make it difficult to find time over the next few weeks. Plus the end of the rowing season is approaching.
One last thought. As Sheila and I were leaving the boat yard we looked back at the dock and noticed that an entire flock of water fowl, possibly Herons, had alighted on the water by the dock. There were at least 2 dozen. They were swimming around bobbing and feeding. again, I needed a camera!!
We both thought that that was an appropriate ending to a very interesting day and, for us a season.
(posted by the captn' as requested by stan...)

O, what a feeling!

The RocknRow prescription for joy: 6 boats + 6 rowers + one gorgeous day on the Essex River. Cue the puffy white clouds & the peanut butter, jelly & chip sandwiches. Add one wet dog, and the most supportive spouses in the history of America. Pure joy.

Left to right: Paulie, Sarah, Steph, Eileen, Charlie & the VIKING revel in the glory of a Sunday morning on the Essex River.

Marblehead Rowing Club rocks in Sunapee - Marblehead, MA - Marblehead Reporter

Marblehead Rowing Club rocks in Sunapee - Marblehead, MA - Marblehead Reporter

Storm Row

Okay, so it wasn't as bad as the images here but a few of us wanted to taste the aftermath of the tropical storm that was racing into Canada. So Paulie, Thomas, Uber Guest Athlete Trish Karter and I headed into 3-4 foot swells with an 18 mph tailwind to embrace the conditions. And we did. Rowing laps around Marblehead Rock and the bell buoy beyond, we pulled our Echos up and down the troughs and crests in crsytaline, brilliant sunlight, feeling about as alive as you can on earth. It was memorable -- ocean spray in our faces, the magical sightings of seeing your crew mates disappear out of sight, only to reappear seconds later as we traversed the swells. It had some kick and edge withouth being reckless -- just about right for a late season row in the R & R ethos.

LUCKY 13?- U BET CHA!!

This Sunday was our largest turnout ever, when 13 members of the RnR motley crew made it on the bay for a wonderful all-club row. In attendance were: Stan, Shelia, Bobby, Gail, Heather, Eileen, Sarah, Jon (the viking), Thomas, Chas, Dana, Frank and yours truly.

With a falling tide and a sweet Southeast Breeze we hugged the shoreline along Peaches and Fluen to take advantage of the shore lees as we developed our sea legs.

It wasn't too soon that we were "podding up" between the members each one finding their rythum w/their partners.

Charlie and Sarah decided to head towards Misery for a round trip tour. Stan and Shelia made the turn at Beverly Harbor. The rest of us did a counter clockwise trip around Great Haste and Coney.

Back at the dock we were treated to some great fruit and sweets complements of Gail Doyle, and Champagne Mimosa's by the Captn'.

We also christened the new RnR portable swim ladder installed by our resident Viking.
All and all a great row by the 13 members of the motely crew.
blessings

R & R on Cape Cod

Carmi and I just completed our August week on Barnstable Harbor and am happy to report that this little known jewel of rowing water allowed us to get a few good workouts in. Carmi tried out her new, adjustable, flexible shaft, curved hatchet, small-handled oars designed for someone under 130 pounds. I brought my racing shell and chanced that the winds would be favorable as it has no seaworthiness or self bailer but goes like a rocket (32 pounds and almost 28 feet long). At one sweet juncture we were joined by Emily and Dave Greten and daughter Lila for a row and lunch. One of these years we will need to have a R & R day here to enjoy these tidal runs and the quiet, beautiful surroundings,

LOOK WHAT I FOUND ON THE WATER TODAY

Classic flat water morning after the storm. Could not make up my mind if I wanted to fish or row. Both are great for the soul but rowing has the added bonus of a physical work-out. Set out heading towards the east and Childrens and who did I spy but four shells on the horizen making their way towards the island about 1/4 ahead of me. A work out it was, but I was able to finally chase them down for the "photo op". From left to right Chris, Terrie, Jane and Jean. Coming back I also crossed paths Veronica and Heather around Peaches PT. That was seven scullers on the bay this AM (Probably more who knows...) Oh, the birds were busting around Coney just when I started to pull in. I was thinking about adding a cup holder to my outrigger for those times I want a beer, now I'm thinking more about how to rig up a fly rod. Who ever says you can't have it all probably wasn't very creative- Blessings

ROCKNROW ALL CLUB ADVENTURE ROW TO SUNAPEE LAKE REGION

Well the All-club Adventure Row is beginning to take shape as I write this BLOG.

Well not really...... All we have so far is a date AUGUST 28th-29th and of course we have a location. That being Lake Sunapee. Oh..... We also have three members who have signed up: Heather, The Viking and Pal, so I guess that's pretty good.

But have no fear, your two fearless leaders: Butch and Sundance (You all can make the determination who's who) plan to make a "recon trip" sometime this weekend to flush out all the specific details as to where we sleep, eat and put in the shells.

Your job is to check you calendars rockers and see if you can join us on what's sure to be an awesome adventure.

And in the immortal words of Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airman: "YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH FUN!"

ANOTHER SUNDAY-FUN DAY

Nine peacful warriors attacked Salem Bay this passed Sunday for a fun fill packed row on the salt. The water couldn't have been flatter, the sky bluer and the company more agreeable. A few people enjoyed their very first club row of the season. Many rowed Tinkers for the very first time and others conquered The "Rock" and Childrens. Not in any particular order they were: Stan and Shelia Rich, Vivien Cherry, Scott Olson, Jean Verbridge, Veronica Hobson, Bobby Oakley and our newest member, Heather Cairns. Special thanks to our host of the row Stan and Sheila who provided some incredible donuts and vodka/mango punch. Now normally, you might not think that these two particular food sources go well together. Nay, Nay. Mix in a heavy dose of a row well done and we feasted like it was our last meal. BTW Weatherman says that this will be an incredible week to row. Blessings-Captn

THE CAPTN' ROWS ALONE

My e-mail for a 6:00 AM wake-up row was not met with much enthusiasm. A couple of "wish I could but".......................( feel free to fill in what ever reason that works). Then the e-mail from Pal telling us the RnR gangplank has met with disaster. (hopefully fixed by the weekend but in the meantime is usable through a "jury/jerry rigged solution).
So rowing alone, I ventured out onto the bay with a mindful eye out for juvie "Great Whites", Lobsta boats and the Salem Ferry. I had a good row, but not great. I find that being on the water has much more richness to it, when I'm able to enjoy it with someone else. That my fellow rockers is the ethos of our club. Rowing for it own sake, while very enjoyable, lacks the fellowship, comraderie and spiritual connection that is shared among a group. The moral of this story is that the summer days are getting shorter, the shadows from the trees longer and the need to row greater. Get out and row you peaceful warriors

WE'RE BACK

We're all back, all in one piece and all smiles. Rock N Row's first adventure row was downright awesome, awe inspiring and (who remembers Friendly's Awful Awful) awful big and awful good! Only awful thing..... IT'S OVER!

With talk of withdrawal, separation anxiety and an addiction to getting up and rowing to a next destination, we return tired, a bit blistered and alive with the spirit of Rock N Row.

Qualification for next year's row? Row 12 miles, eat a peanut butter, jelly and potato chip sandwich, down a cold beer and a shot of tequila, walk around with a big ass smile.!!

Lots more stories to tell and photos to share......

AWESOME SUNDAY ROW

Big winds from the west and major bay chop did little to deter this past Sunday Row. Seth B, Veronica and Art were first on the water followed by Stan, Shelia, Eileen, Pal, Thomas, Jon (the viking),Chas, Sarah, Scott O, Loretta and yours truly, the captn' for the 8:00 time slot (am I missing anyone?). Eileen,Charlie and Thomas paired up with our "sophmore rowers", while Pal, Sarah, Jon and myself tooked the back side of the neck where small lees from the westerly winds could be found. Evidentually the viking and I went on to conquer the Tinker Island Loop. The downwind leg around the south end of the island was the stuff of legends. Jon and I had our hands full finessing the sculls through the downwind rolling chop that crashed over both bow and stern. The slog to our basin was equally challenging with no ability to rest along the way. An honest 6miles. With smiles on our faces, we both agreed that it was the best row of the season thus far......
Thanks to Chas the Czar of the Sunday row who provided some great vodka, mango drinks and bagels. I hear next Sunday Stan and Shelia will host the event. Can't wait.....-captn'

ADVENTURE ROW

TODAY IS THE DAY FOR TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME

As first light rises I hear the beat of the tom tom calling me

THE SMOKE OF THE FIRES STILL GLOWING

and its time to begin

THE MIGRATION TO THE NORTH

tribes gather anxiously in celebration

FOR WHAT WILL MOST CERTAINLY BE WAITING

a clash with destiny

THE GREAT LAKE OH YE CHAMPLAIN

and the river Richelieu

WAITING PEACEFULLY DOES SHE SUSPECT

the horde marching north to conquer her?

AFTER 18 months of planning the time is now.

Rock N Row's first adventure row begins.

To my fellow warriors, may we Rock, may we Row.....

indivisible, under God, one club forever!

BLACKBURN ROWERS AND SUPPORT TEAM

Granted we did not all row, but seven members of the club did.

Jay Paris and Dave Greten who rowed an Alden Double in the racing class and made it under 3 hours even beating out a Maas Double. Thomas Vogel, Seth Pappas, Charlie Harak and Maryellen Auger all rowing touring class with ME coming in 3rd in the women's division. Stephanie Brocoum WINNING the women's race division. Pictured to your left is the cast and crew (minus ME). Can you identify who rowed and who didn't? Meanwhile for more great pictures of this event. Please click on the "2010 BLACKBURN CHALLENGE" under the website links left side of this page...

THE GOD CONNECTION

When in the course of human events...inspiration appears, I will listen, and do as directed.

(As taught by the High Priestest of RnR)

That about sums it up, from a magazine ad for ECHO, to a chance meeting with Jack on the water, to Terrie entering into my life with a splash and Jay rowing up on the beach; Rock N Row is an inspired manifestation.

Each of us has our own stories of how the connections were made, ask Thomas.

And a club was born.

Seven hearty souls pay tribute to Howard Blackburn this Saturday.

Come be part of the team, we'll be on the beach in Gloucester awaiting first finishers (expect Jay and Dave in the double, provided they have a bailer that works!) around11AM, look for us, we'll be easy to find!

Rock N Row Rocks the Blackburn!!

PERSONAL BLACKBURN REFLECTIONS

Seven members of the club have trained physically, emotionally and spiritual over these passed weeks and months to challenge the Blackburn this weekend, a 20+ mile (mostly open water) race around Gloucester's Cape Ann. Their pent up energy and anxiety that faces each one of them during the last week countdown is not lost on those who have rowed the race before.

The Blackburn Challenge is an integral part of our young club's history which I was reminded of yesterday during my oncologist check up. Knowing I was going to face surgery for my prostate cancer, I made a personal decision to row this event. I still remember calling Paulie the night before my operation who though thought the idea crazy at first, quickly changed his mind and agreed it was a worthy goal for both of us.

I was a zealot to the cause. My Doctor could not believe how quickly I was recovering. I was his "poster child" for the De Vinci Robot (a innovative surgery process at the time).

Paul and I rowed almost everyother day that summer in preparation. Probably logged over 250 miles before the event. We received henna tattoos on our forearms ; mine was a turtle, Paul's was crossbones with the word blackburn (future vision of our club logo?). They would flexed and stretch with each rowing stroke. Kathie, Paul's wife acting as our spiritual leader guided us in a ceremony of blessings and good fortune. I still remember the morning of the event. Over 200 boats from all over the country were there ready to make this happen. The energy surrounding us was electric. Conversation about a rowing club though distance began to germinate as an idea in our minds. This stuff is so cool. Why are there not more people rowing in Marblehead?

That was over five years ago. My Doctor told me that yesterday. How you feeling Jack? Are you still planning to row the Blackburn this year? He still remembered what it meant to my recovery.

The only answer I could give him is yes. In spirit, I'm still there with all the pent up energy being felt by our seven members.

Good Luck Peaceful Warriors. May the winds be gentle, the ocean sparkle and your spirits high!

COACH EM'S BABY SHOWER

A generous portion of the RnR Motley Crew (and club dog Beaulieu) surprised Coach Em with a baby shower on the dock this past Sunday. Champagne Mimosa, fruit salad and those killer pecan rolls from AJ King made for a really sweet time. Picture center is Ms Em herself who has vowed to keep teaching us to the very end. She once asked us what would we do if she went into labor while out on the water. My reply was to take pictures of course!! For you to see more pixs of the shower just scrolll down the left side of this Blog page

Sunday Row/Seth Berman's first row

As I write this, only 5 days until the Blackburn! 7 RnR-ers will try to go the distance. May the winds and weather be kind to us all.

This Sunday saw Seth Berman making his "Maiden Voyage" (tip of the hat to Herbie Hancock), on a day when the winds and swells were up. Jack shepherded him out past Brown's Island into the waves, in the company of Sheila and Stan, and I understand he did quite well. Welcome, Seth! I hope to see you on the water many times over the rest of the summer.

Dave, who will be rowing a double with Jay in the Blackburn, and I did a short row out towards the Salem Plant and back. The swells were very tricky at times, seemingly to come from two or even three directions at once. We had some good rides.