HAPPY NEW YEAR ROCKERS!

Finishing the year reflecting on wonderful moments with great friends!

Looking forward to our next season 2012 just over the blue horizon.

Love to you all, have a wonderful New Year!

PAULIE MALLOY

TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT RNR ERG CHALLENGE

It is now time to sign up for the January Challenge which begins on January 1.  If you want to erg any meters in January, please join us.  There is no distance requirement and it is nice to have company and maybe some coaching.  We will each do whatever we do, and add our meters to the team total.  Pal sent out directions and is our team capitain. We would like all 14 challenge members to rejoin us (we currently have Jack, Gail, Pal, Charlie amd me), and we encourage the rest of you to become our training partners, and January team members.
 
Virtual Team Challenge

January 1–January 31

Details:

Each team rows or skis as many meters as they can collectively between January 1 and midnight January 31 .
This is a team challenge. You must belong to a team to participate. This is not the same as your club affiliation in your profile.
Meters must be entered online.
Only indoor rower or SkiErg meters count (no water or snow meters please).
Deadline for entering meters: Friday, February 3 at midnight ET.
Visit the Virtual Team Challenge page for more information, including how to join!

FEARLESS LEADER FRANK RE-CAPS RNR HOLIDAY ERG CHALLENGE

Dear R&Rers,
 
Fourteen of our members participated in the Concept 2 100K Holiday Challenge.  Thirteen completed the challenge which is three more than we hoped for at the start.  We erged a total of 1,667,891 meters, which is amazing, placing us 43rd out of 124 participating on-water clubs with 6-20 members. Goals were met by 251 adaptive rowers and juniors - 50K; 5,574, including us, - 100K; and 2,470 - 200K. The challenge raised $30,000 for charity!
 
We tracked and encouraged each other with more than 200 emails including helpful coaching from Jay, Pal, Dave and Charlie.  Jay, who did a 2 hour, 26K erg row, (remarking “There can't be ergs in heaven”) rowed on-water in addition to erging,.  We all received encouragement from Pal, Howard, and others. Kim got us a picture and write up in the paper. Jack reminded us that we were not doing it for the money.
 
Brian met the challenge early in December before his baby was born, and then added more than 30k more, while Emily did 80K in the last week.  As on the water, Loretta may not have been the fastest, but she was the most dedicated, rowing her last 11,818 meters on the last day of the challenge, while also furthering her acting career.  Henry was steady, paying attention to raising his heart rate, and Gail never gave up.
 
Howard rowed enough meters to account for himself and for Sarah – more than 200K and “guilted” Jack into rowing more!  Jigger turned in 13 rows for more than 168K meters with comments like “1 x 60 mins easy, damper 4”. Easy, damper 4 is an oxymoron!
 
43
Rock n Row, Marblehead, MA
On-Water Club
Members =13
Season meters = 2,397,465
Average season meters / person =184,420
Total Holiday Challenge meters =1,667,891
 
 
It is now time to sign up for the January Challenge which begins on January 1.  If you want to erg any meters in January, please join us.  There is no distance requirement and it is nice to have company and maybe some coaching.  We will each do whatever we do, and add our meters to the team total.  Pal sent out directions and is our team capitain. We would like all 14 challenge members to rejoin us (we currently have Jack, Gail, Pal, Charlie amd me), and we encourage the rest of you to become our training partners, and January team members.
 

LORETTA IS OUR NEWEST SHINING STAR

You've got to click on the title above to check out what RnR Member Loretta has been up to over the holidaze
Can we have your autograph......PLEASE!!

CONGRAT TO KIM ON SOME GREAT RNR PRESS

Marblehead mom rows to raise money for flood victims

Marblehead mom Kimberly Waller hits the JCC Fitness Center four days a week, rowing for a good cause. She’s part of the Concept2 Rower Holiday Challenge, raising money for the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund helping families recover from devastating floods.

“Rowing is a great way to stay in shape,” Waller said. “The staff at the JCC is very supportive, always asking me about my progress. I’m a US diplomat and my family has lived overseas for seven years now and joining the JCC a few months ago has made us feel like we joined a community. The JCC culture is wonderful.”

CLICK ON THE TITLE TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE AND SEE A GREAT PIX!

ROCKNROW NEWEST MEMBER

Congratulations to Brian and Karen Chemel on the newest member to the RocknRow Family

BRIAN'S REQUEST ABOUT "THE ERG" PART 3

Well, as you might have expected what started as an inquiry among the club members has officially gone viral. As of the last posting I counted an additional 37 e-mail that have circulated among the group.
It has also change and expanded from a simple request about staying in shape off season to a full blown challenge among a group of us to row a million miles during the month of December in order to support the Concept 2 Charity Rowing Event.
RocknRow-Marblehead Rowing Club is led by our Team Captain Frank and consists of the following Rockers: Charlie, Emily, Brian, Loretta, Gail, David, Pal, Jon (the Viking ), Henry, Scott, Sarah, Ed C, Jay, Howard, Kim, and Art at the moment. To date we have "erg" over 100,000 meters as a group but the real stuff starts December 1st.

BRIANS REQUEST ABOUT THE ERG "PART 2"

FRANK TUESDAY 7:16PM
So far, we have Dave, Loretta, Brian, Pal, and Frank who have expressed interest. Edward and Henry, are you interested? We all need to have or have access to a rowing machine, our own data log card, a computer with internet access, and a cable to attach the Concept 2 to the computer. Using the first link below, create an ID for yourself. We would need to “Create a Team” which requires a “Team Captain” – anyone volunteer? The teams seem to be associated with “Challenges”, but I think once we form a team we can keep its identity. I am “Frank Kashner”. If each of you, and anyone else who is interested, creates an account, we can then create the team. - Frank
DAVE WEDNESDAY 10:22AM
Ok, I've looked into this. We cannot form a virtual rowing team until Jan 1, 2012.

Instead, I propose we all do the Holiday Challenge on concept2.com. The Holiday Challenge runs from Nov 24 - Dec 24. The challenge is to row over 100,000 meters in a month. If you row 100,000 meters during that time, Concept2 donates $.02 for each 1,000 meters to your choice of three charities. And each 1,000 meters *over* 100,000 meters, counts for $.04.

Full details are here:
http://www.concept2.com/us/motivation/challenges/individual/holchal.asp

It's an individual challenge. But if we all do it as an informal group we could make a press release out of it (ie. "Marblehead Rowing Club Raises X Amount of Dollars for Charity"). That would read well in the Marblehead Reporter.

I did this challenge last year. It's a great motivator. Anyone else interested?

JAY PARIS WEDNESDAY 11:01
I like your idea a lot and suggest that the club find 10 rowers to erg a million meters. What a great press release that would be.

Erging at a very leisurely pace of 5 minutes per thousand meters means you can row 8,000 meters in 40 minutes. Do that 13 times in a month and that's over 100,000. Less than every other day. I'm in - so what do we need- five more to help a charity and make big news in our hometown once again?
Sent from my iPhone

BRIAN WEDNESDAY 11:09
I'm in. (Though my total may be affected by how late in December the baby arrives.)
Brian

FRANK 11:18AM
I’m in.

JACK WEDNESDAY 11:38AM
Are you just going to row or try to raise some funds? If so to for whom and how. IE Pledge per meter rowed or making to the millions as a group?
Lastly, I have a water rower not an Erg. Can I still Play?

HENRY WEDNESDAY 11:39AM
You can surely count my meters.
Henry L.

KAREN P WEDNESDAY 11:47AM
I'd be interested in participating but not till after the first of the year due to health issues.
Karen Peake

SCOTT O WEDNESDAY 12:14PM
Having rowed so little this summer, I will borrow/buy my brother-in-laws's Erg. So count me in!
Scott W. Olson

PAL WEDNESDAY 12:15PM
Yes, I can do

PAN WEDNESDAY 12:22PM
Jack, the Concept 2 people have a short list they contribute the money to -- VT hurricane relief fund and the, the Red Cross relief, and Unicef relief . As long as you row indoors, it is fine.
indoor rower and SkiErg meters only (no on water/on snow meters please). You can combine meters from each machine to reach the challenge goal

GAIL WEDNESDAY 1:15PM
If anyone knows of a used Erg for sale, let me know and I would join the team...

BRIANS REQUEST ABOUT THE ERG "PART I"

Brian's request about Erg information had generated such great multiple "threads" that I thought I would copy it here. Please don't hold me to the order-Capt'

BRIAN MONDAY 10:49AM
Hey Rockers-

Any of you use an erg to stay in shape through the winter?

I've just started goofing around on one at the Y for the first time, and am trying to figure out the best way to optimize my time on it. If you know of any good workout plans, or just have some personal experience, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks!
brian

FRANK MONDAY 10:49AM
Hey Brian, the Concept2 web sites - US and England - have lots of helpful stuff.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

LORETTA MONDAY 10:50AM
Concept 2 website and there are great erg classes at community rowing in Brighton

Sent from my iPad
Loretta Attardo

JAY MONDAY 11:57AM
Brian,
I agree with Frank. We also have a very seasoned master in veteran Rocker, Dave Greten. He and I have shared his winter training programs and they work! I know Dave would be happy to share his wisdom. The Concept II erg is truly a world unto it's own. Some love it, some hate it. There are even erg races in Boston (called the Crash B's) that attract top towers from around the country.

One tip: Do NOT use with the resistance set at 10 until you are an elite rower. Best to set between 3 and 4 to avoid back injuries. I find this is a good resistance to simulate an ocean shell.

Finally, many ergers also use heart rate monitors to track their work load and fitness. Rowers who like to race, too. I've done a lot of this and would be happy to discuss in more detail with anyone interested.

Best, Jay P.

HENRY MONDAY 3:58PM
I row at the Marblehead Y every week day. I set the Concept II to meters, showing elapsed time, running time per 500, cumulative distance and strokes per minute. I also set the strain handle at 4-5, which I have been told is about the resistance of water. I then go to work trying to maintain the best form I can – no slouching, use the legs, use the core, finish hard with the hands, exhale on the recovery, and check to see if I am balanced on the seat and pulling evenly. I use an on the water rowing motion, finishing high and raising the hands at the catch.

For the workout, first I stretch out, especially hamstrings because rowing shortens these a lot. I warm up with a 2000 meter piece at 22-23 strokes a minute. I shoot for 10 minutes for the first 2000 meters because at my age (old) one needs to warm up slowly. Continuing non-stop, I then go into an interval training period to the end, rowing the next 500 at 26-28 and at about a 500 meter pace of 2:05-2:03, or about 56-61 strokes. The next 500 in the series, I slack back to 22-23 strokes per minute and about a 500 pace of 2:30. At this stage of my training – early – I repeat the interval for 6,000 meters total. The whole workout takes about 30 minutes.

My goals over the winter are to raise the stroke per minute on the intervals to 33-34 and row cumulative intervals for 10,000 meters. I want to see my pace go below 2 minutes per 500 meters. This is a pace under a racing pace with bursts of harder activity. I also plan to use a shorter interval, like 200 on, 200 off. One of the more challenging interval patterns I like is a ‘Fartlek’ which was adapted to rowing from track by the famous German Ratzeburg RC coach, Karl Adam in the 1950’s. In this one, you go 10 light strokes followed by 10 hard. Then 20 light, 20 hard; then 30 and 30, 40 and 40 and one long 50 stroke piece. Then you reverse the process with an easy 50 strokes and so on back down to 10. The cumulative racing strokes are 4000 meters. All the hard strokes are at a racing pace.

I am not ready for this one yet. Also, at my age, and at any age it is important to row to a heart rate. Generally this will develop your aerobic capacity more than if you ignore or override the activity level. One’s target heart rate can be loosely determined by subtracting your age from 220 and then multiplying by 85%. Rowing to that heart rate about 70-80% of the exercise time and then a burst of full exercise for the other 20-30% of the time is a pattern followed by many of the greatest bicyclers and applies to rowing or running.

After each row, I then do a 45 minute workout with a trainer on about 15 different machines or free weight exercises. This is not aerobic, but strength building, and a way to balance one’s exercise after such a narrowly confined effort like rowing. I find interval and cross training are the two best methods to more rapidly grow endurance and strength and also maintain flexibility. Having done a lot of rowing in my youth, I have renewed my effort over the last 1.8 years averaging 3.2 exercise days a week. As a result, I was able to row the double with my son (a ringer) in the HOC this year.

Hope this helps.

Henry Livingston

JACK MONDAY 4:43PM
WOW, thats incredible Henry!

HENRY TUESDAY 2:45AM
Thanks Jack!. If you see the red flashing lights (coming down the driveway...), you'll know they came for me

ED C MONDAY 5:42PM
Henry Livingston, how old are you? I'd like to adjust my pace to your own, I'll be 80 next month!

FRANK 7:06PM
Here are links to the two sites. The first link takes you to the Concept 2 homepage. Click on Motivation, Online Logbook. We could create our own team if anyone is interested. That might help my motivation. Is anyone interested? - Frank

http://www.concept2.com/us/default.asp


http://concept2.co.uk/training/your_programme?levels%5B0%5D=3&levels%5B1%5D=7&weeks=16&estTime%5B0%5D=08&estTime%5B1%5D%5Bs%5D=20&age=65&rhr=70&mhr=175

DAVE MONDAY 8:18PM
I'm interested! Set it up and I'm in.

KITTY&CAVEMAN SURE LOVE ROCK N ROW

KITTY & CAVEMAN SURE LOVE TO ROCK N ROW!!!!

FROM EILEEN PERRY

Wednesdays in Marblehead has posted a new item:
'Marblehead Rowing Club'
http://wednesdaysinmhd.com/2011/10/28/marblehead-rowing-club/

GREETING FROM GERMANY

Thomas Lubbig writes

With unabated interest, I keep following the club communications on a regularly in my e-mail inbox.

It's been a while since I left Marblehead, but I have obviously kept a very fond memory of my six weeks in this marvellous place. I have now collected the items I wanted to send you, that is first two photographs with the club hat on at some surprising locations. So you will see me wearing the club hat before the Sagrada Famila (unfinished church in Barcelona). I aso sneaked into a fan shop of the Barcelona soccer club (FCB) and placed the hat on one of their display dummies....

...Back here in Berlin, we will continue rowing through the fall and probably only stop in December,as soon as there is a thin layer of ice on the water. As last year's winters were always quite cold, we could then only resume in February or even in March.

May thanks again for having me at your club. (and I'm seriously considering the Blackburn Challenge next season. Will that be in July again?)

With best regards,

Thomas

October 2, 2011 Loading Bertha for the winter

SUNDAY OVERCAST ROW

The Capt'n was able to grab a few personal shots as the Motley crew departed on this slightly cold and slightly breezy Sunday morning. my appologies to Frank and Loretta for missing shooting them. They were too quick for me. I promise next time

Great Race 2011 revisited

Thrilling at the start...the water was fresh and turquoise at Devereux. But it got dark and turbulent as we rounded the first bend.
I was surprised that many of my RnR mates dropped out after the first mile since I'm sure they all have rowed in worse conditions. But hats off to them for reading and heeding their own risk meters.
Challenge to row in the waves... 3 footers with lots of random chop.
A following sea on the rebound gave us good surfing. If you caught a wave just right, you could just lay back and ride. Felt like 8kts.
I never saw Emily and Thomas in the double. They must have been flying.
Terri, Chris, Jean, Howard and Kimberly all seemed to take things in stride. Terri was in my sight the whole distance about 100 yards back. Steady and nicely balanced all the way.
Eileen had no worries. Fountain of positive spirit. Born to row.
Jigger blew past all of us in his Zephyr by the time we got to Castle Rock.
We were rowing gingerly near Marblehead Rock through some annoying chop and a fair headwind. All of a sudden Paul’s Aero went belly up and Paul was in the water. No breaking waves, but a bad catch of the oar in the stew. I took the opportunity to stop and have a light snack while waiting for him to recover. One cup fusili in boiling water, two tbsp pesto, …sterno would not light so I had to eat it Al Dente. No shortage of water in the cockpit for washing dishes. One sorry chap in a kayak crossed the finish line ¾ submerged, his boat was so full of water. Where was I…..oh yeah…
Back in his seat and shaking off the mishap, Paul gave a thumb's up, hollered out a "Rock n Row, Baby" or maybe that was just the sound of a masterful recovery, and then he was back at it! He chose a tight path around Children's which I thought was risky due to the current. He could have been pushed right into the rocks. My strategy was to tack out until the waves could push me straight to the far end of the island but Paul called it right and ultimately had the advantage from there to the finish. All the while, Dave Greten was taking the long way around and even rowed behind the little islands on the inside of Children's… probably added a half mile to his route by that! Nevertheless he came close to beating me at the finish. Strong rower, Dave.
Jim was heroic. The oarlock on the Aero he was rowing came (or was) loose, so a couple minutes into the race, he turned around. I thought he was ill and didn't realize until the end of the race that he had grabbed Capn's Aero and started over. In terms of a staggered start time and sheer resolve, he smoked the lot of us!
So at the end of the season, we should all relinquish our medals......Paul's to Jim, mine to Paul, Dave's to me...although Dave should get a medal for the extra half mile! Maybe I should just forfeit mine because earlier in the Summer I promised to fix the Aero oarlock.
Scratch that...I'm not giving up my medal...Even though the race was rather incestuous, I register it as a personal triumph ...so let's just make a new medal for Jim!
All in all, mates, we did well. Those who decided to turn back did so wisely. It takes as much fortitude to do that as to continue on. Those of us who did continue, powered through the race very carefully and it was a total frolic!

A LITTLE PIRATE HUMOR FROM JAY PARIS

A pirate walked into a bar, and the bartender said, "Hey, I haven't seen you in a while.
What happened? You look terrible."

"What do you mean?" said the pirate, "I feel fine."

"What about the wooden leg? You didn't have that before."

"Well," said the pirate, "We were in a battle, and I got hit with a cannon ball,
but I'm fine now."

The bartender replied, "Well, OK, but what about that hook? What happened to your hand?"

The pirate explained, "We were in another battle. I boarded a ship and got into a
sword fight. My hand was cut off. I got fitted with a hook but I'm fine, really."

"What about that eye patch?"

"Oh," said the pirate, "One day we were at sea, and a flock of birds flew over.
I looked up, and one of them shit in my eye."

"You're kidding," said the bartender. "You couldn't lose an eye just from bird shit."

"It was my first day with the hook."

PIC OF BERTHA LOADED FOR MHD GREAT RACE

ROCKERS TAKE HOME THE MEDALS FROM THE ROTARY GREAT RACE

Yesterday September 10th wasn't the easiest rowing day of the season but that did not deter the hearty souls of RocknRow as they stormed Devereux Beach in Marblehead for the MHD Rotary Club recreation of the Great Race. Tough water entry due to surf and tides were easy compared to the chop and wind that met these hearty souls on the way to rounding Childrens Island before returning home. 20 Rockers took on the challenge of these grueling conditions with 7 of them returning to safe haven soon after departure. Thats how tough it was that day. We miss counted oars, misplaced a seat, had on the water equipment failure but in the end the club reigned surpreme when it came to wins and medals. 10 in all. Pictured here from left to right are: Eileen,Kim,Dave,Emily,Thomas,Terrie,Paul, and Seth. (missing are Jean and Jigger). Another great day in RnR's history. Congrats to all who took on the challenge. Many thanks as well to our shore crew who helped getting our peaceful warriors back on terra firm

A little history...

A friend of mine is thinking about taking an epic row and in the discussion, asked if I had ever done anything like that. I had once tied to row from Boston to Little Cranberry, Maine and even kept a blog of it. In sharing it with him, I did a little revisit of that week in 2005 and thought I'd pass along the link to anyone who comes across this on a bad weather day and wants some light reading of some not so light foolishness.

http://bos-lci.blogspot.com/

IN CASE YOU FORGOT THIS IS WHAT THE SUN LOOKS LIKE

After two days of consistent rain and wind, I'm beginning to feel we will not see the sun ever again. So I give to you free of charge a beautiful Marblehead Sunrise

IT'S ALL ABOUT BEING ON THE WATER

For those of you who have known me even for a short time know that for me, it's all about being on the water. While these last few years rowing has occupied a large percent of that activity, there was a time when fishing was the sport of my passion. I had the opportunity to return to the roots of my earlier love affair by traveling to the Miramichi River last week in search of the king of all fresh water preys, the Atlantic Salmon. They say it takes 1,000 case to hook up and land your first salmon and I must agree with that accessment. Shot on top is a hook up of a very large fish. Shot on bottom is a baby grilse which is the definition of any salmon under 8-10lbs. Of course RnR gear is front and center. Only 3 hours north of Houlton Maine, you thought I was in another world. Eagles, geese formations, moose and deer surrounded a pristine water shed that is nurtured and protected to sustain these incredible fish for generations to come. The whole experience got me "hooked" on trying it again. Do I hear a fishing trip in RnR's future?

IRENE MADE LANDFALL AT THE LANDING RESTAURANT

Hurricane... What Hurricane? Well when the members of the Motley Crew can't find a way to do a Sunday Club row b/c the weather then they are only left to "rock".
An impromptu call to arms brought the following cast members to the Landing to sample the soon to be famous RnR Burger along with some Ipswich Ale the official beer of RocknRow:
Seth, Jigger, Paul, Stephan (Practically a member), Stephanie, Bobbie, Roy, Chris, Terrie, Henry, Jack, Scott, Erik, Michael (soon to be a member in 2012), Heather along with some family tribe representatives from the Leakes and the Oakley's. Did I miss anyone? The Captn' was into his 3rd Ipswich Harvest before I started counting the group. We all had a great time "weathering the storm"

Last night's row and the traveling shirt

Well last night was certainly exciting. Four of us headed out; Sheila, Brain, Ed and myself. When we arrived at the dock they were busy lifting 2 boats out of the water, but we had plenty of room to launch. We also had plenty of wind and waves! We headed out of the harbor and onto the ocean. The waves were forcing us into the rocks and the wind all over the place. At one point Sheila went into a wave trough and just plain disappeared! However, no one went over and we manged to navigate our way back into the harbor. We started towards Salem, but cooler heads prevailed, namely Sheila and Brain, and we headed back into the harbor, after circumnavigating Brown island, and spent the next hr or so rowing much calmer conditions. It was still a lot of fun and the practice proved quite useful for everyone.

The traveling Shirt made it to Hawaii. Attached our two photos: Kapoho tide pools, Lower Puna Hawaii and after our out rigger row (note; the extra person is "Uncle Jesse" our coach, guide, navigator and historian) the other 4 crew members are not pictured. But what a hoot is was! We rowed about 1-3 miles all told.

JIGGER JOINS THE RANK AND FILE

Looking for someone to test your rowing skills or bring out the best in you? Please welcome Jigger Herman 2nd place winner of the 2011 Blackburn Challenge Mens Touring Division. He is the newest member of the Motley Crew but brings to the club over 20 years of rowing experience. I thought I was going to put him through the paces... Ha That's a laugh. He has that graceful rowing style that puts my guerrilla tactics to shame. A class act of a guy. (Always the gentleman as he was beating my ass). We did a nice 7.5 miler down to the "nest". I think he could have lapped me at any moment but was kind to the Captn'. Call him up and go for a row. You won't regret it...

Rowing in Greensboro, Vermont

Hello from the Northeast Kingdom where it was 40 degrees at 6:30 this morning.

Had to wait for the fog to lift at 6:45 but the lake was so beautiful and quiet. Lonely and lovely -- not even the fisherman were out. Just me and the 7 loons. At the North end of the lake, I spied a fellow sculler about half a mile away and that was it.

The Double Dipper

For those of you who haven't enjoyed our Mass Double, here is encouragement. It is a fast boat and in reasonable conditions serves as its own kind of teaching tool to measure things like length, the way in which you put power on the blade, the elegance of your finish and ratio (that pesky difference between the time it takes to get out over your knees and then down the slide that creates rythm and glide). I've had the pleasure of rowing with Em, Dave, Jim, Paul, Thomas, Carmi and Seth in Double Dip. Each row revealed good things to me about our strengths and weaknesses togther and part, but all have helped me to row better. It has also been a reminder that rowing perfection can come in unlikely ways at unlikley moments. For example, Paulie and I were out in bad water and yet we found a rythm that got us through it at more speed than made sense. Seth and I were in smooth water and his great sense of rythm (hey, how many times do you get to row with a nationally renowned drummer?) helped create as beautiful a glide as a rower could want. Dave and I have been able to pull really hard together for long stretches without it feeling like it was toil, and I could go on and on. Can't explain these things but if variety is indeed a spice of life, then add the double experience to your rowing gastronmy.

DRAMAMINE DAY

From Heather Cairns
Hi Jack-

Wanted to Blog after our row today but I must not be worthy...or can't figure out how to add a post.

It looked like hella rain was fore casted this morning but weather came early (5am) and cleared in time for us luxury 7am rowers. Karen P. showed up to row with me and Viv. I knew by the sound behind my house it was a big swell day. It was a Dramamine day.

Just outside the harbor, the heads, bodies and boats of Karen and Vivien disappeared in troughs. Karen is bad ass but she's also a newbie and this was her first big swell day. She's a trouper. I pulled a Frank and donned my stylish PFD because this was a rare and special occasion. Heading back from Mhead Rock was a quick surf and way too much fun...when I wasn't fearing for my life.

Karen really cut her teeth today. I hope she forgives us and comes with us again.

I'm grabbing the correct water craft for today: the surfboard. See you around low tide.

CHARLIE'S SUNDAY BIRTHDAY ROW

This passed Sunday brought out some of the best of the Motley Crew as they celebrated Chas' "The Czar of Weekend Rowing" 60th Birthday. Featured from left to right is Paulie, Ed, Chris Charlie (The birthday boy), Terre, Loretta, Frank and Jack. 8 boats rowed that bay that morning covering anywhere from 6-8 miles. Champange Mimosa, Jean's Fab brownies and a nosh of bagels with creamcheese met us at the dock upon our return

CHAS REPORTS ON THE MAINE ADVENTURE ROW

Hadn't heard much about this adventure or seen any pictures since the return of the Motley Crew.Did catch this e-mail exchanged between Charlie and Dave and thought it was worth repeating.
Charlie Harak reports that...The rowing was AWESOME. We rowed the Sommes Sound, a glacial fiord with deep water and 1,000 foot mountains flanking the narrow waist of this 4-mile long sound. Overall, a 14 or 15 mile row. Very beautiful. Very challenging on the return as the wind picked up and we the mountains funneled strong winds against us. Second day, we rowed due south from Northeast Harbor (where we launched each day), to a small island past the Cranberry Islands. We beached our boats on a low sand spit between the larger and smaller hummocks of this few-acre island. The tide was coming up...you guessed it! Chris's boat floated away when we weren't looking. Fortunately, it floated right at the Leake's Rib, which was anchored about 100 yards off shore. Maybe a ten mile row. Day 3, we followed the coast of Mt. Desert Island around to the east, and ended up near Bar Harbor, at the well-populated sandy beach. The seat on the Alden I was using had broken about 3 miles earlier, so I was on the Rib. When we beached for lunch on the way back, Paulie got in the Rib and I rowed the rest of the way back in his boat. Total distance was 17 miles that day; I rowed maybe 12 as I was on the Rib for some of it.

We had some great meals. On Day 2, we stopped at Islesford, on Little Cranberry for lunch. It was cool: beaching our boats right next to this cool restaurant, eating lobster rolls, and heading back to Northeast Harbor after lunch. That night, all of us (including Kathy M. and Scott's wife and kids) took the Rib for dinner at Islesford. We also took the Rib, all 10 of us, the first night around to Southwest Harbor for dinner on the dock there.

While rain was predicted every day, we saw none while rowing. Cool temps, fairly flat water a lot of the time (although some interesting swells now and again, and fighting strong wind on Day 1 in the Sommes Sound).

Awesome!
________________________________________

BRIAN C JOINS THE RANKS OF THE FAITHFUL

Brian one of our " intro" rower members who after a few lessons with Coach Em became a full fledge member of the " Motley Crew" got his first real taste of RnR when he teamed up w/the Captn' this AM . It was a perfect day for some long distance rowing. Out going tide, flat water in the bay and a nice Southwesterly for our home coming return trip. We headed out across the bay with a few turns along the way. Touched down on the private beach in Beverly Farms. (Which BTW how come their sand is so much nicer than ours?). Took a quick stretch on the shore, hence this great shot of the " Newbie". Introduced him to "GU". (He actaly asked me how it tasted Ha Ha). Climbed back into our shells and with 210 as our heading made it back to our basin in short time. An honest 6.5 miles. The longest and according to Brian, the best row of the season. Looking for a good rowing partner? Give this guy a call. He's just getting his feet wet so to speak, but I think he's now part of the converted.

Beautiful Flat Water Mornings

The weather Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings this week has been so calm -- the water has been completely flat in the Salem/Beverly Harbor area. The sunrises beautiful, the humidity a bit too high, and great rowing. Interestingly, the water to the south starting at Children's and the Rock has been very choppy. We saw the Capt'n out fishing Wednesday and Thursday but he came out for fun today. It was good to see Sarah's husband, Howard, out there. He went all the way to Beverly Light House!!

"LIKE US" ON FACE BOOK

It's interesting to note who among our 40+ club members are active on different social media outlets. I am specifically referring to Facebook. Do you know that among the 37 people who have "Liked" our page (Marblehead Rowing Club) only 12 are club members. The other 25 are... Well I'm not really sure who they are but they seem to have an active interest in the club, rowing or both. While I realize that our google groups e-mail drive most of our active communication among club members, it's the digital media outlets such as the blog I'm now writing and Facebook Page that provides the fabric of our stories and experience. We love to hear from our members stories. They are rich in content and humor whether it's about rowing or life in general. I urge all of us to take a moment to write a short blog entry or better yet "LIKE US" on Facebook and share with us your RocknRow experience, comments good or bad

Beautiful Morning Row

This morning was lovely. Temperature was in the mid 60's, a ribbon of bright sunrise on the horizon, and interesting mix of water conditions. Jim and Eileen rowed 11 miles this morning -- they said the back side of Baker's was wild with rollers and waves. Jim did the whole distance in the Aero!! Bobby, Sarah, and I went around Children's. Backside of that had some really fun rollers and waves. Great news -- Bobby did the whole route really well on Star #6!!

It's hard to wake up but once out there, it is the BEST. Come out and join us, Crew.

MARBLEHEAD GREAT RACE TO RETURN IN 2011

On September 10th, 2011 the Marblehead Rotary is planning to host a 7.5 mile race departing and returning to Deveroux Beach. Marblehead Rowing Club is looking to get an "All Club" turn out to this event. I'm talking about every piece of equipment on the water. If you registered yet do so soon and you can receive a special gift from the event. 3 Echo's and 4 Stars are still available to reserve from the club. Come on you Motley Crew let's scuttle some competition! Go to www.rotarygreatrace.com for more info

Sunrise Gang caught in action

I caught these Fab Four in action this morning just past 6:00 AM heading out to Childrens. First thought was: Wow look how color coordinated the group looks. The RnR hats were purchased serendiptiously over a few seasons (evidently they all like red) but the shirts were the brain child of Ms Sarah and a visit to Target.
The rest they say is history. By the way gals. You all look Fabulous!

SHAMELESS PLUG DIVISION HITS GOLD WITH THE BLACKBURN CHALLENGE

Click on the above title and check out the article written by no othere than our club VP Jay Paris!

BLACKBURN STATS

SLIDING MULTI ROWING
1ST PLACE 2:45:44 EMILY GRETEN, JIM DEMTROULAKOS,
JAY PARIS, CARMI PARIS, THOMAS VOGEL

SLIDING SEAT TOURING-SINGLE WOMEN
1ST PLACE 3:36:01 EILEEN PERRY

SLIDING SEAT RACING-SINGLE WOMEN
2ND PLACE 3:01:00 STEPHANIE BROCOUM

SLIDING SEAT RACING-SINGLE MEN
12TH 3:36:22 PAUL MAZONSON
13TH 3:50:45 SETH PAPPAS

SLIDING SEAT TOURING-SINGLE MEN
6TH 3:09:15 DAVE GRETEN
11TH 3:39:58 JACK TATELMAN
14TH 4:02:07 CHARLIE HARAK

6AMSUNDAY

WHAT A DAY FOR ROCK N ROW! DID WE KILL IT YESTERDAY OR WHAT?

TAPERING

I'm trying to be good really I am.

Three days now without alcohol or ice cream or bread and NO rowing I feel like I want to climb out of my skin.

Yesterday, going down to the boathouse, it was absolutely beautiful, light breeze, a little haze, warm but not hot, just perfect really.

Must have had a searching look on my face as Tom says, "Can I help you with something, do you need something?"

"NO, just hanging, staying off the water for a few days, I'm tapering."

"You're what?"

"Tapering, you know, giving my body a chance to rest before the race, I've been pushing pretty hard."

"Tapering is for wussies!" he smartly protested.

And there lies my dilemma. Part of me, lets call it the mature adult part, knows that tapering is good, my body needs to rest, let the muscles recover before I ask them to do what I'm about to ask them to do.

The other part, lets call it the young indestructible me part, wants to roll right through this tapering BS, get on the water and row my heart out NOW

OH the challenge of Blackburn, adult or adolescent, I can't believe I'm still trying to resolve this dilemma at 60!!!!

SURE IS FUN THOUGH

Double Fun

In the past, RocknRow has frequently meant rowing with club members in single shells and sharing the individual experience on and off the water. For the last two weeks, coach Emily and I have tried adding another dimension to RnR – exploring the beauty of the Maas Double. Having rowed in eights, quads and doubles competitively several years ago (in my case – decades ago) we gave the Club Double a try.

During our first test row two weeks ago, Emily and I liked the experience. Even though rowing the double requires more concentration and synchronization than rowing a single, and more than just two rowers “powering up”, we had hit the “zone” several times during the 10+ mile row to Misery and House. Hitting the “zone” meant sharing the perfect stroke together from catch to finish, letting the boat glide through the water in a continuous motion and hearing the “bubbles” from underneath the hull. It also meant spending 80-90% of the whole row just trying to find that perfect stroke. Realizing how rarely we were able to hit it, the whole double experience wetted our appetite to go out again and keep trying.

The following Sunday, and Tuesday, we went out again and experienced some slight improvements thanks to the beautiful waters and low winds off the Beverly and Manchester coast. Our confidence had grown and we wanted to give “a longer row”. Having read about the recent “Big Rows“ and “Eggs on the Rock” on the RnR blog, we got inspired and decided to go out again last Wednesday and try the annual Egg Rock. The weather report predicted a few clouds mixed with sun and a NNW wind of 10-15kt, and possible thunderstorm in the afternoon.

Leaving Little Harbor at 8:45a we headed towards MHD Rock and Tinkers. Emily seemed equally excited and started with a good pace. A slight tail wind and the protection of MHD Neck helped us focus on a long stroke, a solid catch paired with a strong finish and quick release. Everything combined allowed us move the Double at a decent pace of 7:30min to 8:30min/mile. I was not confident that I could maintain the pace for the whole distance but kept pushing while the fun lasted. We definitely felt the “zone” a couple of times during the first half hour. Then, as soon as we passed Ram Island the wind picked up and the water became rough. The situation worsened even more as soon as we moved closer towards Egg Rock without any protection from land.

The Maas Double became more difficult to stabilize and we realized that focusing on the zone was not even an option anymore. We had to pay our fullest attention to getting our blades out of the water, not crabbing, and not taking a plunge. By the time we reached Egg Rock we found a few minutes in a protected area, where the wind and waves could not do us any harm. Fueled with water and energy bars we continued and rounded Egg Rock towards the wind and headed back to Marblehead. Rowing against the powerful elements of nature Emily noted: “I now know what my newbies must feel like”. The whitecaps spilled into the boat and forced us to open the bailer frequently, and made us feel like beginners learning how to row. With shortened strokes and soaked clothes, we eventually reached Tinkers after mile 12, when all of the sudden the wind and waves died down and turned into a rather flat and calm see. We saw this as a chance to focus again on stroke, length and zone. After almost two hours, the double started moving along again, as we had experienced at the beginning of that morning.

We passed MHD Rock when Emily asked if we could extend our row beyond the 15 miles to check our limits, instead of returning straight into Little Harbor. I agreed and we rowed to Beverly Lighthouse and back to MHD Rock to complete an honest 21 miles.

After 3hours and 8 minutes of net rowing time we arrived back at the dock. We felt our tired muscles but agreed that it was an excellent rowing experience with shared memories. Our “Egg Rock” row turned into a test that confirmed in us the desire to give Blackburn Challenge a chance.

BLACKBURN READY

I wasn't sure how this mornings row was going to go. I wanted one more large push before this coming Saturday's Blackburn and time was running thin. Just returned from a very quick NYC trip (seems like I spent more time in on the train than anywhere else). Left the dock at 6:00 to make sure I could fit in the seat time before it got too hot Winds began favorably along with the tides which made the decision to tackle Eggrock top of my list. After passing the Pigs on my port side plan "B" starting to formulate in my brain. Why push myself with the Southwest chop where I can make the turn back in Salem Bay. A sound plan which soon took shape as I passed outside Tinkers, MHD Rock, Children, Bakers, and of course the Miseries. But alas the chop finally found me on the Beverly side of bay. Added Great Haste to gain another mile and reached back at the dock 3 1/2 later with the Garmin telling me I just crossed over the 18.5 mile marker. The rest of the weeks routine will be eating well, stretching better and perhaps a small technical row. Coach Em has agreed to help me trim my vessel for optimum performance. But my next long row will be this Saturday and I'm ready for it!

RNR Quad

A boat was found. Veteran T. Vogel was unrelenting in his pursuit. This morning Jim and Em rowed to Misery in Double Dip and Jay and Em rowed back. Thomas observed from his Dolphin. The rythm is coming. We may need a cox and Carmi will be recruited as a veteran of an eight a few years back, and also the Blackburn, even though she doesn't know it yet. But as has been read often, "There's a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to tell your wife her husband is rowing in the Blackburn, and a time to tell her she will be coxing." All in good time.

So, that makes 12 club members rowing the big B this year, a remarkable achievement that represents almost a third of this storied organization. The ocean is a beautiful thing.

THE PERFECT ROWING DISTANCE

I have figured out the perfect rowing distance 7 miles. Takes approximately 1-1 1/2 hours depending on rower, boat and conditions. Short enough to haul ass and get the heart above the target zone. Long enough to feel you have accomplished something serious but short enough that your body is not overly abused. Mine consist of off the dock, Peaches Pt and Browns on " rowers left", MHD Rock, Children's and Eagle on "rower's right" straight shot into the bay passing Coney and Great Haste. 90 degree turn back to home. An honest 7 miles. The perfect row.

Rock n Row recipe book: video entry

Best served between 24 miles of rowing.

- Stephanie

Location:Gloucester MA

What I did on my summer vacation

I rowed under the rising moon,
I was humbled and emboldened by the ocean,
I shared the gift of friendship,
I felt love.

NEWS FROM CAMP ROCK N ROW

BIG ROW

A universe of forces came together yesterday, Marblehead to Gloucester and return, 24 miles, 8 hours on the water, the beach and the islands, fully subscribed to an underlying philosophy of Rock N Row, MORE IS BETTER UNTIL ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Princess Stephanie has been pushing for a big row before she returns to fully employed Monday, Friday washed out so Saturday is the target. Rising early to a gloomy sunrise, couldn’t tell what the visibility was like, I prep for a day on the water, we had talked about rowing “all day”. Took forever to get organized and off the dock, talked to Jay, Seth and his son, kibitzed with Wayne from FW Woods as he watched the RnR morning routine from the deck of his 1959 Concordia. Both of us were feeling a bit ragged and unprepared but off we went into a brisk norther heading to Beverly shore. Taking an easy pace, trying to keep my boat speed over 6 and my heart rate under 130, we headed out to a first planned stop at Misery Island. I like stopping at Misery, its kind of ritual, good place to stretch or use the head after a first 4 miles.

Caretaker came down to greet us, young man excited about the rowing shells he chatted us up, wanted to know where we we headed, “Gloucester, we’ll see you on the return”.

Now we’re committed as the sky clears, sun cones on strong and we push off for Stage Fort Park. Out under House Island, we have a perfect ride along Singing Beach to Magnolia, touching 7 mph in Aero, Steph was gone baby gone, we were in the groove, albeit different grooves!

After Singing Beach the coastline flows East towards Gloucester with predictable confused seas. From Misery to Gloucester is 8 miles of exposed coastline, look right and watch the beautiful homes roll by, look left and nothing, broad open water, no land till Europe. Rounding Norman’s Woe Steph ran into a dory rower shouting, “Er ya training fer Blackburn sweetie”? These Gloucester fishermen can be so endearing!

Past Hammond castle turning with the coastline we head to Stage Fort Park, the beach and most importantly, a snack bar!

Stephanie is of the belief that I can only row well with a food destination in mind and that training with me these last three weeks she’s actually put on weight!

Beach is gorgeous. Pulling in between exposed rocks I paddle close to a Cormorant standing tall on his rock, watching him I feel like we share this world of water and salt, wind and spray happily, I feel the beauty of this place, grateful to be here, green underneath turning aqua as we approach the beach, 12.4 miles from home.

I love the feeling of reaching a destination, complete, whole having used my body well, every cell smiling saying, “Yes, this is good, very very good.” Hanging out, stretching, hydrating, its time to eat, what’s it gonna be, a few bars on the beach and a quick turnaround or a short walk to the snack bar for something a little more substantial. Reading the menu Steph declares nothing suitable, she wasn’t going for the cheeseburger and fries so I drop my head to the screen and say to the women behind, “Have any peanut butter?”

“Yes, she nods.”

“Will you make a couple of PB&J’s?” I ask. “Oh and we need a bag of chips!”

Rock N Row Special here we go. Peanut butter, jelly and potato chip sandwiches on wheat bread, I dare say the ultimate rower’s lunch, a full complete satisfying indulgence. With a little luck Steph will post the training video on how to prepare an RnR special.

The energy shifts to rest after feeding, refilling water, talking about family and life, we are both feeling ready to row but not ready to depart, its just so nice here, going slow we take our time coasting back to the boats, a swim, reorganize, no rush.

Remembering the second half, telling the tale to come, well lets just say, “All hell broke loose.”

Pushing off from the beach I was stunned by the vibrancy of the colors, blue sky, green in the trees, water, boats, birds, pushing the boat speed from a piddle to a middle letting the body find a comfortable rhythm, ready for another 12 miles to home, little did I know what was around the corner. As we began to turn west out of Gloucester Harbor the breeze freshened to a wind, white snapping off the wave tops, swells running in from open water at odd angles against the chop I thought, “No problem, done this before, I’m feeling good, strong, well fed and ready.” It was relentless though. There’s a funny thing that happens when conditions get tough, as Stephanie said later, “I kept thinking, when I get around that next point it will be easier.” Optimism is a wonderful quality.

Steph, rowing Chickadee, the Mass 24, has the challenge of staying upright. Rowing her boat in 20 knots of wind off the bow with seas crossing under both ways is very very difficult. Later I asked her, “Were you ever scared?”

“No, she replied, just pissed.”

It was hard, really hard, wind blowing so strong my oars are vibrating on recovery, impossible to keep rhythm, every stroke is a challenge to find water on the blades and move the boat. With the cockpit flooding over the bow and broadside I am thankful the water is warm, realizing I need to hunker down for a very long row home. I tell myself, “Forget about boat speed, just move the boat. If you move the boat with each stroke you’ll get there, may take awhile but you’ll get there.”

And so it was. The wind easing for a moment I felt hopeful to link a few good strokes between gusts that stopped the boat dead. I lost Stephanie as she went in towards shore looking for relief to find none. Just keep the boat moving. Right hand having trouble holding the oar I wonder if the spirit of Howard Blackburn is playing with us. Rounding Kettle Island off Magnolia I pull up next to Steph waiting, we both admit to at least thinking about quitting, yes folks it was that tough, we both thought about quitting, “Did someone say TAXI!”

No quit in us we started up again for the stretch to House Island off Manchester and a rest stop back to Misery. No relief, each stroke oars vibrating, water and waves throwing balloons, it was really hard to make headway, “Just keep the boat moving.”

I remember from my sailing days a simple rule for sailing in rough weather, when the wind is screaming in the rigging and the bow is dipping under the wave crests just keep the boat moving in the direction you want to go, eventually you’ll get there. Thankfully our strategy worked and we eventually pulled into the cove at Misery Island to a scene reminiscent of the movie Animal House, a boat on the rocks, drunk beer bellied men and women in skimpy bikinis with big hair. As we pull up onto the beach to stretch, the caretaker, the same young man who had chatted us up in the morning came trotting down to greet us, “I’ve been wondering what happened to you guys, its crazy out there! Do you need anything, water, a place to nap?”

A gentleman (older than me) pulls up in a surf kayak with a fishing rig and begins to talk about Blackburn, he’s run 15 times. Already paddled the course 6 times this summer. And I thought we were ready!

Now 21 miles into the row we have 3-4 more to go. I push off thinking, maybe the shelter of Salem Bay will provide relief. Not to be, once we round out of Misery we’re back at it, 20 kts, gusts higher, chop from the west, swells from the east and boat wakes from every direction. Steph shouts, “Whats the plan?” She’s looking for a strategy to deal with the conditions.

“No plan, I scream, just row your ass home, 240 degrees!”

I don’t know if its possible to appreciate how tough it was. With the seas hitting broadside and the wind screaming Stephanie tacked her way back. She rowed off to the South moving the wind and waves aft. A half mile later she turned 90 degrees to row straight into the wind and swell. After three hours getting slammed broadside she’d had enough. At least the change felt good something productive was happening.

It took us an hour and a half to get back from Misery, usually a quick 30 minute row. Pulling into Little Harbor we finally finally found a lee, calm water, how sweet. Pumping a fist I felt like I had reached a summit, expedition complete, tested and passed, roundtrip to Gloucester DONE in remarkably difficult conditions, YES!

It was 4:30 when we pulled up onto the dock, we had left at 8:30AM. Wayne, still there working on Skye, popped into the cockpit and said, “Where you been, all your friends have come and gone?”

“Gloucester and back”, I replied to his eyes bugging out.

“In this wind?”

He was impressed, very very impressed. He knows now, Rock N Row is serious business.

Feeling punch drunk silly and a little delirious we clean up the dock as Thomas comes wheeling into the parking lot to see if we have returned. He too is impressed, wishing he was with us and glad he was not.

An awesome row, one incredible day, tested and ready to row Blackburn. Marblehead to Gloucester to Marblehead, wind NW at 20 seas 2-3 feet.

BIG ROW

SUNRISE GANG AND THE SUNRISE

Spotted on the water yesterday just after the sun came out where none other than Sarah the leader of the sunrise gang and her new "pose" Thomas and Jim. Nice Echo shot guys!

I LIKE MY "EGG"ON THE "ROCK"

Well I knew it was going to happen sometime before the Blackburn Race, my annual pilgrimage to Egg Rock off Little Nahant. Of course lots of things have to be going right to make happen including: ocean and wind conditions as well as my own body. I just got off a long row with Eileen onThursday so today was supposed to be a short row day. 5-6 miles at a good pace. Maybe 8 maybe but that was going to be the max. I started out with the Tinkers Loop which would bring me to my 6. But onced past the point Pig Rock was in my sights. Outgoing tide, flat sea I was averaging closed to 5.5 miles an hour. OK Pig Rock loop will put me just over the 8 mile mark. Then a silly notion got into my brain. Is this the day to do Eggrock? A part of me said yes, another said no. Of course I already knew my answer and now so do you. Is that then end of the story? Well not quite. Once past Tinkers on my way home this little voice crept back into my brain. "You know Eggrock loop is only 17 miles your so close why don't you do the 20?" "What are you crazy?" I replied to myself. Of course the little voice again won out as I crossed outside MHD rock, Childrens and Eagle Island. Finally logic took over when I had the monument off Misery in my sights. I finally turned back towards home. 3.5 hours in the seat and an honest 19 miles. Tomorrow I PROMISE will be the short day

Pirate Fashion Trends

LA, San Francisco, Barcelona, Venice, Paris, Cincinnati. Cincinnati? Yes, Cincinnati.

Since the beginning of rowing season I have logged close to 30,000 miles in the air, but zero on the water. I hope to change that this weekend.

Not that it has all been work related. And while I didn't have any success getting into the gondolieri's guild (never did learn that single oar sculling), I did uncover the latest in Italian Pirate fashion. Pity they didn't have them in my size.

So now the summer really begins. Time to hit the water. Get back in that rhythm. And maybe I'll find my way back to Venice someday. Maybe next time I should sign up to actually learn that sculling technique. And maybe get that straw hat, striped shirt, and some pirate shoes. Anyone know of any canals around here?

See you on the water.

14 IS NOT THE NEW 20

This chart doesn't do quite the justice to the route Eileen and I rowed this AM but it comes close. With the WNW freshening breezes and the incoing tide, we had some serious conditions to contend with for what I had thought and hoped to be a nice 14 miler. The downwind leg from MHD Rock to Bakers proved to be too much for our fragile Alden Stars. Between the weather helming which pushed it off course and the low profile cockpit which was totally swamped for the first 5 miles, I have concluded that the Echo reigns supreme when it comes to rough water. Outside Bakers around House Island (off Manchester) brought us calmer seas but now we had the wind to deal with all the way down to Beverly Harbor. Waves subsided but the wind on our nose made for one great slog up the coastline. We were welcomes to a short but enjoyable crossing from B-Harbor to S-Harbor and then met with a nice downwind leg back to the club house. It total we were in the seats for over three hours. Eileen wanted a taste of a long distance row. I'm pleased to say she got her fair share.

THIS SATURDAYS ROW NOT A COMPLETE WASHOUT

Though this mornings row could have been a total washout due to dreary skies, a sloppy bay, cold temps and a wind from the north. However it's saving grace was a nice full tide with protected lees behind Peaches Pt and Browns Island. There the Captn found himself along with Paulette a new potential club member along with Eileen, Sarah and yes Howard her husband (who by the way has the making of a good rower). Round the circuit we went enjoying the calm in the protected cove while at the same time improving our technique. Upon the return to the dock we encountered Pal who had teamed up with Coach Em to train two more club potentials along with Kimberly one of our Newbies of the 2011 season. In all I counted 10 rowers which is pretty impressive considering the washout of the day.

ROCKNROW FOUND IN FAR AWAY PLACES

We love to see our RocknRow logo travel the world along with our members. Here is board member Thomas Vogel showing off his credentials along the Great Wall of China. As he says,"There is no rowing in Bejing or Shanghai." That maybe true but the RnR spirit is now found on the Great Wall.

If any other members of the Motley Crew is traveling this summer by all means take some RnR gear along with you and send us back a picture. We love receiving them.

"FOUND" ON THE FOUNDERS ROW

Paulie and I have not been able to spend too much time on the water together this year. He's retired so very early morning rows are just not in his schedule at the moment. So when we decided to make it happen this morning at 6:30 (which was sort of a compromise) it was a real treat to spread the word to others of the Motley Crew to see who would show up to row with the club founders. From left to right are Vivien, Sarah, Bobby, Thomas (our newest member on vacation from Germany) Paulie and Chris.
High tides and very flat water made for a sticky but pleasurable cruise around Tinkers. 7 on the bay. Not too shabby for a Founders Row

Father's Day Row

An awesome turnout: I lost track of how many rowers were out this Sunday. Must have been 10 if not more: Jack took out a guest rower, Thomas (also from Germany, but not Vogel); Sheila, Stan, Loretta, Frank headed towards Salem I believe. Sarah, Vivienne, Eileen and I wanted a longer row and headed northeast to Misery. The winds started at 5 - 10 knots, from the northwest, making the row out slow and quite bouncy. All of us were taking water over the port rail. As we came within 1 mile of Misery, the winds stiffened, and I thought of heading our group back for home, but it was too tempting to make the beach on Greater Misery. A good thing, as we all enjoyed the rest from fighting the chop!

But the winds only grew stronger as we rested, and shifted westward. The first 1/2 mile was close to scary. Vivienne capsized, but made a quick recovery. No need for her to do flip clinic this year! A little past Eagle Bar, we found ourselves in the middle of a race course, and one of the boats came within 20 yards of me, a bit too close for comfort.

Back at the dock, Jack had laid out a feast of Pirate's Punch, juice, bagels and cream cheese. Thank you, Cap'n Jack!

Moondance

La luna = the moon. Lunatics = 5 RnR-ers heading out under last Wednesday's full moon. Sarah, Pal, Paul, Stephanie and I departed the dock around 7:30, with the sun disappearing into a low cloud bank in the western sky. A cool and beautifully calm night, the rowing near effortless. Out by Eagle Island, we all started looking for the rising moon....and there it was! A burnt orange orb, rising over Halfway Rock. Our hearts raced at the sight of it!

Sarah and Pal decided to head back to shore; Paul, Steph and I couldn't resist the siren call of our nearest planetary neighbor. Just off the southern flank of Children's, the moon filled the gap between the larger island and Cormorant Rock, like an egg nestled in an egg cup. The simple wooden structures on Children's low cliffs were spectral in the still-dim moonlight, and the clanging of the flashing red buoy 2/3 of a mile further south provided musical accompaniment. As we rowed towards the buoy, the swells grew larger; we sang and talked and laughed as the ocean gently rocked us.

It was a magical night, one that we RnR-ers should repeat. No need to wait for a full moon! A waxing 3/4 or fuller moon rises earlier in the day and still would provided plenty of light.

THE CAPTN'S ROUTE

Left the dock at 5:30 AM. Passed MHD Rock on the portside. Outside Childrens, outside Eagle, around the Miseries brought me to the leeside of the bay. Down to Beverly Harbor across to Salem Harbor and home. An honest 12 miles and 101 miles in the seat since I started my training for the BBC. RocknRow Baby!!

ROCK N ROW BURGER

You knew it was coming,,,our very own extra special very secret recipe burger now available for your sustenance at THE LANDING!

Not on the menu, will never be on the menu and ya need a bit o pirate sass to git it, that's pirate sass, don't believe pirate's ass will win the wait staff over.

When ya'll see Robert...Thank 'im! He da man!

ALL IN

You are confirmed for:

2011 Blackburn Challenge

Registration Number: 34035989
Name: Paul Mazonson

It's Hard Restarting

Haven't rowed since last Tuesday and my body pretty much told me so this morning when I tried to (re) kick start my training. Departed the dock a little past 6:00 with the thoughts of a quick 7 miler. After all I have already put a good deal of time in the seat since Memorial Day. How hard could it be? Overcast skies, full tide with some major size post storm rollers made what I thought for some nice rowing conditions. The only condition that was lacking my own body. I guess the last 4 days of golf, eating and drinking are a condition of another sort. But my buddy Grizz returns to Austin on Tuesday and I hope to restart my training

Hello my friend hello....

Halfway Rock has always had a special place in my heart. I can still remember my first row there. Located almost 2 miles off-shore from Children's you were no longer in the safety of Salem Bay. Man...you're out there in the big stuff where any thing can happen. This morning of course was the perfect time to revisit my old friend. We hadn't spoken since last September where I made it my last row of 2010. Today she greeted me with gentle swells and calm winds. The joy of the morning pushed me passed her for almost another mile before I realize that I had to turn back. Make it your goal to visit her at least once this year. Tell her the Captn' says hello!

Triptych Redux

Triptych: my Echo's name, because when she was born, she had 3 parents - me, Dee Johnson and Scott Olson. Triptych, because we take trips in her.

Today -- on what could turn out to be the most perfect rowing day of the summer, with a gentle breeze, flat water, robin's egg blue skies and cool, dry air --- Bobbie was rowing my Triptych, and I was in the Maas Aero. But there was still a marvelous Triptych of Seth Pappas, Eileen Perry and me. We are well-matched in rowing speed and style, so we could row close together and occasionally talk and laugh as we floated on the surface of the sea. Threading the way between M-head rock and the Neck; out to the near side of Tinker's, where two young guys were doing that weird sport of paddling upright on a surf-board (paddle boarding?); over the VERY shallow shallows at Tinker's southern point, the rocks on the bottom as clear as the gravel in a fish tank; around past a fishing boat just on the windward side; out to Children's, where a scuba diver was hoping for some scallops for dinner; out past Eagle's Bar at low tide, dodging the rocks; and a simply beautiful run two-mile run back to shore, where "Bagels mitt schmear" and mimosas awaited.

What a perfect day! What great people to row with!