Full of energy after 7 full days of rowing!
My students will tell you that I’m a bit of a stickler for employing verb tenses which are appropriate to a given sequence of events, and this evening I’m happy to employ the past perfect as I report that Mr. Frei HAS rowed to Washington.
Al pulls in to the Gangplank Marina.
This blog entry is all that stands in the way of my first truly comfortable night’s sleep in eight days, so forgive me if this is short. I plan to chronicle the highlights over the next few days, but suffice to say that the journey took eight days and covered 240 miles on the nub; a calculus of seat time yields an average over-the-ground speed of 3.8 mph- not bad, I think, considering the paucity of training and the presence of a relentless headwind for the full length of the Potomac.
I couldn’t get into the Tidal Basin this afternoon, but the vistas in Washington were nonetheless awe-inspiring. As always I’m grateful to Peg, Kathy, David and Michele, and Tyler and Elizabeth for their wonderful reception and help in hucking the boat and my skanky gear to the truck.
Al next to the Sequoia (former Presidential yacht).
Let me end this evening’s short entry with a fund raising story. This morning, as I passed Alexandria’s Old Town, I recalled that there was a Starbuck’s located one short block from the pier. I peeled in, simian-flopped into and out of Starbuck’s for an iced mocha (heaven…and alarmed patrons!), and as I climbed back into the boat, two strangers approached and me asked what I was up to. One short story later, Michael gave me the last $4 in his pocket and Elaine fished a ten spot from her bag and wished me well.
Gentle Readers, I offer this quick tale not so much to tug on your own checkbook as to simply say that this example of unconditional kindness is what makes this kind of adventure much, much more than a journey. In the coming days you’ll read a bit about big waves, strong currents, a particular storm of biblical proportions, beautiful scenery and wildlife, etc etc etc…but mostly you’ll hear about generous, trusting, helpful people. There is perhaps no better way to take a thermometer test of the state of contemporary culture than to find yourself in a state of need; a core sample of populace along 240 miles of waterway may not be a valid, accurate test of our national care for one another…but if it’s even close, we’re in good shape.
Gotta say good night.
Tyler and Elizabeth made it in time to help .
Hugs,
Mr. Frei
Greetings, Gentle Reader,
My students will tell you that I’m a bit of a stickler for employing verb tenses which are appropriate to a given sequence of events, and this evening I’m happy to employ the past perfect as I report that Mr. Frei HAS rowed to Washington.
Al pulls in to the Gangplank Marina.
This blog entry is all that stands in the way of my first truly comfortable night’s sleep in eight days, so forgive me if this is short. I plan to chronicle the highlights over the next few days, but suffice to say that the journey took eight days and covered 240 miles on the nub; a calculus of seat time yields an average over-the-ground speed of 3.8 mph- not bad, I think, considering the paucity of training and the presence of a relentless headwind for the full length of the Potomac.
I couldn’t get into the Tidal Basin this afternoon, but the vistas in Washington were nonetheless awe-inspiring. As always I’m grateful to Peg, Kathy, David and Michele, and Tyler and Elizabeth for their wonderful reception and help in hucking the boat and my skanky gear to the truck.
Al next to the Sequoia (former Presidential yacht).Let me end this evening’s short entry with a fund raising story. This morning, as I passed Alexandria’s Old Town, I recalled that there was a Starbuck’s located one short block from the pier. I peeled in, simian-flopped into and out of Starbuck’s for an iced mocha (heaven…and alarmed patrons!), and as I climbed back into the boat, two strangers approached and me asked what I was up to. One short story later, Michael gave me the last $4 in his pocket and Elaine fished a ten spot from her bag and wished me well.
Gentle Readers, I offer this quick tale not so much to tug on your own checkbook as to simply say that this example of unconditional kindness is what makes this kind of adventure much, much more than a journey. In the coming days you’ll read a bit about big waves, strong currents, a particular storm of biblical proportions, beautiful scenery and wildlife, etc etc etc…but mostly you’ll hear about generous, trusting, helpful people. There is perhaps no better way to take a thermometer test of the state of contemporary culture than to find yourself in a state of need; a core sample of populace along 240 miles of waterway may not be a valid, accurate test of our national care for one another…but if it’s even close, we’re in good shape.
Gotta say good night.
Tyler and Elizabeth made it in time to help .
More soon. Must…sleep….
Hugs,
Mr. Frei
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Congratulations Al!
ReplyDeleteWe will raise a Yoo-Hoo in your honor tonight.
With love,
Chuck, Leah, Emily, and Phoebe
At last! Good news from Washington! Welcome back, Ancient Mariner. Looking forward to seeing you back on Traila Firma! -- TLynn
ReplyDelete(Hopefully, no one tried to ba-rock the boat in DC...)