The Charles River - Boston, MA

This post is not about a TN lake. It's about a river that is historical in the rowing community. I fell in love at first sight with the Charles River! My doubles partner and I were attending a training camp. As we drove into Boston and crested over the bridge to see the water. All I could express to my mixed doubles partner, Bob, was an 'Oh my' as my heart skipped a beat. There was so much to take in. The flat water twinkling with gold coins, the historical buildings framing the curving tree lined banks, the various bridges that cross the Charles, and the activity of the people enjoying the greenway that runs the banks of the Charles River had me mesmerized. Our final destination was Northeastern Univeristy's boathouse where we would be staged for our training camp.

Northeastern University's Boathouse dock.

On a funny side note, the entire 1,000 plus miles of driving we were tracking Hurricane Irene. Our hopes were to get in at least a couple of rows with our All American Rowing Camp coaches. The excitement in preparing for my mixed doubles race for the Head of the Charles Regatta this October has been building all summer! Between the txts, emails, phone inquireries and alerts from the Weather Channel we knew that at some point during the camp, Irene would make her presence. Even a few random people we talked to either in toll booths or sitting on the side of the road in traffic commented, "I hope you're not getting on the water with those boats"! After Bob and I had driven all that way, Hell Yes!, we are getting on the water even if it was to put our boat in, row five feet and get out! I digress......

As we pulled up to the boathouse, I realized I had been bouncing in my seat since we had pulled into Boston. I could not wait to get on the water!!!! But my impatience was subsided quickly as we got straight to unloading boats and rigging. Once all was set, the camp gathered to be assigned to Coaches. Our doubles group went out last, but I was finally on the water! Immediately the sights and sounds were overwhelming. Thank goodness Bob rows bow or we would have been all over the river with all there was to distract me.

Within our first 1,000 meters I learned quickly how active that city and river is. Trails line the riverbank filled with runners, walkers and cyclist. Streets just beyond the trails were alive with cars zipping by. Absolutely beautiful buildings to gaze at with every stroke. Kayakers, motor boats, paddle boards, wildlife, and other rowers on the water were a constant to watch for and manuever around. The photos do not do any justice to all that I was taking in.

As we started learning the turns under the bridges, it was quite obvious, I could NOT have done well jumping on the river for a race. Thank you Bob for telling me I needed to do this!!!! Bob called the turns while I try to maintain a stroke rating. With all of our excitement, the stroke rating was a challenge to keep at a steady pace!! I've crossed under bridges but these are deceiving, just when you think you are traveling under them at the correct angle, another adjustment in course needs to be made. The lessons learned in getting directional points with surrounding structures and just how shorelines can trick you has been invaluable. Bob and I row together well, but we communicate even better in calling out how to correct one another, steer the boat or even talk a pace through.

I love the Charles!!

Harvard's Boathouse

Almost to where the start line will be.

Riverside Boathouse & Coach Sean Wolf

We took the course three times during camp to learn the curves both heading to the start and were coached on the strategy points as we came back. Our final run included navigating the course and mainly bridges at race pace. This was a great feeling to hit some solid pieces while turning and gaining a strategy along with confidence. Each bridge was a challenge and also a victory as we made out paths correctly as Coach Sean Wolf instructed. The final piece of our race for the last bit of our camp was making a tricky corner then kicking in a sprint for the last 300 meters. Bob and I turned up the heat and hit a good rating with a perfectly steered course......we finished strong!

Boston College Boathouse

Weeks Bridge with the famous clock tower for guidance.

Although Irene cut our training camp extremely short and it felt like we spent more time loading and unloading trailers than rowing. The knowledge of the course from our coach Sean Wolf was invaluable. I'm pumped about the Head of the Charles!! I've got my training cut out for me these next two months. All I need to think about is those bridges, turns and race paces, over & over. It's been a great time with a great group of people whom I'll be watching closely in the Charles. In all I road over 2,000 miles, spent 24 hours in Boston and rowed 25,000 meters.....Mother Nature just did not cooperate. But I found another love in a river I hope to row several more times.

Stay tuned for the post after the Head of the Charles. Who knows, if it goes well, I might try to enter the lottery and see if I get drawn to race my single next year! Ready Bob? - Let's row!

Center Hill Lake - Cookeville Boat Dock

I was fortunate to have company with this row.  My good friends, Lewis and Nan departed the house with me before the crack of dawn.  With their help, I was on the water within 15 minutes launching near the boat ramp at Cookeville Boat dock.  It was such a pleasant morning with cool temperatures, no wind and a slight mist rising off the water.

An easy wet launch next to the boat ramp

Lewis & Nan loading up to follow

Center Hill Lake near Cookeville Boat Dock is such a familiar place for me with all my time of either riding in friends boats or even taking my own runabout out in the past.  I've shared many happy memories on this lake including learning to wakeboard, wake surf and even try a run at barefoot skiing. It was an extra special treat to row this in my scull.  The hills surrounding the water are picturesque. 

Beautiful colors with the sunrise

Lewis and Nan were companions on this row as they followed in their boat.  As you can see from the photos, it was nice to have someone capture photos of me rowing.  I also think that having a boat following me made me step up my game in speed thus helping me with training.  I reduced my split times for the first 3,500 meters.  Thank you Lewis and Nan for providing some great photos of me in my boat.  

Great times with great friends!

The morning was calm as the hills provide great protection from the wind.  This water is some of the best I've rowed for such a large body of water.  From Cookeville boat dock, I rowed about 3,200 meters to make it into a small cove of Dry Creek.  This cove has often felt smaller to me in other boats.  As I entered and rowed the familiar spot, the area felt extrodinalrily immense.   The marina gave me the same perspective.  This all has to be because I'm sitting merely inches off the water.  

Boat house community

Rowing back past the marina I sought to find people stirring on the house boats.  This marina offers many slips that make it a small community floating on the water.  It was obviously a lazy weekend since I did not see any out and about enjoying a cup of coffee on decks.  It was perfectly quite and peaceful as I was the only one stirring the water.

As I rowed back to tuck my scull back on my car, I was happy to know I'd be back on the water that afternoon to enjoy wake surfing.  Center Hill is a lake I know I will return to row for more fun and cove exploring adventures!

Cumberland River (Downtown Nashville) / Cheatham Lake

Cheatham Lake / Cumberland River row was special because I was joined by teammates of the Nashville Rowing Club (NRC).  Along with me in my single, there were two four's, a quad and a double.  Three rowers were included in the launch for safety of which two were interchanged at our turning point so they could row.  Rowing the Cumberland River toward downtown was special to our club.  We all wanted to experience the river row so that we can all share what it will be like to eventually have out boathouse on the river.  Most city's include river recreation and we hope that Nashville will welcome our club along with Montgomery Bell Academy and Vanderbilt Crew.

The day started with loading at Hamilton Creek Marina.  Once loaded and excited to make our launch destination, we encountered a downpour.  NRC rowers gathered in Shelby Park to check  our launching location and the weather radar.  Once we determined we could make a go at rowing with a break in the weather, we made our way down a fairly steep boat ramp with a slick bottom to then awkwardly climb in boats.  While this feat is not so bad in my single, it can be a challenge in the larger boats.

NRC lined up and ready to launch

Getting in a boat on a slippery ramp can be a challenge!

It may be a challenge, but entertaining to watch.

All boats were filled and we gathered to row in a group.  Our first sight as we started rowing was the rail bridge that crossed the river at the Omohundro Water Treatment Plant, with a train crossing and continuously sounding the whistle.  Our second encounter was a set of docked barges that take residence on the far side of the river.  I've passed these before and even though they are not moving, it is still intimidating to feel their size when passing by on what seems like a toothpick in comparison.  All these new sights also included new sounds.  It took some time to become accustomed to the new noises, from trains, to bridgework, and even interstate noise.

Rail bridge with the Omohundro Water Treatment Plant

Ingram Barge loading/docking area.  These are HUGE!  Both barges and cranes.

Don taking a picture of me taking a picture.  Ha!  There were people on the balconies at Rolling Mill Hill.

The first stage of the row was industrial in nature but also featured a lot of green space on the Shelby Park side (east bank).  As we got closer to the PSC metal site it became apparent we we getting closer to downtown Nashville.  There was enough of a break in the rain that I could make out the Nashville Skyline.  Seeing downtown Nashville from the river is a new perspective that was exciting to me.  I often get to see the Cumberland River but have never had the opportunity to be on it (one of Nashville's needed improvements).

As I rowed under the Korean War Memorial Veteran's bridge, I was recognizing so many landmarks that make Nashville special.  Downtown Riverfront was about 3,500 meters from our launching point at Shelby Park.  The General Jackson Riverboat was docked at Riverfront Park and our goal was to be past it so we would not be in the path of it's noon voyage to Opryland. Perfect timing as it pulled away from shore just as we were all past.  Rowing past the Riverboat and downtown was a personal treat.  People from the river boat and shoreline were waving and shouting cheerful greetings.  This is not something we often get to experience as a club typically rowing on Percy Priest.

General Jackson Riverboat at Riverfront Park.  They are just about to leave for Opryland.

Another view of the Pinnacle & AT&T.  Both are a presence in Nashville's skyline.

The turning point we chose was Woodland Street Bridge, 4,000 meters into the row.  As NRC took time to change rowers out of the launch and into the fours, I rowed back downtown to take photos of Riverfront Park, the Nashville Skyline, Titan's Stadium (LP Field), the NABRICO building (I still think this would have made a great boathouse on the bottom floor), the piece of 'art' & bridges crossing the Cumberland.

Another rail bridge just past Woodland Street bridge.  This was the view at our turning point.

LP Field.  Home of the  Tennessee Titna's!

Riverfront Park / downtown Nashville

Shelby Pedestrian Bridge & Korean War Memorial Bridge (race start & finish lines).

I paddled back to rejoin the rest of the team and we took off on our return journey.  Rowing once again through downtown, I was still excited see all of the activity and waving hands as people welcomed us.  Nashville really is as friendly as it ranks!

Josh & Chris in the double

I still don't get it....even from this perspective.

The NABRICO building being renovated.  Wouldn't the bottom floor make a perfect boathouse?!

Our next piece of excitement took place as Don yelled from the launch for all boats to line up for a small 400 meter race between bridges.  Anyone that knows me, knows I got the adrenaline rush to get in a race and went into what felt like sensory overload.  Don boisterously yelled 'Ready All -ROW' and we were off.  That little 400 meter piece was fun with my teammates boats surrounding and all the sights of the river to watch.  We made it to the next bridge hearts pumping and got a beautiful view of Nashville!

Last view of downtown Nashville.

One of our four's making their way back to the boat ramp......steady state.

Knowing that we had about 3,000 meters to go and a rain storm to beat, we all locked into our steady state row.  The drizzle was starting and the river was quite.  As I rowed past the location of our potential boathouse, it was nice to think of launching off that point in the near future.   I can see myself spending many more rows on the Cumberland River.

You can barely see it.  The old Navy Reserve Building....hopefully the future home of rowing.

As NRC made it back to the boat ramp and started loading boats, I took off to get one last glimpse of the rail bridge that crosses the Cumberland.  Just as I got one last shot of the bridge and the surroundings, the rain started with a steady fall.  Don came by with the launch just as I was making my way back to the dock.  He made the comment, "Nice day for a row, huh?". I could not have agreed with him more.

Rail bridge from a different point of view.

The rain is comiong down!  This is the direction of Opryland.  My next journey on the cumberland River.

We all made it back in one piece.  No boat or rower damages done.  The river was calm with no debris and very few motorized boats.  Overall it was a great experience and even more fun to share with my fellow Nashville Rowing Club members.  NRC member, Chris had a surprise of home made brew for everyone as we tightened the straps on our boats and prepped for our journey back to our home marina.  I am thankful for all that shared in the experience and am looking forward to many more rows on the Cumberland River!

Old Hickory - Station Camp Cove

First arrival....it wasn't this way in Nashville!





Furture rower, Amy.  Woohoo!  Go Amy!

These kids had all the tricks!  What fun to watch.

This lake is outstanding!  Well, at least Station Camp cove is.  I met a friend, Amy, to let her try rowing my single.  We got on the water around 6:15.  Amy did great for her first time in a single that's made more for racing than recreational rowing!  It was a foggy morning so it proved to be perfect to share some rowing tips while the fog burned off.  Amy managed to maneuver the boat, take full strokes and started asking questions that involved technique......a true rower in the making!!!

I found a small ramp off of Douglas Bend.  I was able to find a spot to wet launch with ease.  This obviously is a favorite among fishermen and ski boats alike.  A wake boat with a load of kids ready to play for the day was heading out just as I was.  I got a full boat cheer as they watched me row by and they got their gear together.  Soon I discovered I was sharing the cove with them as they practiced their wake boarding tricks.  I have to say, I prefer polite wake boaters to NASCAR bass boats.  These kids were watchful of me and kept their distance when they saw me.  I was only passed by them twice.  Those kids were so much more pleasant than what I have dealt with on Percy Priest!

Here's a tidbit or side note.  The nice thing about wake boats is the fact that you only have to deal with 5 wakes.  Once that passes, you've got calm water.  Where as bass boats or pontoons throw out these ever occurring rollers.  Those are more of a hassle to row over.

About 1,700 meters into my row, I saw my friend Amy standing on the bank waving.  She had made it back to her house and gave me a little cheer as I rowed past.  It's so fun to share with friends and have them support you.  That gave me a warm fuzzy & energized my row.

Some sort of duck blind near the main channel.  I so wanted to explore.

I made it about 4,000 meters out when Station Camp cove opened into the main channel.   I decided it was best for me to stay in the cove.  Along both shorelines to and from the boat ramp are scattered with houses.  Some had nice little boat docks and some were McMansions! As I made my way back to the boat ramp, I cut down a side cove that had a slalom ski course.  Two skier's were taking turns running the course. As they took a break, I rowed down the course and got a sudden adrenaline rush as it reminded me of race lanes.  I really enjoyed the break in my morning row to watch these guys run this course with sprays that arched high in the air.  They made something that I know is tough look so simple & beautiful.  

Down the center of the course.

The butterflies hit!  Oh yeah, it's only the ski course.

As I made my way back, I rowed along more houses which make up Gallatin's, Fairvue Plantation.  Wow, so many porches I would love to spend my mornings or afternoons killing time.  Beautiful houses with beautiful landscapes.

Like I said, McMansion!

Fairvue Plantation

Closer to the launching area, I was starting to notice many more boats on the water and much more activity in the neighborhood.  People we stirring.  I consider Station Camp Cove to be a 5 oar (top of the rating).  Boaters were considerate and the area was beautiful.  People waved and the day started off perfectly.  Really, what day doesn't when you get to have a good water row!

I've returned and the sun is just starting to break through.

Cordell Hull

Cordell Hull was a fun lake to explore.  I had Mom join me (only as a land lover) on this venture.  She brought the binoculars and watched as I made it around a bend past the campgrounds.  I chose to launch at the Corps of Engineers park off Hwy 85 in Smith County. There's a great swim area near the boat launch prior to reaching some of the nicest camp grounds I've seen. The parks fee is $4/day. I was able to find a small beach spot just outside the swim area a very short walking distance from the parking spot. I launched about 5:30 am and took off onto what turned out to be a wide open area.

Mom was a great help.  Plus she's always there to cheer me on and warn of all the dangers...ha!

I rowed 5,000 meters around a bend to see rolling hills and bluffs that were beautiful. The bass boats were few but polite. I have found this to the the case with most crack of dawn boaters as opposed to late afternoon tournament participants. As I passed the campgrounds from the water, I had to laugh to myself over the sound of a constant hum from generators. It's amazing what camping meant to this group. I personally grew up with a tent, fire pit (smores- yum!) and if we were lucky a common restroom with a quick shower. These campers I noticed had huge set ups with rv's, air conditioning, front porch areas and even TV's (come on)!

The camp ground was tucked in a bend and this was the area I encountered many floating trees, some sticks and of course human trash such as plastic bottles and worm buckets. It amazes me how much people litter!!!! Anyhow, the obstacles I had to navigate the most were the trees. I took a picture of one that I swear was the likes of seeing the tip of a glacier. This tree root ball was as big and a ski boat and floating! Amazing.

As I reached the 5,000 mark and settled for a quick drink, I paused to take in the rock bluffs that were running at the bend in the river just beyond the channel marker. Sitting there with no boats to disrupt the peace, I was thinking about the journey I am taking and all the things I will see. Perspective from the water is so different from the roadside or trail. The water is my peace and the beauty is my confirmation of a higher existence.

As I started my journey back to the beach where I launched, I once again had to chuckle as I passed 'campers'. I was beginning to see the people stir and smelled the start of breakfast cooking (but no campfires). One of the best smells ever is bacon, even on the water!! Fishermen were moving out to their spots and the sun had made it's way above the hills to just start touching the water and sparkle.

Once back to my launch/recovery shore Mom was waving and expressing her happiness of my safe return. It's helpful to have an extra set of hands as you are juggling oars, water bottles, waterproof bag, and boat. Thanks Mom.

The hills in Tennessee with their mist are always beautiful.  Perfect picture to start a row.

There actually is a spec on shaore.  That's Mom!  She's got the binoculars and is watching me and I'm sure a few birds.  I rowed over to wave..... hey Mom!

This is the tree rootball that was as big as a boat.  Who knows other than the fish how big the rest of the tree spanned. 

Stopping to 'smell the roses'.  Actually I don't know what these flowers were, but they jumped out and I took notice.

Loaded and ready to go back to Hamilton Creek Marina in Nashville.  I thought  I would post this for those if you that wonder how I get the scull from point A to B.  It's a sight!