Rowing/Road Trip

             Where to start? I’ve been home a week from the brick swap. We have been getting a bit more time on the water as far as rowing goes. A few of the rows were with the “old time” experienced rowers so there was power and run in the boat. Our newest rowers are of the variety who want to just paddle on the river. On the surface this does not seem to be a real big deal, but…. A few weeks ago I coxed a Sunday row in the eight with only two experienced rowers in the stern pair. With eight rowers I only rowed two pairs at a time. My stern four, middle four, bow four, and outside pairs. Having four people to hold the set should keep the boat fairly set.

My bow four was so weak the boat would hardly move when they were rowing. Heading back to the dock the wind kicked up some waves which kept us dead in the water just bouncing. What was worse, my starboard rowers were so weak I could not keep a point. We were on a constant course to shore. Finally in exasperation I gave the order to “weigh enough” which ius when all rowers have oar bladed flat on topo of the water. I then did a hurried transition to the stern four to get us out of the crash course we were on to a private dock.

I don’t know what to do to break through to these rowers. Saturday we had enough rowers to take out the eight. One of the weak starboard rowers was in the bow seat. I feel so bad because this rower seems to be trying, but cannot/willnot apply any of the coaching into her stroke. When rowing one of the most important things to do is to have your oar blade enter the water clean and straight. This position is called “the catch”. If oar blade enters on an angle you can “catch a crab” which is when the blade is sucked under the water. This rower’s stroke is so erratic her blade will be at all different angles at the catch. We were headed back to the dock rowing with strong strokes. I was in 5 seat on the starboard side. The boat lurched to the left (starboard… this can be so confusing because under normal circumstances looking to the bow, port is left and starboard is right, we rowers are facing backwards to the stern) and the next thing I knew this head pops up from the water right in front of my oar! This rower caught an “ejector crab” which threw her out of the boat. Fortunately no one was hurt and we all returned back to the dock a bit shaken but in one piece.

This event really shook me up. It is the first time something like this has happened in the club. It could have been a serious accident. We are doing another “learn to row” this week. How I’m dreading the uncertainly of the upcoming rows with inexperienced rowers. It was so different when I first rowed five years ago. There was so much enthusiasm and a desire to improve among the new rowers. Now, we are just getting people who just want to sightsee on the river. Enough rowing talk…..

I arrived to the brick swap early Saturday morning. There was an excellent crowd with lots of street pavers. I was so tickled in how my bricks were in demand. I could not find much information on these bricks origin. I don’t think they are Hoking Valley Bricks because they are so soft. My toe brick was a “Worlds Fair” brick. Robinson Clay Products manufactured this brick. They won a first prize at the 1893 Columbian Worlds Fair in Chicago. As a company they were so proud, they manufactured their bricks embossed with Columbus stepping onto the New World and a representation of the medal. These bricks are highly sought after.

The brick swap in front of the 1868 Asylum:

Worlds Fair, Square brick, on a background of Circle, and Star Bricks.

I got some interesting bricks at the swap and auction. There was a beautiful chimney pot I actively bid on. Truth be told, I had no real use for it. I have a number of then I have fashioned into small tables using concrete squares from Homo Depot.

Some building tiles along with firebrick got turned into plant stands for the front porch.

Got onto the road home about 3:00 p.m. I planned on going to Florence, KY just south of Cincinnati. There is a Travel Lodge I have stayed at many times which is right down the road from WhiteCastle.

Traffic through Cincinnati southbound was not bad on this Saturday afternoon. Once I crossed into Kentucky though I saw the traffic backing up in the northbound lanes. Northbound traffic was at a standstill for miles. Got off the motel exit and went to check in. I had a coupon in the discount book for $37.50. I was unsure if this would be honored on a weekend, but the rate on the banner over the door was $44.95 a night.

The front desk was a mess. The area stunk of cigarette smoke and the clerk was very disorganized. She could not find the sheet with all the cleaned rooms to let out. I explained I just needed a single non-smoking for the night. After much drama she got on the computer and informed me only smoking rooms were left and the rate would be $94.00!! There was a Jazz Festival Going on so they were gouging for every penny they could get.

Needless to say I got back on the road and ended up at the Motel Six in ShepardsvilleKY, the same place I stayed Thursday night. Instead of disorder I found the lobby deserted. The clerk’s neckband and keys were on the counter on a clipboard and the office was unlocked. I checked around the area for the missing clerk for about five minutes. I was getting worried; there is usually a sign out if the front desk is unattended. I went to the truck to get my phone to call the 800 number for Motel Six. When I returned this missing clerk was walking back into the office.

Got checked in and hightailed it to the Cattlemans for super. Iris was behind the bar again. There was a guy sitting around the corner of the bar from me who struck up a conversation. It was the strangest thing. He made a comment on my earrings, which are just stainless hoops with a ball. To tell the truth I forget I even have them anymore. Then he went on about my Utilikilt. I’m so used to this happening; I just gave my stock explanation. This man then explained how his wife recently died and how lonely he was, did I want any action for the night!

Butter my buns and call me a biscuit…..I said I was on a road trip and I don’t mess around. Life is never dull……