The 'A Team' Crew

Weather:  Cool winter evening with some wind

Temp:  About 9

River Condition:  Fast downstream flow

River Level:   0.445 mm at 6:00pm falling to 0.390 m at 7:00pm

Boat:  Bray

Rowers:  Jim, John, Neil, Mick, Gags (and Peter for drinks)

Stunning sunset . . .

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Melbourne Sunset

What a wonderful evening for rowing . . . and when we arrived the sunset was just stunning.

There was a bit of a 'reality check' when we learned about Mitch’s collision with a pole in his car last night . . . you have to watch out for those damned objects that leap out onto the road!  Take care Ron and we hope to see you back and around the place very soon.

As we discussed who was going to sit where in the boat it became increasingly apparent that anywhere but the cox’s seat would be good for John – the effects of his government sponsored ‘long lunch’ were still quite apparent and we all considered Gags was the safer option.  

And so we headed off upstream with a serious mindset and we were all very impressed with how well rowed.  We could probably be legends in our own government sponsored long lunchtime!  The row home was also very good, although things became a little sloppy at the ‘intertidal’ zone between the Morell and Swan Street Bridges.  Being the consummate professionals we are we punched through the adversity and emerged a stronger unit for the ‘dash to the line’!  

I can confidently report that we were by far the fastest four on the river this evening – or at least we did not see another one.  Indeed, there was some conversation about Frank Hardy's Power Without Glory - we could well have been the John Wren of the river this evening.

And we were very impressed with the ‘innovative’ method of rowing when we were downstream of the Princes Bridge . . . John demonstrated the now perfected "sideways propulsion technique".  Personally I find that there is less drag when the boat proceeds through the water longitudinally, but I am willing to consider the benefits of the lateral method as well!

For all those who know, next week is the last time that our stroke Jim will be with us before his operation . . . it would be nice to have as many as possible present to wish him well.