Latest update

I've built up my stamina to the point where I can go about 1.3 miles somewhat comfortably, although I sometimes cut that short. My tendonitis is still a bit of a problem, and darkness is again a factor in the mornings now that the clocks have changed. I'm not all that self-conscious about being seen as my stroke has improved. I still have a few clumsy moments, but I've avoided running into anything.

I haven't done anything about the cracked keel yet since it isn't creating any real challenges. After I row, I usually leave the boat tied up in the water to allow some water to drain out before pulling it up on the raft. Once on the raft the water leaks out completely, I assume.

I've researched getting a jet ski Jet Dock to add to the raft so I can accommodate the boat easier and don't have to pull it up so much to get it on the raft, but the market price for used Jet Docks on Craigslist is about $750 and not in my budget now.

I also have an issue with the tightening mechanisms on the riggings. The tightening bolts have practically seized. I could replace the assemblies but Little River Marine charge $150 each, so that's not happening soon either. Right now both are just loose enough that they will swing inboard. Fortunately when you row, the rowing action holds them tight against their stops and it doesn't affect the stroke until you attempt to stop, so sudden stops are pretty much out of the question unless I can tighten them a little bit, but they really don't want to turn at all.

I don't know what happened to make them get so tight since they weren't tight when I got the boat. Blaming it on salt air is about all I could do. (BTW, I've soaked them with Liquid Wrench to no avail.)

I've rigged up a metal "mast" at the back of the boat to hold my little video recorder. I need to add a little pocket to hold it steady and then I'll record and post some video of me. I might even sing.

I called it

On Oct. 1, 2009, I predicted "a very major natural disaster somewhere along the Pacific Rim...in the next couple years" and I think it came true yesterday in Japan. I had brushed off the earthquakes in Chile, Haiti and New Zealand as not being realizations of the prediction. Not so this time. I hope the toll is not too high.

Rowing progress

I've increased my distance to 1.3 miles, but I'm not out as often as I was at first. I have developed a little tendonitis in my right elbow that takes about 3 days to return to close to normal between rows. I saw my doctor last week and she gave me a shot of cotisone and said it should take care of it (it didn't change much).

On the plus side, my cholesterol wasn't that bad (230). The blood was taken before I got the Heritage, so I have to give my kayaking most of the credit. I certainly haven't been all that good with my diet. I think it will get even better from the rowing which is far more aerobic than kayaking ever was, at least the way I did it. My wife does say I look a bit leaner already. Lean is not a term that truly applies to me, but leaner is leaner, and I'll take all the encouragement I can get.

My boat now needs some repair. Back when I got all the water in it from the missing cork, I apparently damaged the keel hauling it back onto the dock with all that extra weight in it. The fiberglass is cracked on either side of the center of the keel. It lets a little water in now, but the double wall construction keeps it from getting too serious. I think it will continue to get worse until I get it repaired, but I don't want to take it out of service yet. I have a guy who can probably fix it pretty quickly and cheaply, but it will have to wait.