DAY 6: March 22
This morning we woke up to extremely foggy conditions, so bad that we could not see the water from the dock, definitely not good rowing weather. But, we were able to postpone practice a couple hours and have a beautiful morning practice in the sun. After a quick rest and final Walmart trip for more bus snacks, the fleet was back on the water for practice No. 2! All of the boats successfully flowed together with great balance and power (our Bs and Ps).
The most looked-forward to portion of the day, which took place in a room with heron pictures (naturally), was the critically acclaimed talent show. There were many laughs, some tears, karate kicks, and unique talent throughout the show. We would say that it was extremely successful and it was a great night to be a Heron. Today was a great day for one woman especially,
Eliza Orrick, because it was her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Also happy belated birthday to
Jess Steketee! Her birthday came before we were assigned the great duty of being bloggers.
Tomorrow is, sadly, our last practice here in South Carolina, but this week has been truly incredible with many amazing changes made not only individually, but team-wide. We want to thank our team, our wonderful coaches,
Sandra and
Jodi, the bus drivers,
Bob and Bob, and everyone who was included in making this trip happen so smoothly. So, as we sign off, we thank you all.
Stay strong, stay fast, and keep flying Herons!
We love you!
Your Spring Break Bloggers of 2012
DAY 5: March 21
Today we were on TV! YAY! Of course we looked wonderful in our snazzy uni's and we rocked practice for the FOX news crew. Everyone was super excited and we're pretty sure the men were a little jealous...kudos to our captain
Tess Wiggins for her awesome interview. The rest of the day went smoothly, including our race pieces in the afternoon. Great job to the Herons in the Hudson and the Wendy Kalif (both Hobart 8s), you guys adjusted beautifully. Our team has gotten so strong and everyone is really getting into gear for our upcoming season.
Enjoy the upcoming days Herons, we'll be back in Geneva before you know it!
Love,
Us
DAY 4: March 20
Up at 5:15 a.m., back to sleep at 5:30 a.m. on the bus...life of a rower. 7:15 a.m. en route to Gainsville, Ga...wakey wakey the trailer unhitched from the truck, damaging two of the four boats. However, with the great strength of the Heron rowers the trailer was put back on the hitch. After arriving in Lake Lanier, Sandra was able to temporary repair the boats allowing us to row as planned.
The practice on Lake Lanier was fantastic and highly competative. We were all excited about rowing on a former Olympic Venue. Following practice, we were rewarded with scrumptious red velvet cupcakes from a loving and supportive parent along with lunch from the truck and showers! Next we headed to the Mall of Georgia for a few hours of relaxtion and shopping, which we are all professionals at, of course. Our day ended with a long three hour bus ride back to Columbus with tired eyes and bodies looking forward to a good night's sleep. Goodnight Herons and great job today!
Love,
Us
DAY 3: March 19
Morning practice began with more competitive race pieces to wake us up. The day started hot and, naturally, only got hotter, thankfully in between race pieces the river water cooled our hot, blistered hands. Breakfast was filling as always with waffles, fruit, and yogurt! (Sadly there was a point when the waffles ran out.) When we finished eating, rest time began and included another pit stop at Walmart. During this time off, many ice baths were utilized to soothe sore muscles. PM practice, although challenging, proved to be extremely fun and preparative for tomorrow.
Tomorrow we have the incredible opportunity to meet and practice with several women's college rowing teams in Georgia. Although we will be faced with a 3-hour and 20-minute bus ride at 5:30 a.m., we are accepting of such a challenge because as rowers we are accustomed to getting up early to enjoy a beautiful day on the water. Tonight following dinner, we were pleasently surprised with a letter from Lisa Murray-Roselli '88 who was extremely excited about how our program has grown. It was truly inspiring to hear from a past Heron. As we get ready for bed, we are excited for tomorrow's events. (Giant practice AND a half day off!!)
Sleep well Herons, we will see you bright and early!
Bloggers out.
DAY 2: March 18
Today began with our first practice of several competitive race pieces, which fueled the teams excitement. After practicing hard and chowing down on a delicious breakfast, we finally had some down time to catch up on work, sleep, and enjoy Harry Potter weekend on ABC. Our evening practice was thankfully storm-free and full of drills. The weather was beautiful and the water was clear and one boat met a new friend...a no-legged, slithering, water snake.
The team seems to be settling nicely into break; already the team bond has grown immensely which will surely aid in the success of the spring season.
Sleep well Herons,
This is your bloggers signing off!
DAY 1: March 17
Actually, Day 1 began yesterday with a 14-hour bus ride to Columbia, S.C., where we attempted to get our beauty sleep on the floor between bus seats. To start off our St. Patrick's Day, wake up call was a lovely Cracker Barrel breakfast in North Carolina, during which minimal coherent conversation occurred and due to lack of sleep most Herons were quite delirious. After a speedy 2-hour bus ride, thanks to our bus driver Bob, we arrived in Columbia just in time for practice!
It turned out to be a gorgeous day with fantastic rowing by William Smith. (It was a great day to be a Heron!) Our first practice ran extremely well...with Sandra's approval. Our hard work was rewarded with some good eats. After finally checking into our hotel, we had a very long 10-minute break until boarding the bus for our next practice which sadly was shortened due to lightening. On the way to dinner, we de-smellified ourselves with clean shirts (no showers). Hobart and William Smith rowers were treated to a delectable meal with unlimited glasses of water. (Tiff Jones would be so proud!) Last stop of the night before bed: WALMART! Basically, we emptied the place (of healthy food only of course).
All-in-all, the day was filled with exhausted rowers, hilarious sunburns (LBW?), and an abundance of freshly acquired southern accents. We have embraced our southern persona. We look forward to another day of smooth rowing and warm weather.
Love us,
Your trusted Heron bloggers 2012
