Greetings, Gentle Reader,
This is only my second blog entry about the next "big row," this one of course a placid paddle through the lengths of the Erie and Champlain Canals. As I think back to the original Big Row, I was way, way ahead in both blogtime and training efforts at this point in 2006. I had scoped out my route, executed some reconnaissance along the way, shaken the bushes for early money (for the boyz), exerted myself on the rowing machine down the street, and eschewed countless Yoo Hoos and Butterscotch Krimpets all in the name of "preparation."
As I sit here this evening, I wonder if I might be sipping on the Kool Aid of advancing age. It's an unsettling drink. I am woefully out of shape. I have one paltry tourist guide of the Erie Canal. I have yet to consider supplies or logistics, and the eye of the tiger that possessed me two years ago is, at this moment, a kind of warm, fuzzy, "Hey, this will be fun!" euphoria. To my credit, I have called the nice folks in New York to make sure that they will allow me to transit scores of locks in my un-powered craft; imagine the embarrassment of being barred from the first gate in, of all places, Buffalo. I did, and it prompted my precautionary call.
They said, "Bring it on." I was half hoping for "You have to be kidding."
Compounding my current angst regarding preparation is my intention to move the launch date to mid-June. My "summer off" is fast filling up with non-negotiable dates and commitments; whoever said that the currency of teaching includes the blissful freedom of summer was right …but hadn't taken a peek at my planner. I've got to start soon or put it off for a year. As I approach 57, putting things off is not the casual luxury it once was.
OK, so the plan is this:
Today was the last day of classes. As I write this blog, the boys are in deep preparation for their Final Exams. Can'tcha' picture them even now, eager learners leafing through their copious and definitive notes, reflecting appreciatively on the sparkling pedagogy that has delivered them to their current peak of preparedness, anxious to demonstrate their mastery of the Queen's English? Can you? Will you call me and tell me about it? To be honest, this is a good crew; they've worked hard despite my periodic lapses and tantrums.
I have yet to write the English Exam that will keep them entertained for two hours next Monday, but I will. Hee Hee. Oh, yes, I will.
After that, a week of grading followed by graduation, a few tears, then a brief trip to Bermuda (on business…honest!), then, home to be into the west end of the Canal from Lake Erie by the 21st or so. No time on the water in advance, only a bit of time in the gym, but by and large it'll be on-water conditioning - and pain - while I inch my way across New York State and then up to Whitehall.
"So soon, Al?" asked my friend Bob the other day. "June? When will you train? How will you get ready?"
Bob's question evokes the famous story of the American fighter pilots of WWII who, upon hastily receiving the revolutionary P 51 Mustang fighter that would replace their Thunderbolts - and which would enable them to escort bomber formations deep into Germany for the first time- were asked by their commanding officer, "When will you learn to fly them?" Their reply was a pointed, "Sir, we'll learn to fly them on the way to the mission."
My safer, simpler task of getting in shape for the row will be accomplished, I hope, during the row.
Blogmistress Kathy, aboard for this trip as well, promises to maintain the site in her customarily creative and professional fashion. She doesn't do this for a living, but she certainly could. She rocks.
I sense that my dear Peg is relieved that this particular journey will not entail the perils of open water or carnivores that The Big Row presented, and yet I am again appreciative beyond expression for her patience with me as I embark on another row-about. Peg well understands that we are better companions when we have degrees of freedom to follow our bliss; I hope to be good enough to warrant her patience…and, truth be told, I also hope that she will pass through a few locks with me in June.
And mom? Mom doesn't know about this yet. Let's keep it our little secret just for now, shan't we?
That's all for now. The Machinery of CanalCanal? is in motion. More interesting stuff soon, I promise. But one Big Question remains: Will anyone read?
Let me know. Special topical requests gratefully accepted.
Hugs,
Al
