It was 38 degrees Fahrenheit when I arrived, but warming up in the sun and moving water helped to warm us all up as we enjoyed a glorious morning on the waters of Carquinez Strait.

I figured it was about time I got my own. Now I have to figure out the various contraptions to transport this thing with my car. Thank you to all my kayaking friends who inspired me over the past few years. I’ll be joining you with this behemoth soon when I’m not whaleboat rowing with Solano Rowing Club!

We wanted to check out the Crockett house on the piers dangling over the water.  We imagined how intolerable the many trains that pass by daily on the adjacent tracks must be for the residents, especially since the home appears to have metal siding.

I cherish the low hum of the trains from my bedroom across the strait and up the hill. It’s got to be far different for that location.

Our coxswain asked for name suggestions for the men’s team, so I’m still floating “TestoteROWS.” Why not?

This morning’s excitement was when the Army Corp of Engineers military-style catamaran zig-zagged up to us and asked if we in the WHALEboat saw a dead whale floating around. The irony!