On the water

Our first practice on the water in five months was as exhilarating as it was impressive. The late afternoon sun was shining brightly, the water was calm, and the same sense of real potential for success that we experienced in September and October was again in the minds of my crewmates.
The first 2-3k were a little rough, as three of the guys are new to our boat, including our stroke seat, some of whom hadn't been training consistently over the winter. The only real problems were my foot stretcher coming off in the first 2k because the middle wing nut/plate is bent and therefore wasn't secure, and timing was also a challenge. The last 2k back to the dock, however, left us all feeling energized and confident in our hastily-put-together boat for the race that is only five days away. I'm psyched.