Destinations
Rowing Travel in Parks and Protected Areas
I was asked to be part of a panel discussion on the role of tourism in parks and protected areas. As the only business owner on the panel, I presented broad perspectives from the adventure travel industry, which is heavily reliant on beautiful, natural areas and can play a role in advancing conservation. But it…
First Ever Row to Sibuya
We are certain that we are the first people to row the river. Yes, lots have been on it in other craft, including canoes and kayaks, but not rowing shells. This was a rare opportunity in our busy, “been there, done that” world. So ours was a first ever, an easy exploratory adventure on a…
Bellagio Short Break in Rowing & Regatta
We are absolutely delighted to have an article about our Bellagio Short Break published in British Rowing’s magazine Rowing & Regatta Nov-Dec 2015. Patricia Carswell was a delight to have along on the trip, along with the other rowers. You may want to check out two of her blogs Girl on the River and Sporty Over Forty .…
Rowing through London!
For most it is a rare opportunity to row through the centre of London, past such historic sites as the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, the Tower of London, London Bridge, etc. The tides have to be right, permission is needed from the port authority, and braving the river traffic and currents requires good…
Four Rivers in Ireland – River Blackwater
The final river as part of the the Four Rivers in Ireland tour is the River Blackwater in Co. Waterford. This river was the most obviously tidal, and we launch from a beach covered with seaweed. It is a stately river, with perhaps the most dramatic backdrop. Several castles and manor houses grace the shores. Although…
Four Rivers in Ireland – River Slaney cots
In June 2014, we ran our first ever Four Rivers in Ireland trip. That year we rowed River Slaney in County Wexford. There was the wonderful scenery and fabulous wildlife (seals and hundreds of swans) but the special feature was that we rowed traditional river cots. Edermine Ferry Rowing Club was our gracious host. Cots…
Four Rivers in Ireland – River Nore
The second river we row on the Four Rivers in Ireland trip is River Nore. Tides determine whether we begin or end in New Ross or Inostioge. The day requires a small section of the Barrow as well as the charming Nore. The river is the most intimate of our four, as it cuts its…
Exotic Bulgaria Tour
I had the pleasure of meeting Iva Boteva at the San Diego Crew Classic this April. Born in Bulgaria to a family of rowers, she began rowing at 10, going on to win many national titles. She was recruited to row for UCSC and subsequently made Los Angeles her home. Turning to coaching in 2002, she…
Memories of the California Test Tour
In early April, six of us spent ten days exploring and rowing in the San Francisco Bay area. At the time, it felt like the perfect trip, and looking back, it is just as good. Thank you to so many Californian rowers who showed us extraordinary hospitality and even better rowing. I’ll be back, but…
The Nile Rowing Expedition
Years ago, when Martin shared the story of their Nile expedition, I dreamed of being able to row the same waters. That dream came true in February 2026. Read two posts on The Thoughtful Rower blog about the dreaming and the doing. This post was originally published on 03 April, 2014. In Pharonic times Egyptians…
