Looking back and looking forward

2014 is already under way, but I remain amazed and thrilled at what a marvelous year 2013 was for me, and I hope for you too.  I experienced a lot of firsts and there were many highlights.  Too many to itemize, but I was delighted by and grateful for the number of rowers in many different places who welcomed me into their clubs and also their homes, and were willing to share their thoughts and ideas about rowing travel.  Thank you very much.   We really practice a wonderful sport.  When you combine that with the experience of travel, it really can be magical.  Some of the particularly special things for me this past year include:

• Rowing in every month of the year.  Living in a very cold place where the rowing season is typically May to October, this is was especially remarkable, not to mention fantastic.
• Rowing for the first time in the country of my birth (South Africa) and a fabulous row on my birthday (thank you again Christy, JB and Michael).
• First time to ever row a triple and a five or whatever the correct name is.  First time to see a boat baptism.  Also some wonderful night rows, including one when the water started freezing onto the shell.
• There were many places that I enjoyed experiencing rowing for the first time, but in particular it was the first time that I had ever rowed in Switzerland and Ireland, countries with great rowing traditions that I was delighted to sample.
• Watching some of the iconic regattas – Henley Royal particularly stands out.  First time that I have ever worn a dress to a regatta. First time that I have ever seen someone rowing in a dress.
• Running test trips, custom trips and regular tours in three different countries: a huge thank you to all my guests and all the clubs which generously made boats, blades and moral support available.

Launching Rowing The World and The Rowing Concierge in 2013 has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people and experience so many wonderful things.  It was a fantastic year and I appreciate all help and encouragement that I received.  Now I am looking forward to 2014 and curious about what might transpire.  To everyone, a heartfelt thank you.  I wish all of you health, prosperity, peace and especially amazing rowing and travel in 2014.