We had to break the ice ahead of a WivGigs Winter Warmer midweek row.
Not any ice over the mass of water stretching all the way downstream to Brightlingsea, but the water that had formed in the boat.
This was always going to be a row where we were fighting the elements; the bitter coldness, a strong wind blowing through the Estuary Wilds, and my misjudged toilet call.
It’s very difficult to cross your legs in a boat when you are rowing as part of a team.
Just don’t think of water, right?
Oh shit.
The Big Essex Blue Sky up above was beautiful. Given the coldness, our cox chose the safer option of heading upstream and over towards the Hythe.
It was a wise decision.
Some drills were carried out before we reached Rowhedge. They involved plopping the oars into the water whilst stationary.
It didn’t make much sense to me, either. I just wanted to row and keep bloody warm.
Windy Corner ahead of Rowhedge was navigated. We started to drift a little towards the Muddy Banks under the gusts.
A turnaround took place with no rower involvement. Why do the work, when the changing tide can do this naturally for you?
I had a little time coxing the boat back towards the Sailing Club. I bluffed it, natch, but just about got away with it.
A masked up brave solo kayaker passed us. We admired what must have been two hundred or so pigeons perching on a roof that presumably had insulation.
Brrrrr.
I will get to wear my club rowing vest. But probably not until mid-May.
