Five Harbor Row

The day was glorious. Beautiful weather, calm sea and skiffs everywhere. I was almost giddy to be part of it.

Coordinating 22 skiffs into and out of 5 small harbors and as you can see the tide times.

Skiffs from neighboring towns had been dropped off the night before, as getting multiple trailers into and out of our small harbor would be problematic for our morning start.

The 5 Harbor Row would start in Portsoy and end in Findochdy. Crew changes and stops for tea and cake in some of the harbors.

I was beyond excited to row out from Portsoy to Cullen.

However, there were 22 boats to get into the water. I so enjoy events like this where whomever is nearby lends a hand.

I’d say it was ‘for fun and for free’, but it also was a fundraiser for the RLNI, an organization supported by all.

It was not a race, it was a row. Banter and laughter. Sightings of dolphins, a mother and babe.

A wee push to send out the next crew.

In between harbors we sat on the cliff to watch the flotilla come around the bend from Portnockie.

A quick change and final leg. Cheeky gray seals poked their heads out of the water, as if to say, “What are you all doing?” There are no pictures, as rowing takes two hands. I am sitting in seat 2 off the bow or second from the right. My job is to watch the Stroke (second from the left, next to the cox). The Stroke sets the pace and we are to row ‘together’.

The most amazing thing about rowing is that the more you do it properly, the easier it is. I absolutely love it! What an experience in this wonderful place. I am exceedingly blessed.

With the skiffs all put away, we enjoy a seat on the harbor wall outside the pub.

Oh, yes, that part is fun too!

…and then we just walk home.