The Caroling Row involved decorating the two launches and each other which turns out to be nearly a much fun as the row itself! We had beautiful weather which came as a gift after a morning of windy, rainy weather. Kara and Marcy drove the launches and carried a number of children, sort of like Santa’s helpers. They tried their best to conduct the singing, but as often goes with these sorts of gatherings, the singing took on a life of its own. It is fair to say that some of our kinder Lake Sammamish neighbors actually turned on their porch lights and came out to enjoy SRA’s efforts at spreading holiday cheer. It is also fair to say there were some folks who turned off their lights and pulled the shades! It has been suggested that next year we serenade the lake with a kazoo band versus a choir; either that or we learn the lyrics to more than just “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. Hot chocolate, cider and cookies were enjoyed by everyone after the boats were put away. This was such a fun, laid-back row and a treat to be able to row with folks you don’t often get to. And having the rowers all lit up like Christmas trees is a beautiful sight to behold for both lake residents and rowers alike.

The New Year’s Day Row was overseen by Kara and Marcy again, bless them. It was a leisurely row and warm up to the point and back again with a promise of a short 250 meter race to the slough. It’s confirmed as of this writing: never trust distance as promised by a cox or a coach. This “250 meter” race was much closer to 1000 meters! In a testament to the civility of all those rowing, no one went for the coaches throats at the row’s end. And it may also be noted that a “leisurely” row with a “little” competition at the end is yet another way to cure those physical impairments associated with New Year’s Eve revelry! Right, B.G.?