Happy November everyone! We're well into fall now and DWR is STILL ROWING. This means, yes, I am still booking all of my rowing services! Mid-fall is a wonderful time to be out on the water. The leaves are burnished and rusty, with more falling every day. The temperatures are getting chillier, the air is as crisp as an apple. Yesterday, we had our first hard frost in Belfast! The harbor is becoming quieter by the day. And the sea and river smoke is back! Being on the water this time of year feels, well...special. It may not be for everyone, but if you think it may be for you, go ahead and book yourself a row in November! The weather can be more unpredictable this time of year, which can mean sometimes rescheduling a session, but as long as we have nice days, I would love to take you out for a lesson or guided tour in Sorciere this month! My boat can accommodate up to three people, so pairs and trios are most welcome! There is also a Fall Moon & Stars row scheduled for November 18.
Speaking of weather, October closed out with a doozy of a gale. Near 30 mph winds, up to 45 mph gusts...storm surge. A lot of flooding in the midcoast region after this one. It was uncertain if my annual Witches Row would be happening! But low and behold...the wind laid down, the water stopped churning and turned sparkly...and the burnished tones of the trees radiated in their vibrancy in the late afternoon sunlight. A small but mighty coven of witches rowed in Sorciere and were joined by a witchy paddler, as well! Below are some photos of us flying around Belfast Harbor and up the Passagassawakeag River. I am thrilled to carry on this tradition, which began a few years back leading a Witches Row with my beloved Come Boating, a community rowing and sailing organization in Belfast. In fact, a group of us witches did another Witches Row on Friday in a Come Boating pilot gig. I mean really, can you have too many Witches Rows?
Two brand new offerings at DoryWoman Rowing: a "Gift a Row" e-card which is good for all of my services. Gift cards are offered in amounts equal to 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 rows--and can also be used for pairs and trios. Do you know someone who loves to be out on the water---or would like to learn to row? This is the perfect gift! The holidays are coming and the Gift a Row will make a unique and special gift for that water and nature-lover in your life--or perhaps you'd like to add it to your own wishlist for holiday gifts!
I have also launched a Shop on my DWR website! Right now, the main product is my Photo Greeting Cards. These 4x6 full color cards capture views from the boat during my rows in Belfast Bay and the Passagassawakeag River. If you've been on a row with me, you know these views! Now you can share "waterscapes" of this beautiful place with others with these lovely all-occasion greeting cards. Cards come in a "bakers dozen" of 13. DWR will donate one dollar of every purchase of a set of these cards to a stewardship-oriented organization in the region. Stay tuned for updates on this. And more items are coming!
Wishing your a happy and healthy November, filled with joy, warmth, magic...and perhaps some rowing!