A New Focus

So, I am not neglecting this blog; I just got the password. Now, Kati's already told most of the stories of the summer (except we got a vanfull of boys to sing 'I kissed a girl' on our way home from dinner at nationals--almost as good as the whole busload of them at Placid), leaving me with little to do. Instead, let's look ahead.

Besides last weekend when Kati got sucked into the Duke Race (distance six-man), we have been transitioning over to the ILH surfski season starting as soon as everyone's back in school. Senior boys Pat and Brandon offered Kati to go for an afternoon stretch in the ski (which I later learned meant she had invited herself), who then invited me. We cruised out to Mokulea Rock (known better as Bird Shit) and surfed back, left behind promptly by the uncontainably fast boys. Besides getting lost in failing light since neither Kati nor I had landmarked the right-of-way we took to the beach, it wasn't a bad first ocean run (for me).

We've also gone out on a ski surf session just off of Kati's house and done our own, separate outings (mine mostly consist of hikes and beach romps with the dog--no boat involved). It's good to be on vacation!
-Giulia

Nationals

Back home from nationals in Oklahoma, Giulia is continuing the college search in Washington - she's looking at UW and their rowing program! All of HCKT had a great regatta, lots of good racing, medals, personal bests. My mom raced too, she basically swept up in the masters division, AND she raced C4, having never paddled a canoe without an ama (outrigger) before! I am so proud of and happy for her. We also raced K2 500meters together, it was a really cool experience. Guilia and I came away with 3rd in C2, and we're looking forward to next time, because even with me only paddling about half of the whole 500 (I was steering outrigger-style - haven't quite gotten the canoe J-stroke steering yet!), the 2nd place US team only finished 5 seconds ahead! This race was a good indicator of how far we've both come since we started K1, even how far we've come since the Lake Placid camp and regatta. I see even more clearly what I need and want to do to continue to improve, and it's really exciting. And challenging, 'cause school starts again in 2 WEEKS! eek! Nah, but it should be a good semester. Organic Chem and Journalism, yummy.
-Kati