Thursday in Seattle

With two days and counting until the regatta the excitement is building towards Saturday.

We begun the day with a Seattle Duck tour. This was not a tour of the north American migrating birds to Puget sound and lake Washington but rather a fun and lively city tour on a world war two amphibious vehicle commonly known as "ducks".   The tour was a unique way to see Seattle from land and see and included a very funny tour guide who kept the girls entertained with on board dancing, singing and games. The name "ducks" came from WWII when the Americans used the vehicles to storm beaches and because the vehicles moved so slowly (like ducks) and you had to sit down in them they called themselves sitting ducks, hence came the name "ducks".
After this we visited the Experience music project a music and science fiction museum which has some incredible history on the music scene in Seattle and across the world. The museum also includes an extensive "hands on" section where the girls got to play all different instruments, make there own song or play in a band.  Good fun for all.
Following this we had a 2 hour rowing session. Again out of lake union rowing club and this time finishing at the university of Washington. The session was again very productive and we are focusing on getting the girls mentally prepared for such a big event. This will be the biggest regatta for all the girls in regards to spectators. Boats are already moored and lined all the way down the course. It looks to be a regatta they will never forget. They are rowing very well and Gill is happy with their progress in the sessions and "have applied themselves to the task".
Tomorrow we are taking a tour of the university of Washington (UW) and the girls are meeting the head coach of UW Bob Ernst to show us the $18 million UW boat shed and introduce us to university rowing. The girls will also squeeze in one last row before Saturday.

2 days and counting.

Tom

P.S. If you are intending to see the girls at the airport upon return and are willing to transport them to Homebush for the athletics carnival please let them know on Saturday. It would also be helpful if you are able to take a few other girls in the team.