About The Rondout Rower

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a Pisces, Nelsie Aybar-Grau not only enjoyed swimming in the Caribbean Sea but she has enjoyed travels that have brought her in close contact to the waters of the Thames, the Seine, the Yangtse, the Amazon, the Mississippi, the Hudson and the Harlem Rivers. Although she enjoyed swimming she had never pursued athletics in any serious way. After a career in computer programming for Wall Street area financial institutions she moved into the Hudson Valley upstate New York area. Then at 60 years of age as a favor to a friend she started photographing the Rondout Creek and the rowers in the Rondout Rowing Club. After four years of rowing both on land and water she became president of the rowing club from 2014 to 2017. Rowing has changed her life. Living steps away from the Rondout Creek has brought her closer to nature and the meditative rejuvenation that it provides.

Six am, sundry shots, history, accidents

Posted on June 5, 2018 by The Rondout Rower

A very beautiful morning where I took shots of historic structures and accidentally put my camera in “effects” mode and got some strange looking photos.

About the Wye River Tugboat

Built in 2008, by Thoma-Sea Boat Builders Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #134) as the Wye River for Vane Brothers of Baltimore, Maryland.

She was the tenth Patapsco class tug designed by Frank Basile of Entech and Associates of Houma, Louisiana. And constructed by Thoma-Sea Boat Builders for the Vane Brothers Company.

Named for the Wye River, which is a 16.3 mile long tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It was named by the Lloyd family, Edward Lloyd a delegate, and Edward Lloyd Governor of Maryland. After the River Wye in Wales.

It falls within Queen Anne’s County and Talbot County, and joins the Miles River near its mouth to the Eastern Bay.

Powered by two, Caterpillar 3516 diesel engines. With Reintjes WAF-872 reduction gears. Turning two, 97(in), fixed pitch, propellers. Mounted in CNF, Type 37, kort nozzles. For a rated 4,200 horsepower.

The tug’s electrical service is provided by two, 72kW, Caterpillar 3054T generator sets. Her capacities are 89,910 gallons of fuel oil, and 8,816 of potable water.

Her towing gear consists of an INTERcon, double drum, towing winch. Driven by a dedicated John Deere diesel engine.

Passing through “Feeney’s Narrows” this morning around 6:30am

Posted on June 2, 2018 by The Rondout Rower

This is the area where we hear wood thrushes and their enchanting song. The fog really adds to the atmosphere as the delightful music they perform fills the air with before the hustle and bustle of noises drown them out.

A beautiful moon “set” and sun “rise” on our row today

Posted on May 29, 2018 by The Rondout Rower

I managed to catch last night’s full moon setting in the west this morning. Later a row with Beth Alden, veterinarian and mother of 2017 Kingston High School crew member Taylor, was a surprisingly beautiful one. Caught a beautiful sunrise picture at Eddyville. A first. And geese flying overhead. My pictures tell the story.

Finally made round trip to Esopus Lighthouse

Posted on May 28, 2018 by The Rondout Rower

Anezka Sebek and I made this very strenuous 10.5 mile round trip. My back is in pretty bad shape but I am happy to have been able to cross this one off my list to things I must do.

A beautiful day on the Hudson

Posted on May 25, 2018 by The Rondout Rower

Went out with friend Alison Wurtz to USCG Green Can ’71’ and back. A spectacular day on the Hudson River. I found out my eCrumbs were giving me kilometer readings before. I had thought it was 7.6 miles to the ’71’ and back but now realize it was barely 5 miles. Sorry about that. Anyway the water was so calm that it made the row so enjoyable and VERY good exercise. When the only thing you have to watch out for are the many logs that float up and down the river!