Les Cheneaux Row

 While exploring the Les Cheneaux Islands, I was invited to join the 

local rowing club for a morning row. 

Of course, I said yes!

Two wooden dories await rowers at the dock

 This club builds their boats from kits made by Chesapeake Light Craft

of Annapolis, MD.

Laurel handled the rudder, Jim and Janaan handled the first two oars...

...while Mike and I handled the other two (when I wasn't taking photos)

It was surprisingly invigorating to row as a team, to time my pull with everyone else on board.

LOVE the club's motto:  "Row it like you stole it!"

For more information about paddling these islands, go HERE.

And for a great place to stay while you explore the Les Cheneauxs, check out Dancing Waters B&B.

James Berryhill, Master Boatbuilder

While in the Les Cheneaux Islands, I explored the "boat culture" that has a long history in the area.

I was delighted to meet James Berryhill who retired to the islands in the early 1980s.

James Berryhill in his workshop

A wooden canoe is almost ready for the water

He has an extensive workshop where he has built many wooden canoes (each of his grandkids receive one when they graduate high school), some duck boats, and, most recently, 

four wooden dories (with the help of the 

Les Cheneaux Row Club).

Berryhill is also an accomplished wood carver

One of the Les Cheneaux Row Club's dories

I was invited to row with the club (which, of course, I accepted). I will blog about this soon.