Dragon Boat Rowing by a Rookie

Friends keep asking me, “Why dragon boating? What is it? And why on earth are you doing it?”

The answer begins with a chance encounter at Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) in Sarasota, Florida.

I had just finished a rowing scull race when a man in a military cap approached me.

“Ever try dragon boat paddling?” he asked.

“Only on TV,” I told him.

His name was Rick, a fellow veteran. We shook hands, exchanged thanks for our service, and within minutes he had given me a quick introduction to the sport — along with an invitation to join the Dragon Boat team at NBP. It was one of those moments when a door opens unexpectedly - and you feel you should at least peek inside.

That philosophy nudged me forward. When a new adventure presents itself, why not explore it?

At the time, I was already active with the Sarasota County Rowing Club (SCRC), the Lake Sunapee Rowing Club (LSRC) in New Hampshire, and the Outdoor Recreation for Seniors Club (ORFS) in New London, NH. I’d logged plenty of miles in kayaks and canoes, including 100‑mile wilderness trips. So the idea of learning yet another paddling discipline didn’t feel far‑fetched. It felt like a natural extension of the life I already live.

In my books, articles, and presentations, I often paraphrase Henry David Thoreau: “Never say, ‘I wish I had…’” That philosophy nudged me forward. If a new adventure presents itself, why not explore it?

Before I share more of my own journey, here’s a quick look at what dragon boating actually is.

🐲 What is Dragon Boat Paddling?

Dragon boat paddling is a team‑based water sport where 10 or 20 paddlers (depending on boat size), a drummer, and a steer person work in perfect rhythm to move a long, narrow boat forward using powerful, synchronized strokes. It blends technique, timing, and teamwork—far more about rhythm and body mechanics than brute strength. 

Key features of the sport:

• A sprint paddling discipline with roots in ancient Chinese festivals

• Crews sit in pairs, paddling on one side only

• Boats accelerate through synchronization strokes, not individual power.

• Race distances typically range from 200m to 2000m.

🚣 A Rookie’s First Month

After just one month on the water, I’m sharing a short video from a practice session at Nathan Benderson Park. Coach Tim captured it so I could study my form — and so you can see a rookie in action. I slowed the footage down to analyze my stroke, timing, and posture. More photos and videos will follow as OutdoorSteve continues learning the stroke, rhythm and camaraderie that make dragon boating such a compelling new chapter.

See if you can spot the rookie in the boat—yes, that’s me. I slowed the footage down so my coaches and I can study my form carefully and understand exactly where I need to improve.

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After eight weeks on the water, I’m sharing another short video from a recent practice session at Nathan Benderson Park. Head Coach Angela captured it so I could again study my form, and again analyze and adjust  my stroke, timing, and posture.  Can you spot OutdoorSteve? More photos and videos will follow as OutdoorSteve continues learning the rhythm and camaraderie that make dragon boating such a compelling new chapter in his life. 

 Am I ready to be a teammate in a competitive race in front of an audience and my peers? March 28, 2026 will be my first real race. That’s when I’ll find out whether this rookie has earned a seat in the boat.

Dragon boating has reminded me that no matter your age, background, or experience, there is always room to learn something new — and to be humbled by it. Every stroke teaches me something about balance, teamwork, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Whether I’m ready for race day or not, this journey has already been worth it. And as always, I’ll keep sharing the adventure so others might be inspired to say “yes” the next time a new door opens.

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"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($18.95)

"Everyone should believe in something. I believe I’ll go Outdoors.” 

Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Wild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.

For more of Steve’s outdoor guidebooks and documentary videos, visit   OutdoorSteve.com and Outdooradventurers.blogspot.com.

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“Free Ride: Noraly Schoenmaker’s Adventures Through an Author’s Eyes” - A Book Review

 

A Book Review: “Free Ride: Noraly Schoenmaker’s Adventures Through an Author’s Eyes”

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Introduction

Outdoor adventures often spark inspiration from unexpected places. For me, it was my son Timothy who opened the door to Itchy Boots, a YouTube channel chronicling Noraly Schoenmaker’s solo motorcycle journeys. What began as family evenings watching her rides soon grew into a deeper appreciation for storytelling, exploration, and the courage to share one’s experiences with the world. 

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Thank you to my son Timothy, whose enthusiasm first introduced me to the YouTube channel Itchy Boots. Cathy, Tim, and I made a ritual of watching Noraly Schoenmaker’s adventures whenever Tim visited us in Sunapee, NH. Over the past two years, our evenings often included two to four of Itch Boots half‑hour episodes—each one a window into the thrill of solo motorcycle travel.

Curious to learn more, I picked up Noraly’s book Free Ride, a 270‑page account of her journeys. I finished it in less than a week, captivated by her vivid storytelling. As a fellow author, I admired her style. Critics of my own ten books have sometimes noted that I skim over details—whether describing Tim and me paddling over Long Lake Dam or the sensation of paddling the five mile Allagash’s Chase Rapid. Noraly, by contrast, paints her experiences with rich detail that pulls the reader right alongside her.

Interestingly, Noraly shared in an interview that she drafted Free Ride in her native Danish, uncertain of her English writing skills. The manuscript was later translated into English, yet the result is seamless and engaging.

After immersing myself in both her videos and her book, I found myself wishing she had written more about the behind‑the‑scenes challenges—like learning to master drones that captured sweeping shots above and beside her motorcycle … all the while riding her motorcycle. Equally impressive is her ability to film, edit, and publish Itchy Boots video episodes within days of riding through remote landscapes.

Noraly has also completed a ride from Argentina to Alaska, a journey I hope will be the focus of her next book.

So thank you, Noraly, for sharing your adventures. And thank you, Tim and Cathy, for making Itchy Boots part of our family evenings.

Closing

Adventure is never just about the miles traveled—it’s about the people who inspire us, the stories that fuel our imagination, and the communities we build along the way. As I continue sharing my own journeys with my OutdoorSteve Blog and books, I carry with me the spirit of Noraly’s rides, the joy of evenings with Tim and Cathy, and the reminder that every trail, paddle, or ride becomes richer when shared.

Click To Order Your Own Copy of FREE RIDE By Norlay Schoenmaker

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Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel

Books by OutdoorSteve.com

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"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($18.95)

"Everyone should believe in something. I believe I’ll go Outdoors.” 

Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Wild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.

For more of Steve’s outdoor guidebooks and documentary videos, visit OutdoorSteve.com and Outdooradventurers.blogspot.com.

Preparing for Winter: A Wooden Dock Taken Out of the Water Before Ice Comes

Preparing for a New Hampshire winter means thinking ahead about how ice and freezing temperatures will affect anything left in the water. A wooden dock left in place through the freeze is almost guaranteed to suffer damage:

•  Ice expansion & pressure: As the pond freezes, ice expands and shifts. That pressure can crack boards, split joints, and warp the dock frame.

•  Movement & heaving: Ice sheets don’t just sit still—they rise and fall with water levels, grinding against the dock and pulling at its supports.

•  Moisture damage: Even treated wood absorbs water. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles cause swelling, splitting, and rot.

•  Hardware stress: Bolts, brackets, and fasteners can bend or shear off under the strain of shifting ice.

That’s why most waterfront owners in northern climates remove or lift docks before the pond freezes. My seasonal dock is designed for easy removal with two or three strong family members or neighbors. As neighbors help each other we often make dock dremoval a community affair. 

Since I have had firsthand experience with damage, my proactive approach of removing the dock is the best way to preserve it for many more summers of use.

This 4 minute video shows my son Tim and neighbor Paul, removing the dock, and further as the dock is stored, it is position for easy return in the early sping unpon decclation of ice out. 

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel

Books by OutdoorSteve.com

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"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($18.95)

"Everyone should believe in something. I believe I’ll go Outdoors.” 

Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Wild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.

For more of Steve’s outdoor guidebooks and documentary videos, visit OutdoorSteve.com and Outdooradventurers.blogspot.com.

 

Two weeks ago, I received an invitation from Sunapee High School for a Veterans Day Breakfast Appreciation Event on November 13, 2025 8:30 am.  My wife was shy about going, saying this event was only for veterans.  I told her it indeed included her.

She eventually agree to come with me. In preparation for this event, I prepared my introduction for my wife.

 I thought this introduction was important enough to share with my two sons.

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Good morning, everyone. My name is Steve Priest, and my wife and I live on Perkins Pond.

 My wife, Catherine Daly Priest, didn’t want to come today.

 She said, “I didn’t serve in the military.”

 But I’d like to share a story with you — one that might make you think differently about what service really means.

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When I was in the U.S. Army, Catherine and I were stationed in Germany.

I worked at a small Army base, Miesau Army Depot, repairing radar systems for the HAWK missile — part of our air defense.

 Catherine, a registered nurse, worked just five kilometers away at Landstuhl General Hospital.

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While I was fixing circuit boards, she was receiving wounded, sick, and injured soldiers flown in from Vietnam and other conflict zones.

 They arrived at Ramstein Air Force Base and were transferred directly to Landstuhl, where she cared for them until they could be sent to Walter Reed Hospital in the States.

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If you want to understand the kind of injuries she saw, just turn on the news today.

 It was intense. It was emotional. And it was service — every bit as real and vital as mine.

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So when Catherine says she wasn’t in the military, I respectfully disagree.

 I thank her for her service.

 And I salute her — not just as my wife, but as someone who stood shoulder to shoulder with those who wore the uniform.

 Thank you.

 Catherine, I Love You

CloserQ - Business & Family Blog CloserQ (shaun@closerq.com) is a Business, Sales, and Family Blog.

 

                CloserQ - Business & Family Blog

Keep up with the proven Business Sucess Questions and Answers of Shaun

Keep up with Shaun and family life style.

Simply Click here:   https://closerq.blogspot.com/

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"Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends" S. Priest

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Hiking Maine's Fabled Knife Edge Trail

The Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail

FellowHiking Colleagues and Outdoor Adventurers:

This 30-minute video documentary captures not only our journey to Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the AT, but also the return hike down the Hunt Trail (the AT) to Katahdin Stream Campground, providing a comprehensive view of our adventure.

I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I did putting them together. Your support and camaraderie have made these experiences truly special.

I suggest you sit your friends and family down, make some popcorn, gather your favorite drink, and watch this Knife Edge documentary.  

Be prepared to close your eyes if you are severely afraid of heights.

Here is the 50-second Trailer I developed to promote the half-hour "Hiking the Fabled Knife Edge Trail."

Here is the half-hour film submitted to the Film Festival:  

------------------------------Intro Narrative----------------------------

I present the Fabled Knife Edge Trail of Mount Katahdin, Maine. A 15-hour and 11-mile hike, followed by the trail mapping plan. Five friends and I will take you with us, share the Knife Edge experience, and discuss the planning.

We planned a long day of hiking, only to find a day and evening of climbing. The plan seemed relatively straightforward:

1. Hike to Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the 2,162-mile Appalachian Trail (AT).
2. Cross the fabled 1.1-mile Knife Edge Trail.
3. Hike five miles on the AT starting at its northern beginning at Baxter Peak.

A footpath by the loosest of definitions, the ridge-jagged Knife Edge can be as narrow as the width of your laptop computer screen with thousand-foot drop-offs on both sides of the ridge. The 1.1-mile Knife Edge Trail in Baxter State Park, Maine, is often described as the most dangerous trail in New England. The crossing was a two-hour scramble, balancing act, crawling, scooting on our butts, while on a peaked rock-strewn ridge stretching from Pamola Peak across Chimney Peak (4902 feet) and South Peak to Baxter Peak (5267 feet) on Mt Katahdin. Baxter Peak is the northern start of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.

You cannot drive or paddle to reach the Knife Edge Trail. First, it takes a 7-hour uphill hike from Roaring Brook campground to Chimney Peak to get to the beginning of the notorious and legendary Knife Edge Trail. Next, after a two-hour hike described above, you finally arrive at the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Mt Katahdin's Baxter Peak. And remember, what goes up a mountain, must come down. After reaching your Baxter Peak goal via the Knife Edge Trail, you now must hike down five miles on Mt Katahdin's Appalachian Trail in more treacherous ridge terrain for six hours to return to the Katahdin Stream Campground.

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More Detail Videos of Knife Edge, Google Earth Map Route, and Overview of Our Katahdin Trek

Sit back and enjoy - and cringe - as we cross the fabled Knife Edge Trail. Now showing on Bedford Community Television (BCTV) - produced by OutdoorSteve.com
Click here for a narrated Map of our Katahdin Trail Route using Google Earth.
Click here for A Little Stroll Along Katahdin with Dundee and LoonsNest.biz

Below is the time and miles breakdown by trail

Trails	Start	End Total Trip Hrs:Min	Hours   Miles	Comments
Roaring Brook Campground to Chimney Pond Campground	Start 6:45 am	9:30 am	2 ¾ hrs 3.3 miles	Chimney Pond Trail easy hike.  4 of us used Tracking Poles.  Some nice side trail views.
Chimney Pond Campground to Pamola Peak via Dudley Trail	10 am	1 pm	3 hrs 1.4 miles	After a snack and rest at Chimney Pond Campground, we tied our tracking poles to our packs.  The Dudley Trail is a 2,000 elevation gain and a relentless massive granite boulder laden trail nearly straight up requiring our hands for pulling, grabbing rocks and hand holds, our legs for pushing, our arms for lifting our bodies, our feet for pushing and toe holds, and our butts to sliding up and holding our bodies at times. All of us were exhausted.  Indeed it was a very trying physical test of our mettle.
Pamola Peak to Chimney Peak/Knife Edge	1:20 pm	2:12 pm	¾ hr	Our descent down the 40 foot drop from Pamola Peak was technical “rock climbing” .  We held indentations in the rocks while reaching for footholds.  Indeed for this descent we used using hands, arms, body and butt.
Knife Edge to South Peak	2:12	3:00 pm	1 hr .8 miles	A 1.1 mile balancing act along the ridge of the Knife Edge Trail. Prior to this trip I had visions of panicking because of the elevation and 1000 foot drop offs and extremely narrow trail.  Truthfully, I had no fear as I crossed this very unique trail.
South Peak to Baxter Peak	3:00	3:50 pm	1 hr .3 miles	This ridge trail went up and down.  Just when we got to the top of the trail, it would drop and we would start another descent.  Then an ascent followed by another descent.  We were close to 7 hours since we left Roaring Brook campground and were tired.  At each high ledge we could see Baxter Peak, but could not differentiate the rolling ridge.
Baxter Peak  via Hunt Trail through Table Land	4:00 pm	5:15 pm	1 ¼ hr 1.0 miles	Tableland was like a country hike.  It was flat and a welcome hike.  We passed the famous Henry David Thorough Spring. We had been hiking for near ten hours.
Hunt Trail after TableLand to Katahdin Stream Campground	5:15 pm	10:00 pm	4.5 hrs 4.2 miles	We were now headed down and home, BUT still had 4.2 miles according to the trail sign. The first two miles were a steep down and over rough granite.  We did have some technical areas.  One section had steel handles in the granite to make the descent from huge ledges a bit easier. Took us two hours just to get below the tree line. At 8:30 pm we put on our headlamps.  We used our trekking poles to give us stability through the downward rock strewn path. At 10 pm we reached the ranger check-in station where we signed-on the register that six of us were back. We also met the Park Ranger who had been told by two people who passed us earlier in the dark with headlamps and that we were fine and on our way
TOTAL HOURS	6:45 am	10:00 pm	11 miles  15 hrs!	What a Journey!!!

Knife Edge Trail
We were into our hike for about 6 ½ hrs. of rock strewn, rugged and prolonged steepness on the Dudley trail reaching Pamola Peak, followed by a technical Pamola descent.  We ascended Chimney Peak, and the start of the almost mile high Knife Edge Trail. Whew!

The Knife Edge Trail is perhaps the most spectacular trail in New England – and also the most dangerous. It would take us two hours to cross from Chimney Peak to Baxter Peak.

We were advised to avoid the Knife Edge in stormy weather. The exposure to high winds and lightning is extreme. We were warned once we decide to cross the Knife Edge we MUST CONTINUE ON THE TRAIL. There is no safe way to descend off either side of the mountain ridge. Our weather conditions were perfect!

The mile long Knife Edge path stretches across the South Basin’s headwall between Pamola and Baxter Peak. You get a sense of what these six outdoor enthusiasts experienced crossing this unique narrow mile-high ridge with 1,000-foot plus drops on both sides. At a few points the width of the ridge was close to 10-inches. The views, when we dared a birds-eyed glimpse, are magnificent and certainly breathtaking.

Are You Ready for Katahdin?

A very special thanks goes to Linwood and Betty of Loons Nest (http://www.loonsnest.biz/) for their immense help in preparing this trip.

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References

• www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/
• Bedford Community Television (BCTV):  Knife Edge to Baxter Peak at the Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail produced by Steve Priest
• The Wilderness Map Company, Franconia, NH 03580 (I could find no web site on the map I used titled, Katahdin: Baxter State Park, Maine)
• OutdoorSteve Blog Post November 2009: Springer Mountain, Georgia - The Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• http://www.loonsnest.biz/

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"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

"Everyone should believe in something. I believe I’ll go Outdoors.” 

Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Wild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NH, Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.

For more of Steve’s outdoor guidebooks and documentary videos, visit OutdoorSteve.com and Outdooradventurers.blogspot.com.