When our team members were getting ready to travel to Lake Ford in Ypsilanti, Michigan, for the four-day RowFest regatta in mid-July, we wanted to bring a flag for the GDRA boat trailer. We knew there was a large flag with the GDRA logo somewhere, but where was it? Not in the boathouse. Not in the storage container. After a search, it was finally discovered in the old cargo trailer. Mystery solved, and we were ready to race!

On the first day of Masters racing, Thursday, July 17, some races were cancelled due to high wind. The weather was much better on the other days, and we all competed in several races, with each GDRA rower bringing home at least one medal. More than that, we all had a good time!

Our last sprint race of 2025 was the Midwest Summer Sprint Championships, held on Saturday, August 2 at Dillon Lake, Ohio. This one is always a favorite to close out the season because it is in our home state and an easy drive, about two hours east of Dayton.

GDRA’s Learn to Row classes for this year are now finished, and we’re glad to have new members sharing our river. The wildlife has been abundant and lovely to watch this year; we’ve often seen herons standing on the dock and eagles flying overhead. When a tree falls at the river’s edge, beavers are quick to chew it up. Rowing is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature.