Today, I decided to row a boat to Alcatraz. I took off from the Club at 2 pm and reached Alcatraz South Point in 20 min. Usually, It takes me about 1 hour for a round trip. For another 10 min I was floating slowly along the west side of the island, taking pictures, and already begun turning on the east side, but my boat was suddenly caught by the very strong current. I miscalculated Bay tide that rapidly increased and raised to the acute point. So, tide was ebbing towards GG Bridge, and the most dangerous situation began when my bout was trapped by the current that passing the island with double speed and force. I started to row against the tide, struggling to get out of it. But, the double deck ferry (coming from Sausalito to SF) pass by me 10 yards away on full speed causing high, sharp waves that almost knock me out of the boat. I was able to turn the boat with a bow against the waves, otherwise the boat might be turned over, if waves hit my boat to the side. Moreover, then I realized, if I stop rowing even for couple minutes, I will be thrown on the rocks that emerged from water by Alcatraz shore. I was rowing with my full capability, but I was moving so slow that I noticed that my boat almost stood still according a benchmark on the island. I thought for a second: “Damn it! I may not get out of this mess. Not much strength left in me”. My mind whispered me: “it’s time to call Coast guards”. Sweat that run from my forehead bit my eyes like an acid, but I keep rowing. It took me 2 hours of non-stop rowing on full strength to be able to escape from smashing to the rocks or wash away to the ocean. Bottom line: do not panic at any situation, even at critical one. Stay focused. If you feel you are ready to quit - keep doing your job. That’s what makes you to grow in all aspects.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 06:12:10 +0000
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