Spring Break Day 2

Today was our first full day here in Gainsville. We had two full-length practices today which is the first time our team has been on the water since November. The water was like glass and there was almost no wind, so we had perfect conditions to start rowing again. We are starting a blog for this trip. Each day we will post a short general overview of what the team did (what you just read) followed by an individual account by a team member. Name: Joseph DillierMajor: Political ScienceYear: SophomoreYears on the team: 2Position: Men's Team SecretaryAfter being indoors all winter it has been nice to get back on the water. Especially here in Gainesville, Georgia where it is 65 degrees and sunny every day. Yesterday, we got into town around 1:00pm, unloaded and rigged our boats, and then took a quick swing row. Today was our first full day in town so we began our regular spring practice schedule. We row once in the morning and again in the afternoon for an hour and a half split between the men's and women's team.This morning I rowed at 7:00am in an eight-person boat mixed between a few novice and varsity guys to allow us to go through drills and review the basics together. It was warm but windless on Lake Lanier this morning. Last night, some friends and I  walked around downtown Gainesville. It is a pretty and historic area. So today, after getting off the water, we went into town for lunch. Afterward, I took a big nap and then went out again to row at 4:00pm. This afternoon, I rowed in a varsity four. We focused less on drills and went for a long solid row. We came back and all had dinner together. The Men's Varsity team all play poker by the hotel pool tonight. Team bonding is a nice extra bonus of this trip.Being back on the water is not without some downsides. I got my first blisters and sunburns today. Also since it has been so long since any of us have been in a boat there are many kinks to work out, but since we are rowing so much every day each team member is improving quickly. However, it has been nice to go through this relearning process. It has allowed me to break some of my old bad habits. Overall it has been a fun first full day.