We’ve been camped on lake Ohrid for a few days. Throughout our journey I’ve been on the look out for places to row. Until today I have drawn a blank. This has surprised me as I thought that I would find rowing on the Black Sea somewhere along the way. The closest I’ve come to any evidence that it ever occurred was some 100 year old photos that we came across in the Atatürk museum in Rize.
A couple of days back while walking into the town of Struga, I spied some people rowing. So I went over to find out some more and see whether it was possible to borrow a boat and after a bit of discussion and a phone call I was lent a boat and this morning I have been out rowing on lake Ohrid. Already aware of the beauty of the place, this morning that was reinforced as I gingerly rowed out from the club, passing the beach and reeds and into clear water. So clear you can see everything and in the morning absolutely calm and smooth like glass.
It’s the first time I have rowed outside the UK. Mostly we row on rivers. The experience this morning was slightly overwhelming – the beauty of the lake. Just me, birds, dragon flies and other insects gliding over the surface of the water. Mountains all around, green reeds on the shore. Beautiful and calm. Truly wonderful.
Not wanting to overstay my welcome and slightly nervous as it’s been a while since I skulled in a fine single I only rowed for 30 minutes, but I could have easily stayed out there for much longer.
When I came back in I met Igor – one of the people involved in running the club and he told me some of the history. The club was started in 1933. It’s the only active club in Macedonia. Mostly it caters for junior rowers and I’m not sure if there are any seniors. They host a number of regattas on the water just down from the club and competitors come from places like Bulgaria, Greece and Albania.
When I told Igor that I’d not managed to find anywhere to row on the Black Sea he replied that in Turkey the rowing is in the south and for the Black Sea, Bulgaria is the place to go. One to remember for next time.
Also he told me that the Macedonian rowing federation is also situated here in Struga. They very kindly gave me a club polo shirt, which I will cherish and take back home with me.
Struga Rowing Club Facebook Page
I still can’t quite believe that I ended up camping 100M away from it all. But what ever the chances, somewhere someone was on my side as I had a lovely row, on one of the most beautiful pieces of water there is.
Cheered on by Juliet, Vince, Nick and Inga. The latter three are camped near by and we were accompanied by a slightly mad stray wolf dog.
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