I was really excited about the Vogalonga, the “long row” like a parade and a  marathon put together, for boats.  Only rowing is allowed, no motors and they row nearly 20 miles.  This was the 44th runniing of the event, originally started to protest the motor boats and their destructive wakes in the canals.

 The day was bright and sunny with a little cool breeze.  We found our usual spot to watch just inside of the Guglie bridge, on the shady side.  For the first half hour or so there were not many rowers coming by and not too many fans along the route but after that, our area filled with people and the boats came steadily.  A family with young boys full of spirit was watching next to us and they really added to the fun with all of their cheering.

We were so excited to see our friend Nan row by.  She was part of the first group of 4 women ever to row the Vogalonga with two oars each.  We yelled our loudest but she didn’t see us.  Brava Nan!

Here are a bunch of (not very good) photos I took.  I was much more into the cheering and clapping than taking pics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked home, starting on Strada Nova but quickly cut into the back streets, through the Ghetto and Fondamenta Misercordia. You can really feel the swell of tourists growing each day and especially on the weekends.  The joint is jumpin’. 

After some lunch and a rest we took another nice walk going east on Fondamente Nuove and then into Castello.  We took a lot of little calles but always knew our way after a turn or two.

For dinner we threw together a bunch of left overs for a nice meal with a bottle of Prosecco.

Perfectly delightful day!