Row for Winni: A Dream Realized
Written by Bob Manley, originally published on June 27, 2025, on Hermit Woods Winery’s blog. Reposted with permission.
Ever since I was a child, I dreamt of rowing a wooden boat across Lake Winnipesaukee. Over the years, that dream evolved into a mission — to protect the waters I grew up on. On June 26, 2025, I set out from the Hermit Woods dock at 6:40 a.m., bound for Alton Bay. It was a 21-mile journey in a hand-built scull, supported by Ken Hardcastle in the chase boat.
We were blessed with perfect conditions. Calm water. Clear skies. And the quiet serenity of an early summer morning on the lake. By 1:06 p.m., we pulled into the docks in Alton Bay — tired, grateful, and overwhelmed by support.
A Dream Years in the Making
The idea for “Row for Winni” was sparked over a decade ago. I wanted to show what one person could do to raise awareness and support for the lake we all love. Over the years, I’ve seen the impact of pollution, development, and invasive species. I knew I had to act — and hoped others would join me.
A Shared Commitment to the Lake
This journey was about more than reaching a physical destination. It was about supporting organizations like the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance, who are working every day to preserve and protect the lake through monitoring, education, and restoration efforts.
“This was the first of what I hope will be many Rows for Winni.” — Bob Manley
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who donated, followed the journey live, and shared words of encouragement. And thank you to my wife, Joan, to Ken for guiding the chase boat, and to Hermit Woods Winery for believing in this project.
If you’d like to get involved, please visit winnipesaukee.org. Together, we can protect this incredible lake for generations to come.
To view the entire post, visit: Hermit Woods Winery Blog.
