I keep making progress, but also having to take steps back before going forward. The varnish of the cheeks and washboard went well. I protected the rest of the boat with blue tape and newspaper. Here is the step back, some of the tape and newspaper became varnished into the hull.
I've had a couple of calls with Steve C, my GURU. Big steps next week when I drill some holes to support the extensions; these are the devices that hold the oars. If they do not have the proper strength, things will break. I will be VERY unhappy.