Last night on my shift at about 23.00hrs I noticed a light and asked Elin to have a look, she groaned at me because she thought it was just another star that I thought would be amazing for her to look at. My feeling about it not being a star were correct, it was quite a large cargo vessel. We tried to make contact but had no joy, so Elin went back to sleep and I kept a watchful eye on it.
In the middle of my row I had to use the bucket (duty calls), and this ship seemed quite large and close now, I quickly did my stuff and called Elin to radio them. Trying to wake Elin up was a mission in itself, I think I scared all the flying fish away with all my shouting!!! Anyway, success, they spoke to us and Elin had quite a conversation with them, but we were asked a few odd questions!!
Ship crew "How many crew are you"Elin "Two of us"Ship crew "two female crew, hmmm we are all male crew"There was a pause from Elin then, probably thinking , right do I ask if there are any ginger men on board or not!?! Thankfully she didn't.
Then the most important question was asked by the ship crew, "what are your coordinates?”. We told them, he obviously looked at his and replied "oh yes we are very close." My thought on that was no s**t Sherlock.
They asked what side of the ship we could see and to all you cynics out there we didn't say the green light side - we said starboard like all true professional seamen and women. They were also having problems spotting us on their radar system and I was told to do several checks on our systems which seemed fine, he finally got back and said " yes I now have you on my rudder", well it sounded like that to me! I think he meant radar! Elin found this image of us on their rudder hysterical.
After several other personal questions about age etc we bid them farewell and a safe journey to London, England all the way from South America.
P.S Char, Elin and I are very pleased about all the interest from your students and would be more than happy to do a Q&A session on our return, a big thank you to all the pupils.
Microsites and External Links
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Tuesday 29 January 2008
DreamMaker, the smoothest bottom on the Atlantic
I'm not going to say it too loudly, so I’ll whisper, but it actually feels like the wind is with us today! Having said that we were increasingly frustrated that our daily mileage was still not what we wanted it to be, so at 6:00 local time today I jumped into the big blue to scrape off the barnacles. My previous attempt had been less than successful, a wave had pulled Dream Maker away from me, and as I reached to grab her I dropped the scraper. Following that I’d avoided the thought of doing it again, but Dream Maker was seriously feeling sluggish so it couldn’t be ignored any more. Thirty minutes scrapping today and the hull was as soft as a baby’s bottom (not mine!!). A few big fish came by to inspect my work too. So fingers crossed …
Yesterday had been a rather low day. I cried all day (all because of non-rowing things) … so there were tears and snot everywhere & I sympathise with every baby & toddler out there having their noses wiped with baby wipes as we speak.
We had a special Sidhu moment, where Herdip patted me on the shoulders and said “there there”, and for a while I was better!
We were sharing one pair of musto deck shoes as a squall had drowned the other, which meant I was bare footed steeping out of the cabin. I slipped and landed with my coccyx on the hinge of the hatch. I HOWLED! It was agony. The second howl which you may of heard was not my echo, but that of Herdip’s when she had to inspect the site of impact!!
When a text later that day made me all emotional again, Herdips words “well if you’re going to cry, get on the oars first” was the perfect response to finally snap me out of it! So on with the rowing!
Another Sidhu special moment which I actually forgot to share with you was that of the hand held bilge pump. As I’ve mentioned our automatic one has packed in, and so, as if our biceps don’t have enough to do, we now pump all the water out with hand!! It’s a simple design … a nozzle, a pump and a pipe to direct the water away (into an empty bucket). So I was bemused, worried and hysterical to watch Herdip pumping water for some time … out of the bucket and into our boat …… I think it’s time we got home!
If not for any other reason, but she’s also now gone the whole time (54 days!) without washing her hair … she insists it’s in some stage of self cleaning or something … yeah right!!
Thank you to Sally & Clint for your navigation and weather advice. Much appreciated.
And a massive thank you to everyone involved in the Valentine’s ball for your messages. As the days go by, we struggle to see how we can make it there in time, but even without us, I’m sure you’ll have a FANTASTIC time, with Jo Bardoe at the helm, I know you will. Enjoy & savour every last bit of bubble for us, and we’ll look forward to meeting you all at the next event that Jo organises … oops sorry Jo!
Yesterday had been a rather low day. I cried all day (all because of non-rowing things) … so there were tears and snot everywhere & I sympathise with every baby & toddler out there having their noses wiped with baby wipes as we speak.
We had a special Sidhu moment, where Herdip patted me on the shoulders and said “there there”, and for a while I was better!
We were sharing one pair of musto deck shoes as a squall had drowned the other, which meant I was bare footed steeping out of the cabin. I slipped and landed with my coccyx on the hinge of the hatch. I HOWLED! It was agony. The second howl which you may of heard was not my echo, but that of Herdip’s when she had to inspect the site of impact!!
When a text later that day made me all emotional again, Herdips words “well if you’re going to cry, get on the oars first” was the perfect response to finally snap me out of it! So on with the rowing!
Another Sidhu special moment which I actually forgot to share with you was that of the hand held bilge pump. As I’ve mentioned our automatic one has packed in, and so, as if our biceps don’t have enough to do, we now pump all the water out with hand!! It’s a simple design … a nozzle, a pump and a pipe to direct the water away (into an empty bucket). So I was bemused, worried and hysterical to watch Herdip pumping water for some time … out of the bucket and into our boat …… I think it’s time we got home!
If not for any other reason, but she’s also now gone the whole time (54 days!) without washing her hair … she insists it’s in some stage of self cleaning or something … yeah right!!
Thank you to Sally & Clint for your navigation and weather advice. Much appreciated.
And a massive thank you to everyone involved in the Valentine’s ball for your messages. As the days go by, we struggle to see how we can make it there in time, but even without us, I’m sure you’ll have a FANTASTIC time, with Jo Bardoe at the helm, I know you will. Enjoy & savour every last bit of bubble for us, and we’ll look forward to meeting you all at the next event that Jo organises … oops sorry Jo!
Monday 28 January 2008
Get the walking frames on standby
Well, we have been eight weeks out on the ocean by now, fifty-six days in a small boat, one thousand three hundred ‘n forty four hours on the oars. Time has no other relevance to us any more.
In all that time we estimate that we have stood up, fully weight bearing for a total of one hour 56 minutes. For two minutes each day we stand up in the gully to brush our teeth. We sometimes manage to do it without holding on these days . . . . such sea farers we have become! The rest of the time we lie down, sit, crouch or squat. At least we’ll have something other than champagne to blame for falling over in Antigua.
We’ve completely ran out of chocolate, it was our own stupid mistake (how did two girls get it so wrong?!). We have no spare battery for the compass light, my silly mistake again. But we're finding ways to navigate without it ... and breathe a sigh of relief every morning that we are still on track!
But we’re both determined young ladies, and we won’t give the swell an upper-hand. We thought no one could be more stubborn than us two, but the wind still tries to out do us. We just won’t concede to that, and we’re very pleased to say that things are looking up. Herdip got very excited with her “wave action” last night (her words!). I wasn’t quiet as excited as I had the top hatch open for some breeze during my break, and got completely drowned by one! My chilly con carne meal was now full of sea water! Double yuck! She suffered herself later on though in one of the biggest, longest, wettest squalls we've had since we've been out here.
We’ve responded to the challenge differently, but we’re both very much still united as friends. This is a mammoth adventure; a journey we hope will soon come to an end. Weekends for us are the hardest; we’re missing out on fun with our friends. All being well there’s just two more to go, so we plead with you don’t forget about us at the weekends, send your witty stories, juicy gossip and messages of support so we can smile and chuckle between our times on the oars. If there's no gossip, just make something up, we won't know the difference ... (no jokes though please, we still have the lot from Christmas to read).
We made it down to 750nm at 19:30GMT today and look forward to our last toffee sweets and tea to celebrate tonight. yummy!
More people are now planning to be in Antigua for our arrival, which is GREAT! WE CAN’T WAIT! And you never know, Duncan might even get an ear infection that would delay their homeward bound date a few days …(sorry Dunc) …although his ear might need to fall off waiting for us two!
A little joke to finish …
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Herdip Herdip who?
Herdip in, the ocean will be finished before you know it!
…we’ll let you guess which boat in the fleet came up with that one!
In all that time we estimate that we have stood up, fully weight bearing for a total of one hour 56 minutes. For two minutes each day we stand up in the gully to brush our teeth. We sometimes manage to do it without holding on these days . . . . such sea farers we have become! The rest of the time we lie down, sit, crouch or squat. At least we’ll have something other than champagne to blame for falling over in Antigua.
We’ve completely ran out of chocolate, it was our own stupid mistake (how did two girls get it so wrong?!). We have no spare battery for the compass light, my silly mistake again. But we're finding ways to navigate without it ... and breathe a sigh of relief every morning that we are still on track!
But we’re both determined young ladies, and we won’t give the swell an upper-hand. We thought no one could be more stubborn than us two, but the wind still tries to out do us. We just won’t concede to that, and we’re very pleased to say that things are looking up. Herdip got very excited with her “wave action” last night (her words!). I wasn’t quiet as excited as I had the top hatch open for some breeze during my break, and got completely drowned by one! My chilly con carne meal was now full of sea water! Double yuck! She suffered herself later on though in one of the biggest, longest, wettest squalls we've had since we've been out here.
We’ve responded to the challenge differently, but we’re both very much still united as friends. This is a mammoth adventure; a journey we hope will soon come to an end. Weekends for us are the hardest; we’re missing out on fun with our friends. All being well there’s just two more to go, so we plead with you don’t forget about us at the weekends, send your witty stories, juicy gossip and messages of support so we can smile and chuckle between our times on the oars. If there's no gossip, just make something up, we won't know the difference ... (no jokes though please, we still have the lot from Christmas to read).
We made it down to 750nm at 19:30GMT today and look forward to our last toffee sweets and tea to celebrate tonight. yummy!
More people are now planning to be in Antigua for our arrival, which is GREAT! WE CAN’T WAIT! And you never know, Duncan might even get an ear infection that would delay their homeward bound date a few days …(sorry Dunc) …although his ear might need to fall off waiting for us two!
A little joke to finish …
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Herdip Herdip who?
Herdip in, the ocean will be finished before you know it!
…we’ll let you guess which boat in the fleet came up with that one!
Saturday 26 January 2008
A poem from Gles (Elin's sister)
Dreamakers voyage leaves from La Gomera
Family and friends all there to cheer her
Elin and Herdip row hard in their boat
Both relieved and pleased to find it float
Dreamaker crashing through wave after wave
All at home think you girls so brave
Rowing hard day and night
Those flying fish give you such a fright
That nasty wind takes you here and there
We at home cry, its just not fair
We read your blogs and you make us laugh
We hear both you girls yearn for bubble bath
The ends in sight so dig deep and row
All at home screaming, go girls go
You've been up and down, high and low
Just remember we are all proud of you
Not long now till you reach Antigua
Your family, friends and loved ones will be there to cheer ya.
With love from your BIG sis, Gles XXXX
Family and friends all there to cheer her
Elin and Herdip row hard in their boat
Both relieved and pleased to find it float
Dreamaker crashing through wave after wave
All at home think you girls so brave
Rowing hard day and night
Those flying fish give you such a fright
That nasty wind takes you here and there
We at home cry, its just not fair
We read your blogs and you make us laugh
We hear both you girls yearn for bubble bath
The ends in sight so dig deep and row
All at home screaming, go girls go
You've been up and down, high and low
Just remember we are all proud of you
Not long now till you reach Antigua
Your family, friends and loved ones will be there to cheer ya.
With love from your BIG sis, Gles XXXX
Friday 25 January 2008
Ocean ROWING challenge?!
Firstly, a massive congratulations to the Unfinished Business girls! Go girls! We are very much impressed. When we were in La Gomera with pre race nerves and anxiety of what lay ahead setting in, you girls were a great reassurance. If you were willing to come back to attempt it a second time, well it couldn't be that bad we thought! We hope you enjoyed & savoured the moment, big time.
As you've guessed from the very slow movement of our little blue blob on your PC screen, the last few days has been tough, the winds are pretty keen to push us towards Trinidad or even Brazil at times. We've decided really not to go below 17 degrees north, but when we use all our physical might to battle it, it takes a lot of willpower not to drop down to get an extra mile or two in (Sally & Clint, we are trying to listen, honest!). So onwards & westwards as they say!
Well now that we have been at sea 54 days, I feel like I have enough of an insight to say that Woodvale Challenge have got it all wrong. This is not an ocean rowing challenge at all, ... in my opinion it should be called any of he following; ocean course navigating challenge... ocean weather guessing challenge... ocean eating challenge ... ocean bucket balancing challenge ... ocean even suntan challenge ... ocean hygiene challenge ... ocean butt pain challenge ... ocean dry day challenge ... ocean smiling challenge ... ocean sleep deprivation challenge!
So you see, the rowing part is the easy part, and I wonder whether Woodvale could be sued for inaccurate advertising!! (only joking Simon ;))
Thank you again for all your messages of encouragement and support. To be still following our every stroke for nearly 8 weeks is very much appreciated, please keep them coming! 831 miles still seems like an awful long way to go when you're battling a mile an hour and you have no chocolate or haribo men left on board ... that grab bag supply of chocolate is sooo getting it soon ....
p.s if anyone has a contact with the weather gods, PLEASE have a word!
As you've guessed from the very slow movement of our little blue blob on your PC screen, the last few days has been tough, the winds are pretty keen to push us towards Trinidad or even Brazil at times. We've decided really not to go below 17 degrees north, but when we use all our physical might to battle it, it takes a lot of willpower not to drop down to get an extra mile or two in (Sally & Clint, we are trying to listen, honest!). So onwards & westwards as they say!
Well now that we have been at sea 54 days, I feel like I have enough of an insight to say that Woodvale Challenge have got it all wrong. This is not an ocean rowing challenge at all, ... in my opinion it should be called any of he following; ocean course navigating challenge... ocean weather guessing challenge... ocean eating challenge ... ocean bucket balancing challenge ... ocean even suntan challenge ... ocean hygiene challenge ... ocean butt pain challenge ... ocean dry day challenge ... ocean smiling challenge ... ocean sleep deprivation challenge!
So you see, the rowing part is the easy part, and I wonder whether Woodvale could be sued for inaccurate advertising!! (only joking Simon ;))
Thank you again for all your messages of encouragement and support. To be still following our every stroke for nearly 8 weeks is very much appreciated, please keep them coming! 831 miles still seems like an awful long way to go when you're battling a mile an hour and you have no chocolate or haribo men left on board ... that grab bag supply of chocolate is sooo getting it soon ....
p.s if anyone has a contact with the weather gods, PLEASE have a word!
Wednesday 23 January 2008
The battle to stay on course . . . .
We had a great day yesterday, the rowing felt like a dream and the oars sliced through the water like a knife in soft butter. As with everything on the ocean the high didn't last very long, yet again the winds have turned to a rather strong north-easterly making it very difficult to stay on course. The rowing has been really tough today and despite all our physical effort the wind was still determined to push us more south then we would like. From a psychological point of view we allowed ourselves to drop further south to reach 899 on the mileage and brace ourselves for a night of drifting on the para-anchor.
On a very positive note however we were very excited to hear that Gquma and No Fear have reached Antigua. In awe and envy Bill and Pete we will order the Welsh rugby shirts now. Nick and Jon, Elin is wearing your No Fear top in the hope of some oar power and luck (you owe us chocolate).
Thanks for the parents of the boys on Jaydubyoo for their message, we hope the boys are well, can't believe they didn't stop for a cup of tea when they rowed passed us and by the way thanks for the extra batteries, they have come in good use!
Happy Birthday Sukhie (my big sister in Canada), have a great day, love you and miss you loads. Herdip XXX
On a very positive note however we were very excited to hear that Gquma and No Fear have reached Antigua. In awe and envy Bill and Pete we will order the Welsh rugby shirts now. Nick and Jon, Elin is wearing your No Fear top in the hope of some oar power and luck (you owe us chocolate).
Thanks for the parents of the boys on Jaydubyoo for their message, we hope the boys are well, can't believe they didn't stop for a cup of tea when they rowed passed us and by the way thanks for the extra batteries, they have come in good use!
Happy Birthday Sukhie (my big sister in Canada), have a great day, love you and miss you loads. Herdip XXX
Monday 21 January 2008
cold nights, broken oar . . . . but still time to entertain the men!!
Sleep deprivation is finally getting to Elin, she now randomly talks about missing make up, asks if anyone has seen her rowing partner and our blog now reads more like a philosophy lecture than the witty diary it should be, so I've stepped in!
Another freezing cold night were Elin has finally started wearing layers of clothing, four compared to my six! We just hope we haven't taken a u turn accidentally and find ourselves landing in Norway any day now. I've also now succumbed to wearing plastic bags instead of socks too ... oh the shame! We have a thin white layer over everything now where the salt is EVERYWHERE!
Elin succeeded in breaking one of our much loved oars last night. Personally I think she sat on it, but she says it was a wave. (A wave picked up Dream Maker, rather ungraciously to be honest, and dumped us on our side). Sometimes the oars go through the waves like sliding a knife through butter; sometimes it's like hitting concrete - all our weight landing on concrete was too much for the poor oar! But fear not we have plaster of paris and steel roads available should we need to fix it.
Last night I also distinctly heard a man's voice coming from the cabin, and thought that Elin had finally managed to get a fully grown ginger haribo man in the cabin. But it turned out to be (if we believe her) two men from nearby ships talking on the VHF. She certainly wouldn't have been able to throw him out of the back hatch in time before I jumped up from my seat to have a look, although I haven't checked the rudder yet to see if anyone's clinging on. . . . .
Another freezing cold night were Elin has finally started wearing layers of clothing, four compared to my six! We just hope we haven't taken a u turn accidentally and find ourselves landing in Norway any day now. I've also now succumbed to wearing plastic bags instead of socks too ... oh the shame! We have a thin white layer over everything now where the salt is EVERYWHERE!
Elin succeeded in breaking one of our much loved oars last night. Personally I think she sat on it, but she says it was a wave. (A wave picked up Dream Maker, rather ungraciously to be honest, and dumped us on our side). Sometimes the oars go through the waves like sliding a knife through butter; sometimes it's like hitting concrete - all our weight landing on concrete was too much for the poor oar! But fear not we have plaster of paris and steel roads available should we need to fix it.
Last night I also distinctly heard a man's voice coming from the cabin, and thought that Elin had finally managed to get a fully grown ginger haribo man in the cabin. But it turned out to be (if we believe her) two men from nearby ships talking on the VHF. She certainly wouldn't have been able to throw him out of the back hatch in time before I jumped up from my seat to have a look, although I haven't checked the rudder yet to see if anyone's clinging on. . . . .
Reflections at 999m to go
Well we reached the big milestone of 999 miles to go. Unfortunately we had a storm of our own brewing on board and didn’t celebrate as we had planned. Our compass light had packed up in our first week, and we had come out with no spare batteries! We had been using a head torch since, and last night that too decided it had had enough of lighting our way for us. So in the “discussion” of what our options to continue were there was no jiggy, shimmy wham dance move or a high five even to celebrate. We sat in silence eating our last luxury lindt chocolate to mark the occasion.
Like all storms though it passed. The silence gave us the time to reflect, on entering our eighth week what we had achieved so far, and what was remaining to concur. It also made me think how the ocean reflected the campaign overall. On a good day each aspect of our venture reflects in the ocean.
The current, being very much behind the scene, working away quietly to support us, the foundation of our whole efforts – without which we would have gone nowhere is Jamie Hopkin from Mapeley – our sponsor. Without Jamie’s support our venture would still be nothing more than a mere idea in our minds. THANK YOU JAMIE.
The rolling waves – which are solid, and supportive, carrying us as close to the stars as they can before safely bringing us back down to prepare for the next challenge (or wave) is our close friends and family, who continue to support our dreams and efforts tirelessly.
The wind – is all our “fans”. All of you that send endless messages of encouragement and support, pushing us along in achieving our dreams. Without which we would still have a much further journey to travel.
The wildlife, dolphins, whales, rainbows, bright stars and the shinning moon – which keep our spirits high, boosts our morale when it dares to drop, reminds us of why we are here in the first place – these are all the children that we know. Our own nieces and nephews and all the children that we care for, who forever will make you want to chase that dream.
I won’t start making comparison with the elements on a bad day (squalls, rogue waves that hit us beam on, southerly winds) or I’ll get into trouble like I usually do, but feel free to have a guess ?
A Mum of one of our metabolic patients said in a recent message to us “ It must be so frustrating to be reliant on the elements and nature. I guess that ties in nicely with what you are doing. The money you raise will go towards making important changes to peoples' lives and NOT allowing nature to take its unfortunate course with some of the children with metabolic conditions.”
So with a new boost of energy for the new week ahead we’ll aim to do just that, stop the elements from pushing us off course, and distracting us from everyone’s dream.
Like all storms though it passed. The silence gave us the time to reflect, on entering our eighth week what we had achieved so far, and what was remaining to concur. It also made me think how the ocean reflected the campaign overall. On a good day each aspect of our venture reflects in the ocean.
The current, being very much behind the scene, working away quietly to support us, the foundation of our whole efforts – without which we would have gone nowhere is Jamie Hopkin from Mapeley – our sponsor. Without Jamie’s support our venture would still be nothing more than a mere idea in our minds. THANK YOU JAMIE.
The rolling waves – which are solid, and supportive, carrying us as close to the stars as they can before safely bringing us back down to prepare for the next challenge (or wave) is our close friends and family, who continue to support our dreams and efforts tirelessly.
The wind – is all our “fans”. All of you that send endless messages of encouragement and support, pushing us along in achieving our dreams. Without which we would still have a much further journey to travel.
The wildlife, dolphins, whales, rainbows, bright stars and the shinning moon – which keep our spirits high, boosts our morale when it dares to drop, reminds us of why we are here in the first place – these are all the children that we know. Our own nieces and nephews and all the children that we care for, who forever will make you want to chase that dream.
I won’t start making comparison with the elements on a bad day (squalls, rogue waves that hit us beam on, southerly winds) or I’ll get into trouble like I usually do, but feel free to have a guess ?
A Mum of one of our metabolic patients said in a recent message to us “ It must be so frustrating to be reliant on the elements and nature. I guess that ties in nicely with what you are doing. The money you raise will go towards making important changes to peoples' lives and NOT allowing nature to take its unfortunate course with some of the children with metabolic conditions.”
So with a new boost of energy for the new week ahead we’ll aim to do just that, stop the elements from pushing us off course, and distracting us from everyone’s dream.
Sunday 20 January 2008
All go on the Atlantic
What an eventful couple of days. While we rowed away in the baking sun we were happy enough to see a few grey clouds gathering and a pick up in the breeze. Shortly afterwards we noticed a rainbow appear on the horizon, we've seen a couple already during our time out here, and love the clarity of their colour, but this one turned out to be out of this world. Over a few minutes it grew in diameter, and got brighter and brighter. Changing right under our eyes it then became a full rainbow, going from one side of the horizon to the other, and to make it even more incredible, a little distance further on, a second rainbow appeared too. We were both in awe at this truly beautiful scene. If only we couldrow fast enough I'm sure we would have found our fortune at the bottomof that rainbow!
The calm seas continued and we finally rowed our way into 17.59 degrees north which gave for scenes of HAIRY high fives and we’re sure we saw the HISC burgee flicker with a bit more excitement than it had done for days.This morning Herdip noticed a massive cargo ship on the horizon. It reminded her of the Tower of London. We tried to make radio contact, but with no luck … so we’re guessing it must have been on autopilot; scary thought if it had been on a direct bearing towards us. Less than a few hours later we saw a small sailing boat with an orange sail in the far distance. The Atlantic had become as crowded as the M25 on a Friday night all of a sudden! Again we tried to make radio contact in the hope that some friendly faces would come past but to no avail.
It was great great news to then hear that team Pura Vida were the first of the fleet to land in Antigua today. WELL DONE BOYS! We studied our navigation course with them back in May last year, and they provided much needed laughs in what was otherwise a pretty intense week. If it worked for them then surely there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work for us. Pura Vida were also the very kind supplier of our fabulous (esp) toilet paper, thank you Carl. We might even just forgive you for not turning round with more supply two weeks ago when we told you that we’d run out!...
The weather has now picked up to a strong north easterly – which two days ago we would have begged for, but which now means that we are battling against it to stop us from being pushed too far south, and below Antigua - making Trinidad a new landing destination. I think we just have to admit we haven’t got a clue what we’re doing! Lets just keep on keeping our fingers crossed …
The calm seas continued and we finally rowed our way into 17.59 degrees north which gave for scenes of HAIRY high fives and we’re sure we saw the HISC burgee flicker with a bit more excitement than it had done for days.This morning Herdip noticed a massive cargo ship on the horizon. It reminded her of the Tower of London. We tried to make radio contact, but with no luck … so we’re guessing it must have been on autopilot; scary thought if it had been on a direct bearing towards us. Less than a few hours later we saw a small sailing boat with an orange sail in the far distance. The Atlantic had become as crowded as the M25 on a Friday night all of a sudden! Again we tried to make radio contact in the hope that some friendly faces would come past but to no avail.
It was great great news to then hear that team Pura Vida were the first of the fleet to land in Antigua today. WELL DONE BOYS! We studied our navigation course with them back in May last year, and they provided much needed laughs in what was otherwise a pretty intense week. If it worked for them then surely there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work for us. Pura Vida were also the very kind supplier of our fabulous (esp) toilet paper, thank you Carl. We might even just forgive you for not turning round with more supply two weeks ago when we told you that we’d run out!...
The weather has now picked up to a strong north easterly – which two days ago we would have begged for, but which now means that we are battling against it to stop us from being pushed too far south, and below Antigua - making Trinidad a new landing destination. I think we just have to admit we haven’t got a clue what we’re doing! Lets just keep on keeping our fingers crossed …
Friday 18 January 2008
A whale, soggy feet and a mill pond as another day passes on the Atlantic
Well the weather has changed again and now it seems like we are sitting in the most still of mill ponds. No winds, waves or currents. The sun is blinding hot, and as our only progress is oar power it feels like very hard work. We're bearing on a more southerly course than south west in the hunt for those elusive trade winds. Every mile counts and gets us closer to Antigua!...
For the last week or so we have been thinking far more about our actual arrival date. We've made more calculations than a mathematics PhD student. Since we barely have a maths O level between us it’s some undertaking. So it was easier to doubt our maths than accept the truth that our ETA in Antigua is at least 8 - 10 days later than expected. This gives me a gut-wrenching feeling as it means my dear friends Karen & Duncan (the people not the ducks!!) will have already been & gone by then! Devastated! It also means I won't be able to present my work at the WORLD meeting in Las Vegas on the 14th Feb (you better enjoy it out there for me Niamh & Michelle, hit that Elvis chapel in style!!). The question now remains whether we'll make it back in time for Jo Bardoe's Valentine's ball ... we're trying!
Now I've accepted the new dates I'm ok(ish) about it, and console myself in the increased weight loss opportunity!! Poor Herdip on the other hand has no more weight to loose. When she stands sideways these days she momentarily disappears. She's in serious needs of pizzas Ian!!! Now is probably not a good time to admit that on Boxing Day, when we were increasingly frustrated by our lack of progress, we spent a good couple of hours feeding Nemo and his friends with a months supply of freeze dried food! umm!
And so we'll continue unanimous in the feeling that putting wet socks on is the worst feeling ever, no matter if it's sweat, condensation, sea water or rain water and that blowing your nose post a cry with a baby wipe is just wrong, as it still leaves your nose wet! Such things we would have never known if we hadn't experienced this amazing (ad)venture ;))
We were also visited by a whale two days ago. It was MASSIVE and stayed with us for a good 15 - 20 minutes. I'm afraid that we were not as brave as Billy (Gquma) and didn't jump in the water for better photo opportunities, but it was certainly of lives treasured viewing.
Happy Birthday Dad, from Herdip.
For the last week or so we have been thinking far more about our actual arrival date. We've made more calculations than a mathematics PhD student. Since we barely have a maths O level between us it’s some undertaking. So it was easier to doubt our maths than accept the truth that our ETA in Antigua is at least 8 - 10 days later than expected. This gives me a gut-wrenching feeling as it means my dear friends Karen & Duncan (the people not the ducks!!) will have already been & gone by then! Devastated! It also means I won't be able to present my work at the WORLD meeting in Las Vegas on the 14th Feb (you better enjoy it out there for me Niamh & Michelle, hit that Elvis chapel in style!!). The question now remains whether we'll make it back in time for Jo Bardoe's Valentine's ball ... we're trying!
Now I've accepted the new dates I'm ok(ish) about it, and console myself in the increased weight loss opportunity!! Poor Herdip on the other hand has no more weight to loose. When she stands sideways these days she momentarily disappears. She's in serious needs of pizzas Ian!!! Now is probably not a good time to admit that on Boxing Day, when we were increasingly frustrated by our lack of progress, we spent a good couple of hours feeding Nemo and his friends with a months supply of freeze dried food! umm!
And so we'll continue unanimous in the feeling that putting wet socks on is the worst feeling ever, no matter if it's sweat, condensation, sea water or rain water and that blowing your nose post a cry with a baby wipe is just wrong, as it still leaves your nose wet! Such things we would have never known if we hadn't experienced this amazing (ad)venture ;))
We were also visited by a whale two days ago. It was MASSIVE and stayed with us for a good 15 - 20 minutes. I'm afraid that we were not as brave as Billy (Gquma) and didn't jump in the water for better photo opportunities, but it was certainly of lives treasured viewing.
Happy Birthday Dad, from Herdip.
Thursday 17 January 2008
Is it Duct or Duck?
We wanted to know!
Tracy Young (from Mapeley, our sponsor) kindly set out to find out . . . .
The first name for Duct Tape was DUCK. During World War II the U.S. Military needed a waterproof tape to keep the moisture out of ammunition cases. So, they enlisted the Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division to manufacture the tape. Because it was waterproof, everyone referred to it as "duck" tape (like water off a duck's back). Military personnel discovered that the tape was good for lots more than keeping out water. They used it for Jeep repair, fixing stuff on their guns, strapping equipment to their clothing. . . . the list is endless. After the War, the housing industry was booming and someone discovered that the tape was great for joining the heating and air conditioning duct work. So, the colour was changed from army green to the silvery colour we are familiar with today and people started to refer to it as "duct tape."
So now we know!
Tracy also wondered if we had packed some ginger haribo women to 'get jiggy' with the ginger men, to produce some ginger haribo babies, it would have kept our supplies going...Why didn't we think of that!
Jamie - the girl deserves a pay rise! ;))
Tracy Young (from Mapeley, our sponsor) kindly set out to find out . . . .
The first name for Duct Tape was DUCK. During World War II the U.S. Military needed a waterproof tape to keep the moisture out of ammunition cases. So, they enlisted the Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division to manufacture the tape. Because it was waterproof, everyone referred to it as "duck" tape (like water off a duck's back). Military personnel discovered that the tape was good for lots more than keeping out water. They used it for Jeep repair, fixing stuff on their guns, strapping equipment to their clothing. . . . the list is endless. After the War, the housing industry was booming and someone discovered that the tape was great for joining the heating and air conditioning duct work. So, the colour was changed from army green to the silvery colour we are familiar with today and people started to refer to it as "duct tape."
So now we know!
Tracy also wondered if we had packed some ginger haribo women to 'get jiggy' with the ginger men, to produce some ginger haribo babies, it would have kept our supplies going...Why didn't we think of that!
Jamie - the girl deserves a pay rise! ;))
Wednesday 16 January 2008
Not another blog about prunes?!?! . . . don't worry, this one is the human prune (water logged) variety!
As Dream Maker continues the painfully slow progress towards Antigua, it is with welcomed relief that the wind and swell now seem to be on our side.
Having got used to weekly showers our bodies are now in a bit of a shock however, as we experience hourly showers! Some waves hit us via the stern cabin and offer a cold power shower type experience. Other waves hit us beam on and have us sitting waist deep in a bath of the blue (cold) stuff! All this sea water ensures that our skin is regularly exfoliated – which is luckily often followed by a squall .… a time where the heavens open and we are drowned (like rats) in (very) cold rain! A perfect opportunity to wash away that salt and old skin …. leaving our skins glowing (or was that shivering!). Everything a girl could ever wish for!
It was during one of these very wet moments last night when one of the wheels came off the seat and had Herdip flying across the deck. One did not laugh! Honest!
All the water on deck however has resulted in our bilge pump packing up! It seems that duck tape can’t fix this one! It was very sad news for us for more than one reason. The noise made when we switched it on made us think that we had a Gremlin under deck, and at night we would often talk to our on board Gremlin! We even named him as our relationship bonded with time … the gremlin will be sorely missed and our feet now soggy as we step through a foot of water in the gully each time we get in and out of the cabin!
So as we sit here eating our chilly flavoured flavoured gum (thanks Duncan) it dawned on us that we wouldn’t really know the difference between an easterly wind and a trade wind if they hit us in the face like a flying fish! Either way, we’re just happy to have wind to help us along quicker!
Having got used to weekly showers our bodies are now in a bit of a shock however, as we experience hourly showers! Some waves hit us via the stern cabin and offer a cold power shower type experience. Other waves hit us beam on and have us sitting waist deep in a bath of the blue (cold) stuff! All this sea water ensures that our skin is regularly exfoliated – which is luckily often followed by a squall .… a time where the heavens open and we are drowned (like rats) in (very) cold rain! A perfect opportunity to wash away that salt and old skin …. leaving our skins glowing (or was that shivering!). Everything a girl could ever wish for!
It was during one of these very wet moments last night when one of the wheels came off the seat and had Herdip flying across the deck. One did not laugh! Honest!
All the water on deck however has resulted in our bilge pump packing up! It seems that duck tape can’t fix this one! It was very sad news for us for more than one reason. The noise made when we switched it on made us think that we had a Gremlin under deck, and at night we would often talk to our on board Gremlin! We even named him as our relationship bonded with time … the gremlin will be sorely missed and our feet now soggy as we step through a foot of water in the gully each time we get in and out of the cabin!
So as we sit here eating our chilly flavoured flavoured gum (thanks Duncan) it dawned on us that we wouldn’t really know the difference between an easterly wind and a trade wind if they hit us in the face like a flying fish! Either way, we’re just happy to have wind to help us along quicker!
Tuesday 15 January 2008
Inspiration from the children at GOSH helps Herdip through a tough time
I've been feeling really down & tearful for the last few days. Not sure why exactly, probably a combination of missing people and being out here for so long. We are so near now, but it feels so far! I've found it particularly tough emotionally which has been very hard, but Elin has been there to push me on, which is fantastic.
Last night while I was rowing and looking at the stars I gave myself a big pep talk. I thought of the kids I know, like Mia, Louis, Henry & Lucas. They deal with difficulties every day. I merely have 8 - 9 weeks of hardship; they have difficulties to deal with for the rest of their lives. It really put things in perspective.
An email I received last night from a loved one reinforced my strength to continue with this journey - in a POSITIVE manner, THANK YOU!
Regardless of the lows we do have a few laughs, and last night Elin & I spent the night like drowned rats. Elin at one point managed to get herself very stuck between her rowing seat, bucket and bikini bottoms. Luckily she got out of it herself, as I was laughing too much to help. Even more so now that she wears empty plastic snack packs as socks! It's the latest fashion rage in the Atlantic don't you know!
I miss everyone so much, but the strength I get from all your messages is amazing and keeps me going. I intend to enjoy my last 3 weeks here, with Elin's stupid antics to keep me amused! I miss my friends and family soooo much, that I can't wait to see you all.
Thank you so much Ian Roots & Will Mason for all your help & advice yesterday.
Love & big hugs & kisses
Herdip
P.S Sorry this is not as funny as our usual blog update, but fear not our wit is still here ... and will be back!
Last night while I was rowing and looking at the stars I gave myself a big pep talk. I thought of the kids I know, like Mia, Louis, Henry & Lucas. They deal with difficulties every day. I merely have 8 - 9 weeks of hardship; they have difficulties to deal with for the rest of their lives. It really put things in perspective.
An email I received last night from a loved one reinforced my strength to continue with this journey - in a POSITIVE manner, THANK YOU!
Regardless of the lows we do have a few laughs, and last night Elin & I spent the night like drowned rats. Elin at one point managed to get herself very stuck between her rowing seat, bucket and bikini bottoms. Luckily she got out of it herself, as I was laughing too much to help. Even more so now that she wears empty plastic snack packs as socks! It's the latest fashion rage in the Atlantic don't you know!
I miss everyone so much, but the strength I get from all your messages is amazing and keeps me going. I intend to enjoy my last 3 weeks here, with Elin's stupid antics to keep me amused! I miss my friends and family soooo much, that I can't wait to see you all.
Thank you so much Ian Roots & Will Mason for all your help & advice yesterday.
Love & big hugs & kisses
Herdip
P.S Sorry this is not as funny as our usual blog update, but fear not our wit is still here ... and will be back!
Monday 14 January 2008
A day in the life of Dream Maker
And so our seventh week on the ocean starts!
Where has the time gone?! We’re now established in our routine, and as such each day seems to blend into the other. At midnight we start our two hour row two hour rest time, as we both feel the need for one two hour break at least. A slither of the moon has appeared last few nights, and we keep expecting to see Mary Poppins flying above it at any time. Previous nights have been really dark again, and we’re unable to distinguish between where the sea ends and the sky starts. The only changes are the white lines that appear to indicate a breaking wave, often associated with a loud hissing noise. It’s a good warning for the rower to prepare for a sudden change of movement. It seems just like Buckaroo. With our feet strapped in and our upper bodies thrown around like rag dolls it often leaves you feeling whip-lashed. Sometime the waves rip the oars out of your hands with such ferocity that you wonder whether your arm is still attached to your bodies.
The rower to finish rowing during sunrise has the responsibility of boiling water for the day. We’ve gone with the sun now that we are in our second time zone. Boiling water is easier said than done; getting it out from under deck hatch, fixing it to gamble point, lighting it without loosing your eye brows and then boiling 4 litres of it in rotation of two kettles, saved in thermos flasks … two of which we easily spill as we stagger backwards and forwards, left and right!
We then change our routine to an hour and a half row and rest, which allows breakfast to be digested. Breakfast delights include porridge with strawberries and custard with berries! As the sun comes out we drop the routine to an hour off each. The sun is scorching hot at the moment, which also makes the cabin too hot and stuffy to be comfortable. Rest time disappears, with map plotting and navigation, boat maintenance, getting food and drinks on board, personal hygiene demands,book reading, emails, blog, phone calls home (and to other boats) and most importantly of course SLEEP! We can never get enough sleep, or sleep of such quality that make us feel well rested. We also of course need team talk time, motivational pep talk and attempt to make the other smile (and even laugh) as we make the most of this most amazing, difficult, surreal, gruelling, rewarding and unique experience of our lives. Just before sunset the other rower boils more water for dinner and hot drinks over night. We squeezed the last bit of life out of our last tea bag two days ago, so with all our stock now diminished our treat is a chocolate mousse pack diluted with five times the recommended amount of water to make the BEST hot chocolate ever. Drinking it under the stars, while thinking of everything, anything and nothing really makes you appreciate that it’s the little things in life that count.
We promise never to take them for granted again!
Where has the time gone?! We’re now established in our routine, and as such each day seems to blend into the other. At midnight we start our two hour row two hour rest time, as we both feel the need for one two hour break at least. A slither of the moon has appeared last few nights, and we keep expecting to see Mary Poppins flying above it at any time. Previous nights have been really dark again, and we’re unable to distinguish between where the sea ends and the sky starts. The only changes are the white lines that appear to indicate a breaking wave, often associated with a loud hissing noise. It’s a good warning for the rower to prepare for a sudden change of movement. It seems just like Buckaroo. With our feet strapped in and our upper bodies thrown around like rag dolls it often leaves you feeling whip-lashed. Sometime the waves rip the oars out of your hands with such ferocity that you wonder whether your arm is still attached to your bodies.
The rower to finish rowing during sunrise has the responsibility of boiling water for the day. We’ve gone with the sun now that we are in our second time zone. Boiling water is easier said than done; getting it out from under deck hatch, fixing it to gamble point, lighting it without loosing your eye brows and then boiling 4 litres of it in rotation of two kettles, saved in thermos flasks … two of which we easily spill as we stagger backwards and forwards, left and right!
We then change our routine to an hour and a half row and rest, which allows breakfast to be digested. Breakfast delights include porridge with strawberries and custard with berries! As the sun comes out we drop the routine to an hour off each. The sun is scorching hot at the moment, which also makes the cabin too hot and stuffy to be comfortable. Rest time disappears, with map plotting and navigation, boat maintenance, getting food and drinks on board, personal hygiene demands,book reading, emails, blog, phone calls home (and to other boats) and most importantly of course SLEEP! We can never get enough sleep, or sleep of such quality that make us feel well rested. We also of course need team talk time, motivational pep talk and attempt to make the other smile (and even laugh) as we make the most of this most amazing, difficult, surreal, gruelling, rewarding and unique experience of our lives. Just before sunset the other rower boils more water for dinner and hot drinks over night. We squeezed the last bit of life out of our last tea bag two days ago, so with all our stock now diminished our treat is a chocolate mousse pack diluted with five times the recommended amount of water to make the BEST hot chocolate ever. Drinking it under the stars, while thinking of everything, anything and nothing really makes you appreciate that it’s the little things in life that count.
We promise never to take them for granted again!
Sunday 13 January 2008
A poem from the Jameson family
Elin and Herdip rowing on the deep dark sea
They saw a shark and thought oh deary me!
Elin and Herdip on the deep blue sea
Eating chocolate mousse and drinking tea
Elin and Herdip on Dream Maker
Where are the wind and waves going to take her
Elin and Herdip on their way to Antigua
Those dry rations are really meagre
Elin and Herdip are half way there
Legs and armpits covered in hair
We can nearly smell them back at home
What a good job they are on their own
Elins bottom all covered in sores
Jigging around while at the oars
When they arrive there will be a big party
After all that drink they will be burpy and farty
They will be back at home as soon as we know it
Come on girls get on and row it.
Love and big hugs>>Lucy, Ian, Henry and Rupert
They saw a shark and thought oh deary me!
Elin and Herdip on the deep blue sea
Eating chocolate mousse and drinking tea
Elin and Herdip on Dream Maker
Where are the wind and waves going to take her
Elin and Herdip on their way to Antigua
Those dry rations are really meagre
Elin and Herdip are half way there
Legs and armpits covered in hair
We can nearly smell them back at home
What a good job they are on their own
Elins bottom all covered in sores
Jigging around while at the oars
When they arrive there will be a big party
After all that drink they will be burpy and farty
They will be back at home as soon as we know it
Come on girls get on and row it.
Love and big hugs>>Lucy, Ian, Henry and Rupert
Saturday 12 January 2008
New years body beautiful
The wind and swells finally now seem behind us, and we're making betterprogress!
Friday was a great day as we passed 39 degrees West (our half way mark) and finally made it to 18+ degrees North. There was high fives all roundand a general agreement that we surely just sit here now waiting for the trade winds to find us!T
he day was made even more special as there was 9 ginger men in the Haribo super mix. A sure sign that things are looking up!
Another air lock meant we had to "bleed" the water maker as well. We also decided to change the (much overdue) filter and immediately regretted the decision as we struggled for some time to get the new one on. While working under deck we noticed that the +ve wires to one of the batteries for the solar power monitor had completely eroded away. Another job to be added to the list of must do (now that we have the lowdown from Richard) but one of low importance compared to rowing andsleep.
Now that everyone has united in telling me to complete and not compete I've turned my sights to other things that every normal 31 year old thinks about at this time of year; weight loss (surely I can win this one!) and sun tan. Following friendly comments from Kilkullen boys we think the sea diet programme is going to plan, so fingers crossed it'll be a winner! Although both of us have been heard to whisper the previously unheard comment "I think I'm hungry" in recent days. The plan for an all over glow is not going to plan though. Due to the fact that we're wearing musto deck shoes 24/7 our feet are now very pale and flaky, not a sight for those Jimmy Choo shoes but not one we can overcome as our steering system needs shoes. Furthermore, our surfboard strap (thanks Joe) which we wear round our right ankle as a safety harness to keep us strapped to the boat is leaving a very white mark! It would generally make you think that we had been detained at her majesty’s pleasure and ankle tagged for some time! Other white bits are probably best not mentioned. All in all, at this rate black denier tights will be needed for the rest of this winter, just like every other.
Friday was a great day as we passed 39 degrees West (our half way mark) and finally made it to 18+ degrees North. There was high fives all roundand a general agreement that we surely just sit here now waiting for the trade winds to find us!T
he day was made even more special as there was 9 ginger men in the Haribo super mix. A sure sign that things are looking up!
Another air lock meant we had to "bleed" the water maker as well. We also decided to change the (much overdue) filter and immediately regretted the decision as we struggled for some time to get the new one on. While working under deck we noticed that the +ve wires to one of the batteries for the solar power monitor had completely eroded away. Another job to be added to the list of must do (now that we have the lowdown from Richard) but one of low importance compared to rowing andsleep.
Now that everyone has united in telling me to complete and not compete I've turned my sights to other things that every normal 31 year old thinks about at this time of year; weight loss (surely I can win this one!) and sun tan. Following friendly comments from Kilkullen boys we think the sea diet programme is going to plan, so fingers crossed it'll be a winner! Although both of us have been heard to whisper the previously unheard comment "I think I'm hungry" in recent days. The plan for an all over glow is not going to plan though. Due to the fact that we're wearing musto deck shoes 24/7 our feet are now very pale and flaky, not a sight for those Jimmy Choo shoes but not one we can overcome as our steering system needs shoes. Furthermore, our surfboard strap (thanks Joe) which we wear round our right ankle as a safety harness to keep us strapped to the boat is leaving a very white mark! It would generally make you think that we had been detained at her majesty’s pleasure and ankle tagged for some time! Other white bits are probably best not mentioned. All in all, at this rate black denier tights will be needed for the rest of this winter, just like every other.
Thursday 10 January 2008
An Atlantic poem attempt . . . .
OH! I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN
Our hair is sooo greasy
It itches at night
But when the sea breeze blows through it
We feel alright
Our armpits and legs are hairy
We also smell pretty bad
Oh how liberating it is
To feel like a man!
We shower once weekly
It is a real chore
But like all women
We long for bubble baths galore
Our nails are chipped and broken
We’ve blisters and callous all over our hands
It will be a long time
Before they’ve got a ladies touch
We have 6 outfits between us
Which has lasted 6 weeks
We rely on the sun
To be our treat
Flushing toilets and durex, oops we mean andrex
Seem like such a lavish treat
“Bucket & chuck it”
Is just so not me!!
Elegant and radiant
Feminine we will be!
And we’ll enjoy it more
When we’ve finished rowing the sea!
Our hair is sooo greasy
It itches at night
But when the sea breeze blows through it
We feel alright
Our armpits and legs are hairy
We also smell pretty bad
Oh how liberating it is
To feel like a man!
We shower once weekly
It is a real chore
But like all women
We long for bubble baths galore
Our nails are chipped and broken
We’ve blisters and callous all over our hands
It will be a long time
Before they’ve got a ladies touch
We have 6 outfits between us
Which has lasted 6 weeks
We rely on the sun
To be our treat
Flushing toilets and durex, oops we mean andrex
Seem like such a lavish treat
“Bucket & chuck it”
Is just so not me!!
Elegant and radiant
Feminine we will be!
And we’ll enjoy it more
When we’ve finished rowing the sea!
Who ever would have thought PRUNES would count as 'valuable possessions'??!! - news from the girls today . . . .
Good news to start with, weather has improved slightly over night. There’s a bit of a swell going in our direction making the rowing a lot easier. So fingers crossed we'll pick up the mileage and catch up with some of the other boats which will please Elin no end, who since yesterday's blog has been told off twice and even compared to James Cracknell (thanks Karen & Lucy!) lets give a thought to poor old Ben Fogle (oh I meant me!!) . . . .
Even her bottom is beginning to look like James Cracknell's bottom (if you've ever seen the photo in his book!). Certainly makes for great viewing ... not!
I don't know what she was thinking about last night though, she was rowing in circles half the time, but I don't know what thoughts were distracting her!!! ;-))
She was even waking me up every hour to check when my break time should be over . . . . disturbing my much needed beauty sleep.
Don't know how many of you know, that Elin lived with me for a while, and had a habit of breaking my valuable possessions (GHD hair straighteners for example)! Well last night she stood on my very valuable snacks . . . . Squashing my poor prunes to an inch of their death. They are no longer 3 dimensional. Luckily they were still edible ... I think she was just getting one back at me for drowning her spaghetti bol last night (or intentionally limiting the use of the infamous bucket!).
Just a quick note to Mike, Frank & all at HISC to say that we are still on the hunt for sandbanks! Once we find one we'll call you straight away Frank, and look forward with delight to seeing your orange rib come to save us just like old times!!
p.s my typing speed leaves a lot to be desired, so anything I write is actually typed by Elin while I shout from the oars, as I need my beauty sleep during my break times! . . . . until Elin wakes me again! . . . .
Even her bottom is beginning to look like James Cracknell's bottom (if you've ever seen the photo in his book!). Certainly makes for great viewing ... not!
I don't know what she was thinking about last night though, she was rowing in circles half the time, but I don't know what thoughts were distracting her!!! ;-))
She was even waking me up every hour to check when my break time should be over . . . . disturbing my much needed beauty sleep.
Don't know how many of you know, that Elin lived with me for a while, and had a habit of breaking my valuable possessions (GHD hair straighteners for example)! Well last night she stood on my very valuable snacks . . . . Squashing my poor prunes to an inch of their death. They are no longer 3 dimensional. Luckily they were still edible ... I think she was just getting one back at me for drowning her spaghetti bol last night (or intentionally limiting the use of the infamous bucket!).
Just a quick note to Mike, Frank & all at HISC to say that we are still on the hunt for sandbanks! Once we find one we'll call you straight away Frank, and look forward with delight to seeing your orange rib come to save us just like old times!!
p.s my typing speed leaves a lot to be desired, so anything I write is actually typed by Elin while I shout from the oars, as I need my beauty sleep during my break times! . . . . until Elin wakes me again! . . . .
Wednesday 9 January 2008
The power of the mind . . . .
Well, as you've all no doubt spotted, we've dropped our overall position. It's a real blow to me with every boat that goes past or every boat that increases their distance ahead of us. This is where Herdip & I really differ. She's rowing to "complete" where as I'm trying to row to "compete". I know, in the vastness of the Atlantic, where we're all actually competing with the elements more than each other that it's silly to get obsessed about positions, but after 11 years of rugby I'm afraid I can't erase my competitive nature that easily.
We are both getting increasingly irritated with our low mileage over the last few days however, and hope for an improvement VERY soon. Ultimately of course, we are both united in our goal to complete safely while raising awareness (and hopefully a significant amount of money) for metabolic research.
The sun is now charging up our solar power nicely. Unfortunately however we both feel like we're running on "empty" and eating and sleeping doesn't seem to give us the energy we so badly want. Sometimes when we're at the oars it feels like we have nothing to give. There's a distinct lack of service stations and "row-thrus" in the Atlantic though!!
The situation is not helped by the fact that I'm suffering badly from buttocks pain! Herdip happily informs me that she doesn't suffer from pain as hers is smaller! (I'll skip over that conversation!). I have enough spots on my bottom to depict the Himalayas! Very fetching! Again, Herdip's Indian skin seems to have fared better on this scene!
In the beginning I found that a cocktail of tramadol, voltarol and paracetamol not only kept the pain at bay but kept me high with the stars. Stocks have now run low however, and I had to think of other ways to manage. . . . .
I wrote it in "My Worries" book (thanks Karen) but the Mayan Indians of Guatemala don't seem to be interested, or indeed able to take my backside pain away!
I therefore opted for a bit of distraction therapy, which now keeps me going through my painful rowing sessions. I follow a little "dance routine" which goes something like ....
left cheek up .... row
right cheek up .... row
nano second lift of both cheeks (not easy with feet strapped in!) .... row
shimmy .... row....
and again ....
Lisa you'll vouch from my step aerobics attempts that this routine is a pretty complex one for me to follow - and as a result ensures that my mind does not focus on the pain alone.
So with the same weather predictions expected for the next 3 days, I brace myself for slow progress, more spots and bottom pain while Herdip daydreams the days away with guided imagery visions of pizzas and ice cold drinks! Guided imagery has been made easier for her since a flying fish loped itself at her from the back of her head . . . leaving her rather dazed and confused!
p.s random messages to people ...
Sion Aron - paned yn gwely - does ryfedd bod Esther wedi disgyn wrth dy draed! Edrych ymlaen wa!
Shell & Tim - book me in for that bed (? June or Sept) with a prime view of the BIG TV and LOADS of COFFEE!!
Char - glad kids at your school are inspired. Of course we'll come tell them all about it, especially if they support our fundraising efforts!
We are both getting increasingly irritated with our low mileage over the last few days however, and hope for an improvement VERY soon. Ultimately of course, we are both united in our goal to complete safely while raising awareness (and hopefully a significant amount of money) for metabolic research.
The sun is now charging up our solar power nicely. Unfortunately however we both feel like we're running on "empty" and eating and sleeping doesn't seem to give us the energy we so badly want. Sometimes when we're at the oars it feels like we have nothing to give. There's a distinct lack of service stations and "row-thrus" in the Atlantic though!!
The situation is not helped by the fact that I'm suffering badly from buttocks pain! Herdip happily informs me that she doesn't suffer from pain as hers is smaller! (I'll skip over that conversation!). I have enough spots on my bottom to depict the Himalayas! Very fetching! Again, Herdip's Indian skin seems to have fared better on this scene!
In the beginning I found that a cocktail of tramadol, voltarol and paracetamol not only kept the pain at bay but kept me high with the stars. Stocks have now run low however, and I had to think of other ways to manage. . . . .
I wrote it in "My Worries" book (thanks Karen) but the Mayan Indians of Guatemala don't seem to be interested, or indeed able to take my backside pain away!
I therefore opted for a bit of distraction therapy, which now keeps me going through my painful rowing sessions. I follow a little "dance routine" which goes something like ....
left cheek up .... row
right cheek up .... row
nano second lift of both cheeks (not easy with feet strapped in!) .... row
shimmy .... row....
and again ....
Lisa you'll vouch from my step aerobics attempts that this routine is a pretty complex one for me to follow - and as a result ensures that my mind does not focus on the pain alone.
So with the same weather predictions expected for the next 3 days, I brace myself for slow progress, more spots and bottom pain while Herdip daydreams the days away with guided imagery visions of pizzas and ice cold drinks! Guided imagery has been made easier for her since a flying fish loped itself at her from the back of her head . . . leaving her rather dazed and confused!
p.s random messages to people ...
Sion Aron - paned yn gwely - does ryfedd bod Esther wedi disgyn wrth dy draed! Edrych ymlaen wa!
Shell & Tim - book me in for that bed (? June or Sept) with a prime view of the BIG TV and LOADS of COFFEE!!
Char - glad kids at your school are inspired. Of course we'll come tell them all about it, especially if they support our fundraising efforts!
Tuesday 8 January 2008
Dolphins come to show how it's done!
Well, after every low there comes a high, and Atlantic highs are really high!
A tumble dryer is a much better deal than a concrete mixer after all(Diolch Rowan ;0)
As we waited for Kilcullen, safety vessel, in the far distance we noticed two very large dolphins. Even at that distance they looked amazing. They didn't indulge us much though, just circled the boat to check us out, before disappearing out of sight. It was enough to brighten up the mood slightly anyhow.
Kilcullen came with their Irish humour and wit! Over the radio they talked me through how to fix the VHF aerial. We were down to a range of 1.5 miles (normally anything between 8 and 12 miles depending on waves) so we were very close to Captain French on New Year's Eve!! I've never used so many tools in my life (thank god for duck tape!) and I was very proud to see my new aerial standing up tall with a good range of 6 - 8miles!
Shortly after Kilcullen's departure we were in awe after a pod of at least 10 dolphins came to visit us. They swam within 10 m of the boat. They moved so graciously and effortless - it was truly amazing, and uplifting. It was like the two we saw this morning had gone to get their mates and said "Hey guys, you got to come and see this! There's two girls in a rowing boat - looking pathetic as they try to move through the waves. Let's go and show them how it's done!!" Their visit left us on a high, and the following day the sun started shining on us again.
We were slowly able to power up our things, and if continues again today we might even have enough water for our first shower of 2008! (Yes, we know, it's disgusting!). So, all be it painfully slow, we can at least report that we are moving in the right direction!
Final thought of the day:"Duck tape is like the force. It has a dark side, a light side, and it holds the universe together.
A tumble dryer is a much better deal than a concrete mixer after all(Diolch Rowan ;0)
As we waited for Kilcullen, safety vessel, in the far distance we noticed two very large dolphins. Even at that distance they looked amazing. They didn't indulge us much though, just circled the boat to check us out, before disappearing out of sight. It was enough to brighten up the mood slightly anyhow.
Kilcullen came with their Irish humour and wit! Over the radio they talked me through how to fix the VHF aerial. We were down to a range of 1.5 miles (normally anything between 8 and 12 miles depending on waves) so we were very close to Captain French on New Year's Eve!! I've never used so many tools in my life (thank god for duck tape!) and I was very proud to see my new aerial standing up tall with a good range of 6 - 8miles!
Shortly after Kilcullen's departure we were in awe after a pod of at least 10 dolphins came to visit us. They swam within 10 m of the boat. They moved so graciously and effortless - it was truly amazing, and uplifting. It was like the two we saw this morning had gone to get their mates and said "Hey guys, you got to come and see this! There's two girls in a rowing boat - looking pathetic as they try to move through the waves. Let's go and show them how it's done!!" Their visit left us on a high, and the following day the sun started shining on us again.
We were slowly able to power up our things, and if continues again today we might even have enough water for our first shower of 2008! (Yes, we know, it's disgusting!). So, all be it painfully slow, we can at least report that we are moving in the right direction!
Final thought of the day:"Duck tape is like the force. It has a dark side, a light side, and it holds the universe together.
Monday 7 January 2008
Sun = Power
The girls are conserving their lap top and sat phone energy as they wait for the sun to come back out and charge their solar power. It has been 5 days without sun now. This has also caused problems with the tracking beacon which should be resolved with a visit from the support boat.
Keep the messages coming as they stroke towards the half way mark!
As time goes on, the dreams of home, particularly home cooked food, is a hot topic! Herdip has put in quite an order for her ‘first meal’ to Bindi. I think she'll have to start cooking now as Herdip's hollow legs will need filling.
Keep the messages coming as they stroke towards the half way mark!
As time goes on, the dreams of home, particularly home cooked food, is a hot topic! Herdip has put in quite an order for her ‘first meal’ to Bindi. I think she'll have to start cooking now as Herdip's hollow legs will need filling.
Sunday 6 January 2008
Just when we thought it couldn't get any harder . . . .
. . . . it did!
We found ourselves battling with south easterly winds. We battled for as long as we could to maintain our position, but after one large freak wave, crashing us beam on and leaving us with more adrenaline than a girl could ever need, we decided to put the para anchor out.
The weather pushed us back up north in 8 hours, what it had taken us 30+ hours to row. It is the most gut wrenching feeling ever, especially as you have no control what so ever over it.
Another freak wave caused panic as it nearly caused Karen & Duncan (our resident plastic ducks) to be washed over board. Luckily Duncan found safety in the toilet bucket (best place for him really) and Karen, with the aid of her buoyancy aids was found bobbing in the gully.
We were cooped up in the cabin yet again, like sardines being thrown around in a kwik save trolley, and this time it was even worse. Due the clouds we've had consistently for the past 5 - 6 days we had no solar power left, so no light to read, no charge on ipods for music or laptop for emails. Sat phone had to be switched off most of the time too. On a scale of 1 - 10 we felt minus 5!
Some messages from home were as always a boost to morale, some making us smile while some just reminded us of how detached we had placed ourselves from "normality". Yesterday, we thought would bring a change of mind set after Kilcullen the safety vessel called to say it was on our way to see us (tracking beacon down again). We gazed at the horizon patiently all day waiting to catch a first glimpse of them, and as the day went on we convinced ourselves that every crashing wave was the white of their sails. At 6pm and still nothing, we called them "Oh sorry girls, we went to see another female pairs crew instead!" "oh" So there we were stood up in the Atlantic even. The other girls must have better bikinis is all we can think . . . .
So as we finish our 5th week at sea, we start another day with strong easterly stopping all our efforts from going south. Talk of trade winds below 18 degrees North is like salt in a wound. But always a silver lining, at least the sun is back with us today ... and there's talk that Kilcullen might come visit us (if they are brave enough!)
We found ourselves battling with south easterly winds. We battled for as long as we could to maintain our position, but after one large freak wave, crashing us beam on and leaving us with more adrenaline than a girl could ever need, we decided to put the para anchor out.
The weather pushed us back up north in 8 hours, what it had taken us 30+ hours to row. It is the most gut wrenching feeling ever, especially as you have no control what so ever over it.
Another freak wave caused panic as it nearly caused Karen & Duncan (our resident plastic ducks) to be washed over board. Luckily Duncan found safety in the toilet bucket (best place for him really) and Karen, with the aid of her buoyancy aids was found bobbing in the gully.
We were cooped up in the cabin yet again, like sardines being thrown around in a kwik save trolley, and this time it was even worse. Due the clouds we've had consistently for the past 5 - 6 days we had no solar power left, so no light to read, no charge on ipods for music or laptop for emails. Sat phone had to be switched off most of the time too. On a scale of 1 - 10 we felt minus 5!
Some messages from home were as always a boost to morale, some making us smile while some just reminded us of how detached we had placed ourselves from "normality". Yesterday, we thought would bring a change of mind set after Kilcullen the safety vessel called to say it was on our way to see us (tracking beacon down again). We gazed at the horizon patiently all day waiting to catch a first glimpse of them, and as the day went on we convinced ourselves that every crashing wave was the white of their sails. At 6pm and still nothing, we called them "Oh sorry girls, we went to see another female pairs crew instead!" "oh" So there we were stood up in the Atlantic even. The other girls must have better bikinis is all we can think . . . .
So as we finish our 5th week at sea, we start another day with strong easterly stopping all our efforts from going south. Talk of trade winds below 18 degrees North is like salt in a wound. But always a silver lining, at least the sun is back with us today ... and there's talk that Kilcullen might come visit us (if they are brave enough!)
Friday 4 January 2008
Riding the waves as daily rituals develop on DreamMaker
I’m back. Russia was an amazing holiday but boy did I miss my attachment to the Woodvale site!
Picture here of girls on Christmas day as taken by the support boat.
As of 1pm today the girls have rowed 1048 nautical miles – they have done well to close the gap between Atlantic Jacks who had taken great pride in passing the girls a few days ago. Although not in for a competition such gleeful statements by others only serves as motivation for our two tough cookies!
Here’s what they had to report today ……
”I'm in PA mode today, and typing as Dips shouts from the oars, so hear goes ...
Lets start with the weather - the weather has picked up and we have strong easterly winds, which is taking us in the right direction! However the waves are ENORMOUS . . . . . if only you could see our faces when we go over them!
Last night we tried to row, but as the moon has gone, the nights are VERY dark again. Not being able to see the waves coming (but boy do we hear them) makes it very difficult, so we rested a bit, letting the waves take us (generally) in the right direction. We felt like we were in a tumble dryer at one point! Big thanks to Dream Maker for keeping us safe!
It poured it down with rain as well, so both of us have been constantly wet for the last 24 - 36 hours. At least the decks are clean now - Dream Maker has never looked so shiny!
So that's the weather. Thought you'd like to hear about some general rituals that we’ve developed over the last month!
Firstly, we decided that cutlery washing was no longer needed! Whether this is down to poor resources, or complete laziness I'll let you decide. Instead we lick our spoons clean post meal, and if Elin has eaten a meat based meal a double-lick is required to maintain Herdip’s vegetarian diet.
Secondly, as rations are getting very low (coffee and hot chocolate already gone) we now manage to recycle one tea bag between the two of us for 2 - 3 days! Our taste buds have definitely changed over the last few weeks.
Thirdly, for amusement factor and to pass the time, our daily snack bags containing fruit gums and pastilles, gives us hours of pleasure in trying to see which one of us can suck them for longest - with no chewing! Thank god for TV adverts to inspire us!
Thank you, as always to you all for your continued messages of support. Lesley from CLIMB - thank you in particular, your support, and that of individual families, certainly means a lot and keeps us CLIMBing over those big waves!
Amy - Lou - please check spelling, typing on a moving target is not soeasy either!!
Let us know all the gossip from home when you can!"
Thursday 3 January 2008
2 January 2008
Well, as of 12pm today we have been at sea a month! We can hardly believe it! To our great satisfaction, at 21 minutes past midnight we also managed to get under 20 degrees North (a feat that we had been struggling with since Boxing Day!) and we are now very closely embarking on the 1000 mile mark! All in all, a positive start to 2008!
Other thoughts as we reflect back on a month at sea:
A second can last eternity, but a day goes by in a flash.
Eating to live is not half as much fun as living to eat.
Sleep deprivation distorts EVERYTHING!
Lying in the cabin without a bra requires a health and safety assessment (either that or duck tape)!
A topic that is widely discussed on board, with a great level of interest is our bowel movement. According to Herdip, bowl movements,like the weather is a British topic of conversation, at which time sheprides herself on being Indian. Conversation is therefore strictly professional. Herdip's specialist gastro skills allows each movement to be assessed and scored. The impact of diet (peanuts, sweetcorn, curry) is widely analysed and the varying impact of the different makes of food (Norweigan or British) compared. Just to explain, the rehydrated food, if not prepared to soup like consistency, with lots of water, hits our stomachs and continues to absorb water - making us very, very constipated!
Just to put it in context, our 3 meter deck serves as a kitchen, dining room, shower room and toilet - giving the rower a prime viewing position whether she wants it or not!!Other facts that amuse us, is that when Herdip holds the oars, her thumband index finger overlap by about 1cm. When I hold the oars there is agap of around 0.5 cm between my thumb and index finger, which wouldexplain why my shins and Herdip's thumbs hurt! Her knuckles also do drag along the deck when she walks ...
Highlight of the day for me is counting out all the ginger (ok, orange) men in the Haribo supermix pack. Desperate times does call for desperate measures!
Our international "fan group" continues to grow, with 5 more countrieson the list Canada (the Bains family, Herdip's older sis & family sending love & support) Uganda (hope you're having a fab time in the African bush Sprecks, I will come with you next time!) Russia (hope you had a great holiday and welcomed the new year in style Amy Lou) Norway (bienevue familie de Mass!) Netherlands (Jack and Corry my Spanish beer drinking companions) with a new member in NZ (hope all is well with u and bump Abs!).
So that's it for today, I hope that those of you returning to work today don't find it too painful!
Other thoughts as we reflect back on a month at sea:
A second can last eternity, but a day goes by in a flash.
Eating to live is not half as much fun as living to eat.
Sleep deprivation distorts EVERYTHING!
Lying in the cabin without a bra requires a health and safety assessment (either that or duck tape)!
A topic that is widely discussed on board, with a great level of interest is our bowel movement. According to Herdip, bowl movements,like the weather is a British topic of conversation, at which time sheprides herself on being Indian. Conversation is therefore strictly professional. Herdip's specialist gastro skills allows each movement to be assessed and scored. The impact of diet (peanuts, sweetcorn, curry) is widely analysed and the varying impact of the different makes of food (Norweigan or British) compared. Just to explain, the rehydrated food, if not prepared to soup like consistency, with lots of water, hits our stomachs and continues to absorb water - making us very, very constipated!
Just to put it in context, our 3 meter deck serves as a kitchen, dining room, shower room and toilet - giving the rower a prime viewing position whether she wants it or not!!Other facts that amuse us, is that when Herdip holds the oars, her thumband index finger overlap by about 1cm. When I hold the oars there is agap of around 0.5 cm between my thumb and index finger, which wouldexplain why my shins and Herdip's thumbs hurt! Her knuckles also do drag along the deck when she walks ...
Highlight of the day for me is counting out all the ginger (ok, orange) men in the Haribo supermix pack. Desperate times does call for desperate measures!
Our international "fan group" continues to grow, with 5 more countrieson the list Canada (the Bains family, Herdip's older sis & family sending love & support) Uganda (hope you're having a fab time in the African bush Sprecks, I will come with you next time!) Russia (hope you had a great holiday and welcomed the new year in style Amy Lou) Norway (bienevue familie de Mass!) Netherlands (Jack and Corry my Spanish beer drinking companions) with a new member in NZ (hope all is well with u and bump Abs!).
So that's it for today, I hope that those of you returning to work today don't find it too painful!
Tuesday 1 January 2008
Happy New Year!
Hi everyone, firstly we would like to apologize for no recent update, our blog editor decided to go to Russia for a holiday, I mean what are we paying her to do!!!
So recent events. We have had lots of flying fish flinging themselves at us most evenings. Elin got the worst of it, it must have been after school flying lessons that night. She got a real smacker in the face, full on. I personally can't stand the things and on the first few occasions stood there screaming like a girlie until Elin got rid of them, they jump and flap every where and trying to get a hold of them whilst alive is so hard. I now just leave them until the end of my shift to pick them up, so the flying fish are better off flinging themselves at Elin if they want some chance of survival. We also reckon 99% of them are brain damaged after bouncing off the boat on a regular basis.
The New Year, well never a dull moment for Elin and I. Elin was rowing and after a while said "Herdip do you think that light over there is a ship?" After having a quick look I was like oh yes Elin its a real big one and it seems to be heading right for us! We got onto the VHF, both
handheld and the fixed because unfortunately the aerial snapped off a few days ago and were not quite sure if the fixed VHF sent a signal. So in our wisdom we tested it out with our handheld, it seemed to work but no response from the rather big vessel approaching us. We
then started to say silly things on the VHF and I sort of used some French if you catch my drift about the size of this thing when a man's voice said I can hear you. He must have heard Elin and I prating around in our attempt to get their attention. Anyway, we had a chat they were
on another bearing to us, we think they were French due to the accent and I think they were heading to France, Elin just wondered if he sounded good looking!!!
Well we would like to wish all our followers a fantastic New Year, hope you all got drunk on our behalf, we had tea and chocolate which Elin had been salivating over all day, I'm surprised she hadn't eaten it.
Happy New Year, may all your dreams come true.
So recent events. We have had lots of flying fish flinging themselves at us most evenings. Elin got the worst of it, it must have been after school flying lessons that night. She got a real smacker in the face, full on. I personally can't stand the things and on the first few occasions stood there screaming like a girlie until Elin got rid of them, they jump and flap every where and trying to get a hold of them whilst alive is so hard. I now just leave them until the end of my shift to pick them up, so the flying fish are better off flinging themselves at Elin if they want some chance of survival. We also reckon 99% of them are brain damaged after bouncing off the boat on a regular basis.
The New Year, well never a dull moment for Elin and I. Elin was rowing and after a while said "Herdip do you think that light over there is a ship?" After having a quick look I was like oh yes Elin its a real big one and it seems to be heading right for us! We got onto the VHF, both
handheld and the fixed because unfortunately the aerial snapped off a few days ago and were not quite sure if the fixed VHF sent a signal. So in our wisdom we tested it out with our handheld, it seemed to work but no response from the rather big vessel approaching us. We
then started to say silly things on the VHF and I sort of used some French if you catch my drift about the size of this thing when a man's voice said I can hear you. He must have heard Elin and I prating around in our attempt to get their attention. Anyway, we had a chat they were
on another bearing to us, we think they were French due to the accent and I think they were heading to France, Elin just wondered if he sounded good looking!!!
Well we would like to wish all our followers a fantastic New Year, hope you all got drunk on our behalf, we had tea and chocolate which Elin had been salivating over all day, I'm surprised she hadn't eaten it.
Happy New Year, may all your dreams come true.
Christmas Day
Well, Christmas day arrived, with many squalls, which meant that both of us were drenched twice over before daylight. With all the cloud we sadly missed seeing Santa fly over head, and unfortunately he didn't feel the need to stop by ...
When morning came we opened our gifts and cards. I had a Welsh radio interview to distract me for a while. We then had numerous phone calls with family and friends, with floods of tears to follow.
Herdip drew a Christmas tree, holly and snowman in the cabin to get us in the mood!
Unexpectedly we then had a call from Kilcullen - support vessel - they were on their way to see us and wanted our position.Unfortunately our tracking beacon hadn't been working since 6am!! That would mean that our ever growing "fan-club" would not be able to follow the blue dot move across the PC, and for us, that they wouldn't be able to track us easily in the case of an emergency.
So wearing our musto deck shoes, bikinis, Christmas hats (thanks Bindi)and snowmen an Christmas tree earrings (thanks Gles) we were ready and excited for our Christmas visitors.
When you've been devoid of seeing other people for over 3 weeks, the excitement of having visitors is phenomenal! As the swells and waves were big and choppy, they had some difficulty finding us, and as our VHF radio didn't seem to be picking up, it was very frustrating seeing the sail, and not being able to shout "WE'RE OVER HERE"!
Christmas wishes etc and photos done it was down to the task of fixing the beacon which included getting into the cabin for clear instructions over radio ... out on to deck to track leads ... back in to cabin for radio check ... back on deck tolook under gunell ... then battery ... back into cabin to open electrics ... radio for info ... change fuse ... back to deckto point under binoculars that yes we were talking about the same piece of equipment (!!!!) ... and then finally a radiocheck to confirm that it was working!! (All this while trying to keep Dream Maker on the right bearing to avoid beinghit sideways on by the ever increasing waves!) Hooray - blue dot moving restored!
And as Kilcullen waved off into the distance, all smiles with their binoculars and extra zoom cameras we realised that maybe our outfits were not the most appropriate for the job at hand with 3 men (spending Christmas alone on a boat) starring at you!! Ah well, at least most of the day had now flown by without leaving too much time to gather thought!
So the rest of the day was spent rowing & resting as per usual, before we treated ourselves to tea and one of M&Ss finest Christmas cake. I exchanged my icing for Herdip's marzipan, the moon was beautiful and bright, and she even let me sing a few Christmas carols.I was full of joyous Christmas spirit as the day came to an end, as I sat on deck, thinking of my warm snug sleeping bag, waiting for a late running Herdip to take over rowing! I prided myself in my good will spirit for not hurrying her along (as usual) ... when ... SPLASH ... a massive wave came from no where and soaked me right through... HERDIP!!!
Today however our minds were fixed purely on the rowing, and we were getting very frustrated by our slow progress over the last 36 - 48 hours. Easterly winds had been stopping our efforts to get south to 20 degrees, and despite good swells we were just not going over 2 knots. Many people message us telling us to check our hull is clean, but as the swell had been, ad still was choppy, neither of us fancied a dip down under to check! frustration meant I had to bite the bullet and go for it though! Armed with mask, snorkel and scraper I looked like a true professional! I would have taken a photo but I was otherwise naked, which kind of distracted from the overall look! The bottom of the boat was COVERED in barnacles! little monster legs sticking out everywhere! So I scraped, and scraped, only stopping now and again to cough my lungs out when I swallowed a gallon of sea water! And whether it is psychological or not, we're certainly moving faster and easier now!
Following a "team talk" we also decided to abandon our previously set 20N30W way point, try to make the most of these easterly and head straight for Antigua!!!! 1886 miles to go!!!!!!!!! So I better get rowing ...
Cheers
When morning came we opened our gifts and cards. I had a Welsh radio interview to distract me for a while. We then had numerous phone calls with family and friends, with floods of tears to follow.
Herdip drew a Christmas tree, holly and snowman in the cabin to get us in the mood!
Unexpectedly we then had a call from Kilcullen - support vessel - they were on their way to see us and wanted our position.Unfortunately our tracking beacon hadn't been working since 6am!! That would mean that our ever growing "fan-club" would not be able to follow the blue dot move across the PC, and for us, that they wouldn't be able to track us easily in the case of an emergency.
So wearing our musto deck shoes, bikinis, Christmas hats (thanks Bindi)and snowmen an Christmas tree earrings (thanks Gles) we were ready and excited for our Christmas visitors.
When you've been devoid of seeing other people for over 3 weeks, the excitement of having visitors is phenomenal! As the swells and waves were big and choppy, they had some difficulty finding us, and as our VHF radio didn't seem to be picking up, it was very frustrating seeing the sail, and not being able to shout "WE'RE OVER HERE"!
Christmas wishes etc and photos done it was down to the task of fixing the beacon which included getting into the cabin for clear instructions over radio ... out on to deck to track leads ... back in to cabin for radio check ... back on deck tolook under gunell ... then battery ... back into cabin to open electrics ... radio for info ... change fuse ... back to deckto point under binoculars that yes we were talking about the same piece of equipment (!!!!) ... and then finally a radiocheck to confirm that it was working!! (All this while trying to keep Dream Maker on the right bearing to avoid beinghit sideways on by the ever increasing waves!) Hooray - blue dot moving restored!
And as Kilcullen waved off into the distance, all smiles with their binoculars and extra zoom cameras we realised that maybe our outfits were not the most appropriate for the job at hand with 3 men (spending Christmas alone on a boat) starring at you!! Ah well, at least most of the day had now flown by without leaving too much time to gather thought!
So the rest of the day was spent rowing & resting as per usual, before we treated ourselves to tea and one of M&Ss finest Christmas cake. I exchanged my icing for Herdip's marzipan, the moon was beautiful and bright, and she even let me sing a few Christmas carols.I was full of joyous Christmas spirit as the day came to an end, as I sat on deck, thinking of my warm snug sleeping bag, waiting for a late running Herdip to take over rowing! I prided myself in my good will spirit for not hurrying her along (as usual) ... when ... SPLASH ... a massive wave came from no where and soaked me right through... HERDIP!!!
Today however our minds were fixed purely on the rowing, and we were getting very frustrated by our slow progress over the last 36 - 48 hours. Easterly winds had been stopping our efforts to get south to 20 degrees, and despite good swells we were just not going over 2 knots. Many people message us telling us to check our hull is clean, but as the swell had been, ad still was choppy, neither of us fancied a dip down under to check! frustration meant I had to bite the bullet and go for it though! Armed with mask, snorkel and scraper I looked like a true professional! I would have taken a photo but I was otherwise naked, which kind of distracted from the overall look! The bottom of the boat was COVERED in barnacles! little monster legs sticking out everywhere! So I scraped, and scraped, only stopping now and again to cough my lungs out when I swallowed a gallon of sea water! And whether it is psychological or not, we're certainly moving faster and easier now!
Following a "team talk" we also decided to abandon our previously set 20N30W way point, try to make the most of these easterly and head straight for Antigua!!!! 1886 miles to go!!!!!!!!! So I better get rowing ...
Cheers
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