Nautical Nurses Making Waves

Returning to normality

2008-02-23T00:35:00.000-08:00

Well I finally sit down to try and put in words how I feel after landing!
For once I am speechless.

The last 12 hours on Dream Maker were the longest, most nerve racking, and tense hours of my life. Fear, apprehension, uncertainty and a touch of sadness that it was all about to come to an end. Most stressful of all, would my parents and my sister be there in time? The tooth ache and effect of the antibiotics on my stomach made the experience even harder.
The welcome we had was beyond my wildest dreams. Flares, fog horns, cheers! It seems that everyone in Nelson's dock joined in to welcome us ashore. The sight of my sister and parents on shore was the most overwhelming feeling of emotion I've ever experienced. It was also very special that Rachel & Lin (Barbara Ivy) who knew our experience and feelings more than anyone else were also there to greet us, having landed 24 hours earlier.
We had done it! We had proved everyone that doubted us wrong! We had rowed across the Atlantic! It was (and still is) too surreal for me get my headaround, to believe, I have to pinch myself and say, "Yes Elin, you have done it".

I've now just spent a wonderful week on the Antiguan beach with my Mum, Dad & sister, quality time before returning to the UK for some normality. I can't wait! But hope I'll adjust, what will I do with all my free time....?! Yesterday we went sailing and today we took a helicopter ride over Montserrat volcano, so the amazing experiences continue while I'm out here.

As many of you know by now, shortly after landing I found my sea legs, or was it my Caribbean rum legs? Either way I somehow managed to stand on my phone - crushing it to pieces and loosing EVERYONE's number which explains why I have not contacted as many people as I would have liked by now. Please forgive me; it certainly wasn't because I wasn't thinking of you. So everyone that has my number, please text/ call me and let me have yours.It will help me on my road back to normality. . . .

In the next week or so, Herdip & I will sit down to look through all our photos, and we'll post some here for you all to see, and share some more of our experiences. Before then though, I really need to thank so many people for helping us across every wave and through every storm.
Ian Roots for teaching us to row,
Lucy Jameson (our Number 1 fan, and close friend!) for making the HISC facility a possibility),
All the Jameson boys (big & small) for letting us be part of your weekend lives whenever we needed help & support.
Mike Baker & Frank for always being there to get us in and out of the sea for our training runs and out of the sandbanks when we got it wrong.
Jo Barode for making that crucial contact possible, and organising the most amazing valentine's ball.
Jamie Hopkins (and everyone at Mapeley) - our "knight in shining armour" for making our dream come true in the most amazing way, with the most amazing support that we could have ever wished for. It was certainly beyond what is normally expected from a sponsor.
Chris Moon & Juliette Reynolds for getting our heads ready for the challenge. Simon, Tony & Amanda at Woodvale for being our "big brother" out there.
Amy Cole our blog editor for helping us keep the outside world updated on ourexperiences
Sinead Bryan for flying over to take such fantastic photos and to be mychampagne supplier!
Our families for withstanding the worry.
Bobl Penllyn a phellach am gymryd cymaint o ddiddordeb a chefnogaeth Each and every single one of you that sent us messages of support. We can not start to express how much they meant to us. They were certainly the key that kept us going.

I also want to express how much it meant to us to develop such a close rapport with other boats in the fleet. Our time together in La Gomera, our communication while out on the sea and the words of support now back on land was and still is very special. I feel we've made friendships of a unique bond. So (in order of completion) to Pura Vida, Gquma, No Fear, Unfinished Business, The Reason Why, Ocean Summit & Barbara Ivy in particular - Please keep in touch.

So for the time being, it's not really an "over and out", just a "stand by on 16" ...

A word from Elin

2008-02-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

I've had a phone call from Elin just now - she wants to let everyone know that she is fine, everything is great and she's looking forward to being back in the UK.
She would like to pass her thanks to everyone for their messages of support and apologise for not being in contact before now.
I think we understand the last 48 hours has been overwhelming! and Elin's voice certainly sounded full of emotion!!

True to form (you may recal an earlier blog about Elin having a knack of breaking things) Elin has stood on her mobile phone and smashed it to pieces! This means both her and Herdip are without their phones, and on opposite sides of the island . . . . so barely able to contact each other let a lone the rest of us (who said life on land would be simple?!).

We wish them many happy showers, fresh dinners and fine wine as they relax with loved ones in the sun!
(Amy)

A word from Herdip in Antigua

2008-02-19T01:06:00.000-08:00

Well I am sitting in dream Maker all docked up in Antigua. This is really hard doing this last blog from land. Feel very emotional at the moment.
Coming in to land was rather weird, I didn't know what to expect. The reception we had was amazing and overwhelming. I staggered off the boat right into the arms of loved ones who I had missed so so much.
I found the row quite difficult at times. I have never been so emotional in all my whole life, if it wasn't for Elin and all the support via the phone and email I don't know how I would have coped. There were ups and downs throughout the trip, I think I have learnt a hell of a lot about myself, it’s really hard to put into words.
I want to thank everyone who believed in us and were there for us, you have all been amazing, you will never understand what it meant to read your messages, you were our lifeline.
Over and out,
All my love
Herdip

DREAMS COME TRUE!!!!

2008-02-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

The girls have safely arrived in Antigua!! Literally as I type they are 500 yards away from family and friends waiting to greet them . . . .

tissues, champagne and some sturdy support for wobbly legs are on hand . . . . .

Officially, boat Number 17 Dream Maker crossed the Finish Line at 19:37GMT on 17-02-08

I'm sure I speak for all who have followed these two courageous and sensational women over the past 78 days in wishing them a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS!

You have risen to the challenge, beaten the elements and achieved what you dared to dream.

We are all so very proud of you!

(a poem from a loved one) To an Ocean Rower

2008-02-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

I held on to the tips of your oars last night
Lightly, so that you would not notice me;
I felt the sea wash over my hands and my face, as a thousand stars danced beneath your blades.
Did you feel me?

I sat next to you in a storm as you tried to eat, your hands curled, cracked and cold, your belly tight.
I heard the squalling rain scream as it tore against your roof.
A show of strength with its own applause, an audience of one.
Did you notice me?

I laid beside you in your cabin while you slept, silently, so as not to wake you;
I held you fast against the bow of your boat while your dreams plotted new memories;
the foundations of a different course, a firmer bearing.
Did you hear me?

I watched you as we spoke and saw the words you wrote to me.
I tried to plant a giant's might within you:
it was already there, polished by every stroke and each nautical mile.
I was with you last night, and soon, at the end of an ocean,
You will see me.

Last blog from the ocean!!!!

2008-02-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

Yet another day without rowing to get our timing for tommorrow right, we may have to anchor for a short while as well but fingers crossed we won't need too.
We are pretty bored at the moment but last night was one of the most beautiful nights out of the whole 11 weeks, it was really light, the moon and stars were out and it was relatively calm. It was rarther amazing.
We did a live radio show this morning on Radio Sloent which Jo Bardoe had organised, it was a nice surprise.
Elin has a massive tooth ache and was drugged up to the hilt last night with pain killers and antibiotics, I did offer to help pull out her tooth but she wouldn't let me!! So her first stop will be a dentist not the bar.
We have a party organised with Barbara Ivy as soon as we land, can't wait.
This will probably be our last blog from the waters, the next will be from dry land.

A busy weekend ahead . . . .

2008-02-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

Well another day at sea not rowing! It’s the most ridiculous situation to be in, but we rowed for 4 hours yesterday and covered far too much mileage! So surfing all day today (a.k.a more like drifting!).

Thank you Lucy J (our number 1 fan) for your very witty email - “I think it is so funny that 2 women so well known for being late everywhere are now bobbing around in their trusty rowing boat in fear that they will be too early!!!” - we just don’t know what you mean!!
(Please tell Henry & Rupert that we are still wearing our friendship bracelets with pride!)

We had a little chat with solo rower Paul (Spirit of Fernie) last night as both of us were concerned about a close “unknown vessel”. Paul’s wife & children are eagerly awaiting him in Antigua, so he is doing his utmost to get there for them as soon as. Go Paul Go!

Tomorrow Herdip’s beloved sister, Bindi is showing that the mad family gene is dominant in them all as she jumps out of an aeroplane … sadly it’s not above us to drop off much needed chocolate supply … but a sponsored skydive in Hampshire for our cause! Good luck Bindi – we think you are mad, fab & brave! Hope that loads of people sponsor you.

Tonight we are GUTTED to be missing out on Jo Bardoe’s Valentine’s ball. We’ll be thinking of you every second, wondering what you’re having to eat, what will be the last dance and how much champagne you lucky people will get to drink. We are so jealous & would have done anything to have the opportunity to dress up & be all “lady like” to join you. Can’t wait to hear all about it, and how much money was raised. Thank you Jo, Victoria, Judy, Patsy, Caryn, Lucy, Louise, and Hannah for working so hard to make the ball possible.

On another note, we’ve been having calls from the media! If all is to be believed we will be in Saturday’s Sun newspaper and live on Radio 5 at21:00 GMT tomorrow. Look & listen out for us …….

Happy Valentines! - we are surfing toward land

2008-02-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

Another hard slog at the rowing . . . . NOT. . . . we have not rowed since 03.00 because we are surfing fast enough, it is now 13.00 and we have already done 21 miles. We only have to do 36miles a day to make sure we arrive after our families and friends in Antigua on Sunday. I remember the days we rowed like mad women and only ever managed 19 miles!!! Well Elin has had a good hair wash and creamed up her spots while I have had a much needed snooze. We will be raring to go once on land!!!
Elin is sitting here wondering how many Valentine cards she has waiting for her at home(and who she would like them off), I haven't the heart to tell her it is dreams we are making come true not miracles. Nothing much else too report other than Happy Valentines to all, enjoy those chocolates.

Making the most of the last few days at sea

2008-02-13T05:21:00.000-08:00

Well having been out at sea 10+ weeks we thought we’d seen pretty muchall wave action there was, but last night we were taken by surprise. Herdip had been out on the oars, and was keen to swap after being knocked by a few express trains. I was busily trying to clean up the rice pudding from the footwell (our shared night snack) as I’d managed to spill it when hit unexpectedly by those waves. (Don’t tell Herdip but I was actually trying to scoop her share back into the pack!). Moments after I stepped out, I was stood in the gully adjusting my PVC tog when unexpectedly from no where I was hit by an almighty wave, beam on. Thank fully Dream Maker stood her ground well, but I was DRENCHED and stood, nearly knee high in water. I had to bilge pump three bucket loads of water out just to see my feet again. But despite all the sloshing noise, wind and roaring waves I could still hear Sister Sidhu laughing her head off in the cabin! It has to be said it was very funny . . . .

I’m afraid that we do have a confession to make though (you better sit down for this one Jamie!). We’re not actually rowing as hard as we should be any more! No I can assure you it’s not because we’ve given up . . . . let me explain . . .
After the bitter disappointment of missing one set of friends in Antigua having calculated our ETA sooo wrongly, when it came to doing the maths second time around we based them on the conservative average of 30 – 35 nautical miles a day. Calculations over, flights booked – job done! The very next day we started doing 40+nm a day, which has continued since! And so at this rate we would be at the airport welcoming our friends and family in rather than have them at Nelson’s dock yard welcoming us . . . . so as a result we’re taking it easy! We sleep for two shifts at night, we rest in the oppressive heat of the midday sun and we don’t row in squalls! But still we manage to row 40+nm a day … what is going on?!
We’re preparing for few days sat on anchor . . . . .

Allergic to land?

2008-02-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

Well here we are – the start of our 10th week on the Atlantic, and still not a 100% sure when the referee is going to call full time on this game, but we are certainly well into injury time now.
A busy and eventful weekend was had. A good influx of emails, messages and phone calls, so thank you all for that.

Karen & Duncan (people not ducks) flew over our heads back to the UK after a lovely holiday in Antigua (thanks for rubbing it in guys!) and they didn’t even drop us a chocolate supply from the air! Can’t wait to see you though guys.

A merchant navy ship passed us in the early hours of the morning, on the way from Trinidad to Spain. The Captain was very excited about our venture and was on the radio for ages asking endless questions. I couldn’t bring myself round to asking him to be quiet because he was well and truly disturbing my precious sleep time, but when he explained that they were travelling at 18 knots (compared to our 1.5!) I did kind of go off him!! He then explained that they all spend 3 months at sea with 2 months off, to which I replied “Well we will have been at sea nearly 3 months - and when we eventually get to Antigua we plan to take 10 years off!”

Ocean Summit boys phoned us yesterday to share the delight of their landing. Well done boys, we are very pleased for you!!. It gave us a bit of a boost to push on. We’ve also been getting messages of support from No Fear, gquma, Pura Vida and The Reason Why, which already make us feel like we’ve made new firm friends, and are now in a very special “club”.

And today, finally, on day 71 Herdip decided to dip her feet in the big blue. After much build up she finally went over board. Not wanting to over do it on the first time she didn’t put her head under water or get one strand of her hair wet, but she was visited by a beautiful flying fish. Neil Shah – I’m afraid that since she didn’t’ let go of he side it still doesn’t prove or disprove your theory that Indians can’t swim! Her dip in the sea did mean that she has now doubled the number of times she’s had a wash this month.

And lastly having not sneezed once for months, the last 48 hours we’ve noticed that both of us have been sneezing regularly. Now we’re sure it’s not a cold, so can only imagine that its signs of an allergy to land as we get closer …

Happy Birthday today to Lindsey, hope Mickey (the mouse) gave you everything you dreamt of.

Pen Blwydd Hapus yn 6 oed hefyd i Non Wyn, edrych ymlaen i dy weld di.

Questions to ponder

2008-02-10T02:31:00.000-08:00

This time I’m not going to be modest …and just shout HOORAY! My boys won again! Da iawn fechgyn! Thank you Cole & Jameson reporters for such fab commentary! Luckily Herdip didn’t fall of her seat this time. Grand Slam dreams very much alive!

So our days continue, as we battle nearer towards land! 318 nm to go, we are now aiming to land late on the 17th …so fingers crossed!

Yesterday we had a casualty! Herdip snapped one of our spoon come forks in half! We considered duck tapping it back together, but thought it was a job too much for duck tape even. So now we just share the one precious spoon come fork we have left which puts much more pressure on the “licking clean” ritual! This is even more high pressure now that we have only 118 baby wipes between us left, equating roughly to six wipe each a day – so clearly not to be wasted on anything other than essential business!

For those wizards at search engines out there, and with nothing better to do on a February weekend, there are a couple of topics that we have been pondering over, and we’d love to know the answers!
Firstly, our nail beds have turned luminous white, especially on our right hands … any idea why??
Secondly, what (if any) is the difference between the hair follicles’ on your head compared to the rest of your body?! If there is no difference – why has the hair on our legs now (finally!) stopped growing?

Oh the mind of an ocean rower!!

p.s HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY SIMMY

A sponsor who's not afraid to get his hands dirty for the cause!

2008-02-08T02:51:00.000-08:00

Well we have fantastic news to report today! (Well we actually found out a few days ago, but it’s taken till now for the news to sink in). Thanks to Jamie & Mapeley’s efforts we have a further £25,000 added to our fundraising campaign! Jamie had been busy cleaning windows at Euston tower in support of our effort and the response he received was beyond expectations. If we’d have known, we could have skipped the ocean rowing effort, and just cleaned windows ………ONCE AGAIN THANK YO SO MUCH JAMIE!

We’ve literally been blown away by the news! And now find ourselves travelling over 2 nm an hour with the help of ENE winds, Antigua is just getting that little bit closer once more! One out of every five wave catches us beam on, but hey, we’re not complaining. What’s a drenching now & again! We’ve given up on dry clothes mostly by now anyway. We rank our clothes on the following scale
1 = soaking
2 = very wet
3 = wet
4 = damp
5 = cold to touch, possibly damp.
Anything 3 and above is a bonus to wear. We now just need to develop a scale for salt encrusted clothing, might just do that over the weekend!
Night times are different however, as we have the most amazing outfit! Our PVCs! No joking! BLACK PVC on the outside, and a lovely warm fleece lining. For bottom part, we have “pre-bent shorts” which has low cut waist especially, unfortunately they were designed for men, so we do have excessive unwanted material at the front, but still they are cosy on those cold dark nights. And of course a matching top, Herdip went for the long sleeve look, while I have the short sleeved number. So at the end of her last shift in the day, Herdip steps into the cabin, and for the first shift of the night …..out steps CATWOMAN! It looks as close to a leather jumpsuit as you could get! I just hope it comes with some special powers to get us there quicker ...…

The secret is out! - well done dips.

2008-02-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

Last night was spent salivating as to what topping we would have had on our pancake if we were at home! We then discussed what we would abstain from over Lent. Being Sikh means that Herdip doesn’t really need to consider it but she was very happy to come up with suggestions for me. Out of my four favourite things in life, coffee, chocolate, champagne and … oh…three I meant three favourite things in life, we tried to consider which one I should give up. But then I thought to myself, I’ve actually been without all three (four) for close on nine weeks now already, so I’m not planning to abstain from any of them for any more!
Instead I’ve decided to give up rowing . . . .

Now being in a 24 foot rowing boat means that there’s NO chance of privacy. Secrets go right out the window. I’ve tried to sneak a few in, secrets that is, but “pop” out they come! Unless you're Herdip by the looks of it! Not only has she managed to hide an Options sachets (which we ran out of on our THIRD WEEK!), today she even popped out a Haribo Supermix bag. (HOORAY! It had 11 Ginger men!). Such was my surprise and delight I’ve not thought of questioning her of how many other little “secrets” she has stored, but at least now I know why she’s been so keen to push me overboard to clean the hull, it’s to give her time to raid the treats supplies! As long as she keeps making them appear now and again, and continues to share I’m more than happy!
For all the other secrets we’ve made the obligatory pact “What goes on tour, stays on tour”!

The rest of the day we’ve been very busy rewiring our broken charging plug (well 12 volt socket to be precise). Now, no jokes about how many nurses does it take to change a light bulb please! When sleep deprived, wind swept and panic setting in that we would be without sat phone, laptop (our lifeline) or ipods for the reminder of the “trip” it was a high pressured job! With three pin options and only two wires there were many combinations for us to work our way around. It didn’thelp that neither of us could remember what colour the live wire should be!
Well we are blonde & dippy remember! But finally, hey presto another challenge overcome and our sat phone is now charging beautifully! Phew!

Herdip – get back on the oars, I’m abstaining for Lent remember!

P.S Now that the Coppers have landed (Mission Atlantic) we can give it some welly, we were just too scared of being done for speeding before!! Well done boys!

Uncomfortably close . . . . (to each other and surrounding vessels)

2008-02-05T05:08:00.000-08:00

Last night was quite nice because we actually got to row and the bonus being we were moving in the right direction! It was a relief not to have to spend another night in the cabin with two of us in there. I'm sure I poked my toes in Elin's nostrils a few times that night, didn't dare inspect my toes in the morning!!! The other problem with sharing the cabin is that your body tends to seize up really quickly, so you get backache, your hands cramp up too, which is not particularly pleasant. Hopefully we won't have to do it again, fingers crossed.

Tomorrow (6th), is going to be an emotional day for Elin for personal reasons, we had anticipated to be on land by now but unfortunately we are not, however I have the matter in hand . . . . . I had hidden a packet of ginger haribo men for her to cheer her up so shhh don't tell her till tomorrow. The other night she was fixated on chocolate and we promised we would not have our chocolate treat ( by the way this is chocolate from the grab bag , as you know our supplies finished quite a while ago) till we had reached the 500 mile mark. I don't know how she restrained herself, it must have been torture, because it took us hours to get to the 500 mark. I did however cave in to her demands by giving her a hot chocolate drink I had stashed away for such emergencies!!!

We have also had a lot of traffic at night from one cargo ship to another, it’s a bit like the M1 down here, must be getting near land. By the way my fantastic idea of using the LED light from the bow cabin works like a dream :-)

Time for repairs as progress is slow

2008-02-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Well the observant amongst you will have noticed that it has taken us 34 hours to do 18 miles! Painful to say the least! Now as much as I’d like to attribute our slow progress to excessive partying following the Welsh win or over indulging upon arriving at the 500 mile mark, sadly it is not the case!

There are three other clear reasons.

Firstly, following my accurate prediction of a Welsh win, I’m afraid that I have a rather sad sponsor on our hands! Now I don’t know if the average Joe Blogg out there knows how difficult it is to find a corporate sponsor for an Atlantic rowing race, especially since neither of us rowed or had previously been out to sea (not to mention the failed attempt statistics!!). So when you get a sponsor the key is to keep him happy at all times! With that aim in mind, we decided that if we stayed out at sea a few days longer, he’d think that he was getting more “days” for his money!!!And hopefully, it would give him time to recover from the English defeat! (Sorry Jamie!)

Secondly, our fundraising campaign! Everyone by now will know how passionate both of us are about metabolic medicine, our patients, and the much needed research in the area. So potentially the longer we are out here, the more time it allows for news of our attempt to be shared amongst the “masses”! The more people that get to hear, the more people that will donate (hopefully!). So for every day we are out here, please tell another person (your great Aunt, the person sat next to you at the bus, your ex, we don’t care who, just tell everyone) and fingers crossed . . . . we’ll soon reach our target!!

Thirdly, the wind! We have once again found ourselves stuck with strong north easterly winds, seriously pushing us off course, so all we can do (whether we want to or not!) is to hang on tight!
So with nothing much to do today, I had a play with the steering, and found it didn’t work so well. On further inspection I found that two pins on the rudder had snapped and the wooden padding on the bracket had fallen off. Nothing major, but repairs that needed attending to, and called for another trip “down under”! An hour later, with some success and the barnacles (can’t believe how quickly those little rascals grow!) once again scraped off …it was no wonder I was feeling “jet –lagged”. So now we’re happy to sit here, top up our sun tan and pray for that elusive easterly!

Welsh boys inspire!

2008-02-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

Well where do I start, the temptation of course is to go straight and talk about the Welsh win, but I’ll be good and bore you with some rowing news first.Every day now feels pretty much the same, all 63 of them. We row, we eat, we sleep, we row, we eat, we sleep. Over & over & over again. To add to the monotony of it all we now have our daily squall, regular as clockwork between 10 and 11am (Herdip caught it badly today). After a few days of good mileage I guess we shouldn’t feel too aggrieved that we are now sitting in the same place thanks to strong northerly winds, just trying to maintain our position above 17 degrees north.

So now ….rugby!
At 16:30 I duly sang “Hen wlad fy nhadau” and prayed that the strong winds we had here were not impacting on my boys in Twickers! The Jameson reporters were complete stars and sent me an update at every exciting moment of the game, Ian just about managed to leave out any bias from the commentary too! So when the Welsh tries started to come in I started jumping up and down (as much as one can do in a cabin that’s not high enough to sit up in even!)… I then desperately tried to remember all the words to Max Boyce song (…and they were singing, Land of My Fathers, ar hyd y nos) to wait for final whistle & confirmation that our boys had won! HOORAY!!!!!!! They had done it! I was ecstatic!!!! Da iawn fechgyn! I just soooo wish I could have been there to celebrate!

Two things happened at that exact moment. We were hit by a big freak wave which hit us beam on, threw Herdip off her seat and flooded the deck big time (not good!) …BUT …on a positive side, and there’s always a positive … Herdip while lying waist deep in the blue stuff was struck with a moment of genius thinking ….Now as you know we’ve been without compass light for a few weeks now, which has made night rowing very difficult (practically impossible!) and it was really getting to us. Well Herdip’s amazing, fantastic & awesome idea was to remove the L.E.D light wired in our forward cabin (just storage for random things) rewire it along deck and attach it to compass! So that’s what we did!!! Our boat builder might have been cringing if he had seen our attempt (duck tape all the way!) but hey presto - it works!

We were slightly annoyed that the wind hindered us being able to put her fine idea into its full potential, and settled for a second nights sleep in the cabin. Woken up this morning by our SeaMe bleeping I stuck my head out of the hatch door, only to see one very bright star in an otherwise very dark night. When the SeaMe started to continue bleeping widely out of control I decided it was time for a second look …….duck it……the “bright star” was now attached to a great big yacht, merely a few meters away and heading straight for us! Herdip jumped on the VHF and I grabbed for the flare. It was so close that I also started shouting – hoping that there was someone on deck … seconds later (felt like hours) we get a response over VHF, they had seen us, and swerved out of our way! Our legs were shaking! In the “pleasantry” conversation that followed, they asked “Are you in a dinghy?” …sometimes I feel like we are!

And so with batted breath we wait for the adventures of our ninth week on the Atlantic to unfold … roll on Antigua (PRETTY PLEASE!)

P.S HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID! HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT DAY, LOVE & MISS YOULOADS. MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.

Dribble?!! did we really need to know this?! :-)

2008-02-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

Well the weather is as unpredictable as a stroppy teenager! Take yesterday for example, we were rowing hard struggling to get a mile in an hour, and the sun was so hot we were rowing in our bikinis. Within no more than 5 minutes the bright blue sky had turned black, completely, and we had the biggest, longest, hardest spell of rain (aka squall) we’ve had since being out here. It hurt as it landed on my skin with such force, and I could hardly keep my eyes open to peep at the compass as they were stinging. It stopped just as it was time to swap shifts (good call Herdip!) and again within minutes we had bright blue skies & hot sunshine, I didn’t even need to get my towel out - I was dry within minutes.

A bonus was that immediately after we got some great “wave action”. Goodwind, massive waves, all at a perfect 270 degree bearing we need. We made some good mileage in a few hours, which was good, because a few hours later it changed again, the wind turned into a really strong south easterly, pushing us north leaving us unable to row. It did mean we had a six hours rest/sleep in one go though, which should recharge us slightly for the forthcoming days/weeks till we land …a bonus since we are now on rations of snacks every other day …

Herdip & I have been getting increasingly worried about a newly developed habit though. We’ve both started dribbling! Excessive dribbling! Now luckily so far, it only happens at night … but the amount is worrying! As I’ve said before,, we sleep in 90 minute stints, minus the getting out of (mostly wet) rowing clothes, going to toilet, eating quick snack, and the 10 minute wake up the call the other end, it usually leaves 60 minutes sleep time! Now being the ladies we are, neither of us have experienced any dribbling while sleeping before, but now we find ourselves waking up in puddles of the stuff …to an extent that we fear it may cause us severe fluid loss and dehydration! What on earth could be causing it? The heat? Dreams of fresh food causing us tosalivate? We just don’t know! We are bewildered …and of course pray that it stops immediately on arrival in Antigua! Most unbecoming of a lady …

Apart from that, not a lot to report, we had a lovely chat with Rachel & Lin on Barbara Ivy today, to discuss outfit and nail varnish colour for our landing in Antigua! Important issue to discuss at this stage of the game

Chatting up men - Atlantic style

2008-01-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

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.

DreamMaker, the smoothest bottom on the Atlantic

2008-01-29T06:39:00.000-08:00

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!

Get the walking frames on standby

2008-01-28T01:11:00.000-08:00

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!

A poem from Gles (Elin's sister)

2008-01-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

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

Ocean ROWING challenge?!

2008-01-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

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!

The battle to stay on course . . . .

2008-01-23T01:26:00.000-08:00

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

cold nights, broken oar . . . . but still time to entertain the men!!

2008-01-21T05:44:00.000-08:00

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. . . . .

Reflections at 999m to go

2008-01-21T01:05:00.000-08:00

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.

All go on the Atlantic

2008-01-20T05:04:00.000-08:00

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 …

A whale, soggy feet and a mill pond as another day passes on the Atlantic

2008-01-18T05:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Is it Duct or Duck?

2008-01-17T02:24:00.000-08:00

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! ;))

Not another blog about prunes?!?! . . . don't worry, this one is the human prune (water logged) variety!

2008-01-16T08:46:00.001-08:00

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!

Inspiration from the children at GOSH helps Herdip through a tough time

2008-01-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

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!

A day in the life of Dream Maker

2008-01-14T03:48:00.000-08:00

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!

A poem from the Jameson family

2008-01-13T04:18:00.000-08:00

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

New years body beautiful

2008-01-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

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.

An Atlantic poem attempt . . . .

2008-01-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

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!

Who ever would have thought PRUNES would count as 'valuable possessions'??!! - news from the girls today . . . .

2008-01-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

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! . . . .

The power of the mind . . . .

2008-01-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

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!

Dolphins come to show how it's done!

2008-01-08T02:19:00.000-08:00

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.

Sun = Power

2008-01-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Just when we thought it couldn't get any harder . . . .

2008-01-06T08:19:00.001-08:00

. . . . 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!)

Riding the waves as daily rituals develop on DreamMaker

2008-01-04T05:31:00.000-08:00

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!"

2 January 2008

2008-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

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!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

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.

Christmas Day

2008-01-01T09:23:00.001-08:00

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

24th December 2007 - Merry Christmas

2007-12-31T11:10:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone.The weather turned on us last night, and we were being hit beam on by some big waves! So at midnight we locked the rudder on a 60 degree bearing, and settled to "sleep" for the night - hoping that we would at least move in the right direction while we slept!We did manage 6 miles, but waking up to Christmas eve today found both of us feeling pretty low on morale. We are both desperatley missing our families and loved one, especially our nieces and nephews - as kids really do make Christmas.Given the weather and the environment here, it is so very hard to relate to anything Christmassy. We have an overwhelming feeling of isolation,made worse by the knowing fact that everyone get together for Christmas to enjoy the company of their loved ones.But we'll force ourselves to get on with it. THis was a challange we set ourselves for a reason, we knew it would be difficult, and we will continue.Little things, like an amazing rainbow that appeared yesterday, will motivate us and keep our spirits, and we hope that once we reach further south we'll have more wildlife to enjoy, as reported by some of the other boats.I've mentioned numerous times that messages of support keep us going,while some messages have more impact than others, in particular those from the children and families that we care for at work. When we start to fel self pity about our lack of luxuries here, and the difficulties we face, we are rightly reminded that they are nothing compared to the obstacles and hurdles faced by a child (and their family) with a metabolic disease. The courage and determination to face each day, withall the difficulties and challanges that come with the disease is a thousand time more than what we could hope to achieve here. So to Mia,Henry, Louis and Maddie (and their families) thanks you for your amazing messages of support - you are our inspiration.So all that's left to say is a very merry Christmas to one and all. We hope that Father Christmas finds you - we'll point him in the right direction if we see him over head! Lots of love, hugs, and best wishesElin & Herdip

Sing for your supper? . . .

2007-12-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

There's no doubting that the design of these boats are fantastic, and"Dream Maker" has certainly been beautifully and skillfully crafted. If there was one design fault though, it would be that the rudder has to be attached to the stern cabin - the same cabin that we sleep in!! I think I've already mentioned how much of a precious commodity sleep is! Not just because of the 2 hour on 2 hour off rotation, but because of the quality (poor) of the sleep you get - constantly hearing the rudder squeak and croak as Dream Maker carves herself through the waves on the right bearing! There's also the noise of the waves, which crash on to the side with the same noise level as if it was a Great Western rain crashing through the cabin. We had thought of ear plugs, but decided from a safety point of view that it might be good to be able to hear the other one call! Add to the noise the sudden jerky movement caused by the big waves it makes getting any sleep the most difficult task ever!
You can imagine therefore how popular I was last night when herdip appeared unexpectedly through the hatch shouting "FOR GOD'S SAKE ELIN STOP SINGING ALONG WITH YOUR I POD!". It would appear that I have not been blessed with the voice of an angel, and if Herdip is to be believed it's no wonder the dolphins haven't been back to visit us for the last 2 weeks!

Eating is slowly getting better! we both managed to eat two full meals this week. We're no where near the 6000 calories a day target, but at least we're up to 2500-3000 I'd say. Herdip keeps fretting that her legs look like sparrows legs already. I keep reassuring her they don't (lying in the name of team spirit is OK, honest!!!!)

One of Nemo's friend's joined us on deck last night, I tried to reunite him with his friends but by the time Herdip had flapped around over him, and I'd got out of my sleeping bag, I worry that it may have been a little bit late for him!!!

David's just text us, having just realised that only 31 women have ever rowed an ocean! . . . . . we so badly hope to be one of those in the coming weeks and months ...

If one more oar smashes into my shins I'll . . . .!

2007-12-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Writing the blog updates are getting easier as the girls are now on email . . . . . Elin writes of today’s highs and low below (oh, I did chuckle!):

“Update for today ...
I had a hissy fit last night! A proper strop with TEARS and everything as I banged my fists on the deck floor! Any 2 year old across the country would have been proud of my efforts! I've mentioned before (along with every other ocean rower out here!) the pain when the oar slams on your shins! Unfortunately it's never ending, it is like torture, every hour of rowing without fail the oar will slam into you around 5 - 8 times. Sometimes you'll manage to get your fingers between the oar and shin to minimise the impact, but sometimes it SLAMS with such force that causes excruciating pain! And that's what happened last night!

We've been having strong NE winds which has been helping us fantastically to get the miles in!. The wind has been causing BIG, unpredictable waves though, so along with the squalls has made for wet lively rowing. The moon is out and really bright, which means we can see and hear the waves approaching! Just enough time to say a quick word of encouragement to "Dream Maker" to get us to the top!

Bindi and Georgia (Herdip's sister and niece) fly to Canada today. We hope the pilot lets them drop down a bit so that they can wave as they go over head ;0)

It's a scorching hot day here today, which just makes it pretty impossible to believe that its nearly Christmas day!

Jo Bardoe - the plans for the ball sound FANTASTIC! We are so impressed. Herdip is already planning which designer dress to get for the occasion! Don't forget my blind date ;0)

Over and out for today
P.S Paul & Ednita - you owe Herdip a kebab!!! Hope you had a fantastic wedding in Colombia”

Blog updates care of Amy are now on hold until the 2nd Jan as I follow the girls progress from chilly Russia. I’m handing the reigns to Glesni (Elin’s sister). Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Happy Birthday Mum!

2007-12-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Email from the girls:

“Firstly, a very happy birthday to Herdip's Mum!

The weather is finally picking up in our favour, and we're back on the oars! It feels good, but OH our bottoms and shins don't half hurt! The pain!!!

Finally washed my hair today, which is not a small feat on a rowing boat I can assure you! Herdip had persuaded me not to wash it earlier and that over the 8 weeks it would wash itself!! A few dips in the sea and a lot of sweat and sun however was making me seriously look like a scarecrow! It still feels like sandpaper but at least now I can comb through it! Herdip on the other hand is making a good impression of a werewolf - smelly and hairy - just in time for the full moon! ;-))

We're getting messages of support from all over the world, which just blows us away!

Australia - good to hear that you're settling well down under Shell. Save me a bed for me for a holiday next year!
Eire - lovely to hear from you Una. Can you believe that it's 13 years since those backpacking days in Africa?!
Italy - can't believe you still remember our conversation Fern! Hope all is well
France - merci Nemo et bisous.
NZ- hi Gie & Jo. Hope all is well
South Africa - Great to hear from you Ron Scott. Glad lindsey is keeping you posted.
USA hello distant relatives, hope to visit soon. Greg - impressed you still remember me - did you go to the WHO day on the 7th?
Cymru - diolch i bobl Bala (a phellach) am gefnogaeth mor gref! Dwi'n gwerthfawrogi'r negesaeuon n arw, a diolch yn fawr iawn i'r gwasanaeth cymundebol am y casgliad hael at yr achos. Es & Sion - edrych ymlaen am benwythnos hamddenol efo chi pan ddoi nol!

So final update for today - report from safety crew"Reports of giant squid in your area next 24 hours. Hit with axe and eat with boil in the bag chili" We've now ditched the rowing and are on squid watch instead (thanks Neil & Scott!).

Enjoy the festive season build up for us, over and out X

p.s. Thanks to the anonymous commentator that pointed out that I spell morale wrongly and that nurses have no morals, I guess we at least have the conviction to put our name to everything we say and do! Maybe we’ll write in Welsh and Punjabi from now on ...”

All I want for Christmas is . . . .

2007-12-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

. . . . A moijto for Herdip (her favourite cocktail) and a nice cold pint for Elin! Aside from being tee-total they are desperate for a COLD drink!
Not being content with just one gift, if there is anyone reading this that can send a straight forward way to identify the stars they’re looking at please send to nauticalnurse@skyfile.com so their star gazing can have a purpose!

Remember to spare a thought for the girls on Christmas day and toast a drink to them on New Year! Don't forget to keep the messages coming for the girls over the festive season too (they'll undoubtedly have a touch of homesickness).

What's it worth?

2007-12-21T03:24:00.000-08:00

The girls have been wondering how the fund raising efforts are progressing.

Their massive achievement to date just goes to show the lengths they are willing to go in order to achieve the most for GOSHCC and metabolic research so I think we, here on land, can really ‘push the boat out’ and aim to raise even more!
If everyone reading these blogs could forward on to their friends the story of these inspirational ladies we could really make a difference and give them a push to keep going when times are tough.

Elin wrote “I know that just under a £1000 a mile is a high target, but I promise you, we feel like we’re working for it”.

To donate, please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/nauticalnurses

The sardines are freed to row again

2007-12-20T12:51:00.001-08:00

Imagine 36 hours stuffed in a small cabin in the middle of the Atlantic!? That’s exactly what the teams racing across the Atlantic have had to endure these past couple of days.
Herdip and Elin described the experience as PAINFUL, not mentally as one might imagine, but physically. Their backs have seized thanks to rowing solidly for 16 days and then being crammed in like sardines on a thin mattress in a tiny cabin. It’s the first time they’ve mentioned true pain so it really must be uncomfortable!

Herdip is planning on writing a book describing all the sleeping positions she’s found useful when bobbing about on the ocean (and sharing a cabin with Elin). They have established the best sleeping position – both lying on their left side in foetal position with Herdip’s knees jammed in Elins back to stop them rocking around so much! (think I’ll stick to my double bed!).

Hulled up in the cabin yesterday they were overwhelmed to receive three emails of copy-and-pasted messages of support from the Woodvale messages site (they had not been receiving them!). It was a real motivator for them so please keep them coming and we’ll make sure they get any message of support left.

Poor Herdip, stuck in the cabin, has been forced to learn Welsh choir music! I wonder how the Punjabi lessons are coming on Elin?!

Cabin Fever was given a reprise this morning when they started rowing again at 4am thanks to better weather. They haven’t stopped since and are really on a mission to make up any lost mileage due to the weather!

Stormy weather - what a time for a swim!

2007-12-19T01:57:00.000-08:00

The poor weather system that was forecast seems to have hit the boats now as crews bunk down to ride the storm. Woodvale ‘progress’ shows many of the dots doing small circles around themselves as crews fight not to loose too many of their hard earned miles.

The following email was received from Herdip this morning:

“hello! - an update - tried some rowing overnight, but REALLY SLOW with north westerly winds! Rowed briefly so sat on bearing for a few hours! Elin got up at 2;30 to try it for a few hours, and then I tried - and managed a mile in 2 hours! We then rowed together for a bit but we were moving no where fast!
So we decided that I would finally catch with my washing while Elin did some sunbathing! We felt like we were on a package holiday that had gone wrong somewhere! We had sun, sea ... but ...
While chilling out, I noticed a WALL of cloud approaching us, and at the sametime lost 4 miles of progress! I quickly deployed the para anchor - only to notice that it had got tangled in the rudder, so the plan (as per usual!!) was to push Elin into the water to sort it out (Making sure they were JUST flying fish with us). A few waves, and knotted ropes later we were sorted!You just wouldn't believe how quickly the weather changes!!
Everything has now been nailed and hammered to the boat to make sure we don't loose it in this weather, and we're snuggled into the cabin watching it in awe...
Slightly less frustrating not making progress, knowing that the other female crews are in the same situation!
Say a prayer tonight to wish us better weather tomorrow please.

Feeling good over all today. Got a well done, keep going text from DebbieFlood (Olympic rowing medallist) - so that was certainly a helpful moral booster ...
P.S Jo Bardoe - Elin says thanks so much for lovely email/text - fantasticWelsh! Please send more, she deleted it by mistake, and please give a great big birthday kiss to Mia from us (sorry we're late!)”

Despite being hulled up in a small cabin in the stormy seas the girls were very upbeat, laughing, joking and seemingly very much on top of things when they phoned Lucy last night.

Well done girls – we know you’re made of tougher stuff than wind and clouds!
X

Being surrounded by water is no comfort when the water maker stops working!!

2007-12-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

Possibly the most important piece of kit on the boat, the water maker, stopped working today leading to an epic panic!
Thankfully a few phone calls to the engineer and heads under the decks, an airlock was found and the water maker was fixed. Collective sighs of relief!!

Girls will be girls! It was grooming day today, time to cut the toe nails which apparently grow at great speeds when in socks with limited walking for two weeks. Did we really want to know that?! :-)

They have been on the phone to Ocean Summit (No. 18) and No Fear (No. 22) to compare life on the ocean. Sharing experiences with those in the same position has been great for moral. As we here on land continue to only try to imagine what it’s like.

Rowing the Atlantic is one hell of a challenge, and challenged they are, but what a fantastic job they’re doing at proving what tough material they’re made of! Keep up the good work girls!

Getting in to the row of things!

2007-12-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

460 miles done . . . .

15th Dec 2007 - Elin wrote “I can’t believe how much I love it out here. I am battered and bruised and physically exhausted but love it so much all the same!”

The girls are online – they think! I have now received a few emails so it looks promising. Keep the texts coming through Iridium for now though and we'll let you know when emails are being received!

The weather has turned now (as expected) so it’s a struggle to row with wind from almost every direction. They’re reporting frustration at their lack of progress over the last 24-36 hours. Seems the big sleep on Sunday was well timed!

When questioned why their aqua dot was consistently further north than many of the other boats the girls replied that they are in search of 20N 30W to catch the trade winds sooner (a tip given by the South African boys who are flying along in boat 14). Good luck girls!

As we row through the infamous two week barrier . . . .

2007-12-18T06:23:00.000-08:00

Sunday saw the girls row through the two week barrier which is often described as the turning point by those who’ve completed this challenge before (the first two weeks being the hardest both physically and mentally).

Elin has summed up their experience to date:

“Well we just can't believe it - we've been on the ocean 2 weeks! On one hand it has flown by so quickly that I would swear we have just been here 5 minutes, and on another it feels like we have experienced so much already.

We had some much needed R&R last night, and snuggled up in the cabin with a hot chocolate to watch the amazing view of the moon reflecting on the sea.
We then slept solidly for 9 hours!!!
Scrubbed the boat clean this morning - which overall means we've lost a good 12 hours rowing, but hope that it's time well invested. There's bad weather heading our way for wed by all accounts so hope to get some miles in beforehand.
The excitement of having the fish swim with us every night has kind of passed since we were told they only do it to protect themselves from predators!!! Hello!! That must make us more of a sitting target right?!?!

I can't tell you how much all the text messages you send means to us. They are truly and utterly a massive morale booster and help with the homesickness we’ve experienced - so please keep them coming! Even at weekend!! Sorry we can’t reply to everyone.

I'm off to fight Herdip for some skittles now. . . . .”

A night to remember

2007-12-14T05:25:00.000-08:00

Phone call from the girls today who were jubilant after a nights rowing with a clear moon guiding the way and shining a mesmerising reflection on the ocean (a change from previous pitch black nights).
Throughout the night they also had flying fish of different colours surrounding their boat which kept them amused.
They have begun to really get the hang of night rowing and Herdip likened it to cycling at night when the crisp air makes you go that bit faster. They're enjoying riding the waves and say it sometimes feels like they're flying.

Food glorious food! - or not!! Porridge for breakfast takes 10 chews to get a spoonful down which is hardly appealing. Herdip has even gone off her granola bars (something which were her sole source of sustenance in the UK) and has opted for chocolate.

Herdip's foot is also much better and not slowing her from rowing.

They both talked of wanting to take a dip in the ocean but the thought of sea water on their fresh wounds has stopped them so far. Ouch!

Elin and Dip were both sounding really settled and relaxed as they seem well and truly into life on DreamMaker.

Nursing skills come in handy in the Atlantic!

2007-12-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

DreamMaker was turned into a makeshift A&E last night as Herdip spilt boiling water from the cooker on her ankle (rather an extreme way to get out of eating the dehydrated food!). With a fair level of drama the burn was quickly treated with silvadene and bandaged. It's hoped that this will not effect Herdip's ability to row - although none of us would envy salt water in a fresh burn (ouch!).

And speaking of food - Elin reports great disappointment in not being able to reach anywhere near the 6000 calories recommended per day. They have very little appetite. Again, showing their true nurse aptitude, they have established the 'functional' differences between the vegetarian and meat options. Something we asked for no further detail about!

The roller coaster of emotions associated with the reality of spending the next two months on something not much bigger than a surfboard, in the company of just one other, has meant plenty of jokes and jibes as well as tears at time.

They have asked us to remind everyone that they can only receive messages via texts which are sent from the Iridium website (not personal mobiles) or via Woodvale messages board. Emails continue to evade them!

Despite the dramas and testing times they certainly are getting the miles in which I think tells the true story of their strength and determination.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GIRLS, WE THINK YOU'RE DOING FANTASTICALLY!

Adventures on the ocean!

2007-12-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

Wed 12th Dec

* News from land support *

The girls continue their steady progress across the Atlantic . . . . as we continue to live vicariously by tales of their voyage!

As of today they’ve rowed 295 Miles (average 30-40 miles per day).

Life on the ocean is full of adventures we can only but imagine! Here a few stories they have passed on to us via satellite phone:

A non-functioning compass light could make sticking on course at night difficult for some – but not for these “Little miss-fix-its” who, thanks to some make shift work with duck tape and a torch, can now keep on track.

Not content with just one encounter with a large ship, they again have come too close for comfort to another. They now carry a flare in their clothing when rowing!

Previously we mentioned the sea life they had encountered – well this time it came from the sky – a bird in the night flew right into Elin’s head whilst she was rowing! Screaming to Herdip that there was something in the boat (she couldn’t see what it was), Herdip opened the latch and told her to “shhh!” and let her sleep! (neither of the girls are good at being woken at the best of times let-a-lone when physically and mentally drained).

Last night the girls reported a panic that the cooker had died! (food being the necessary evil on the trip). Luckily David had given them emergency sparks before they departed which enabled them to fix it and have it up and running again.

They have had communication via sat phone with the other teams and even got invited for a BBQ by the boys on Ocean Summit (No 18)! (imagination is a great thing!)

Plans for Christmas are taking shape – a cocktail theme “all shaken but not stirred”. I’m sure we’ll spare a thought for them as we tuck into our Turkey.

Last thing the girls wanted us to pass on was a big THANK YOU for all of the messages sent so far. Please keep messages coming via Iridium sat phone as the nautical nurses email continues to have issues!

Dream Maker - Settling into life on the Atlantic

2007-12-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

*news from the land support crew*

We, here on dry land, have been absolutely addicted to the progress of these two remarkable nurses as DreamMaker takes on the 2552 nautical miles across the Atlantic. In their first week Herdip and Elin have made consistent and steady progress. As of today they have rowed a credible 228 miles and lead the other two female pair boats!

An emotional farewell was had on Sunday Dec 2nd when family and friends waved goodbye to the girls as they set off in high spirits. Since then we have become completely addicted to the Woodvale “progress” chart which is updated every 6 hours. After a few teething problems with satellite phone connections we were able to get messages to them and hear that they were ok after the first night on the ocean.

The first day tested (and proved) how truly tough both physically and mentally they are. Strong winds meant they were pushed north and the para-anchor had to be put down twice. Herdip was also battling with rather severe sea sickness (luckily nurses know the best treatment!). Despite this they were both chirpy and enjoying finally getting into the challenge after so much preparation.

Rowing at night has proved both interesting (hallucinations & hypnotic) and challenging (waves that need to be attacked head on but can’t be seen). At times they have been using the para-anchor to steady the boat in high seas and low visibility. During the day they’ve already begun to master surfing the waves!

In the middle of Wednesday night Herdip had the unenviable task of trying to wake Elin, row clear, and radio alert to a large shipping vessel heading their way! Luckily they made contact with the boat via phone to alert them they were bobbing around in the big blue.

They have not escaped the inevitable blisters and chaffing and have put in a request to Santa for new bottoms for Christmas.

Also, they are not alone out there! – having been visited by a pod of dolphins, circled by a baby shark and had a turtle bobbing along beside them.

The dehydrated meals are taking some getting used to (Elin is even reporting a poor appetite and I’m sure Herdip is missing her muesli bars).

David reported today: “While I was on the phone there was a huge whooping noise and the phone went dead for a few seconds - Herdip (in the cabin) shrieked and then started to giggle. Elin (rowing) just got drenched by a huge wave crashing over the boat”.

Each time people have spoken to the girls they have been in high spirits and determined despite their daily battles. They are eager to be able to row more effectively at night (there have been strong head winds) and hope for a change in weather soon.

The girls have asked us to thank all those people who have been in contact so far and ask that they keep coming!
A text via satellite phone is free on the following:

http://messaging.iridium.com
Number 881641435197

At the moment emails are not being received but there is hope this will be resolved when a support technician contacts them later today. Their email is: nauticalnurses@skyfile.com

You can also follow daily progress of DreamMaker, boat 17, the aqua blue dot, via (Careful! It’s addictive!!!!) http://www.woodvale-challenge.com/Atlantic+Rowing+Race+2007

All that is left to say for now is GO GIRLS!!!! We are really proud of you and wish you a continued safe and successful adventure.

And we're off!!

2007-12-04T09:03:00.001-08:00

Well, after 12 days in La Gomera with final preparations and scrutineering complete it’s time to set off. It’s been an intense 12 days. All the teams have pitched together to help and support, and many bonds of friendships formed. It’s a unique bond.

Keep the messages coming in for us. Even if we don’t reply, we will constantly be thinking of you all at home...enjoying your Christmas dinner. Toast a drink for us on New Years Eve. Thank you so much for helping us all get to the start line. We pray that we’ll have the strength and courage to realise our dreams and that “Dream Maker” lives up to her name.

Final Preparations in La Gomera

2007-12-04T06:39:00.001-08:00

26th November 2007

Well, we're a week in to life in La Gomera compleing last minute preperation.
Unfortunately we failed scrutenniering on Saturday. Main reason being that we were missing a few bits of equipment from our life raft! Oh, and the fact that ALL our gas cylinders for our cooker has gone missing! Personally I think that they are all still sitting in the shipping office in the UK ...

There is an amazing atmosphere here. All the teams are on a real high. There's a lot of stress as everyone prepares, but everyone looks out for each other. It's FANTASTIC to be able to talk about the challange ahead without someone telling us that we're mad or crazy! Here ... we're all normal! All 34 (in 20 boats) of us!

We're sharing a villa with 4 commando marines! Which is great fun. The fact that Herdip is old enough to be their Mum (if she had started at 14!) makes me chuckle! (She'll kill me for putting this up on line!).
So, with six days to go before departure, I better get back to it! There's still loads of little things to do!
Another update before I go!

P.S For all those that I told that you can text me from your mobiles, I was wrong, you can only do it via iridium web site! But it's free!

Last day at the hospital

2007-11-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Well, today's our last day at work!
A mixture of emotion!
Fear, excitment, panic, you name it, I feel it!
But after waiting this long, we're more than ready to Just fo it (as Nike would encourage!).

PLEASE SEND US MESSAGES WHILE WE'RE GONE!

see you all in 2008
eXX

Team hug!

2007-11-01T03:25:00.001-07:00

Ready for off!

2007-11-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

More photos of the Metabolic team

2007-11-01T03:03:00.000-07:00

well! Only 19 days to go before we depart for La Gomera and 31 till the start!

We had the boat up at GOSH and had good support from the metabolic clinical team, and the whole hospital which was very important to us .

Jane Collins and Charles Denton came as well, along with Jamie Hopkin our sponsor.

My poor parents drove all the way fromNorth Wales to Portsmouth to collect "Dream Maker", and then escorted by the Jameson family drove her carefully through the streets of London. We then made our way up to Newark, Notts and watched in fear as she was craned to her cradle for shipping! It was a long week, but a small sense of relief that we are so near now to starting the challenge ...

Jobs left to do, download music on ipod, make sure sat phone works with laptop, double check sun cream quota! And my best bit - eating as much as we can to bulk up! Not so much of a need for me I hear you say!

Anyway, please keep an eye on this page for updates on our progress while we're gone. I'll post sat phone number when I know it, you can compare our progress to the other on the woodvale page http://www.woodvale-challenge.com/Atlantic+Rowing+Race+2007 and for those of you on Facebook - join our nautical nurses group!

THANK YOU to everyone for your help and support so far. There's no way we would have made it this far without all of you. I hate naming people as there's always a risk of upsetting people when you leave people out - but the following has to be acknowledged for their remarkable effort ... Ian Roots, Mike Baker, Lucy Jameson and the gang, Jamie Hopkin, Mel & Kathryn, Lindsey, Joanne (&Bump), Katy and Joan.

Lots of Love

eXX

2007-09-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

well here we are - in action in Dream Maker!!

no the sail is not part of our boat!!!

we're sooooooo excited!!!

Dream Maker finally makes it to the salty stuff!

2007-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Exciting news.......we went out on "Dream Maker" for the first time ever ever ever in Emsworth on Saturday 11th August.
It was amazing, we actually managed to move the boat, even with Richard in it, sorry Richard only joking (he's our boat builder). It was a beautiful hot day, we didn't row that far (just over an hour!) but we had to get back in time before low tide, the aim was to get a feel for it! I must say it felt good. It was calm so David the other boat builder was in 'Fat Albert' a little motor boat doing circles around us and creating choppy waters.
We can't wait till the 24th now, when she'll be fully completed! HOORAY!

bonding with the boat!

2007-08-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Just spent most of last week bonding with the boat. Both Elin and I thought we would annoy Richard in Dolpin Quays, he's the man building our lovely boat for a few days.
The first day I was greeted with Elin sprawled out on deck, but she was working not sunbathing, she was screwing in the sliding rails, so if I go flying off my seat in the middle of the Atlantic I know who to blame!!!
We also went on a shopping spree, no girls not for a pair of JIMMY CHOO shoes unfortunately, I was dragged to Homebase. We got our tool box and all the bits to go into it, lots of spanners and other metal objects. We also got our cooker, it was cool trying it out, however doing the maths in the middle of the shop about how much gas one requires for a certain period of time was not so cool.Lots of other goodies were bought too. I think Richard was impressed with our shopping, not a girlie purchase in sight!
We also went to sort the most important area in our boat out, the sleeping quarters, we decided on fabrics and eventually the colour, not that Elin and I seemed to have any choice in the matter, for every colour we chose there was a reason not to choose it, we gave up and went for a yellow, all (in the shop!) agreed.
We stuck loads of sticky labels around the boat to mark where everything will go, its coming on really well. We also had a serious conversation about the very important toileting facilities on the boat, well lack of. We have decided a bedpan placed at the stern will work best, that was Elin's idea, we reckon it will work a treat and if it doesn't, no doubt we'll be in touch and fill you in on the details!!!
Herdip

Herdip report!

2007-07-23T07:40:00.001-07:00

What a week! My brain hurts (as does Elin's!) There is no excuse for either of us getting lost anymore, because we've passed our navigation course! Also managed sea survival, First Aid, and VHF radio course!)
It's been a tough week. First day involved learning all about "Mayday's, Pan Pan and Secruite!".
Luckily, Elin and I were good little students and practised our phonetic alphabet on the way down, using car number plates!
Sea survival involved an afternoon at the local pool, it was great fun and I managed to get into the liferaft on my own: good effort I thought! We looked fab in our clothes, swimming caps and life jackets, especially Elin! Our team (6 boys + us!) very nearly managed to give a slightly older man a panic attache after throwing endless buckets of water at him! Oops! Luckily all was fine.
The really hard work began on Monday!. Maths like you've never seen before! My head was hurting! IO think I had a bit of a strop because my brain couldn't cope at one point and Elin was still trying to figure out North & South! Anyway, it all clicked sand we managed to pass. We can now plot our position on a graph, draw a map from scratch - pretty impressive I reckon! Mind you, Elin did cause me some concern when she said that you'd cross the Atlantic in the summer as it would be nice and sunny! Never mind the hurricane alert Elin!
One major impressive achievement is that we weren't late once during the whole week!!! Yipeee!!!
Final note: I've never done so much homework in my life, and never again!

finally another update!

2007-07-19T04:54:00.000-07:00

sorry for being slack and not keeping you updated on progess!
it's been eventful if not always productive!
we've passsed our RYA Ocean Yachtmaster, Sea Survival and First Aid (that one was a bit hit and miss!) but Herdip will tell you all about our coures drama soon!

The most IMPORTANT news of all is that we have a corporate sponsor! SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED! You have no idea. Mapeley came through a friend of a patient, so it's a very special link and one that I'm sure will work well! Thank you Jamie, from the bottom of our hearts!

Our boat is delayed! Aaarrrggghhh! With the boat builder on a 3 week holiday now! Double aaarrrghhh! Fingers crossed it won't be further delayed than August the 24th, the date which they are now working to.

19 weeks to go! Off walking Breacon Beacons to help my training and prepare me for isolation, tranquility and beautiful scenery ...

Launch party!

2007-05-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Having enjoyed beautiful sunny weather recently, it was inevitable that yesterday (our launch date) came with rain and 30 knot wind!
The sailing pursuit race was cancelled, which gave people more time to enjoy the cake stand which was very kindly arranged by HISC members.
The events were started by a welcoming speech by Commodore John Mesage, expressing the clubs support to our venture.
Joan Kearns (Fundraising Director) thanked John and the club, on behalf of GOSHCC for supporting us so generously. We also thanked Lucy and Mike Baker for their continued support and committment to us.
We then moved to the boat, where Jim (Hospital Chaplin) and the Sikh Guru lead a blessing for the boat, which was very important to both of us.
Henry Jameson then proudly announced "I name this boat DREAM MAKER" ... before throwing some champagne to christen her!
The name was chosen by Lauren, one of the teenagers at the hospital. Thank you to Radio Lollipop for running the competition on our behalf, and well done Lauren! We love the name!
There were a tear or two split ... (mainly by Mum and me!) before we started the posing for photos!
So Dream maker now moves back to Dolphin Quays for final work to be done ... Herdip and I can rest briefly before training starts in earnest ...

Sailing!

2007-05-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well we've had our first experience of sea life! And boy did we love it ... in between the vomiting that is!!

Our voage was to be in "Going Concern" thanks to the very kind support of Ollie!
The wind was not behind us on Friday, so we had to rely on the engine here and there to get us Jersey 11 pm that night ... much to the dismay of puerists out there!
But the rude wake up call at 4am on Saturday informed that we'd have suffuicinet wind to take us at an intersting angle to Poole!

Made vomiting over side easier when you've got a sheer drop I guess ... and much better than a communal vomit bucket that needs emptying I find!!!

A lovely and heart felt welcome at Poole gave us time to rest and recharge batteries, before setting off on Sunday for ice cream at Yarmouth!

A brief, but amazing introduction to the sea! But no doubt it will stand us in good stead for the venture ahead !

A BIG Thank you to Ollie for inviting and accommodating us, to George (sadly without Sharkie) for being at the helm while the rest of us slept and/or vomited, to Dan for looking after the step and the vom bucket so carefully, and to Amy for parading in her long john's with a lovely shade of green!!!!!

I did it (just!)

2007-04-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well ... I've done the London marathon! 5 hrs 19 minutes!
Been there, done that, and got the t shirt as they say ... BUT IT WASN'T PRETTY!
We arrived at 9:38am; just in time to join the masses!
Mile 1 - I felt GOOD!
Mile 3 - I developed a headache!
Mile 5 - my trainers started sticking to the road where all the spilt Lucozade was becoming warm and sticky!
Mile 10 - I ate my warm and soggy banana which I'd carried around with me carefully so far ...
Mile 13 - I had to take my t shirt off and wrap it around my head to protect me from the sun ...
Mile 17 - I started to run with my fingers in my ears to protect me from the excruciating high noise level coming from the crowd...
Mile 25 - I was stopped by a steward and told I had to have my race number showing ... (I think it was a polite way of telling me to cover myself up more!)
... and finally I stumbled over the finishing line!

Of course, Dip's was over an hour faster than me ... but I think (on the quiet!) that she found it tough going too ... but that's a story for her to tell ...

31 weeks till the Atlantic ... at least there will be no noise and crowds there!

Marathon

2007-04-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, London marathon is upon us!
I'm running for the Gaucher world, while Dip's doing it for the Row funds!
No doubt I'll need my own metabolism researched into if its as hot as it's threatening ...
Can't wait to get it over with so I can be back in my boat to be honest!
Running is really not my thing!

While we've been pounding the streets (well, Herdip has been anyway!) Richard, Tim and Dave has been very busy on our boat! "Birdbath" as Mike Baker has now named it ... I like it, but somehow hopeful that the kids will chose a better name this weekend - thanks to Radio Lollipop for getting the competition up and running.

Well, best be off. Lots of water to be drank and pasta to be ate ...

Look out for us on TV ... I'll be the beetroot red one swaying from side to side ...
lol
ex

Herdip's first post

2007-01-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

Where's the engine?

Elin's first post!

2007-01-31T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hello! Elin here, Herdip on her way. Late as per usual. Our blog is obviously now up and running so please post your inspiring, helpful, funny, encouraging comments here.

No more pointing out the fact that we're mad: we know we are.