Day 121 - We Must Be Getting Close
September 6, 2009 – 10:14 amThe weather turned yesterday to come from a more northerly direction so the pace gradually dipped overnight but thankfully after brunch this morning it’s picked back up again from the south west so we’re on a roll. It’s amazing that Bo doesn’t really need too much help from the ocean and she really does fly. I’d certainly be interesting to take her on the Atlantic where the more reliable following winds tend to hang out.
The one thing that has unfortunately defined today though is the amount of rubbish that we’ve seen. Until now there has been sporadic incidences of the odd piece of rubbish maybe numbering 3 to 4 per two hour watch. Today has been far, far worse. There have been more than one time when I’ve put my oar into the water between two bits of plastic only to take the next stroke and put it between two more pieces.
In one 5 minute stretch I counted over 20 individual pieces of junk go past. All of it plastic. Some of them are obviously fishing orientated items (floats, rope etc) but others could have come from anywhere (plastic bottles, plastic bags, lids from containers). It really became rather depressing and I was strangly relieved when the wind picked up a little bit so that the waves made it a little bit more difficult to see them. Unfortunately though I know it’s still there, lurking.
The only positive thing about all this junk though is that it must mean that we’re getting closer to land.
We’ve also had a few people keen in buying Bo for their own adventure at the end. If you interested then please send an email to us at bojangles@goldengateendeavour.com.
37°41′8”N 154°41′27”W
Chris & Mick travelled 55.3 miles East (heading 85.4°) on day 121
They ended 1751.0 miles from San Francisco (55.0 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 3276 to 3331 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.5 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 63.6 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 8 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East (heading 79.7°)
See where the boat is
Sponsor Thanks
Thanks today go to Jools Whitehorn, who sponsored miles 2067-2069. The crew passed these miles back on day 77.
Would you like to sponsor a mile?
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
10 Responses to “Day 121 - We Must Be Getting Close”
It’s a sad reflection on modern life that most rowers in the Pacific talk a lot about the rubbish.
By Laser.Beam on Sep 6, 2009
Good Morning Chris and Mick
If anyone in authority regarding rubbish clearance is reading this, I wonder if someone could PLEASE start an organisation to clear our oceans of litter? This is a serious suggestion. Plastic litter will surely take some time to bio-degrade whilst floating on the ocean surface and is therefore a serious hazzard both to ocean wildlife and to rowing boats! This litter is sadly a sign of the times - that the world is over-populated with humans, most of whom seem to be so untidy that they just discard their litter wherever they happen to be standing at the time.
Right, that’s my sermon for the day. Keep going lads, you’re doing well. Keeeeeep smiling, keeeeeeep rowing and keeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Sep 6, 2009
I’ve been following you every day. Following your daily strugles makes me keep my strugles in perspective. You do such a great job of keeping our interest. Too bad our trash problem is so bad. Thank’s for spreading the word. Hope it wakes a few people up to change their habits. Be safe out there! We really do care about you!!!! GO! GO! GO!
By Steve Retz on Sep 6, 2009
Fantastic, woke this morning to see you have moved nicely along the green line, and have decided at last to follow the green line and not to wiggle about…. was it because I said that they were cleaning the glasses in preparation for your arrival in SF? Or is it that you’ve gotten in a cruise ship’s slip stream (bit like cycling)? What ever the reason, you are making progress, Nov 8th now estimated arrival date, so looking good guys, looking really good…..
Like I keep telling you - just around the next corner is that dirty great bridge! Great effort, keep it up, your doing really well now….
By Dizzie Blonde on Sep 6, 2009
Afternoon chaps.
Re-reading Mick’s awesome account of his rescue by the US Coastguard five years ago (See Day 106) brought to mind a recent experience of mine, though hardly in the same league as Mick’s chronicle!
A few weeks ago, having got on the car ferry from Poole to Guernsey, we were treated to a rare old experience. We’d only been under way for a few minutes when suddenly, the tannoy sprang into life. All passengers were informed that a nearby helicopter (operated by HM Coastguard) was about to undertake a test, using our boat to practise lowering a man onto our upper aft deck by winch, and later taking him off again. We were asked to clear the immediate area but, and this is the important bit, allowed to remain on the lower aft decks to watch and take photographs.
Exciting was not the word! With awe-inspiring skill, the pilot matched our speed (an estimated 25 knots) exactly and his winchman duly released his oppo onto our ship. About thirty of us enjoyed an unparalleled view of consummate professionals at work, our cameras and mobile phones recording the fast-moving scenes for posterity. The helicopter was very, very close: frankly, I was surprised that this was allowed, but at the same time, grateful, enthused, fascinated and impressed in equal measure, as were we all.
After the man had been retrieved by winch some few minutes later, the crew returned our waves before the helicopter peeled away.
We had all been privileged to watch events at such very close quarters. Suddenly, “HM Coastguard” wasn’t just a name one reads in a newspaper. We could all identify with the real human beings clad in their flying suits, ready to spring into action in the interests of their fellow man. This exercise not only allowed the crew to practise their techniques but, possibly under the heading of ‘unintended consequences’, also had the effect of raising Joe Public’s awareness of the reality of their service to the community at large.
On returning to the car-deck at the end of our crossing, I happened to walk past a collecting box for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). I stopped, retraced my steps, and popped in a few coins. Yes, I know they’re two separate organisations but, it was the best I could do at the time, and as far as I’m concerned, the members of both walk on water!
By Dad Martin on Sep 6, 2009
Hi guys,
this is an uplifting news;it shows how close to land you guys are with the amount of rubbish you are encountering…well done!
By Grace Dawson on Sep 6, 2009
Chris & Mick
I guess there are many folk out there, who, like me, make it a daily ritual to read your blog and check up on you but don’t always write a comment.
Just to say that we are still thinking of you, still wishing you well and still very much in awe of your challenge. Great to see the pace has picked up.
The first glimpse of the bridge will take your breath away.
Love always
By Georgie & Jonny on Sep 6, 2009
watcha lads that progress chart is looking good be safe an love to bo.x
By jenny b on Sep 6, 2009
Sorry chaps, you are nowhere near land. Seems like you are skirting the North Pacific Gyre - an ocean circular current - which gathers up all the garbage in an area estimated to be twice the size of Texas.
Chrz Ernie
By Ernie on Sep 6, 2009
G’day Lads,
You and GGE got a good two page spread in the Sept. issue of ” The Square “.
You even made the cover ! As the pics.were taken before you left, you still looked vaguely human.
By Vince on Sep 6, 2009