Day 124 - The Calm Before The…
September 9, 2009 – 10:46 amAfter adding extra ballast to Bo yesterday and starting the process of tidying up the weather picked up a notch as predicted. One thing that we hadn’t anticipated or expected however was how much easier it was to hold a course in beam on seas. That is to say when we want to row across waves rather than with them it is easier with more ballast. This key fact is certainly going to come in handy a little later on in the trip when we make our final turn to starboard (right) to run down the coastline and towards SF.
The evening’s rowing was pleasent enough but both of us are all too aware of the extra weight that we’re now carrying. It really is an extra burden and has slowed us a little today. Mick did unfortunately get caught out though as a front passed through. As my shift finished I could just feel the spatter of rain beginning. As I got into the cabin I could hear it pounding on the roof of the cabin. There really isn’t any noise like heavy rain on the cabin roof when you know that it could have been you outside. By the time it was my shift the rain had cleared completely leaving only a very soggy Mick at the oars.
The almost full moon last night also sported a halo which I understand is a sign of an impending storm. The worst of it is due to get to us tomorrow around 10am UK time so we might not be able to put a blog up but we’ll do what we can to send Rich a quick text to let you know all is well.
Thankfully the highest of the wind speeds should blow through within 12 hours and we should be back at the oars in just over 24 hours after going on
the sea anchor.
38°7′59”N 151°51′45”W
Chris & Mick travelled 49.9 miles East (heading 84.8°) on day 124
They ended 1593.8 miles from San Francisco (49.8 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 3438 to 3488 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 28.1 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 56.7 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 4 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East (heading 81.6°)
See where the boat is
Sponsor Thanks
Firstly a belated thanks today to Sandra McRory who sponsored mile 2100 which the boys covered on Day 78. Sandra works for the New Fieldwork company one of the crew’s sponsors. She’d like to say to Mick and Chris “Safe Home, we are following your progress, love the pics”.
And, just in time, I’ve today added miles 3456 and 3457 for Dave Tracey (as Dave says - “3456 followed by a prime number, can’t think why they’ve not been snapped up long ago!”). Thanks Dave - the boys covered these at around 2pm yesterday afternoon.
Would you like to sponsor a mile?
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
15 Responses to “Day 124 - The Calm Before The…”
time for a cup of tea
By Laser.Beam on Sep 9, 2009
Six days - over 300 miles - impressive stuff!
Fascinated to learn you too are having ballast problems. Mum and I have just finished shifting 900kgs. of the stuff into the back garden, so we have all the empathy in the world!
Apropos of nothing in particular, two and a half of hours ago, the time was 09:09:09 and the date 09:09:09.
As promised, a warm welcome to your adventure in general and your blog in particular to:
Jaime, and son Callum (Jaime works in a branch of an large unnamed superstore in Sunbury……where every little helps……unless, of course, their management would like to sponsor your endeavour, in which case it’s Tesco’s!!!)
Kate (from Laithwaites Wines….ditto!)
First-year pupil Ben Roberts who, together with Mum Jo and Dad Gary, turned up at our badminton club last night as new members. I told them starting at Hampton was a serious adventure……you never know where it could lead……seventeen years ago, you were in the same boat, and now you’re in another one……rowing just 1600 miles west of California!!!
Batten down the hatches, guys, and stay safe until it’s time to fly over those waves again!
By Dad Martin on Sep 9, 2009
Quality mileage, keep it up (& the miles)
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Sep 9, 2009
Chaps slowed down but still the best part of 50 miles completed, not a bad little effort that!
Satay safe in that storm.
By Biff on Sep 9, 2009
On second thoughts stay safe in that storm. Unless of course you are cooking a tasty oriental chicken dish when the storm hits in which case do satay safe.
By Biff on Sep 9, 2009
Good one lads, miles ticking by nicely.
Keep up the good effort.
John
By John Hanafin on Sep 9, 2009
Keep safe boys.
By Max on Sep 9, 2009
No doubt in a day or so the discussion will turn to wind again - what type of wind, what direction it comes from, how strong it is - I could go on but I’ll leave the puns to the boys to fill in…..
Stay safe in that storm - if Neptune needs a sacrifice - its the manequin that gets it - right chaps!
Need an update - whats going on with the Dorado? Are you bringing them back as pets?
Do be careful out there… NO SERIOUS RISK TAKING PLEASE….
By Dizzie Blonde on Sep 9, 2009
There are people who would consider the entire trip to be somewhat risky you know…
By Laser.Beam on Sep 9, 2009
Truth behind the ESRF final story. We trailed off, only Jan Herzog at two didn’t realise he was meant to let go of the oar, so he landed in Gav’s lap. That meant Pete Gaisford lost control and as we broached on the wave and scrambled for the uphill rail to prevent ourselves having an upside down moment, Angus dived overboard. So much for women and children first.
Obviously the boat did not capsize but when the other three of us got back to our seats Jan (at 2), forgot which side he was on and tried to use the 3 oar. That did not work very well but fortunately a friend wave picked us up and washed us ashore.
Have a good storm and stick in ten big ones for me. That should do it.
By Tom S on Sep 9, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
Hope you have battened down the hatches in preparation for the approaching big wind/storm. My thoughts will be with you both, hoping that it will not be too bad. As L.B said, time for a cup of tea in the tumble drier! Take care - keeeeeep smiling and keeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Sep 9, 2009
Welldone guys,
You guys are really doing well and still coming out strong even with all the dangers and stress you are still doing incredible mileage;don’t let the storm ahead put you down,keep your chin up and row hard as you are still going to come out stronger.The lord is your strength and i shall continue to pray for you…Kisses
By Grace Dawson on Sep 9, 2009
I read your your progress with interest every night. I have a mental picture built up of your boat and its atmosphere and ye look to be really enjoying yourselves out there. Your attitude is both commendable and aspirational. well done thus far. bull on…
By peter on Sep 10, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
We have woken up to bright sunshine here in the UK - I do hope that once the storm has blown over, you will enjoy some of that same weather so that you can get back on the oars and enjoy surfing those waves. Hope you are ok out there. Keeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Sep 10, 2009
Hi Mr. Mick?Well done sir,stay safe.Am optimistic the storm won’t slow you down too much.Will pray for you guys tonight.
By Adekunle Juba on Sep 18, 2009