Day 134 - … And The Birds Will Fall From The Skies
September 19, 2009 – 8:23 am The Bird! (Click To Enlarge) |
I’m sure that there’s some scripture that gives a list of things that happen before the end of the world and I think that birds falling from the sky is probably amongst that list. Last night it certainly felt like it could have been with a moonless sky, heavy rain pelting our already soggy waterproofs, strong winds and big waves that change direction in an instant (thanks to a cold front passing us) and an avian visitor falling from the heavens.
I had just started my watch when our bird friend arrived in a freefall of feathers and crash-landed onto the deck. He picked himself up and shook himself a bit obviously in an effort not to loose too much face and proceeded to sit down for a moment. I called to Mick who took a few photos and then I carried on rowing.
Unfortunately he didn’t seem to be the type to sit still and proceeded to trot around the deck, it wasn’t long before he fell into the waterlogged footwell and spent 30 seconds splashing around before I could lift him out. After that he wandered up to the sea anchor which is right in arc of the oar movement when I’m rowing so I got the washing bucket out, put an old sheep skin pad on it and moved him gently to it.
Thankfully he stayed there for the rest of the shift but as Mick came out to start rowing he flapped his wings and took off. It was only then that we noticed that he had not been house (or boat trained) and had used a seat pad, the sea anchor and an oar as a toilet…I ask you!
Today has been lovely and sunny. A return (albeit briefly) to the sort of ocean rowing we enjoyed earlier in the trip. The batteries are getting a good top up and although a lot of our kit is now crusted with salt at least it’s drying out.
38°49′16”N 144°50′0”W
Chris & Mick travelled 39.4 miles East (heading 91.1°) on day 134
They ended 1210.8 miles from San Francisco (39.3 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 3832 to 3871 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 28.9 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 41.9 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 30 Oct 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East (heading 86.2°)
See where the boat is
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
12 Responses to “Day 134 - … And The Birds Will Fall From The Skies”
Yeah i remember from my nights out in Poole, Mick always scared the birds off!
Keep going.
By John Hanafin on Sep 19, 2009
@ Rich:thank you so much for the tremendious effort and work you’ve put into this site,really amazing!
@ the boys;well i can only persume that little birdie came aboard to inspect and spy on you guys and left you a good sign of approval by doing a little number on deck but never mind i’m sure he had quite a pleasant stay and with the best company ever.
Glad the sun is smiling on you guys again:-) and everything is dry again and a tard normal except for the salt.Don’t worry we are all on a count down now…Land!here we come!!
By Grace Dawson on Sep 19, 2009
Mick’s always been partial to taking photos of birds when they’re knackered after putting out a lot of effort.
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Sep 19, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
Looking forward to seeing the pics of the birdie - were you able to identify it when it came to visit, or was it too dark to be able to see? Pity it thought your seats were for pooing on! Ah well, it will wash off in the rain, no doubt. Your stamina to keep pushing forward when the weather and waves are being so fierce is truly commendable - well done indeed lads! Keeeeeep cheerful despite being so wet, keeeeeeep rowing and keeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Sep 19, 2009
Morning chaps. Righto, it’s catch-up time again. Let’s not forget, it’s people that make life worth living, so here’s a brief list of those who’ve hit the headlines.
Those we have lost recently include:
Patrick Swayze (57) - actor, dancer and singer-songwriter, famous for ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Ghost’.
Keith Floyd (65) - chain-smoking hard-drinking TV chef, who reportedly never used measurements for his ingredients, and who was famous for the inclusion of a glass (or two) of wine with nearly every dish.
Mary Travers (72) - one third of the 1960s folk trio of Peter, Paul and Mary (please tell me you’ve heard of them, or I’ll feel even more ancient!)
Terry Wogan (the most popular radio broadcaster throughout Europe!) has announced he’s stepping down from his daily Radio 2 show after 27 years, to be replaced by Chris Evans (of all people). He will, however, broadcast in a new show at weekends, so don’t be too sad!!!
Michael Palin took up his new post as the President of the Royal Geographic Society some months ago, but it’s possible you missed this gem of information.
Eddie Izzard - Well known transvestite and (not exactly my favourite) comedian but, hey, credit where credit’s due! He’s just completed 43 marathons in 52 days raising oodles of money for Sport Relief. He ran from London to Cardiff, Stranraer, (included a short run in Northern Ireland) then back to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and back to London. Interestingly, he’s announced his intention to stand for Parliament, at either Westminster or Brussels, sometime in the next 15 years! If it comes true, that’ll shake ‘em up a bit!!!
Three others who haven’t hit the headlines but were promised a mention are:
Noreen, a very helpful lady working in Debenhams in Staines, who didn’t mind taking a Dyson vacuum cleaner out of all its packaging, so we could check the contents.
Victoria, on the end of a phone line in bonnie Scotland, who was instrumental in sorting out brother Mike’s Sky TV package.
Teresa (Bungard), who I met yesterday in Tesco. She passed on love and best wishes for success for Bo from Paul and all the family.
We’re pleased that your weather sounds much improved, if only for a while. Also glad to see you’ve found time for a spot of bird-watching. I’m looking forward to your picture that Rich has promised to put up later today. In the spirit of always looking for the best in things, don’t forget that receiving bird poo is considered a good omen in many (European and other) cultures!
By Dad Martin on Sep 19, 2009
thought you two were keen to take more calories on board - lunch flies in and ……well……….. perhaps lets wait till we see the picture eh… may not look as edible as it sounds..
By Dizzie Blonde on Sep 19, 2009
Mr. Hanafin having had the odd night in Poole in my time I thankfully never saw a bird that left after having used any of my belongings as a toilet.
Keep up the good work guys, whilst you are within 1200 miles of San Fran I am within 17 hours of leaving Cornwall for SW London and work. Boo Hiss!
By Biff (still in Cornwall) on Sep 19, 2009
watcha lads sorry been a bit all over the place an forgot to say hello yesterday ,well its good luck bird pooh even if it didnt get you!!glad your warmer today ,be safe an love to bo.x
By jenny b on Sep 19, 2009
Message to Biff (still, or not, in Cornwall) - hope you take home some happy memories of your visit to this lovely county - and thank you for bringing the sunshine down here with you! Now you are leaving, the sky has clouded over - so you had better come down here again soon! As for Chris and Mick, hope you have managed to dry things out a bit over the past few hours. Keeeeeep smiling (good picture of the bird - maybe it was some kind of Tern?? - keeeeeep rowing and keeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Sep 19, 2009
One of the questions Ocean Rowers always get asked is, “weren’t you bored?” I’ve always answered, “Never - there’s always something happening.” Your blog is testiment to that. You’re on Day 134. Lets face it, you and Mick have nothing left to talk about, and yet every blog is entertaining because there’s always something happening.
Mick - today I went fishing from Poole with Glynn. Afterwards we were having a coffee in a pretty swanky place when the bloke in front was asked by the owner how his boat was. He said that it was ok, but that his skipper was mid-Pacific in a rowing boat so it hadn’t been out for a while.
Obviously we told him that we know you and that you’re not the sort of chap he should trust his boat to.
By Laser.Beam on Sep 19, 2009
Sue - We’ll soon know if it’s a tern. If it is, there’s bound to be another one along soon because, as everybody knows, one good tern deserves another!
I’m no authority on Pacific seabirds, but methinks it’s got the look of a petrel of some kind. About 100 species of petrel are known, most of which range over the cold southern seas. Petrels are related to the albatrosses. The family (Procellariidae) also includes the fulmars and the shearwaters. All have a hooked bill, single rudimentary hind toes (the others being webbed), tubular nostrils (united on the upper surface of the bill) and feed by diving underwater.
With wings spread, petrels can also patter over the surface of the water, ‘walking’. Some authorities say they are named after St Peter, who walked on the Sea of Galilee. Several species of petrel are currently on the endangered list. I’ve read that petrels can squirt foul-smelling liquid at those who threaten their nests; so maybe the poo on your seat pad and sea anchor could have been even worse!
By Dad Martin on Sep 19, 2009
Message to Dad Martin - very interesting information about the feathered visitor on Bo. When I first saw the picture, I looked in a Sea bird book I have, but it only illustrates those local to the British Isles, so wasn’t much use! I think I will “google” Petrel and see what appears… Meanwhile, I hope all is well on Bo.
By Sue from Cornwall on Sep 20, 2009