Day 169 - Planes And An Early Boat
October 24, 2009 – 10:49 amIt’s got to be another sign that we’re nearing land. The number of jet planes that we’ve seen over the last few nights and days has been increasing. It is strange to think that up there at the moment are people sitting in seats complaining about the leg room, the food and the choice of movies, all of which we would gladly kill for at the present time. In fact the flights leaving from the US west coast will have barely turned off the fasten seatbelt sign and started to serve the first round of drinks by the time they pass overhead. I cannot wait for my flight home from the USA it’s going to be such a treat!!
Rowing has continued well today despite less than helpful conditions. We need wind predominantly from the west so a southerly wind, a front causing a swift change in wind direction and a northerly wind haven’t been that helpful but we’re rather used to that sort of thing now and simply grind out the miles regardless but it does make it a bit more challenging (if that’s possible)
This morning the sea me started beeping again. Unfortunately it was 4am and over 2 hours until the sun came up so there was no point in asking for food as logistically us being able to see where it was dropped would be near impossible. Still it gives us hope that we’ll see a boat in daytime and in fairly flat conditions soon for some more grub (and tea).
40°44′59”N 130°6′52”W
Chris & Mick travelled 32.6 miles East-South-East (heading 105.7°) on day 169
They ended 455.6 miles from San Francisco (32.4 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4594 to 4626 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.4 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 16.6 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 9 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East-South-East (heading 113.9°)
See where the boat is
Sponsor Thanks
Thanks today go to Chris’ Great Auntie Barbara who sponsored miles 4455 and 4466. The crew covered these overnight on day 163.
Would you like to sponsor a mile?
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
8 Responses to “Day 169 - Planes And An Early Boat”
Goodmorning boys,
Glad you guys are doing alrite.Don’t worry hopefully soon you’ll come across some ship that will be more than willing to give you some supplies(food) so that you can have the energy to be able to just eat up those remaining miles regardless.I am so pleased that with everyday comes a new and positive reports and outcomes and with the way things are going who knows you might just be in sooner than expected and be on that plane back here.
Take care now;keep rowing,keep smiling and keep your chins up (even though they might be real skinny chins now)
Be patient boys and have a positive outlook on things;you have already overcome the worst.
By Grace Dawson on Oct 24, 2009
I was thinking about you two yesterday (Friday) when I went for a scull from Hammersmith (which for all the up-river rowers is on the tideway). The tide was running out - but only just - so I sculled to Putney by which time it had turned so I was able to scull with the tide to Chiswick. The water was just about as good as it could be and there was very little wind – I did see one pleasure boat and asked if they could spare a cup of tea but he said “go fourth and multiply” (or words to that effect).
When I got back the idea of tea had gone so I had a pint of Doom in the Blue Anchor and I would not want to swop with you – ever to see the whales.
Well done and lets hope you see a boat soon.
Jimmy Pigden (AK and Remigium)
By Jimmy Pigden on Oct 24, 2009
HELLOOOOO Guys, been on the blower today to see if Jim can fix it - on the tea bag front, seems he’s ’semi-retired’ these days, so plan B was to drop the people at PG a note to see what they can muster, but don’t hold your breath on that one. So I am off to consider what plan C will involve….. don’t suppose Mick has any Naval contacts left afloat who can make a detour? Umm guess we are onto plan D then - all suggestions welcome….
By Dizzie Blonde on Oct 24, 2009
Chris, if you would rather be on a plane is this a bad time to point out that you can get flights from Japan to San Francisco. In fact you could have gone straight from Heathrow and missed Japan altogether.
I seem to remember in your Atlantic blog The Egypt!an saying consult him for future travel plans. I suggest threfore you only have yourself to blame on this one!
By Biff on Oct 24, 2009
Righty oh, boys! Time to start making a big effort to get into land, now that I have been to the ‘Cliff Richard and the Shadows’ last-ever concert. There was a time way back in the summer when I thought I would have to miss it to come and meet you. What a predicament I would have been in - meet the boys at the end of their adventure or see Cliff!!!!! You’ll now never know what I would have chosen!!!!
Really pleased that you had the whales for company yesterday. Another experience to file away in your best memory box. Hope the weather is calm enough very soon for you to get a food-drop from a passing ship.
It really can’t be long now until you finish. Keep safe and keep going.
By Mum Martin on Oct 24, 2009
Great fin whales yesterday. There is some current research into fin whale migration in the N Pacific. It seems there is still a lot to find out, so please keep an accurate record of location and sightings to pass on to the researchers.
On another note, I think it is about time all us bloggers make a big effort to raise funds for Hamilton Lodge and Hearts of Gold, as miles are running out, and the boys might need some incentives to keep going. So, at the other end of the mammal scale, I asked the Herefordshire Dormouse Group on a course this morning, when they were all happy as dormice were jumping out of boxes, for donations…and some more miles are now covered. So keep on rowing, you’ll soon be there! You can then become dormice - eats lots and sleep all winter.
By anthill on Oct 24, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
Funnily enough, having read Anthill’s message above, when I arrive in my new home (hopefully in a few weeks time), I have been looking forward to turning into a Dormouse - ie, just curl up somewhere warm and cosy and sleep till Spring! Ah - can’t wait…! Meanwhile, out there on the North Pacific, hope all is well and that you’ve got rid of a good few miles with those oars. Keeeeeeeep smiling, keeeeeeep rowing and please keeeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 24, 2009
Keeping you gents laughing instead of listening to the ever-louder growlings of your stomachs must be a key factor here, So:
Question:
What’s the difference between a height-challenged genius and an athletic woman?
Answer:
One’s a cunning runt…
By Wanna Be on Oct 24, 2009