Day 174 - Icy Wind
October 29, 2009 – 8:30 amLast night was ghastly. Sploshy waves, icy northerly wind and a cloudless sky all rather unpleasent. The northerly wind was blowing out of that tricky direction where we could just make some useful miles (especially to start off with) but made every single mile gained a real struggle. Thankfully eventually this morning the wind died down a bit and we’re now back with the programme. Not outstandingly swift but fast enough for us to tick off the 300nm to go marker and start to look towards 200nm to go with a wistful gaze.
Today has just been bleurgh! After dawn the sky turned to a uniform grey colour which was reflected in the ocean to make it a double grey day.
Yuk! How very wintry.
Just as I was about to press send to this email we have breaking news. The dolphins have returned. We haven’t seen a single one for well over 2 months now so it was a treat to see a large pod of them having a feed near Bo.
39°51′55”N 128°2′45”W
Chris & Mick travelled 32.0 miles South-East (heading 138.6°) on day 174
They ended 331.3 miles from San Francisco (29.2 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4721 to 4751 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.3 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 12.1 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 10 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East-South-East (heading 113.5°)
See where the boat is
Sponsor Thanks
Thankyou Jon Higgs, Molesey Vice Captain and regular blog commenter, for sponsoring mile 4750 which the crew passed just a couple of hours ago.
Would you like to sponsor a mile?
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
24 Responses to “Day 174 - Icy Wind”
Good Morning Chris and Mick
Here I am, after some long time, being the first one to blog (I think…)! The grey day you have described sounds so like the UK. However, I am so glad you have had some entertainment from the Dolphins - I am so envious of you two being able to watch their activities at close hand. Keeeeeeeeeep cheerful and smiling, keeeeeeeeeep rowing and please keeeeeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 29, 2009
Keep pushing on boys! Tick those miles off!
By Boozy Bird on Oct 29, 2009
Well done for cracking through those tough miles, hopefully the wind will swing round a little to help you surge through a big chunk. Been checking the website site every morning to watch your progress and so chuffed to tell people about your exploits. Keep pushing on and stay safe!
By Beckers on Oct 29, 2009
Well done guys, keep ploughing on through the tough days, you’re so nearly there.
Great news about the dolphins - perhaps they smelt the Chilli smells emanating from Bo and wanted to investigate!?! And then again, perhaps not.
By Max on Oct 29, 2009
I have noticed over the last week or so that as you get ever nearer to the GGB people have been becoming nicer in their blog posts. When I say “people” I mean of course George.Simpson/ Boing Boing/ The Egypt!an/ Me/ Higgsy/ Fat Bloke/ Ollie amongst others. Obviously Sue, Grace, Mum & Dad Martin, Dizzie Blonde etc have been nice all the way through!
On that note I was delighted to read The Egypt!an’s comment yesterday. Come on the rest of us. I know its been a tough 174 days thinking of sarcastic comments to write to the lads but we must push on for this final stretch!
Oh and MC, I’ve checked all the rules and came across a move not used since Captain Scott played en route to the South Pole. A move that since become nown as the “Adventurers Manouver” - Walthomstow Central.
By Biff on Oct 29, 2009
Not sure what you’re moaning about. Here in Bristol today we have an icy wind and a cloudless uniform grey sky - all rather unpleasant. Pretty bleurgh really. But at least I can spell pleasant and am a bit more with the programme than you.
By Margaret on Oct 29, 2009
That’s more like it Margaret, well done. We must dig deep for sarcasm in these final 10-12 days. We have worked so hard since May. Keep it up.
By Biff on Oct 29, 2009
Where’s that wooden spoon?
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 29, 2009
Absolutley Sue. The wooden spoon. Just come this way and have a nice cup of tes.
By Men in white coats on Oct 29, 2009
Just noticed that Micks wearing Brut 33 again, judging by the previous days nose outfit that Chris is wearing , yet Micks come out in sympathy..solid teamwork to the end.Mick ive got some spare `kouros` i will bring out to SF..that will impress the locals…Mos
By mos on Oct 29, 2009
Ok Biff - I’ll give it a go:
“Last night was ghastly. Sploshy waves”
Ghastly? Sploshy?
By George.Simpson on Oct 29, 2009
If it’s sarcasm you want Biff, I’m not sure I’m fully up to standard. It’s not normally in my nature, but will give it a try.
On another note, glad The Egypt!an is back. Presumably he’s been tucked away in a tanning booth and there’s no internet facilities.
By Higgsy on Oct 29, 2009
Right. I’ve had a bit of a think and for a first attempt, I don’t think it’s too bad, if anything it might need to be toned down…any pointers/comments/advice would be welcomed.
“Chris, r.e. today’s post (Day 174 - Icy Wind).
I have to say that your negativity about the weather is a bit much old son. Ghastly, sploshy, icy, cloudless, unpleasant, bleurgh (spelling please Dad Martin). Some of us don’t have the luxury of being able to take a 6 month holiday to go for a bit of a paddle, we have to fit it in around work…5.45 I was at the club this morning for a 12k outing, then I had to go to the cafe to read the paper, have a cup of tea and some breakfast, all before having to go to work!
If you two spent a bit more time pulling on the big sticky things that hang out of the side of Bo and a bit less on looking at the weather and going all doe-eyed about dolphins & whales, you might have finished by now. I’ve just placed a large order of “Man the f##k up” tablets for some of our juniors, so will arrange for a RAS (TLM is this the correct terminology?) ASAP. It’ll make a sploshy sound when it lands, so make sure you don’t lose this one.”
By Higgsy on Oct 29, 2009
Higgsy
yep a RAS for tablets would be a RAS(T) or if you were being specific a RAS (FuT).
It’s been hammering down in Lagos all day and there’s no drains so we’re already waist deep in ‘Richard the Thirds’ and all sorts of other diptheria and typhoid giving niceties.
Anybody ever heard the (true) story about ‘The Royal Turd’ that was captured from the discharge overboard from the toilets in the Royal Quarters aboard HMS Warspite? Aah, hurrah for the life of a sailor *wistful sigh*
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 29, 2009
One of the minor sacrifices made by our dynamic duo is the absence of TV (The set wouldn’t fit in the cabin!). In truth, we all know that many programmes are essentially ‘opium for the eyes’. However, just now and again, something of real quality comes along. About three weeks ago, ‘Wounded’ graced our screens. I’ve just chanced upon this description of the programme by Michael Parkinson. I couldn’t improve upon it in any way, so have reproduced it in full.
“…’Wounded’ was a reminder of what television can do when it tells stories about people who make us feel proud to belong to humankind. With gentle tread but unblinking gaze, it followed the rehabilition of two young soldiers who suffered horrific loss of limb and sight in Afghanistan. The telling of the tale was calm and almost matter-of-fact. It didn’t try to persuade a point of view, yet my tears flowed in direct proportion to the anger I felt at the predicament of two extraordinary young men.
“As a nation, we have been forever neglectful of the needs of our soldiers, and have always taken them for granted. Which is why I watched ‘Wounded’ with a mixture of pride and shame.
“One final thought. I have never been in favour of the kneejerk suggestion that National Service is the answer to the yob youth problem. Why should the Army deal with the problems created by civilians? On the other hand, it might be a good idea if our politicians did a year or two in the Army. Then they might have a better idea of what is required to best support the men and women who are maimed or killed because of their decisions.”
The two lads in the film had been transferred from Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham to Headley Court in Surrey……….and we live in Surrey. To cut a long story short, yesterday saw Mum Martin and I turning up mid-afternoon at Headley Court, complete with a few GGE flyers and a crate of the nectar that is ‘BOJANGLES’ real ale for the patients.
Whilst there, we made the acquaintance of Sgt Tony Martin and WOII Bob Toomey RM. The latter told us he served with a certain Dom Mee in Northern Ireland - what a small world! Both Tony and Bob send their best wishes for success to BOJANGLES the boat and her crew.
By Dad Martin on Oct 29, 2009
TLM, one is most disturbed to hear of one’s royal ablutions being captured by my own Royal Navy. One will seek you out and have you dealt with in the manner my predecessor Lizzy 1 would have dealt with you.
By Lizzy 2 (Buck House, The Mall, London SW1A 1AA ) on Oct 29, 2009
Lizzy II
It wasn’t your Royal Sovereign, it was your dads (or grandads).
Cheers
Jack
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 29, 2009
Higgsy - ‘Bleurgh’ sounds good enough to me. Categorisation is a bit tricky. It can be an adjective, as used by Chris, as in a ‘bleurgh day’. Also, it can be a simple interjection/exclamation, as in ‘Bleurgh!’ Furthermore, I would argue that it has properties of that figure of speech called onomatopoeia (that is, the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named, such as cuckoo, sizzle and hiss). I couldn’t find ‘bleurgh’ in any of my books, but I will keep an eye open in future for ‘official confirmation’.
This discussion puts me in mind of an old story.
Two curmudgeonly old gentlemen were having a somewhat heated argument after enjoying a leisurely luncheon at their club.
“It’s definitely ‘Woooomb!’” said the ageing Brigadier Higginbottom-Smythe.
“Nonsense!” retorted his companion, a long-retired Major-General who went by the name of Carruthers. “Absolutely, no, no, no. With total conviction, I tell you it’s ‘Woooooomb!’”
A rather attractive young waitress happened to be passing, and attempted to pour oil on troubled waters, and placate both protagonists. “Gentlemen, do forgive me, I couldn’t help but overhear. I think you are both mistaken. I believe your word is spelt “womb”.
“Stuff and nonsense”, exclaimed Carruthers to the Brigadier in exasperation. “It’s perfectly clear to me that this young lady has NEVER heard an elephant break wind!”
(Pedant Snr.)
By Dad Martin on Oct 29, 2009
Watcha lads ,hang in with the crap weather an enjoy the dolphins,just been to have my latest ironman tattoo done an even i have to say its a cracker.be safe an love to bo.xx
By jenny b on Oct 29, 2009
just remember, not long to go before you can experiences the delights of the bay area!!! Just don’t oveshoot the bridge and end up in Alcatraz…
looking forward to seeing you soon!! Keep at it!
xx
By liz on Oct 29, 2009
Ah yes indeed - Alkatraz is not a good idea at all!! So keep working with those winds to your own advantage Chris and Mick, as you have been doing expertly for the whole of your incredible journey - we want you to arrive in the right place!! Hope all is well out there on Bo - oh and please take no notice of some of those bloggers today who have become somewhat rowdy - they’re just trying to make you smile after all (I think…) ! So you keeeeeeeeeep smiling and cheerful - not too long to go now, keeeeeeeeeep rowing and please keeeeeeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 29, 2009
hi guys, not too far to go… spot of rowing would be good round about NOW!!
Almost there, look out for the bridge…. its waiting for your arrival
Stay safe
By Dizzie Blonde on Oct 29, 2009
I dunno, Alcatraz has a lot of room to run around on, compared to your present lockup.
Now, to countract anothr’s xcssiv fondnss for th 2nd vowl, kp smiling, kp rowing and kp saf.
By Ned on Oct 30, 2009
TLMB: Is the story of HMS Warspite the one about where the phrase “you can’t polish a turd” came from?
By George.Simpson on Oct 30, 2009