Day 175 - Evil Current, Life Back In The Water, And Final Scrub
October 30, 2009 – 8:27 amLast night we got caught in a wickedly evil current that dragged us south far too fast. Unfortunately sticking the sea anchor into a current does nothing to help as the anchor simply locks onto the current so the only way to get out of it is to row out. Why these evil of currents turn up only at night is a mystery but they certainly make a night’s worth of rowing shifts seriously painful. Thankfully though by day break we had cleared the current and were back in still water.
The water this morning had taken on a green tinge which we assume to be an algae bloom. It’s nice to see some life back in the water and it has certianly heralded a sharp increase in the amount of wildlife that we’ve seen in the last 24 hours. Dolphins yesterday afternoon and all through the night and 2 whales came past the boat this morning. The curious piece of wildlife today came from what looked like a fisherman’s net but on closer inspection (for any fish that might not have escaped) it turned out to be kelp that must have come loose from it’s anchoring on the coastline. We must be getting really close now.
The only other activity that happened today was Mick (man of granite) decided to give Bo’s bottom a good scrubbing to remove barnacles. I would have joined him but, having gone for a dip in the September water and lost the use of my hands and feet for 15 minutes after getting out, I felt that the 14 degree C water might not be the best place for me to take a bath. Mick didn’t hang around either and within 5 minutes had scraped barnacles and algae off the hull leading to what we think is a significant increase in speed.
I stayed on deck filming and cooking lunch to warm up the granite man after his dip.
39°33′11”N 127°36′24”W
Chris & Mick travelled 31.8 miles South-East (heading 132.7°) on day 175
They ended 301.4 miles from San Francisco (29.9 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4751 to 4780 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.3 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 11.0 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 111.8°)
See where the boat is
Sponsor Thanks
Thankyou Great Auntie Chris for sponsoring miles 4477, 4488, and 4499. You may have noticed that Great Auntie Anne sponsored 4444, and Great Auntie Barbara sponsored 4455 and 4466, well according to Christine “The other Great Aunts will understand the numerology. Now where are those Great Uncles with all the dosh?”
Would you like to sponsor a mile?
Allseas Global
And a thankyou to Allseas Global for their generous support to the endeavour. Allseas sponsored the shipping costs & handled the logistics of shipping Bo around the world.
This article on their website gives some more details and includes a couple of pictures of the lads together with Allseas Global MD Andrew Morris taken before the voyage.
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
23 Responses to “Day 175 - Evil Current, Life Back In The Water, And Final Scrub”
One is most proud of two of ones loyal subjects keeping up the proud tradition of my nations seafarers. I name you Sir Mick of Dawson and Chris you can have an MBE.
TLM, now I have a name I shall instruct my soldiers to hunt you down. How could you, daddy’s royal poo! (Do you still have it, it would be quite a crowd puller at the Buck House summer opening to the ghastly tourists I have to let in and wander around, we could split the profits 60/40. Well I am the Queen).
As for Mick and Chris one wishes you God speed. I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman but I have the heart and stomach of a King. And that outdoes the turd of a king anyday!
Yours,
Lizzy 2.
By Lizzy 2 (Buck House, The Mall, London SW1A 1AA ) on Oct 30, 2009
Chris I know what you mean about nasty currents, there’s that awful current off naked lady island (don’t ask bloggers your imagination will give a much better story as to how that island was named) which is hell in a sculling boat. I could also write something about having rowed past the odd whale on the Molesey stretch too…
Proud of all the efforts yesterday, Higgsy, George, TLM, Margaret. Some great sarcasm. Keep it up for the final push!
By Biff on Oct 30, 2009
Dear Queen Muck
I don’t think an MBE will be sufficient. Given the peg photo I’d say a CB is in order.
Regards
The convict from Van Diemen’s Land
By Margaret on Oct 30, 2009
Hang on there just one minute, are you sure that the water around Bo hasn’t taken on a “green tinge” because of 175 days of bolognasty, lamb pilaf and chilli con carni? Not to mention the fact that Mick just jumped in!!! All seems a bit to much of a coincidence to me!
By Max on Oct 30, 2009
Hey watcha lads or rather our royal ones!,bo must be feeling lighter with no barnacles on her bum ,,they have those massive kelp beds in san fran dont they so ur getting closer bring on those single number days eh,be safe an love to bo.xx
By jenny b on Oct 30, 2009
My dear Margaret,
Any more cheek like that and I’ll send my armies after you once they’ve caught up with TLM.
I think you’ll also discover that when Chris and Mick do return to the British Isles that Chris will have more use of a CV than a CBE, an MBE or a KBE.
Yours.
Lizzy 2
By Lizzy 2 (Buck House, The Mall, London SW1A 1AA ) on Oct 30, 2009
(Biff - in line with the new policy)
Chris,
I think you’re more likely to get a Dame-hood than a Knighthood if you keep cooking and cleaning while you leave Mick to get in the icy water to fix the boat…
By George.Simpson on Oct 30, 2009
PS: Lizzy 2 - Marge is an Australian, and probably a republican one at that.
By George.Simpson on Oct 30, 2009
Hi Chris and Granite Man
Don’t worry about being pulled south - according to the map, you are still okay, as long as you try and head east from now on!
Thoughts about granite - there’s lots of that strong, long lasting rock here in Cornwall - marvellous for building country cottages with 2 foot thick walls (as my current home is), so I think Chris’s description of Mick taking a dip to clean Bo’s bottom is very apt! Keeeeeeeeep smiling chaps, keeeeeeeeeep rowing in an easterly direction and please keeeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 30, 2009
Dear Lizzy
Faced with the alternative of D list celeb worship and an American style political dynasty I’d say you’re a pretty safe bet. If only you’d had the power to fire Dubya like you fired our PM in 1975…
Regards
The convict
By Margaret on Oct 30, 2009
“Sleek Grey Messengers of Death”
The affectionate name Matelots use for their homes. The Army’s opinion is in the link but I’ve cut & pasted it.
http://www.arrse.co.uk/wiki/Sleek_Grey_Messengers_of_Death
How our waterlogged maritime cousins in the Royal Navy like to think of their boat type thingy when they are about the Queen’s business purveying justice to Johnny Foreigner.
If the term conjours up images of Dreadnoughts dishing the good news to some insolent chogie in some far flung corner of the British Empire, then think again. The reality is rather more sobering now that our once proud fleet has been reduced to little more than half a dozen rubber dinghies crewed by lezzers and gaysters.
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 30, 2009
The Army view of the Falklands War 1982
Down South in ‘82 the Falkland Islands and South Georgia were invaded and occupied by the Argentinians. Now this did not go down well with HM Government who decided that a damn good shoeing was required, requisitioned a load of boats, got the Navy going and sent a load of handy blokes to sort it out.
The war for the Falklands or Operation Corporate was fought by a small professional force a long way from home and is a testament to the courage and professionalism of the British Armed Forces. It was either that or the Argentinians didn’t really want the islands in the first place. They defended the Falklands with conscripts but were in range of ground based air cover, and still couldn’t stop a small amphibious task force that had to sail 9000 miles. The only conclusion must be that they are a right load of posturing, effeminate wussies (except their airforce who were so ‘nails’, they let every Tom with a GPMG have a shot at them). The Argentine government also decided it’d be a great idea to not really supply their troops on the island before the invasion which probably didn’t help. Just goes to show that when you want a war fought properly, come see the British - No gear but all the ideas!
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 30, 2009
The Army opinion of Royal Marines
Also known as ‘The Green Death’, ‘Booties’ are amphibious infantry under the tenuous command of the Royal Navy. Their ferocity in battle is only matched by their profound sexual deviancy on the piss.
If they lag down your leg, it usually means they like you, and may even be a mating signal. They are renowned for frock wearing parties, and getting bollocky buff after the equivalent of two sherries, as their general nails-ness doesn’t seem to extend to the ability to drink. Alledgedly can sometimes be found daisy-chaining.
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 30, 2009
Men - if Mick is Granite man what does that make you Chris? Sponge Bob?
Does that also imply that Mick has been weighing you down the whole way and secrectly you hate his guts but you’ve just found a snyde way of venting your thoughts that have been weighing on your mind for the 170 days?
Enjoyed the radio broadcast Chris, I’ve made a list of points that you could work on before you have to do more interviews in San Fran, how would you like the feedback? I can do it on here, by text or you can give me a call. At least cut the errs down eh? No-one likes an errrrr. You’ll also have to consider some more eye contact if you’re going to create some global market appeal.
Biff; marks out of 10? I’d give myself a 2 because I want somewhere to move on to in the next 11 days.
You’re basically in the red boys fellas so shut those eyes, grit those teeth and suppress you’re urge to decorate the man in front with your breakfast (although I guess there’s no danger of that as you don’t have a lot of breakfast left and it might be a good idea to hang onto it).
By Boing Boing on Oct 30, 2009
Boing Boing good effort. I think you can have a 6/10. Well done.
I was also wondering on the usefulness of a granite man on board, no wonder it’s taking so bl**dy long to get to the GGB! Granite weighs a ton! (or a tonne depending on whether you’ve gone metric or not)
By Biff on Oct 30, 2009
Amazing stuff keep going guys..not long now
By small bird on Oct 30, 2009
Aberdeen is constructed mostly from granite, it is colloquially known as ‘the granite city.’ It is actually grey, dull & boring - a bit like Mick really …
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 30, 2009
Must be able to smell burgers and fries by now men. Awesome stuff, just caught up with a few days worth. One day the internet might come to Beer…..
Last push, keep them chins high!
See you soon
Justin
By Footballing rower from Beer on Oct 30, 2009
A cabbie picks up a Nun. She gets into the cab, and notices that the
VERY handsome cab driver won’t stop staring at her…
She asks him why he is staring. He replies: ‘I have a question to ask,
but I don’t want to offend you.’
She answers, ‘ My son, you cannot offend me. When you’re as old as I am
and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear
just about everything. I’m sure that there’s nothing you could say or ask that
I would find offensive.’
‘Well, I’ve always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me.’
She responds, ‘Well, let’s see what we can do about that:
#1, you have to be single and #2, you must be Catholic.’
The cab driver is very excited and says, ‘Yes, I’m single and Catholic!’
‘OK’ the nun says. ‘Pull into the next alley.’
The nun fulfills his fantasy with a kiss that would make a hooker blush.
But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying.
‘My dear child,’ said the nun, ‘Why are you crying?’
‘Forgive me but I’ve sinned. I lied and I must confess; I’m married and I’m Jewish.’
The nun says, ‘That’s OK. My name is Kevin and I’m going to a Halloween party
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 30, 2009
Oooooh TLM - that’s a good one, and very appropriate for now! Poor Mick - today’s bloggers are being somewhat rude about you, just because you are Granite Man! In my books, that makes you strong - and I might add, the granite in Cornwall SPARKLES - bet it doesn’t do that in Aberdeen…
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 30, 2009
Not long now guys….. stay safe and enjoy….
By Dizzie Blonde on Oct 30, 2009
So Mick getting rid of the barnacles is going to give you an increase in speed? I have another suggestion that will also help speed the boat up: Chris, how about you do some rowing now that you’ve had almost six months of taking pictures, eating and blogging on the internet. I think finally having a turn on the oars would be a nice little thank you to Mick for getting you this far.
By The Egypt!an on Oct 30, 2009
according to your tracker, it is only 11 more days! I suspect that will go down as more currents come! Good luck!!!
By Erinn from Toronto on Oct 31, 2009