Day 177 - To The Power Of 2
November 1, 2009 – 8:47 amWe’ve hit a bit of a tight point. Food is very tight (and based around coconut bars), body weight is falling off, we’re very tired, strong NNW and NNE winds are predicted for the next several days and we are so very close to the big red bridge it just makes it all the more painful. It seems that the pacific really isn’t going to let us have this easily at all and is determined to make us work harder than we could imagine for every mile, all the way to land. But let’s be honest, we never really expected it any other way.
Before the wind blows strong enough to completely halt our progress we’re going to both take to the oars in a marathon stint from now until we can row no more. (either because of physical exhaustion or because the weather stops us making a reasonable course.) Hopefully we’ll be able to get far enough east that we can get an angle in the NNW wind that will allow us to still make miles towards San Francisco.
Thankfully our land support team are doing excellent work and we look forward to getting a food drop at sometime soon. However apparently there isn’t much they can do with the weather despite our pleas. Eyes down look in the final sprint in has begun…
39°33′39”N 126°0′22”W
Chris & Mick travelled 48.0 miles East (heading 90.5°) on day 177
They ended 225.2 miles from San Francisco (42.5 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4814 to 4857 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.4 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 8.2 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 121.2°)
See where the boat is
Sponsor Thanks
Two sponsors to thank today:
- Thankyou Richard Beckley for sponsoring miles 4832-4836 which the boys covered yesterday afternoon.
- And thankyou Tim Davies for sponsoring miles 4837 and 4838. The crew covered these immediately after Richard’s! Tim also had a message for the crew:
Reading your blog while on holiday in France … you should have followed Tiny Little’s method and taken wine not tea bags …
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
23 Responses to “Day 177 - To The Power Of 2”
Biff - we need to reconsider the policy.
Mick & Chris, you’re awesome fellas.
By George.Simpson on Nov 1, 2009
Hang in there guys - you can do this and we’re all willing you on. As Dr Laser Beam says, you’re awesome!
By Rachel Smith on Nov 1, 2009
You can do this fellas - you are so close.
When Hilary came down from Everest after the maiden ascent he said to a colleague waiting at the bottom “well that knocked the bastard off”.
When Bannister broke the 4 minute mile the commentators words were “… and the tape is broken and so is the record athletes have been dreaming about fo rso long.”
The late Major-General Sir Jeremy Moore in a hand written letter to my mum & dad said he “had never been so proud, and if anyone complains about the youth of today, they should have been down here beside me, and seen the youth of today, those gutsy teenagers fighting like Trojans. Young lads with the hearts of lions, then let them complain about those same youths of today”. I still have that letter.
Those examples of courage, fortitude, perseverance, dedication and total committment are what is going to get this boat and those two men, our friends, our family, our heroes under that big red bridge. God speed.
Aye
TLM
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 1, 2009
well done guys,just a little while now and you’ll be there.Just wish i could get the food to u myself but don’t worry you’ll be sorted soon.
Take heart,be courageous;you will make it.
By Grace Dawson on Nov 1, 2009
Dig in lads.
Mick its at times like this when you have to ask yourself the “Debra” question!
Good effort.
By John Hanafin on Nov 1, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
Whow! You are getting ever closer to the Golden Gate and you are doing so well and managing to overcome shortage of food and winds in the wrong direction - Chris and Mick, you are two AMAZING chaps. Hang on in there… not long now! I totally agree with what TLM said in his last para above. What an incredible experience you have had - and it has been a real honour and pleasure to have been able to share that with you by reading your daily diaries and joining in the blogging. Keeeeeeeeep smiling and cheeeeerful and please keeeeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Nov 1, 2009
you are both amazing, get there safely.
By Sandra,Chertsey on Nov 1, 2009
If we could will you over the finish line you would be there by now. But I know you will dig deep and how sweet the victory will be.
Rosie
By rosie on Nov 1, 2009
Amazing…Almost there, look around and enjoy it. You will get used to roasted chicken in days, butt will never forget this adventure!
By Wendel on Nov 1, 2009
Great mileage! You guys are amazing, if anyone knows how to dig in it’s you two. We’re all behind you, praying for Godspeed and food drops! x
By Horsey Claire on Nov 1, 2009
YOU WILL MAKE IT YOU WILL….
and to help a little I have sent a note to Captain Paul of San Francisco Bay Charters to see if any ships leaving SF harbour over the next day or so can drop a parcel off for you en route, and I have dropped a line to your sponsor Reactor to see if they have water based contacts that can lend a little support to you for this last week.
As ususal great plan to have 2 on the oars… ANOTHER GREAT CALL MICK - fingers crossed, not long now guys….
By Dizzie Blonde on Nov 1, 2009
Not sure if this will help but have dropped a line to some like minded folk in the Navy League of the United States - so if you are suddenly surrounded by friggates and seamen, blame me!!
By Dizzie Blonde on Nov 1, 2009
Watcha lads i think everyone else has said what i wanted to say but hey you are awesome ,hang in ,we all have faith in you ,we are all willing you to GGB ,this sounds crap but all the energy i gain from my yoga practises i send to you both ,be safe an love to bo who will get you both there.xx
By jenny b on Nov 1, 2009
All at NFC are willing you on and that includes all the interviewers out in the field, we are so proud of you both and even prouder to be one of your sponsors. I hope with two of you rowing you are managing to cover lots of miles today and that you meet the winds you need. You have both shown such courage and we are willing you to get to ggb in the quickest time possible. Good luck and God speed and hurry home, love Linda and all at NFC xx
By linda on Nov 1, 2009
George, you are quite correct. GO GO GO Fellas, there’s a big red bridge hanging around waiting for you guys.
Keep safe for this last 200 miles in.
By Biff on Nov 1, 2009
George, can I make a comment about blaming Dizzie Blonde if the guys are “suddenly surrounded by seamen”?
By Biff on Nov 1, 2009
Mick, it will be a while since you been surrounded by se(a)men. Bit like being at my house …
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 1, 2009
MONUMENTAL! Top draw gents.
It’s impossible for us to truely appreciate how your are feeling having been run over by the pain train yet again but it is evident we are all right behind you.
Ironically, if you are both rowing until you run out of gas (which, knowing your penchant Chris for paddling even when asleep, and from what I understand about Mick’s pedigree, will be GGB) you won’t be blogging again or be able to read this!!!
Popped over to your parents this afternoon Chris to pick up a crate of Bojangles finest beer. We had a cracking chat and I’m absolutely gutted to be in Europe this week and not in San Fran. I heard some cracking stories about you sleeping in a hummock in your parents Commer!
Hang in there boys.
By Boing Boing on Nov 1, 2009
And the winner is BO. Few more days to go. Stay well, stay focussed, God speed. Lots of love from all at Hearts of Gold.
By Theresa Hearts of Gold on Nov 1, 2009
I thought you might like some real American English before your final push to the Gate. I learned of your heroic feat just recently and while just a kayaker in the midwest (Iowa) know what peril exists in the water. We’ve paddled Lake Superior several times and last summer made 125 miles ending in 2 meter waves across Thunder Bay. I can’t even imagine what a trip like yours would be but send my utmost respect and thoughts for a successful ending! We kayaked in Skibereen, Ireland in May so appreciate the energy found “across the pond”. Know that our prayers will find you.
By J. Scott Evans on Nov 2, 2009
I see Bo is close to being in range of an AIS station that links into the marinetraffic.com system, and it’s showing shipping in the area. Does Bo have an AIS system in operation? If so, it would be fascinating to watch her track when she gets close enough. We might even get lucky and see a rendezvous with a ship for a supply drop. Best of luck, boys, you’re real champs.
By Ned on Nov 2, 2009
Biff: I think DB’s comments are fair game…
By George.Simpson on Nov 2, 2009
Ned: I can’t be 100% as it it wasn’t fitted when I was last on the boat, but I’m pretty sure they did take an AIS. They’re becoming more popular on row boats as they give you more info than just the SeaMe.
By George.Simpson on Nov 2, 2009