Day 181 - The Ocean Gives And The Ocean Takes Away
November 5, 2009 – 8:31 amLast night as we settled down for dinner we saw our first seal. The little fella surfaced only a few meters from Bo, and spent the rest of the evening making intermittent viewings of our floating home.
There’s been a lot more in the water here recently, thankfully all of it natural. More Kelp like the one we saw a few days ago, some green reeds, more logs too, and also last night a large pine cone floating past. All good indicators that we are getting close.
However at the moment we’re not getting closer.
We’d almost been able to break away from the current that had caused us so many problems the day before when the wind picked up from the South East and started blowing us back towards it. We can’t put the sea anchor in otherwise we’ll go furhter South West, so the only thing to do is row as best we can North. Certainly not ideal at all and as the sea builds even this becomes tough. I guess we’ll see what tonight brings, but November is certainly shaping up to be the worst month for a whole host of different reasons.
One other thing that I really ought to mention too is the topic of resupply. I understand that I may be able to help, but please refrain from posting details about boats in the area or trying to help in ways such as this. We know what we are doing, and our land team has several options to use when any decision is made.
As I’m sure you can understand only a few of the decisions that we make on an hour by hour basis get posted on the blog. Actually by posting details such as this our organised resupply option almost got cancelled. I know you are only trying to help but please leave it to our excellent land team.
Note from Richard - if you have good contingency plan ideas that you think the crew would benefit from then please email Amanda at: press@goldengateendeavour.com as she’s in close contact with all those who would be involved in any resupply.
39°3′52”N 125°41′39”W
Chris & Mick travelled 18.3 miles North-West (heading 313.4°) on day 181
They ended 194.2 miles from San Francisco (17.3 miles further away than yesterday)
They covered miles 4905 to 4888 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.0 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 7.2 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 12 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East-South-East (heading 115.3°)
See where the boat is
Welcome the crew to San Francisco
The Weather
For those who are interested, Lee Bruce of Ocean Met has kindly produced this document (a 200kB pdf file) summmarising the various weather challenges that the crew have encountered in their voyage to date.
Chris On The Radio
Chris was on BBC Radio Surrey this morning (Surrey Breakfast with Nick Wallis). You can listen again for the next 6 days on the BBC iPlayer here (the interview is 1hr 42 mins into the recording).
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
27 Responses to “Day 181 - The Ocean Gives And The Ocean Takes Away”
… if you’re rowing to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair …
PS (Mick, John & Cynthia got arrested last night. Can’t beat a few hours in a quality Nigerian nick!! See - you could be in a worse predicament. This Saturday we’re going to be civilised and cross the river to take the girls to Havana, Bacchus, Coconut Grove and The Piano Bar. Couple more weeks and you and Gracie will be with us.)
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 5, 2009
Chaps this final 150 miles is looking like the hardest of the lot and with low supplies and SF tantalisingly close it must be infruriating. However spare a though for those of us who can’t spell properly and now have to use words like tantalising and infuriating and hope we spell them correctly!!
When you do reach land November might yet be the worst and the best month since you left Japan.
Keep doing what you do best guys.
By Biff on Nov 5, 2009
This all takes me back to the final few days of our Atlantic crossing - the cr*ppiest of the lot. We were nervous (having capsized), fed up, in pain, soaking wet and covered in salt all the time and never wanted to row another stroke.
But you both already know from your own vast experience that these memories fade in time, or become mere joke content - but the good memories (like your new buddy the seal) stay forever.
Neptune is just playing his little games to remind you who’s in charge out there, but he’ll give up sooner than you do. Just keep rowing and focus on the amazing welcome you’ll be getting in SF. Wish I could be there!
By Rachel Smith on Nov 5, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
Congratulations on coming this far with the end in sight, really an amazing achievement both physical and mental strength. Below are some words that I hope will give you the strength you need.
It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
God bless and God speed on your amazing path Amrit.
By Amrit on Nov 5, 2009
We’re feeling your frustration and willing the weather and conditions to change to work in your favour. Pupils and staff are all sending good vibes and love to help to keep you going until you reach SF. x
By Helen at Hamilton Lodge on Nov 5, 2009
Brought to you by the letters: H,A,P,Y,B,I,R,T & D, today is the 40th birthday of Sesame Street. The home of such influential characters as Bert & Ernie, Big Bird, Elmo, The Count and my personal favourite, Oscar the Grouch!
Keep strong chaps, the finish is in sight.
By Higgsy on Nov 5, 2009
By the way interesting article posted with todays blog from Lee Bruce about the weather conditions the chaps have faced. I loved this line “Rowing a boat across an ocean may seem straight-forward” Lee, rest assuered I don’t think any of the blog readers see it as straightforward!!! Good job keeping the guys up to date.
By Biff on Nov 5, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
Glad you are enjoying the acquatic wildlife, but please keep dodging those telegraph poles, tree trunks etc! Seeing the pinecone reminds you that Christmas is just around the corner! Did the cone have tinsel on it? Keeeeeeeeeep smiling, keeeeeeeeeep rowing EAST and please keeeeeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Nov 5, 2009
Chris I have no fingernails left here I am so anxious for you, I am logging on all the time to watch progress, thinking of you! x
By Natalie on Nov 5, 2009
Gents, I’ve been working on a £1bn bid since the week you left. Typically this is a 0700-2100 job (although not as much physical labour as you two). This big gets submitted to the MOD a week on Tuesday (16th). The real challenge now is which one of us will be pissing it up in celebration first?
Hopefully you guys.
By George.Simpson on Nov 5, 2009
Come on men, darkest hour’s before dawn and all that. Keep it going right to the end and stay positive!!
With regard to your grub, good source of energy, Seals. Just ask an Eskimo.. Clubs at the ready next time the bugger pokes his head up, you’ve still got enough gas right?
George, how much of that £1bn gets set aside for Bob Ainsworth?!
Justin
By Footballing rower from Beer on Nov 5, 2009
Right I think it’s well and truly time to resurrect the group burning of objects and sacrifices to the PTB. Either that or pray that God takes out His dousing stick and starts stirring it in the other direction.
BTW Cath I’m not quite sure what a “big blue furry “cup-a-soup” hug” is but I sure am glad you didn’t try to give me one in our 73 days at sea!!!
By Margaret on Nov 5, 2009
Justin I’d like to answer for Dr L.B by saying that Bob probably needs at least £3.99 of it for his moustache wax.
By Margaret on Nov 5, 2009
I agree with Justin - Seal is very tasty! Have everything crossed for you guys not long now hang in there…
Big hugs,
Lucy
By Lucy G on Nov 5, 2009
Watcha lads ,tee shirt still proudly on me ,will give it a wash tonight!have any other of you bloggers got one they are really good tee shirts an when we were in san fran mine got lots of stares!i reckon if you have one you should now join me in wearing it every day.Be safe both of you an love to bo.xx
By jenny b on Nov 5, 2009
Good joke for you lads:
A baby seal walks into a club…
By George.Simpson on Nov 5, 2009
George, can i send you the invoice for a new keyboard & screen? I’m not sure thsi oen si tae prooooooofff.
By Higgsy on Nov 5, 2009
Mick im proud of you for taking the challenge and coming to the end of it, its a great joy to us that your coming back to us succesfully and being a hero. It takes courage to do this and i like your instinct. I pray for you till the end and looking forward to seeing you again as a hero. A hero to the world, state,country you are indeed a hero.
Love from Cynthia.
By Cynthia Nicholas on Nov 5, 2009
Messege from Paramount:
Sir, you shall succeed where others fail, your success is not negiotable because you are destined to succeeed. Success will always be your portion by the grace of god. Congrat in advance. Paramount.
By John Hanafin on Nov 5, 2009
Yeah those two lunatics above wanted to send you a messege. Might interest you to know that Paramount is fasting this week, I dont think its in honour of you two but still its all good.
Cracking effort lads, I know your both hanging but keep beasting it out and it will all be over soon. All the best.
John
PS- Yeah i did get arrested last night but I had my trustie tub of vasaline so no problems there!
By John Hanafin on Nov 5, 2009
Hi Lads,
May I second the words posted by Amrit in the blog above… I wish I’d have said that!
Keep on going guys if only so that I may crack open that bottle of Bojangles beer ‘Dad Martin’ gave me! I’ve been saving it for your safe arrival.
By Alan in Wiltshire on Nov 5, 2009
Chris, your Mum came round and delivered my GGE T-Shirt today, sadly I wasn’t in but she wrote a very sweet note in with the T-shirt. I have a sneaking suspicion she may be keen to see you on dry land… possibly even more than you want to be on dry land!!
I’m gutted I cannot be in the USA to see you and Mick complete your epic voyage, I’ll see you back in Blighty. Dad Martin and any other Golden Gate Bridgers (Golden Gate Bridgers = those on the GGB when the boys make it) make sure that you get some pictures for us all back home!
Like Rich Hardy said yesterday, I shall also stretch to buying you both a pint on your return, assuming that my wallet can be prised open!
By Biff on Nov 5, 2009
come on guys - smell the beer and take it up two… It’s gotta be worth it just to see the inside of Biff’s wallet.
You’ve still got time to make it back for the Fours head (just think how quick 4.25 miles will seem after what you’ve just done!)
liz
xx
By liz on Nov 5, 2009
Hey guys, keep going your so close to the end! Focus on the thought of going under that great bridge, however I’m sure you dont need telling that. Your an inspiration to younger guys like me who want to row oceans in the future. Keep up the hard work!
By Rob on Nov 5, 2009
Well, my two favourite Argonauts, you really are an Oarsome Pair! IF the storm blowing off Vancouver is anything like the storm blowing lower down the coast you have my utmost admiration.It is threatening my connecting flight to San Francisco tomorrow and I might miss Mum and Dad Martin at the SF airport!As long as I don’t miss Chris and Mick as they gallantly row under the Golden Arches!
The seal sighting is an important omen. In Inuit and Native myth the seal is your protector. She is checking up on you to make sure you are OK. If she swims away it is a sign of confidence in your abilities. If she lingers she is giving you her energy.That is the myth.
Like the Seal Lady I too have confidence in you.Looking forward to seeing Bojangles hove into sight!
Great Aunt Chris from Powell River BC Canada
By christine woolcott on Nov 6, 2009
Comforting and interesting words from Great Aunt Chris from Powell River regarding the seal myth. Hope the storm off Vancouver has died down to allow you to travel south. Hope the “Oarsome” duo are okay out there on Bo.
By Sue from Cornwall on Nov 6, 2009
And here…. in the local habitat known as the pub…. we see… a rare site….. as the Biff opens his wallet….
See the surprise on the faces of his fellows…. this rare event is only made more dramatic…. when the Hardy opens his wallet…. as well
We think this may be some celebration ritual amongst this species of SW London rowers…
Perhaps to celebrate a great victory…. or even that two of their number have rowed under a huge red bridge.
By David Attenborough on Nov 6, 2009