Day 187 - Land Ahoy & 999 Groundhog day
November 11, 2009 – 9:56 am The US of A (Click To Enlarge) |
Yesterday after writing the blog I crawled out the cabin to take to the oars for the pre-dinner shift to find Mick with a big smile on his face. The weather hadn’t changed but he’d seen land. It’s really difficult to explain what I felt at that precise moment. Relief, excitement, extreme happiness all seem rather underwhelming for a singular moment that has been a very long time coming. I’m not sure I’ll come to terms with it all for a while as it feels very strange to have something other than sky on the horizon.
Just afterwards a ship came close by and turned round to come and see us. The Matsin navigation vessel ‘Moana’ had picked us up on radar and wanted to check that we didn’t need any help.
They said that at 35 miles from land they’d never seen a vessel like ours that far out. How we laughed at that one as it’s the closest we’ve been for over six months. They were on route to San Francisco and aimed to be there around 18.00 local time. We’ve got a bit longer to go but only a bit (and it’s getting smaller all the time).
The weather stalled us (again) last night leading (on my part particuarly) to borderline despondency. Thankfully Mick was once again on hand to steady my ship and a few hours later the weather saw fit to release us and we’ve been making great progress towards land ever since.
We also had the happy moment when the ‘miles to go’ counter clicked from three figures to two. However in doing so it displays the distance to one decimal place thereby taking us to 99.9 nautical miles to go. For a moment I was transported back to the majority of the trip where the counter has been showing 999 miles to go. Thankfully these tenths of miles click down a lot faster than their bigger brothers. Onward!
38°37′31”N 124°4′58”W
Chris & Mick travelled 22.4 miles South-East (heading 134.3°) on day 187
They ended 103.4 miles from San Francisco (22.0 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4956 to 4978 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 26.6 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 3.9 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on Sun 15 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East-South-East (heading 122.1°)
See where the boat is
Welcome the crew to San Francisco
Sponsor Thanks
Loads of sponsors to thank today!:
- Thankyou Peter Segal for sponsoring miles 4957-4958.
- Thankyou Marjolein and Philip Povel for sponsoring miles 4960-4968.
- Thankyou Bastien Demange for sponsoring mile 4969.
- Thankyou Maggie Grant (Richard’s Mum!) for sponsoring miles 4970-4974.
- And last but not least thankyou Ray Amiss for sponsring mile 4975. Ray wanted to say:
Well done lads from Ray, Carol, George and Joss Amiss!
If you’ve not done so already, please take a look at our final funraising effort pages:
The sponsored mile draw for prizes is tomorrow, and the deadline for the EBay bidding is Friday.
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
37 Responses to “Day 187 - Land Ahoy & 999 Groundhog day”
It wasn’t long ago you clocked it down from 1,000 to the big 999 mark. Those days have flown past and now from 999 to 99, you’re eating it up.
Land in sight, you’re almost there, so: fix bayonets and chaaaaaaaaaarge !!
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 11, 2009
LAND AHOY - YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Even if there are grey skies above you Chris and Mick, the sun will really be shining now! I am so pleased for you two OARsome lads! I don’t think it is necessary for me to urge you to “keeeeeeep smiling” any more, as I am sure you both have permanent grins from ear to ear! But I would like to say keeeeeeeeeeeep rowing for those last few miles, and please continue to keeeeeeeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Nov 11, 2009
This is a bit like the row up to the start at Henley. You’re a bit worried that your oppo, Mrs. P in this case, might be about to whip your ass. But you know that the 6 months of hard training you’ve put in you’re in with a seriously good chance of absolutely smashing it. And the fact that you’ve been so careful about your diet and managed to drop down to lightweight means there’s less weight to haul down the course. So you’re on the way up to the start line and whether it’s a 2k sprint or a 2 day sprint you’re ready and have never been more ready for anything in your life.
By Margaret on Nov 11, 2009
LAND HO! Amazing effort chaps, less than four days to go before testing out your land legs ;o)
Very glad to read about your re-supply (Big Mac’s will never tast the same again). Don’t get demoralised Chris, there are less than a hundred miles to go of an over 5000 mile voyage that’s less than 2% or the last 40m of a 2k, sweet! Enjoy these last few days of the voyage chaps. Livin’ the dream!
By Peperami on Nov 11, 2009
You OARsome duo
I’m running late but had to check your progress before I left,so just to say the news of the land sighting is amazing. It does look close. Don’t forget day 189 is my target for you. Fabulous news. x
By great auntie anne (ludlow) on Nov 11, 2009
NFW; out the park Gents, like Peter Kay in that John Smith’s ad where he’s playing keepy up with some mates in the park and he absolutely banjos one into some local gardens!
By Boing Boing on Nov 11, 2009
HIP HIP HIP! HURRAY!!
By Grace Dawson on Nov 11, 2009
Watcha lads hurrah for land brilliant video of food drop ,i know whats its like to live your dream mine was ALL an more and i know yours will certainly live up to it heres to beeing safe eating well rowing strong and chunking these last few miles away,p.s an love to bo.xx
By jenny b on Nov 11, 2009
Saturday would be a really good arrival day. We’re playing Argentina at rugby (sshh, don’t mention the war) so once we give them a jolly good rogering with a prize winning leek (which General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmanay Melchett, thought Capt Blackadder might be doing to the Duke of York), I could get the news you have hove to, come alongside, and all that nautical jargon and then let the remainder of Saturday slip away in an alcohol induced frenzy registering about 8:6 on the Richter Scale. If you please chaps - if you please …
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 11, 2009
Time to bring on the guns chaps, legs are all gone now, shorten up and wind it in!
By Higgsy on Nov 11, 2009
Almost there lads, amazing work - you’ll enjoy the big dinner portions in the US soon enough!!
By James Livingston on Nov 11, 2009
Have emailed Arnie to get out the welcome mat. Well done lads you deserve everything thats coming.
By Vic on Nov 11, 2009
Back of the net! I hope there was some booze in that supply drop (and that Mick didn’t sick to his “dry boat” rule)
By George.Simpson on Nov 11, 2009
When this is over we shall miss this fantastic story The daily blog has been better than any tv soap.But we will all feel so happy for you both, and many thanks for the last 6months to give us the chance to share your voyage,
By alan letcher on Nov 11, 2009
Well Done to you both Mick and Chris. I know its not all over until the fat lady sings but she sure must be warming up now. Only 35 miles, the Boston Marathon is 32 miles and that was a challenge. We (Karl, Telfyn and Magnus) broke the Vet B record by 50 minutes in the four named after you Chris “Chris Martin”. We raised a glass at the bar for you both then. Looking forward to buying you a Latte and Smoked Salmon on scrambled eggs breakfast at the Hampton Court Sandwich Bar when you get back.
Take care and well done a truly tremedous feat and achievement. Andy (AKA Runner)
By andy graham on Nov 11, 2009
Land Ahoy! Fantastic news. We think you may make it today which is Mrs Marshall’s birthday (she’s 21 again!) That would be fab!
We have been working on place value and tenths so we know all about 99.9 miles!
Adam W suggests you get some crutches or find someone to hold onto as you might be a bit wobbly when you get ashore.
Mrs Marshall went to the gym on Saturday and rowed for just 10 minutes - she was exhausted! She can’t imagine what it must be like to row for 187 days!!
Good luck - we hope to hear soon that you are on dry land again!
Best wishes
Class 4
By Class 4 (used to be Class 5) High Bentham Primary School on Nov 11, 2009
Your rowing well, not long now and you will be at the golden gate and a wonderful comfy bed will be waiting for you, well done so proud of you
linda and all at nfc
By linda on Nov 11, 2009
Bl**dy ‘ell Chris, you finally see land, you’ve got full bellies and had a big mac and a beer…. and now you decide to get despondent! I think I’d have gone that way at the other end when land went out of sight!
Todays efforts:
I was doing some decorating, so I got out my step-ladder. I don’t get on with my real ladder.
A cement mixer collided with a prison van on the Kingston Bypass. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for 16 hardened criminals.
Why can’t women put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Top draw fellas. Now push on to that big landy looking thing, I’m running short of jokes!
By Biff on Nov 11, 2009
Good.
By Higgsy on Nov 11, 2009
I went to the Olympics in Sydney in 2000. I was walking through the athlete’s village and a bloke came walking towards me with a long pole.
I asked “are you a pole vaulter?”
He replied, “no I’m a german. How did you know my name was vaulter?”
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 11, 2009
Oh God…there’s two of them!
Chris/Mick please can you finish the last miles off ASAP before someone says “What’s brown & sticky?”
“A stick”!
By Higgsy on Nov 11, 2009
Looks like you are on track to make Bodega Harbor on 11/13. Pt. Reyes (Drakes Bay) on 11/14 and Bolinas Bay on 11/15. The Renegade whaleboat with crew of ten looks to meet you at the entrance to the Golden Gate on Sunday 11/15. I can rendevous with you at the entrance to Bonita Channel on the morning of Sunday 11/15. The Renegade may come outside also. Currents at peak flood around 9:00 am at the entrance to the Golden Gate/Bonita Channel & Pt. Bonita. Countercurrent eddies once inside the Gate can be problematical so unless you already have this planned for, let the Renegade or us be your guide.
Barryonbadenia (33′Proline Express Sportfisher)
By Barry Roth on Nov 11, 2009
A friend sent me 10 ‘jokes’ each with a play on words, to try to make me smile. He failed, because no - pun - in - ten - did.
*collective groan*
Booooo hiss
“Sshh, quiet in the cheap seats”
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 11, 2009
I was just looking at your map, and I really like the victory pirouette you did a few days.
Just the last few red buoys to go. Five big strokes and you’re there. Once you get in we’ll give you some time to get some toast and tea in you, then we’ll meet at the boats again an hour later for session two.
By The Egypt!an on Nov 11, 2009
WAYHAY HAY .. .land !!!
awesome achievement guys x
By georgie on Nov 11, 2009
Well I have to admit that it brought a tear to my eye… no, not Biff’s latest joke offering (although it was very close) but the video of the food drop and those pics. Bojangles looks so small. I’ve been sending the link to the video all over the place!
By Alan in Wiltshire on Nov 11, 2009
Wow! Here we are in an Apple shop in San Francisco reading the blog and watching the video. You are both so close now. I can hardly believe it! Keep rowing as hard as you can now that you are stuffed full of food. We all need you to land asap please! See you very soon!
By Mum Martin on Nov 11, 2009
Odd thing today, I went out and saw 6 blokes carrying a coffin round the cemetery. Coming back tonight, there they still were.
They’d really lost the plot.
By davidT on Nov 11, 2009
Nevermind LAND AHOY! We’re all poised with SHIP AHOY! on our lips as we stand on the shore gazing into the 99.9 miles of greyness from which we are longing to see you emerge!
The excitement is growing at this end. The Maritime Museum and Marine Mammal Centre were highly interested in your exploits. Not to mention the Tai Chi group I gate crashed on the SF foreshore and the waiters and people in the apple shop where we are hogging the computers. SO you two fellas, there’s a crowd gathering around the video of the helicopter food drop and Sandra is going all googly saying There’s my honey and Isabel is talking ten to the dozen and feeling quite tearful and your Dad has passed out with excessive pride!!!!! Just a tiny exaggeration!My typing has gone to pot so will wish you all the strength and courage as you complete your amazing adventure.
See you on Friday day 189!( I’m with you G Aunt Anne!)
Great Aunt Chris in San Francisco
By christine woolcott on Nov 11, 2009
Hooray for land! Can you ’smell’ it?
Mum Martin, it’s good to read your post - it brings to life how long awaited this day has been for you [and all of us!]. x
By Horsey Claire on Nov 11, 2009
Good stuff, gentlemen, it really won’t be long now!
A name-check was promised yesterday to Trish. She showed lots of interest in your adventure, and works at the San Francisco Marine Mammal Center (Aaargh! I know, we spell centre, they spell center - but, when in Rome……………….) Incidentally, outside her window were at least 800 sea-lions lazing around on about 40 pontoons. A fascinating sight, but the smell was something else!!!!!!!! I mean, STRUTH!!!!!!
Brilliant to hear from Alan from Wiltshire, Class 4, and indeed everyone.
Speaking of class 4, and indeed Biff, who’s apparently running short of jokes, here are a few to keep you going.
Q. Name 10 things with milk in them.
A. Tea, coffee, milk shake, cocoa, and six cows.
Teacher: Sharon, name two pronouns.
Pupil: Who, me?
Teacher: Correct.
Mother: Does your teacher like you?
Daughter: I think so, she keeps putting kisses on my homework.
Q. How do you get down from an elephant?
A. You don’t! You get down from a swan.
Q. What’s brown and white and yellow and travels at 125mph?
A. A Train driver’s egg sandwich.
Q. What’s round and bad-tempered?
A. A vicious circle.
River bailiff: Hey, you! Can’t you read the sign? ‘No Fishing!’
Boy: I’m not fishing. I’m just teaching my worm to swim.
Q. Why should a golfer wear two pairs of trousers?
A. In case he gets a hole in one……………………………..Oi!
By Dad Martin on Nov 11, 2009
Nearly there now, into double figures after SOOOOOOOOOO long, I just can’t imagine what it must feel like to be so close but mother nature is fighting you back just to keep everyone guessing as to when you will get back to land, and not just see it. We have all said it before, but what you are doing is just incredible.
By Mike Hewson on Nov 11, 2009
Bloody Brilliant! What a video; “like trying to tap dance on top of a telephone pole” there’s the title for the book Men.
Not long now. Finish it off.
By Boing Boing on Nov 11, 2009
I think Dad Martin should also write a book containing the many amusing jokes he has posted on this blog site over the past 6 months! It would sell extremely well, especially at Christmas time! Oh I wish I was there in San-fran to watch Chris and Mick’s triumphant arrival! Hope there will be lots of pictures on this site to illustrate the great event for us armchair viewers.
By Sue from Cornwall on Nov 11, 2009
Have we had the one about the magic tractor? Drove up the road and turned into a field…
Brilliant news guys, like we say in Beer, time to steam in drew (through!).
Justin
By Footballing rower from Beer on Nov 11, 2009
time for a bit of a tidy up guys.. not just the boat.. time to have a good ‘ol wash, pull out all those unsightly cling-ons, clip the nose & ear hair etc etc.. kill off any urban wildlife that might be sharing your skin
Ooh.. think of the shower!! ( I was gonna say Golden Gate Shower, but that makes me cringe a bit?!?!?) damn the environment for a few hours, use all the water you want.. you’ve been in negative carbon emission for a goodly while now.
Keep well guys, hearts & minds are with you all the way
By Cath on Nov 11, 2009
Woohooooooo! Go boys, go!!!! Very excited for you - know that feeling very well of Land Ahoy.
Enjoy the final moments out there and take it easy on the way in….
Sarah x
By Sarah Outen on Nov 12, 2009