Day 188 - Chris Has Seen The Red Buoys
November 12, 2009 – 8:25 amI just had a quick phone message from Chris this morning:
We are on our final approach! We have got make our way round the headland before we get driven too far south by the wind and current so we’re going to row 2 up until we do that, which is hopefully going to be some time tomorrow!
If all goes well I don’t think we’ll be getting another blog update from the crew at sea, but as they get close I’ll put a final approach page on the site and keep it updated with all the latest info. Hopefully later today we will also update the San Fran Plans page with more details on the arrival celebrations for those of you who are in San Francisco.
For those of you who didn’t see it when it was posted first time round, this is Chris in a sprint finish…
38°14′31”N 123°26′3”W
Chris & Mick travelled 44.0 miles South-East (heading 127.0°) on day 188
They ended 59.7 miles from San Francisco (43.7 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4978 to 5022 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 26.7 miles/day towards San Francisco
Bojangles ETA In San Fran is Friday morning local time (Friday afternoon UK time)
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East-South-East (heading 119.1°)
See where the boat is
Welcome the crew to San Francisco
Sponsor Thanks
- Thankyou Cath Allaway for sponsoring miles 4978-4979.
- Thankyou James Macniven for sponsoring miles 4980-4982.
- Thankyou to Karl Willis and The MINGERS (Molesey Intependent veteraN Group for Exercise and Recreation) for sponsoring miles 4983-4992 and 5021-5030.
- Thankyou Andy Hodge for sponsoring miles 4993-and 4995-4998.
- Thankyou Great Auntie Anne Ludlow for sponsoring mile 4994.
- Thankyou Claire Sewter for sponsoring mile 4999.
- Thankyou Steve Hamilton for sponsoring miles 5000-5001.
- Thankyou Gav Weeks for sponsoring miles 5002, 5004, 5006. Gav said:
Now you’ve had big macs I’m confident my money won’t be wasted! - Thankyou Tom Hopkirk (Richard’s Brother) for sponsoring mile 5003.
- Thankyou Aldo Dina for sponsoring mile 5005.
- Thankyou Melanie Jones for sponsoring miles 5007-5009.
- Thankyou to the Molesey Boat Club Juniors for sponsoring miles 5010-5012. Their message:
Well Done from the Molesey Boat Club Juniors! - Thankyou Patricia Franks for sponsoring mile 5013.
- Thankyou Alison Terry for sponsoring mile 5014.
- Thankyou Martin Garland for sponsoring miles 5015-5017.
- Thankyou Pat Bullivant for sponsoring mile 5018.
- Thankyou Steve Matley for sponsoring mile 5019.
- Thankyou Margaret Bowling for sponsoring mile 5020. She said:
This is to pay for the pain of the final push for the finish
If you’ve not done so already, please take a look at our final funraising effort pages:
The sponsored mile draw for prizes is today (details of the winners will go up on the site tomorrow). And the deadline for the EBay bidding is tomorrow.
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
46 Responses to “Day 188 - Chris Has Seen The Red Buoys”
Come on fellas this is it. The finish line is in sight - you can do this, you can pull this off, just a couple of 50 mile days.
Then in the words of Sir Edmund Hilary upon his descent from the summit of Mt Everst you can look at everyone present and say; “well that knocked the b*****d off.”
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 12, 2009
59.7 miles to go… stop making phone calls and row row row!!
By Biff on Nov 12, 2009
Watcha lads oh my god this is so exciting i have got to work tomorrow afternoon ,will have to get sarah p on your site an text me as soon as you get in YOU ROCK ,YOU BOTH DESERVE WHAT EVER YOU WANT FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS.Give that ocean some serious welly now,be safe bring on GGB an love an big kiss to bo.xx
By jenny b on Nov 12, 2009
I can’t imagine how excited you guys must be but I can’t sit still at my desk here!
Heads down, tails up and leg it! Get some cameras out there someone I want a live feed from CNN/ Sky News.
When will the worlds media wake up??? Come on Dad Martin hire a kayak or something and get a live commentary going! We need a live feed, stroke by stroke analysis of the last 50 miles etc.
MOVE IT!
By Boing Boing on Nov 12, 2009
Hope you’ve got your visas well sorted…otherwise you might get asked to hove to on Alcatraz….having said that, the yanks love a hero, so they might relax their immigration laws for yers. Well done to both you fellas, truly immense acheivement…I actually think you might even enjoy these last few miles!
By Moley on Nov 12, 2009
WELL DONE!!! ROW guys ROW, as fast as you can. It is so exciting; if you don’t get there soon Boing Boing is literally going to burst like a ruddy balloon!!!
By Max on Nov 12, 2009
I know you will not have time to read this but…..Well done you incredible OARsome duo ,you are a credit to the human race and an example to those who give up too easily.
Your next challenge is to cope with what’s waiting for you the other side of the GGB!! x
By great auntie anne (ludlow) on Nov 12, 2009
There is a short mention and a link to this site today on a blog called ‘Nothing to do with Arbroath’.
http://www.arbroath.blogspot.com/
Fantastic mileage guys - hope the last few go quickly!
x
By Helen at Hamilton Lodge on Nov 12, 2009
Max
“as you know I usually like to keep an informal trench but on this occasion you are not to say anything unless granted expression permission to speak. Is that clear? … Is that clear?”
*exasperated* “Permission to speak”
“Oh yes sir, absolutely sir” …
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 12, 2009
So this is the final count-down to a triumphant arrival at the Golden Gate by a truly amazing pair of ocean rowers - I will keep my computer switched on all day Friday - (while packing in preparation for moving house) and wouldn’t it be great if their arrival is recorded on TV news…… this is sooooooo exciting!
By Sue from Cornwall on Nov 12, 2009
Massive massive well done guys!!
I can’t believe that after 188 days you’re actually going to hit the right bit of land. VERY impressive!
Sorry we can’t be there to welcome you in, would love to, sure beats London in November! We’ll be thinking of you as you come in!
Fantastic stuff!
By Liz & Richard Mayon-White on Nov 12, 2009
You are the DADDIES!!!!!!
By Boozy Bird on Nov 12, 2009
Lets go guys! final strokes!!!
impressive the quantity of miles sponsored on the last days!!! Amazing!
By Estevao on Nov 12, 2009
Basically the Boston Marathon to go gents (exchange km for m).
By George.Simpson on Nov 12, 2009
guys, you are truly INCREDIBLE! full of admiration for you. i’ll be following the last stages online tommorow and will keep Jenny B up to speed while she is drowning her swimming pupils! take care and safe journey into the GGB. LOL Sarah
By sarah paynter on Nov 12, 2009
Tick Tick…it’s countdown now!!common guys give it one final push.I’m already bouncing off the wall that is in absolute joy with no one to stop me!!
By Grace Dawson on Nov 12, 2009
Fantastic - you should be able to smell the beer by now!!! Make every stroke count!
liz
x
By liz on Nov 12, 2009
OMG This sooo exciting, so totally proud of you Chris, so close now, keep going and cant wait to buy you a beer!
By Natalie on Nov 12, 2009
SO SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS - ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! Mick, we were with you all the way five years ago, and have now followed you both on this epic journey, we knew you could do it… Can’t wait till you row under that big red bridge - let the fireworks begin!! xx
By Ann and Maurice on Nov 12, 2009
Well done chaps, so excited for you, been checking the latest map and at one point this morning it had you cracking along at 3.7knots. Having to zoom in on your position shows just how close you are. Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the final few miles.
By Beckers on Nov 12, 2009
Keep going - hope you get there tomorrow!
Well done you have come so far - just a little bit more now.
You are going to do it!
Class 4
High Bentham
By Class 4 (used to be Class 5) High Bentham Primary School on Nov 12, 2009
well done to you both .hope to see you when you get home
By barry & kala on Nov 12, 2009
Adam white and oliver and caleb from class 4 says the finish line is close guys-should be there on Monday doods-best wishes
By Adam on Nov 12, 2009
Why did the Granny put wheels on her rocking chair? Because she wanted to rock and roll.
From Joseph and Oliver
By Joseph M on Nov 12, 2009
Right now (1430) you are opposite an excellent sea food restaurant. I strongly reccommend you pop in.
By George.Simpson on Nov 12, 2009
Chris can I recommend you spend these last few hours repeatedly asking Mick “Are we nearly there?” only to be broken by comments including “I need the toilet” and “I feel sick”
All of these should be said in the most whiney voice possible.
By Biff on Nov 12, 2009
Wahoo! This is so exciting. I couldnt help it ive got my gge t-shirt on flashing it around to all at uni.
By Ems on Nov 12, 2009
The lads are almost there!!!!
It’s been a long time coming.
すばらしいいいい！！！
By Stefan on Nov 12, 2009
Wow sooooo close now. I bet Mum and Dad Martin are out there with the binoculars!
Next time Mick says “do you fancy going out for a row”, think very carefully!!
By Linda on Nov 12, 2009
Ems is flashing at Uni, Natalie is rooting in the office?
God knows what’s going to happen when you reach SF fellas.
By Biff on Nov 12, 2009
This is too exciting…
I plan to scrap all lessons tomorrow and Year 1 can simply watch the updates on the SMART board.
And as most can’t read yet, could you please ensure there are pictures !!!
I am in awe of you xx
By georgie on Nov 12, 2009
Fantastic guys, keep on rowing no time to stop now nearly there! You must be incredibly excited. Can you smell the land already?
Remember when you decided to do this? Had some tequila to celebrate in the Mad Mongoose - maybe lay off the Tequila in future
Hugs.
By Lucy G on Nov 12, 2009
This is when you fall foul of the Homeland security guys - make sure you lose the beards before putting in to port…
Well done guys last bit…….
By Fat Bloke on Nov 12, 2009
The end is getting ever closer, I still find it hard to believe what you chaps have done, it is just incredible.
Where is Laser.Beam, they said they would bid £30 for the trip line and the auction ends tommorrow.
I have eventually thought of something to say to them so I am about to bid on the phone call from them, I hope I won’t be too awe struck. Feel free to outbid me on eBay.
By Mike Hewson on Nov 12, 2009
Heres some jokes
Q Why was six scared of 7
A Because seven eight nine
Q What’s the wettest animal in the world
A Raindeer
Q Why was the egyptian boy confused
A Because his daddy was a mummy
By Adam on Nov 12, 2009
Well done guys, phenomenal achievement, final push for the bridge now, you can do it, wish I could be there to see you arrive. Like Georgie will have the board on too in form time
lol xx
By ave on Nov 12, 2009
Mr Hewson, funnily enough I bumped in to Laser.Beam just now. He said he’d been busy at work so hadn’t spotted he’d forgotten to up his bid. However, I understand that he’s put a good sized bid down and would welcome a few bids to increase the amount he has to pay.
By George.Simpson on Nov 12, 2009
Wish I could be in SF to see you guys come in. Will be thinking of you though. Last bit now! What an incredible achievement.
By Ems on Nov 12, 2009
Wish I was there in San Fran too! Can’t quite believe it’s nearly all over! Go for it guys!
By Alan in Wiltshire on Nov 12, 2009
News just in: false start! You’ve got to return to the start line and begin again you cheaters.
By The Egypt!an on Nov 12, 2009
It’s a knife-edge enterprise, trying to win the ‘Crappest Joke of the Voyage’ competition, but at the risk of being topped in the last few hours:
What cheese would you use to hide a small horse?
:
:
:
:
Mascarpone (no, I’m not going to spell it out..)
By davidT on Nov 12, 2009
The end is nigh! The boys are now passing Drakes Bay, named after another famous Englishman who sailed past 430 years ago. Great to see the elements are finally cooperating, allowing Bo to sail in exactly the right direction. Brace yourselves, San Franciscans!
By Ned on Nov 12, 2009
Awesome guys…..
By Dizzie Blonde on Nov 12, 2009
wow i’m so excited, i can’t stop checking for updates and i’ve been telling everyone about you. Your So close now it must be amazing. You’re a real inspiration. Enjoy your big finish X
By suzy on Nov 13, 2009
I’m wearing my my GGE t-shirt to work today (it looks kinda stupid with a tie) and have written on the whiteboard in the office:
JAPAN TO SAN FRANCISCO
ARRIVES TODAY
7,000 MILES
HAND ROWED IN A 23ft BOAT
189
They can go find somewhere to do their brainstorming!! (whatever that is)
Last effort fellas, literally the last few yards.
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 13, 2009
When I was a kid I had a friend called Quasimodo. I went to his house to see if he was coming out to play.
I knocked on the door and his mum Mrs Modo answered. I asked “is Quasi coming out to play?”
She replied “no he can’t - he’s got a bad back.”
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Nov 13, 2009