You can see ROZ’S ROUTE here. Each dot links to the blog from that day. 238 nautical miles to go. (This may be updated as the day goes on.)
My fishy friends are leaving me. The community of dorados that has kept me company for much of this voyage is slowly diminishing. Only one or two ghostly blue shapes occasionally flit beneath my boat, down from about twenty at its peak. Whereas I used to see twenty or thirty fishy backflips each day, I saw only one or two yesterday.
I feel quite bereft. They may not have been the chattiest of companions, but I found their presence quite reassuring, in a strange way. Of course, I knew they would have to peel away eventually as I approached landfall, but I still have many miles to go. They could have stuck around for a bit longer.
Do I sound like I’m sulking? Maybe I am. Rejection always hurts – even when the party doing the rejecting has fins and a tail.
Other Stuff:
I have had a small shark following my boat all day today. He is only 3 or 4 feet long, but I am still quite pleased that I have done my final barnacle-scrub for this voyage. I don’t want to lose any limbs at this stage!
Kristian glad to hear you’ve got the champagne on ice! Sandra is organizing some landfall celebration parties in various locations, and I know for sure there is going to be one in the Bay Area, so stay tuned for details!
Granny Dolores – thank you for your lovely message. It warmed my heart to hear about the lifestyle changes you are making for the greener – the Earth thanks you!
Quote for the day: “People are best convinced by reasons they themselves discover” (Benjamin Franklin)
Sponsored Miles: Thanks to Kit Mosden; some of yesterday’s miles were sponsored by an anonymous donor. Scott Wagner and Ian Hamby – thank you for your donations to miles beyond Roz’s present destination.
When I read the blog title I thought one of the dorados had died. Glad to hear they are just getting on with thier lives.
If you have an event in the Bay Area I will be there because it is written in the Book of Bokanon “Never pass up the chance to meet someone new”.
Good rowing.
I hope the Bay Area event works out with my schedule or my ability to change it! Change my schedule that is . . . 🙂
Oh dear! The mileage on your blog would seem to indicate a loss of miles. It counted 255 yesterday.
The Dorados are probably going to find another ocean rower to accompany now that they feel they have accomplished their task. I seriously doubt it is in any way a form of rejection. They protected you from sharks as they have been doing since mariners were infants. Now that you have finished barnacling for the last time (and flips are not such a concern) they allow you the freedom to enjoy your solo return to land. I am sure that you made them feel safe somehow and they returned the favor manyfold. They figure you have got it all pretty well handled and they ought search for another mariner to assist. I am sure that you will never really break ties with them.. And they would never allow that! Events like the one you are having stay with a person even after that last exhalation.
I have been away for a few to visit Echo Summit and meet some wonderful people at the most “Bolinas-y” lodge. Please stop by one time so that I may introduce you to my new friend Edie, she is eighty years old, and is currently camping in the Northern Parts of the Lake (Truckee) in a … Volkswagon Vanagon! I have pics to prove all of this!!! (This is to continue to splash Roz good vibes in the absence of the chaps downstairs)
Now… to catch up on the belly flopping …
With only a few miles to go Sheer defiance, a hell of a rowShe takes a quick peakHe lockers do leak.An amazing young woman to know!
Though her sat phone is a bit sketchyher message is clear and yes catchyShe blogs from the deepOne eye open, asleepwith electronics, all a tad patchy
With two broken oars and her mumShe adds to each row and their sumShe’s ready to restShe’s really the bestas she bashes the waves like a drum
Tough cookie, she’s all on her own.Still, poetry makes her groanShe knifed Sid in a galeSaw shark of a whaleAnd, she only, lie supine and yet prone
Though she flips and tumbles in wholeNo whining about for her soleShe’s not all aloneher senses, in honeDorados and us with each roll
Humor and jest til landing.With calloused hands that need sandingPirates are realHer nerves are of steelWeaponless, verbs she is branding
She must exit her cabin to peeand look past her shoulder to sea.’nother skipper aboutmakes a girl grimace’n poutMust now dress appropriately
Loathe the repetitive music I hearHum Hawaii Five Oh in my earA song stays in my mindTill dusk do I findmy lunacy better than fear
A walk on the beach in BolinasShe rows as if His HolinessShe eats and she praysto moonbows and raysand gimbals her boat’n her rolliness
Row 3000 miles and then moreOn her tally card is the new scoreHistory’s rightHer actions of MightHer story now become lore
So share it with all of your kindImpossible? All in the mind!She rowed until trueHer love for the blue.And you and me, she did bind
Hoorah to the girls of the seaNo man or pirate can beShe rows to the shoreTells her story and moreWhile Sedna still lists to the lee
She’s coming home, boys, in a fewBe patient and wait for the cueWe’ll celebrate thenwith her and her zenand historical data a-new
oh I could go on,,, in this fashion, and likecos I helped her adjust, her seat, on her bikeit was slanted you seeShe’s Amazing to meOh! We’re so happy for her, to go on a hike!(in reference to her on ClimateRide CA, 2010:)
Pssssst, dress like a pirate on four.As Libra beckons to shorePass it on, and in gleeBetween you, and just me!Solidarity Party, Galore!
Even we wait til Novemberor forty-four years, or DecemberShe’s a poet of timeWhere Larabar rhymeHer story we’ll share and remember!
This one long quote is from meTo honor the girl in the seaProdigal notI study a lotHer story is true! Believe me!
Row Roz Row!
~Jay
Bay Area Festivities you can rely on! Stay tuned!
Our next Poet Laureate?
Amen, brother!
Niccely done Jay; I take off my hat to you Sir.
Bring back the fountain pen (before my computer has an ‘accident’…).