Compiled by Rita Savage, mother of Roz.
Day 100 of the Atlantic Rowing Race, and I had been writing the blogs since Roz’s satellite phone had failed on February 19th, leaving her with no contact. Watching her progress on the Woodvale rowing race website, I could see that she was getting near to the island of Antigua, and had flown out there to await her arrival.
Day 100 The Tide Is Coming In: 9 March 2006
The tide happens to be a flood of messages congratulating Roz on attaining the point where she is recorded as having crossed longitude 59.37, which was actually at 07.09 GMT on Wednesday 8th (her 99th day). Somebody has queried my use of 99 days, but I was taking that figure from the Atlantic Rowing Race website, which differed by one day from Roz’ running total. Grateful thanks for the lovely messages that have been arriving.
Another message had the words “the sound you hear is my clapping” – it wasn’t actually what I was hearing, it was rain on the roof. So when David said that Roz would soon be on DRY land he was a bit mistaken, it is more likely to be a bit muddy!
Here on Antigua we were so hoping that Roz would get her mileage down to less than 100 to go today, but once again the weather is being unkind and the wind is proving less than helpful. She did do 22 today, so has another 110 to go.
Once again I am not sure whether I will be able to add a picture this evening or not. Watch this space.
Another sponsored mile: thanks to Rob and Cindy Owen with 2809 – she has now done 2821.
Regular Updates Beginning: August 31st 2008.
Actually Day 99, I am on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, awaiting Roz’s arrival:
It is now just after 5pm Hawaiian time and Roz has just called with her latest position. From now on she will call every two hours. Likely to arrive tomorrow some time in the middle of the day.
21 15.140N 157 28.608W 5pm Hawaii time
21 14.389N 157 31.692W 7pm Hawaii time
21 14.719N 157 34 625W 9pm Hawaii time.
Roz describes the conditions as interesting – rough, windy and dark. However she can see light on Oahu, and things have improved since she started singing along to her CDs. She is taking a rest, but checking in again at 11pm.
21 14.580N 157 36.907W 11pm Hawaii time.
During Roz’s rest she has drifted well – she says she is a good drifter.
21 12.585N 157 47.227W 4.30am Hawaii time.
Roz has gone too far south for the photo opportunity at Diamond Head, but still on target for her objective and arrival.
0900 Hawaiian time September 1st 2008, Roz has crossed the line that she considers to be her finish line. 21 13.096N, 157 47.570W.
Roz is now awaiting a tow boat to take her nearer to Diamond Head for a photo opportunity for the press. Following that she will row to the Waikiki Yacht Club for the welcomes, the hugs, celebrations and interviews.
Roz is feeling great – happy, cheerful and not too tired.
Aiming for:Waikiki Yacht Club: 21 17 17N 157 50 31W
Other Stuff (from Roz): Conditions have been just stupidly rough today. When I stepped outside the cabin first thing this morning (doing my mouse-emerging-from-mousehole act first) and looked at the waves, I just about started laughing. It really was, “you’ve got to be kidding me!” Big, foam-streaked, curling waves. But what can you do? Got to get there somehow. So I girded my loins (aka donned waterproofs and big hat) and have spent the day in the splash zone.
James White – yup, I can’t believe I’ve been out here all that time either. Perth seems a lifetime ago! Hope to have a chance to return there one day for a victory lap (aka big beers!).
Ellen – good to hear from you! No worries about the lurking – good to know you’ve been checking in. Hope to see you for some celebrations in San Francisco after landfall. Kristian and Jay – see you there too. I am already daydreaming about the HUGE party we’re going to have!
Steve – TimTams are an Australian speciality. I haven’t tried them yet. Will let you know what they are like. I suspect they might be the Australian version of Oreos. I’m sure Tahiti would be great, but right now any dry land would be good. And yes, the clouds and rainbow photo was taken by me a couple of months ago.
Connor – yup, Mum has already suggested a seatbelt for the sitting position. Let’s wait and see if there is a “next time” first…. this one might just about be enough for any mortal.
Arita – if camels are the ships of the desert, then what would be the camel of the ocean? Humpback whales, I suppose!
Quote of the day: “Life’s problems wouldn’t be called “hurdles” if there wasn’t a way to get over them.” (don’t know the source of this one – anybody know?)
Sponsored Miles: Peter Bromley, Michael Daley, Chris Lynch, Aimee Devine and Monica Wilcox, thank you for sponsoring today’s miles.
Within the last week I have watched a program on BBC TV about a sperm whale that was stranded on a beach in the south of England. Scientists descended onto the beach to cut it up to see what they could learn about sperm whales.It was an enormous creature, about 60 feet long. Sperm whales are the largest mammals on this planet.
The skin was enormously thick, the intestines miles long, the breathing mechanism – though which it also makes its clicking communication sounds – was fascinatingly complicated. Earth moving equipment was used to help remove the skin where the scientists wanted to enter the body cavity. Also huge “buckets” (plural) on the tractors were filled with the intestines.
It was interesting to watch, but the task was complicated by having to work only at low tide, and completed before a second day had finished because of decomposition. When gasses exploded from the carcass, the expressions of disgust on the scientists’ face made me glad I could watch in the safety of my own home, and not down there on the beach.
Roz: I just about started laughing. It really was, “you’ve got to be kidding me!”
That says it all … glad Rita filled in for you today. Thoughts are with you!
Yesterday (Aug.10): 23 more signatures. Recent signatures are from Australia, Belgium, France, India, Nepal, Netherlands, UK, USA (California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas)
Row on Rozling love, Roz!
Please sign at http://bit.ly/PlasticFreeOly
Signatures at http://bit.ly/See_Your_Signature
Oh Rita!!! That description of the whale carcass bursting made me *laugh*
Roz . . . from all the descriptions I’ve read by various adventurers who’ve crossed the Indian Ocean it sounds like one rough patch of water. I’m glad I’m sitting at my computer by the Columbia River across from the Portland Yacht Club. Stay safe, dry (if you can), and Row Roz Row!
Roz, wanted you to see what I wrote on Mutts Comics fan page. Mutts is much more than a comic strip–just like you are much more than an ocean rower.
On the Mooch and Earl vacation question, I wish for them to visit Roz Savage. This amazing lady is currently rowing across the Indian Ocean to bring awareness of plastics in our oceans. Crabby could have a few choice words about plastics and the damage they do to our ocean treasures. @#$%^* (The character of Crabby The Crab is always cussing about something.) Your pal, Susie
*C*o*N*g*R*a*T*u*L*a*T*i*O*n*S*
Rita and Roz!
This is in response to blog Day 77 regarding innovation and technology and growth economy: Our preceptions are beginning to change, I hope that the below videos find good target markets!
Here is Michael Palwyn talking about using natural things in nature to make architectural masterpieces.Further he incorporates “closed loop” systems that use byproducts in creating more bio-products instead of waste.
http://youtu.be/3QZp6smeSQA
More can be found by searching on google, youtube or wikipedia about biomimckery, radical nature, intentional communities and alternative green living.
Here is two radical inventions that is set to tip:
Sorry he is a little low in the humor department
http://youtu.be/HF9G9M0cR0E
Actually high end yachts are using it against pirate ships! (Sadly, It is too big right now to benefit Sedna. I could not find a suitable video of using this Long Range Acoustical Device being used on ships so here it is in military dress:
http://youtu.be/myWxwNQfo-8
But this one is really good… And I recently came across it, A new way to use technology to revolutionize education (and it is free! stay past the *dull 30 second intro)
http://youtu.be/nTFEUsudhfs
Roz is right! If we do this right, if we work together and not take each other apart, we can change the world. One ripple at a time
Not sure if being “belted” in would give you a good safety margin should the boat capsize. Being tied in should do.
Here is Sarah Outen on one over her voyages just after a capsize 1:11 into it.
http://youtu.be/8DRvHE52KrE
Yes Roz, none of us equate your good days with your successful ones. This sounds to me like just another successful day unfolding! Take care, get plenty of rest and water, eat you vegetables and we will start the Bay Area Welcome Home Party planning on Sunday… just after Roz’s Sunset Solidarity party Saturday!
100 days!? x3 even. Phew! make me tired just thinking it!
Row Roz Row!
~Jay
wOW! STOKE! Hey Roz! Hey Rita! Hey everybody!
Look what I found!
http://www.flotsametrics.com
http://www.kwmr.org (Radio station in the United States)
http://www.noaa.gov US Government weather and oceans site
hint…nike shoes washing up on beaches a few years back and plastics in the ocean. also a podcast of a radio show on the subject from KWMR
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/flotsametrics-what-we-can/id290077626?i=96230424 (free download also at KWMR website or NOAA website)
Here is a brief description for you Roz, since it seems you do not have the time or bandwidth.
Radio announcer interviewing Dr. Curt Ebbesmeyer, a scientist who has been studying ocean currents for many years and a man who lives near Pt. Reyes, California USA. Just north of San Francisco. He combs the beaches and cleans up plastic flotsam. Someone found a bakelite piece of plastic in the North Pacific garbage patch (gyre) from a PBY World War II aircraft that crashed in the South Pacific in the 1940’s. Also seeds from tropical vines washing up on beaches in Europe and North America. A motorcycle helmet with 9 or 10 inches of long neck barnacles on it which smells very bad. Apparently there is a floating debris field from the tsunami in Japan and the location is posted on the website. The radio announcer Jennifer did a fine job with the interview.
I found the podcast while downloading a few of yours. It is fantastic that you can podcast from the Sedna.
Singing in a loud and boisterus manner has helped me through a few tight spots whilst getting hip pockets full of salt water. And also in the mountains. The west wind was off the larboard beam at about 10 to 15 knots with a flood tide and I was heading south. Nothing compared to your 30 knot winds but quite enough excitement for me.
I’m off to look at the website, remember…catch, drive, finish, recovery. Row well Roz, Stephen Stewart
Absolutely amazing , Roz…
What you have accomplished, how you have dedicated your life, and inspire so many!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, passion and travails
Congrats and Cheers
Your gym partner
Art