An Irish friend of mine once said something was “so far east it’s west” which I’d never heard before, but it made perfect sense. Like something being so bad it’s good, or so embarrassing it becomes funny, or so insane that it’s genius. And today – I am so far west I’m east. Because this afternoon I crossed the International Date Line.
I didn’t really mean to. I’d rather hoped that I would manage to cross the IDL and the Equator at the same time. Of course, I might still do that, if I wiggle back east a little bit, to reach that magical intersection, but it would have been fun to cross them both for the first time at the same time. But ah well, the weather has long since shown her utter contempt for my plans and schemes, and today was no exception.
The day had been still and calm until about 2pm, when the clouds came over and a strong wind blew up from the south, sending me off on a sudden westwards trajectory – heading straight for the IDL. There wasn’t much I could do about it. No matter how hard I rowed, I was still heading west, whether I liked it or not. If I rowed I would only get there even faster.
So I decided to sit it out and watch the countdown on my GPS from the dry refuge of my cabin, so I hunkered down, watching the numbers tick away on the little screen as the distance narrowed between me and tomorrowland.
It’s funny – you imagine that you ought to be able to feel something when you cross over the IDL. Like in a Hollywood movie when someone steps through the mirror into an alternative reality, there ought to be some kind of strange ripple effect like a tremor passing across a pool of still water. Or at the very least there ought to be a big black line across the ocean, stretching away into the distance towards the North and South Poles.
But no – there’s nothing. The GPS goes from 179 59.999W to 180 00.000E – and that’s it. No chorus of angels (or mermaids), no special effects, nothing. Just another gust of wind and another heavy spatter of raindrops. And the weather in tomorrow is remarkably similar to how it was in yesterday (cloudy, rainy, and windy).
Just goes to show – there’s no point putting off until tomorrow what you can do today – because from someone on the other side, I can tell you that tomorrow is not so different. The world (and I) are just one day older. So you may as well do it today, because you’ll rarely regret doing something sooner rather than later.
[Photo: For the record, I crossed the line at 15:57:02 Hawaii time – and here is the proof.]
Other Stuff:
Note: I am going to continue using Hawaii time for the remainder of this crossing – otherwise it will get too confusing trying to figure out when I am due to record podcasts, call Nicole, or whatever. So I’ll continue to post weather reports as at Hawaii time. FYI, the sun now rises at 7:59am my time, and sets at 8:07pm.
Another note: apologies for the problems with the Tracker. Solaradata, who provide my tracking unit, have been conducting a server transfer and it has evidently generated some random location points. Apparently the issue was that positive latitudes between 0 and 1 were being displayed as 0 to –1. Evan has been working closely with them and assures me the issue is now resolved. To be sure, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time – just as my lat and long are getting interesting! Thanks, Evan, for getting it sorted out so quickly.
Yet another note – and this is the IMPORTANT one! I’ve come to a decision on Island X. But I’m not going to post it on this blog just yet. If you want to know NOW what I’ve decided, check out today’s video RozCast on YouTube. You can locate it via the RozTracker – or maybe Nicole or Evan can post a link to it as a comment on this blog. Yes, I’m trying to get more of you to view my RozCasts!
And final note: you might observe that in the photo the distance to Tuvalu is excessively optimistic. This was based on incorrect lat and long – an error which has now been corrected.
Apparently I need to think of a gift AND a sacrifice to offer to Neptune when I cross the Equator. I’m not feeling very inspired. Any ideas? I thought of sacrificing a cuddly toy, but that would leave some very upset schoolchildren somewhere. I realize you don’t know what I have on board, but maybe some suggestions as to generic kinds of gifts or sacrifices that Neptune might find acceptable?
Commiserations to Peter Bray, a former British commando who was attempting to row the North Atlantic. His attempt had to be called off when Hurricane Bill threatened his safety. His boat is apparently only 3 metres long – or about 10 feet. That is TINY! I hope that he will get over this setback, and better luck next time.
Eco Champ of the Day is Judy: “Oh Gosh, Roz, there are a lot of us lurkers out here. I featured you on my blog over a month ago, and I know some of my readers are following you. As for your purpose … we’ve switched to reusable grocery bags, we already own two hybrid cars but now we are grouping our errands to use the cars more efficiently. Of course, we recycle. And we’ve raised the thermostat for the house during the day to 79F, and are trying to wean ourselves from it on all but the most humid days. It’s a small token, we know, but the consideration of eco-saving is now one of our “household words”. I’m not much of an athlete, but I’m a champion rooter! Ra! Ra! Roz! Judy”
Thanks, Dale, for your message. Your granny sounds like quite a lady! Do feel free to contact my team at info@rozsavage.com.
Walt – a good estimate on the crossing of the IDL. But we both reckoned without the squall!
Amy – thanks for spreading the word. Nice to hear about fellow Rozlings meeting up!
Jennifer – those links sound interesting. Thank you. I can’t follow them up from here (I have email only – no internet browsing capability) but will try to find time to take a look when I’m back on dry land.
Doug – thanks for your suggestion about the solar kettle – but my kettle only has one orifice, and that is the very small water spout. I have been using a thermos mug to rehydrate my meals, and that works just fine, thank you. As I said, the ambient temperature is extremely warm!
Achates, Seattle Dave and Meg – thanks for the tips. Will see if I can resurrect the stove when I get back to dry land. As I said, I’m really not missing it for now, so will spend my energies on rowing rather than stove maintenance! As I said, I really don’t need any advice or suggestions, as I still have plenty of those left over from my stove-less state on the Atlantic!
Texino – now THERE is a novel approach for solving the overpopulation problem. Cannibalism. Can’t think why the global leaders aren’t pushing that one…!!!
Weather report:
Position at 0850 HST: 00 47.061N, 179 58.950E
Wind: very light this morning, 0-5kts E. All over the shop this afternoon, 20+ kts from S or SE mostly.
Weather: hot, sunny morning. Heavy cloud and frequent rainshowers throughout the afternoon and evening.
Forecast is for wind to back to the East, and drop to almost nothing by Monday.
Hi Rozlings,
Please take a look at the latest RozCast (recorded today!) for more information from Roz as to where she’s heading. It’s not going to be easy, so please send her all your good vibes, prayers, best wishes…whatever you think will work, that the seas will help carry her safely to her destination. These last few weeks are CRITICAL and Roz needs your support more than ever. Thank you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F16Rym4Jd-M
-Nicole
Good morning Roz and RozStars(Nichole, Rita, etc.)
Congratulations on the decision (you got me to the you tube post) and to your amazing hard work. I LOVE that you are choosing to keep time on YOUR time, not the time that exists where you are. Laughable and sweet.
A gift to Neptune? A virtual thermostat which, when activated, would turn the temperature down. I mean really, Roz, if you can choose what time it is, shouldn’t you also just go ahead and choose the temperature? Imagine it, pray for it, toss it to the big trident bearing fellow, and row on.
Laurey in Asheville
Congratulations on the IDL crossing! I’m buying a PayPal Round of Drinks for the Regulars in celebration. My dad crossed the IDL on his 21st birthday as a young Marine headed to Korea and claimed that he didn’t have to count that birthday since it technically didn’t happen.
Excellent RozCast. I’m sharing it with my Facebook network.
If you’ve got some trident polish in one of your lockers, I’m sure Neptune would like that. Or perhaps you could sing him your ITCZ song in the buff. That would be a great present.
AWESOME, you made the Dateline, into tomorrow! Congratulations! A glass of wine (or fruit juice?) over the side for the Golden Dragon!
As my comment on the youtube (yes I watched it.) says, good on you, keep on pulling. Our thoughts are behind you pushing hard. Jim Bell Australia
Hearty congratulations, Roz!
…on both finding that “new day” and your Island X decision.
Godspeed!
Rozta’ Bill
Roz, tie a string to that cuddly toy, thank Neptune for the safe passage, toss the toy over board, allow the string to play out then haul the toy back. Yes you will be a Native American giver but you will keep another foreign item out of Neptune’s sea, and not upset any children by throwing away a toy. Had you crossed the equator at the date line you would be known as a Golden shellback, a very high honor from the British navy.
Fair winds and calm seas Roz.
Dearest Roz, As far as the gift to Neptune, not knowing what you have aboard except you of course? perhaps a lock of hair?Thanks for opening up my world so grandly! Is that a word? My mind has been blown wide open due to your pioneering spirit.You ROCK the world. Understand that you are truly an exceptional human being.All the joy to you. Amy
Congratulations Roz! Late last night I watched RozCast and wrote you a note on lucky Day 88 page, so no sense repeating. Rita will surely email it. But I will say again that you are bold and courageous and selfless in your choice of island “T”.
And that leads to my suggestion for a gift and a sacrifice for Neptune. According to mythology and historic record:
Known to the Romans as Neptune, in Greek Mythology, Poseidon (“husband”) was the god of the sea.
“Poseidon’s chariot was pulled by a hippocampus or horses.”
“Sailors prayed to Poseidon for a safe voyage. When in a good mood, Poseidon created new islands and calm seas. When in a bad mood, he struck the ground with his trident and caused chaotic springs, earthquakes, drownings and shipwrecks.”
“Sailors drowned horses as a sacrifice to Poseidon.”
“Neptune was worshipped by the Romans primarily as a horse god, Neptune Equester, patron of horse-racing. He had a temple near the race tracks in Rome (built in 25 BC), the Circus Flaminius, as well as one in the Campus Martius.”
“Athena became the patron goddess of the city of Athens, in a competition with Poseidon. Athena offered [the Athenians a gift of] an olive tree.”
Therefore, I think you would do good by Neptune (Poseidon) to sacrifice horse and gift of an olive branch. Surely you have one of each on board Brocade! Reality check: Highly unlikely. But, horses have manes, and you have lovely golden tresses, so a lock or your freshly shampooed hair would be a sacrifice befitting your situation. (You might enjoy a bob.)
As for a gift, make the earth quake for Neptune … give him a gift of sweat, blood and tears by rowing north a mile and recross the equator — not once, not twice — but thrice (just like RozTracker foretold yesterday. A few crisscrosses will make Neptune notice … something he would truly appreciate.
Give a gift that will be remembered! Make waves, Roz!
[as I am posting this I noticed Amy’s similar suggestion … after all this, I heartily agree with Amy]
Congratulations. Welcome to the Domain of the Golden Dragon and I actually think you made the Golden Shellback requirements as well because your GPS says 00/180, i am pretty sure that is all that is required, missing by a few miles(point 45 degrees of lat)in row boat is better than a lot of ships do. I think it counts. If someone in one of the Commonwealth Navies does not come up with the certificates for you I will one day appear in one of your audiences with just that. Congratulations. Enjoy the downwind down current ride to island X. 😉
The “muse” for this poem was actually one of your posts, a few weeks ago. You brought up the International Date Line, and the environment, and suddenly this little story came into my head. I could have used a few more weeks to work on it, but asking you to “hold your position” just east of the IDL (while I work on it) was obviously an impossibility. 🙂
Congratulations on your amazing progress, and on reaching the IDL!
INVISIBLE LINES
Years ago,
When we were young,
Our love burned brighter,
Than the sun.
We were in love,
And cared for the land.
And the stars and the seas,
Ate from our hand.
Our passion did last,
For quite a long while,
As I loved your humor,
And you loved my smile.
But, I loved the planet,
And you loved your things.
Our goals became different,
For whatever life brings.
I looked to the future,
And saw a green earth.
You looked at our checkbook,
How much are we worth?
I believed in the future,
What our planet could be,
I saw crisp clean air,
And a crystal blue sea.
You believed in “things”,
You wanted much more.
A procession of “stuff”,
Coming in through our door.
We started to differ,
We started to fight,
Our once happy ending,
Now in need of rewrite.
And sometimes one crosses,
An invisible line,
Things suddenly change,
And the planets align.
Without even speaking,
We know it is time,
To follow our hearts,
To recapture springtime.
I am rooted in the future,
You are rooted in the past.
I care about greenness,
You care about cash.
So now, out of love,
I must go my own way,
Because, I am tomorrow,
And you’re yesterday.
Wow, just saw the rozcast. Good luck, at this point in the game that is quite a decision. You’ll need to stem that current back to yesterday at some point to make this work. Go for it! Best of luck and hope the weather cooperates.
I did not know about the sacrifice to Neptune tradition, that sounds pretty cool! I suggest that you sacrifice a bit of food, because ultimately whatever is tossed overboard might be consumed by a turtle, whale, dolphin, sea birds, or fish, and you don’t want them to consume something that may harm their digestive system, I’m sure. Good luck and happy rowing!
Bravo Richard!
Congratulations! You know, all over the area where I live we have people who talk like that. But they are dying out.
You know, the U.S. Navy Submarine force has (or had) a very interesting ritual for those who crossed the equator for the first time. It involved eating off of the- actually, it’s quite disgusting, so I will just leave you to find out independently if you want to know. Interestingly enough, you are, in some circles, currently known as a “pollywog” for having yet to cross.
Well done – but just in case you haven’t noticed (or others for that matter), your destination in written on the GPS screen but hope people will check your youtube post regardless.
As for the gift, why not keep with the eco theme and offer some sprouts instead of something that will take longer to decompose? Just a thought!
All the best – from Norway!
Good idea from Miss Inquisitive. A Lara Bar for Neptune. Fitting I think.
Also, though the Roz Tracker is straigtened out from its former EKG-reading-like pattern, it doesn’t seem to be updating. I’m sure Team Roz is diligently working to correct it, but I’m dying of curiousity to know where you are. Further south? Further west?
Roz … It must have been startling discovery to cross the International Date Line without a real live date beside you. Like in real life blind dates rarely succeed. The plans made for tomorrow usually consume our mind today. I commend you on your positive outlook & focus. You learn’t a great deal from the Atlantic crossing.
Your doing great – Not frozen at North or South Pole!
All 668 members of Disability PC Tech http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13857102882
are wishing you the best of health and a safe return to land – Mother Earth.
Joan, something very strange just happened … new GPS marker appeared at 11:10 AM not far from where the 10:06 AM marker was originally, BUT the 10:06 AM marker seems to have jumped to the other side of IDL from -179.95W to +179.95E showing Roz rowed 7 miles in the past hour. More likely she rowed 0.5 mile which is what you get if you put the 10:06 AM marker back where it appears to belong. Seems like we can’t rely on what we see right now. I’m with you dying to watch Roz’s progress on the micro level … patience!
In the mean time we can pop some popcorn and watch reruns of a wonderful video … THE BEST!
Roz. We’re pulling for you and we’re pulling on you toward your destination ;-D
Wow, look at that tracking data, you are quite determined! Pretty amazing! While I think the lock of hair is likely a great gift from the GOD Roz to Neptune, I am confident many a sailors and pirates, myself included have offered a variety of NOT QUITE digested items at the infamous X after the grueling initiation they were forced to endure. You’ll just have to do a jig of your own making when you get to the X.
Roz you know darn well that those islands are sinking.
There is only one ocean on the planet and if it were rising in would be in my street and in my garden. Yes pollution is a problem and you are doing a good job of letting people know. You know I respect your convictions and amazing courage. If I still went on missions, you would be among my first choice as a trooper. Please don’t dislike me for disagreeing with some of your points; I really just want to see you taken seriously by the scientific community at large.
Dear Roz,
I check up on you twice a day or more. You are amazingly focused; I just want to encourage you and let you know that Forestville, the county jail and my friends are with you.
Last week even before class had begun, one of the inmates said, “Where is that Roz chick now? Is she alright?” Everyone followed with, “Did you bring us her blog?” I just want to let you know that “Roz Chick” is an endearment and not meant to be derogatory in any way….they love your story, your progress, your courage and your strong determination, me, too!
Just know the air currents are carrying our support and strong admiration. Keep going, you are on the home stretch!
As far as Neptune goes, I will present that in class next Tues.
Thanks, Cece Gannon
Are you still growing sprouts? A nice harvest of them would make a perfect sacrifice, I think. Sacrificing anything with plastic would really send the wrong message!
Welcome to today Roz. (From NZ)
Congratulations on your decision! The greater the challenge, the greater the reward! I’m sure in the next little while, and next year, and the rest of your life, you will be very grateful for the decision you have made. Bravo Zulu
Tomorrow, you will be one of the first people in the world to experience the sunrise.
Roz, just for the record, RozTracker has been tracking consistently today after a flukey start this morning, and your progress has been looking very consistent too — good for us micro course voyeurs. This evening the sunset here in the SF Bay Area was gorgeous … flawless red sky with shades of deep purple where the sun dipped behind Sutro Tower and Twin Peaks. I have never seen that shade of purple in a sunset before. No crescent moon yet … tomorrow!
If you can’t make it to Island X, would you land on one of the many smaller islands in the chain?
Is it possible to row from one island to another in the chain, or would you be swept away by wind and wave?
If so, whither? Fiji??