Charlie's B(oat)LOG
30th January 2010 - A note to my wife
Hi Baby
I'm finding it very difficult at the moment. This weather is relentless and not giving up, infact it is getting worse. I screamed at the wind and the waves, then broke down in tears for about an hour. That's when I needed to talk to you, but didn't know where you were, so I spoke to my sister instead.
I feel a bit better now and am going to watch a film to take my mind off things. I have given up trying to anticipate what will happen next, instead I will just take it as it comes. Don't know when I'll be out of here, but once I do, then we will talk again and discuss when I might get to Antigua.
Send my love to our little boys and tell them I miss them so much. Tell them they can bury me in sand and shove a stick in my mouth when we are together again.
Although I've dashed some more man tears today, I'm still as strong as an Ox and ready to spring like a Rabbit when the chance comes.
Love you and miss you too
Fantastic Mr Fox xxx
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 30th January 2010 21:53:28
Hi Charlie - just to let you know that I have telephoned Emma your message as I gather you did not manage to speak. She looks forward to speaking to you tomorrow and of course sends her love. Hope you enjoyed the film! Isn't amazing as to how many of us do not go out on a Saturday and read your blogs instead!! Love you. V xx
Hi Charlie, hang in there mate your doing so well. Praying for you. Evan Ridge (Peter Van Kets supporter)
I remember hearing a quote once 'Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it' I know you have this third element in abundance so you will be the first solo boat across the line. Keep going.
keep going Charlie! You can win the race and beat everyone by miles!!!
From all the Coles
Hi Charlie
Just got back from Oxford where we had an Oldies XI vs. the current college football team. We were predictably stuffed by the students and I am sore as hell but had a great time - if only we were half as fit as you we'd have schooled them! Still, managed to go toe-to-toe with them in the drinking stakes and we were introduced to the delights of the 'Jaegre Bomb', that's a shot glass of Jaegremeister dropped into a glass of Red Bull - try one when you get to Antigua, it'll put hairs on your chest!!
Sorry to hear you're having a rough time of it but this is when your steel will get you through. First parting of the clouds and all will be right with the world. Onwards and upwards!
All the best, Rob
Really good to have a chat the other evening, sorry it was me and not Emma that you got hold of though! Your two little ones behaved perfectly as usual... had a little wrestle with Freddie before bed... tired him out! They love talking about you and telling me how you are doing... they are so proud to have you as a Dad, as they should be!
You will be happy to hear the Murray lost in 3 sets... Federer was just too good!
Looks like you are out of the storm as you are getting closer to Antigua while the rest of the fleet are still heading back to England!
Been hitting the gym, mostly running and then I thought that if my Uncle can row the Atlantic then I should be able to row at least 10km! But no... I got to 1km then the stitch came in, shoulders died, back painful, but I kept on going.... for 2 more km and gave in after 3km! I cannot even begin to compare the Concept II with JJ that is being thrown around like a rag doll in the mighty ocean, but all I can say is that I have so much respect for you and cannot wait to hear more stories when you get back, its not to long now I spose!
Keep it up Charlie
Goose
Hey Charlie - just got back in after a day in Upp and you have gone forward! Brilliant news. Be in touch later on in this evening. Love Vx .
Cannot believe how well you are doing Charlie. You are truly amazing and an inspiration to us all. We are all talking about your progress back here in sunny Felsted, so dont think for one moment we have forgotten about you!! Its brilliant that we can check your progress on line and check up on you. Look after yourself and cant wait to see you back home safe and sound. Lots of love, Lottie and Paul x
Hi Babe. Had a long chat with Kate McLeod-Jones this morning. She says Shawn is SO proud of you as are both we mums. It is terrible being storm bound for so long and we hope it abates very soon.
LOVE your blogs and everyone's emails (which are printed out for me daily by Chris Lidstone and Uncle Mike) but, of course, I miss the ones put on the 'contact' address. I am keeping up chart positions and filing all other data for your return. If there IS a God 'just give them all a break will you and then they can soldier on'!
Love you more than ever. Mum xxxxxxxxx
More from Felsted .. Been following your progress daily and at last it looks as though the the weather may have changed as you are now heading in the right direction. The rest of the fleet however are still facing every direction apart from the right way ! You are an inspiration to us all Charlie. Keep it up mate. Howard & Katia
Well done so far Charlie. Freddie and James are very proud of you and can't stop talking about it at school. We can't wait for you to come back to FKS and tell us all about your trip. We look at your blogs every day and your route. We think that it is great that you are 1st at the moment.
Lots of love
Jessica and Charlie
Hi Charlie,
delighted you are able to get under weigh again. You must be delighted!
GREAT STUFF
Hi Charlie, Ian Helen and the children came for lunch today and after talking to Ian I realised that you probably haven't been getting my e mails. So not only did I start sending them prematurely whilst you were still on dry land but I have also failed to make contact with you whilst you are at sea. I am sure you will see them at a late date. In the meantime I wanted to say how proud of you we all are and that each day you are in our thoughts. Keep it up mate.
Michael and Elaine XXX
Hi Charlie, we are thinking about you all the time. You are the only one that's made distance towards the finish today. You're so cool and we are so proud of you. Your note to Emma gave me a lump in my throat! We hope the weather will change soon and you can start knocking off those miles to Antigua where you can get to see your family again. I know it's easy for me to say this from the comfort of my home, but stay strong and positive....you're amazing. Lots of love Emily and Jamie xxx P.S Man tears are OKAY! xxx
Hey Charlie!
Hows it goin? Sorry to hear that you were finding it a little tough with all the rough weather. You managed to put up with it for a long time, its no wonder little cracks began after all that time. However, now it looks like you are on the move again and I am shocked - how come lil ol you on your own can move so much further than anyone else, even if they have four people in a boat - geez you must be testing their patience!
Keep at it - everyone is gobsmacked at how well you are going. As I'm only just back running I tired taggins some 400m row sprints onto the end of a 10k today but after cycling to Brighton and back yesterday my legs were screaming at me so I bailed on my third attempt - knowing you are out there putting yourself through so much makes me feel sooooo weak!!!
Sounds like you have some hot weather out there in spite of the gales. Cannot believe it but yesterday I woke up to a blanket of snow on the ground yet again. Somehow thought this would not have reached London but alas it had so my bike plans were looking a little fragile but we persevered. Slipped off the main roads at Caterham and promptly slipped off the bike too! The bruises will be there for a while I am sure!
Hopefully life will become more comfortable for you in the next 24 hours.......looking forward to the next blog already.
Take care,
Roz x
Hi Charlie,
Stay strong out there and hang in through the foul weather I'm sure the blue skies will be back soon (based on my meteorological knowledge of sod all), and you'll have the bone china cup and saucers back out of their hold and in use on deck in no time. Give it another day and you might even be able to get the easle and oil paints out too!
With each blog that gets issued, the inspiration grows, and I'm now getting close to almost seriously thinking about introducing some physical exercise into my lifestyle, other than my 50yd dash for the train each morning, still best mull it over a bit more before doing anything in haste. Your blog updates are marvellous, and they've been a talking point to spice up some otherwise dull meetings in the office.
Keep up the ornothology and the audio books, one of them is bound to be of use for your 'specialised subject' when you take on next years more sedate Charlie Pitcher challenge of entering Mastermind 2011. (That is if your backside can take sitting down in a leather chair by then - still you can probably a well padded rocking chair! )
All's well here, we've just got back from a weekend at my brothers playing light sabres & football with the nephews in the day and then being giggly 'big kids' in the evening playing on the Wii after the children were tooked up and the red wind was opened.
Looking forward to the next blog being from calmer waters and favourable winds.
Best wishes
Adam.
Charlie, glad to see the old sea dog spirit is alive and well! I know that this is probably the toughest part of the challenge so far but you'll just have to live with mother nature for a while longer - don't fight it. I know we can expect some "big days" once you get the weather again! All the Choffs will be willing you on. Stay safe, stay strong, stay focused. Your doing everyone proud. Love, Ian, Helen, Henry, Clementine and Arabella.
Hi Charlie we are all routing for you back here and we are so proud in what you have achived so far. You will have a great tale to tell when you get back. Chat soon
Perry
Charlie!
Wow, amazing stuff....have been following your blogs with awe! What a fabulous adventure you are having with some wonderful highs and not so good lows, but, you must be inspired by all the good wishes and support from everybody. I am completely envious and would love to have your strength and determination to complete such an event. Keep pulling on those oars and keep that smile on your face....well done Charlie. lots of hugs. Jenny MooreP>
P>S> Nicola and Mike were logged on and following your progress and are deeply impressed! xx
Comment on this entry...
| Display Name: | |
| Email Address:* | |
Previously:
3rd May 2010 19:15:47
News - For those who have tried to make an online donation through Justgiving very recently, sorry if it didn't work. My fault. It was programmed to close down on 30th April and send all funds to the charity. I have since updated it and.. 15th April 2010 21:53:00
It's been nearly two months since I finished my trans Atlantic row and life is very normal on a day to day basis. However, lots of things are going on. I am now back into training for some challenging runs ahead and the I'm planning a.. 26th March 2010 19:07:58
For the first time since seeing all my family together in November 2009, we are all together again. It is my daughter's 21st birthday, we are dressing up as characters from Alice in Wonderland and have already popped a few bottles of.. 25th March 2010 20:11:06
I woke up this morning to find no Emma beside me. Her side of the bed 23rd March 2010 21:11:38
I can't believe what I've been reading about the poor guys who rowed 3,000 road miles just to crash on the last corner. They hit a reef within a mile of the finishing line in darkness. I don't know the facts, so can only assume.. 21st March 2010 20:15:49
I knew Pete was closing in on the finish so thought I'd give him a last call at sea. Success, I got him first time. " Pete here". It was great to hear his voice again. He had just 5 miles to go, so it felt special to be the last.. 18th March 2010 22:32:38
I'm settling in and pacing myself well. The weather has not been too bad and I'm glad to say the journey in to work hasn't been delayed yet. The food is all right and Ive never seen so many people in one day....ha ha, we'll stop there.. 10th March 2010 21:19:27
I am back to light training in the gym and realise my body is still very tired from it's ordeal, despite finishing the Atlantic Rowing Race two weeks ago. Some stats - Bench press before race,110kg and after....struggling.. |
| View all of Charlies posts |