Charlie's B(oat)LOG
4th February 2010 - Day 32
I find myself very carefully sneaking along on ever changing waters. The wind is up and down all the time and shifting gear around the boat to trim it accordingly and constantly changing the pin heights helps more than you would think. I can move the sea anchor and rode line from one side to the other and my speed will go up instantly about .1 -.2 of a knot. Free speed! At the moment it is light and I'm very tired, so by keeping nice and still, helps as well, so I'll be having a kip after this blog.
For the benefit of those at school or not familiar with longitude. I thought I would give you any idea of how far around the world I am from home. Take a compass rose or 360 protractor and put 360 / 0 degrees at the bottom. Imagine you are Tintin in outer space looking down on earth from above the North Pole. 0 degrees represents the Greenwich Meridian Line, which basically is where Felsted lies (my village). Now go around to 42 degrees and that is where I am! At 42`West of GML. About an eighth of the way around the world in terms of Longitude. I have two clocks on the boat, one which shows the time at home (GMT) or UTC and the other I call the ship's clock and at the moment I am three hours behind GMT. The reason is because the sun sets later as you travel west so I adjust the ships times to coincide with local sunrise. However, I always call home in GMT time. Geography lesson over! Hope it is interesting.
Whilst we were delayed before the start and some poor rowers were not able to get home, therefore staying in La Gomera for a very long time with hardly any resources, there was one very special man who was so kind and generous to them. He took them under his wing, organised banquets, parties and was always in high spirits, making sure they were all well fed and having some Christmas fun. He really is the real life "Father Christmas", no joke, he comes from the land in the North which is covered in thick snow all winter and speaks with an Arctic accent, always smiling. His men also make those delicious waffles and sell them to people all over the world. OLI is now rowing with one of his men, Brian, on his super dooper BOOGIE WOOGIE at the back of the fleet, herding all before him and if any of you have half a chance, send him a message, but Freddie don't go asking for any presents, will you!
I've just started to get bored with my food and have been thinking about fresh oranges, big fat burgers with all the trimmings and chips! All I have had to drink out here is one can of Coke which went on day four, water, tea and hot chocolates. I have yet to have my first cup of coffee, which I've been saving for the most desperate situation when I know it will give me a boost.
Will Dallimore sent me details of what I should see in the night sky, which was great whilst reading it off the email, but when I'm rowing...so all I do is look up and again I'm in awe of the beauty of the night sky.
The wind is forecast to be light tomorrow, so I am planning on another bottom scrub, otherwise it is all going through the same routine day after day. Nearly down to 1,000 miles to go, I'm starting to think about the real world again and realising there is only a few weeks left of this epic two year campaign left. Sad! My world out here in this very little boat has been surprisingly comfortable and I can't say I've been suffering like some of the others. The only real problems I've encountered have been physical, but I can manage the pain. The big question has always been how to cope being alone for such a long time, but again, I have had some lonely moments, but generally, no worries!
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 4th February 2010 23:39:41
Morning Charlie sounds like a wonderful place to be all these stars. your progress is still staggering and you are the fastest boat in the fleet. Keep it going I tell every one i meet and talk to about what your doing and tell them to have a look on line.
I sent your link to Andy Moore to send on to Richard Branson so they can see what they have missed out on.
Well done mate keep it up.
Chip
Hi Charlie, hope 1000 miles to go gives you a huge psychological boost, (for us dot watchers it seems like you're nearly there!) and those juicy burgers and pina coladas only about a fortnight away!!!
Amazing as Chip said, you outrowed the whole fleet yesterday - incuding Brittania, and nearly 1000 miles ahead of Brooksy in Speedo!
You are definitely becoming a bit of a legend in these parts, and I will contact all those who didn't respond to our sponsorship letters to let them know what they missed (but could still catch up on?) and hopefully they will follow your progress to Antigua.
Keep flicking that water!
Mike
Thanks for birthday wishes, that was a nice surprise at the bottom of your blog. Had a beer in the White Hart Stebbing then off to the Indian at Rayne with my lovely Katia. Got a record deck so that I can convert my old albums into MP3 and input into I tunes, that will keep me busy for years !
You're making fantastic progress, each day you edge a little bit further ahead and now a 1000 miles to go. If you think about getting under the 1000 as getting into single figures in a marathon on the way down from 26.2,.. well. multiplied by 100 and that's not far out !!
Awesome progress ... keep it up !!
Morning Charlie
We'll get the burgers ready in the Galley Bar in English Harbour, where you'll have to write a little legend on the ceiling! (It'll all become apparent when you get there, don't worry.....)
Saw Sally & Steve heading getting off the Red Jet last night, and heading for Antigua. They'll be flying over you today, and I've told them to wave out the window when the fasten seat belt sign comes on.
All the best - you're doing brilliantly,
Richard & Katie
I love the descriptions of the night sky Charlie. Reminds me of my father telling me about the stars as a boy. He navigated oil tankers for BP. His favourite star was Spica. Follow the handle of the sauce pan (Ursa Major, Big Dipper) curve down to Arcturus (3rd brightest star in the sky) and then the same distance down to the ecliptic and voila; the 15th brightest star, a blue giant in the sky. It is actually a double star. Spica is Latin for ear of grain and in Astrology is a talisman for prosperity and good fortune. "Wealth, fame, honour, glamour, the Fortunate One". As dad always said 'It is shining for you'.
Big love,
Andy, Sadie, Ted, Esther and George.
Hi Charlie,
Just putting together an item for the March edition of the Parish Magazine. I have been enjoying the blog.
Cheers
Robert Stone
Hi Charlie,
We are in the middle of summer here and I am sitting on my balcony here in NZ wondering what stars you can see in the Northern Hemisphere? I remember vividly Venus (or Mr Venus as the kids came to know him) who night after night showed us the way. Is he still there? And I am sure, Orions belt was a night time favourite. As I sit here. my thoughts are constantly with you out there. Must be very hard and at times an awe inspiring place to be, just you and mother nature. Those moments only you will be able to appreciate but ones which I am sure will be with you for many years to come. So don't you rush! I'm sure that burger will taste good but will you remember it forever! I doubt it! I was reviewing your mileage today and I cannot help but wonder how the hell you are 1000 miles ahead of another of the solo rowers? It defies belief!
You will soon be under the 1000 miles to go mark and what a moment that will be. I am putting in a special word for 15-20 knot Trade winds for you with a 1.5 knot current. Bloody brilliant effort mate and keep it up.
As you can now tell, you have a huge following so I am thinking of setting up www.CharliePitcherIsMyHero.Com? What do you think?
Take care mate and keep ya bottom clean!
Best wishes
Mr P
Well done Charlie, you've got the "hammer down now" great distance covered yesterday.
Obviously the mention of Pina Coladas + juicy burgers (with trimmings)! has fired you up even more.
Great blogs, cant imagine what its like ( don't forget to take some pictures for your inevitable book !) but we are all following every stroke with you.
keep it up
Nick
A Scottish couple decided to go to Spain to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.
Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Glasgow and flew to Barcelona on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Blackpool , a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who died following a heart attack.
The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted.
The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: October 16, 2008
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones.
I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that
everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow.
Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.
P.S. F***ing hot down here!
just a little true story
made me smile hope you do
ken
Hi Charlie
Only 1000 miles to go........ it is a long looooong way from when we first learnt of your intentions to row across the Atlantic! Awesome! how far you've come!
Just to let you know that I have just enlarged your FANclub by 25 just by a click on the button.
stay Koooooooool
Lorna & Paul
Charlie,
Fantastic to see how well you are doing. It must be humbling to be out there alone with mother nature.
Keep up the good work and row fast, it makes all those days, weeks & months of preparation worth wile don't you think?
All the best from
Matt & all at P.L.S.
Hi Charlie,
Can't tell you just how impressed we all are, with your progress, attidude, determination, courage, and true fighting and never give in spirit! When you arrive in 1st place, as you truly deserve, I'm sorry to say that I'll be at a loss - what are we to look forward to? Charlie won't be giving us a ride of our lives, via the wonderful blog you've created, and those fabulous little dots we've been following so keenly will go too!
Charlie, you've done us all proud, and we are!
Much love Kathy and Richard - Perth WA
Hi Charlie, don't feel lonley - remember we're with you in spirit. Best wishes, Jo
Hi Buddy,
Thanks for the geografy lesson but I dont know what a protraktor is, we cant get farming equipment in here but i am doing my best. you did start to confuse me with Tin Tin, outa space and degrees, man my head is spinnin.
I am with you on the food front mate, our shef is a nitemare and a can of coke can cost 10 tubes of tothpaste, I would give anything for a big mac now, better not say that to loud in the showers or I may end up getting my bottom scrubed.
I hope you slept well mate, push on, I wish I could be there in Antiga for your landing but I hope to see you on your return to mother England.
Darren x
hi charlie,reading your blog and charting your progress evey day has become part off our daily routine,theres not a lot off good news this end spain portugal and most off europe is bust might be a good idea when you get to antiuga to turn around and do it the opposite way(only joking).anyway its friday night and were going to crack open a bottle off red and toast your speedy return.
keep your chin up and we will keep a bottle on ice for you..
ian clare and boys
Hi Charlie,
Speaking of bottom scrubbing, I couldn't resist .
At our age, if you can scrub your own bottom you are doing well. If you can get someone else to do it for you without payment you are also doing well. When you have to pay someone else to scrub your own bottom to do well- you have to ask yourself the question why!?
This may mean nothing to you right now but am happy to explain on dry land.
You continue to surpass yourself- be very proud.
Lots of love, Jo x
Hi Charlie
Just reading your blog from the past few days - Sorry to be an anorak but the 'Concord' bird you have seen is in fact the elegant and beautiful Red Billed Tropicbird - an oceanic bird found far offshore over warm water, and often seen resting on water. Their flight is generally high with relatively fast, steady and shallow wing beats. When feeding they plunge into the water to catch fish or squid.When resting on water they float high with tail streamers raised up in the air. They nest in the Caribbean and along the Pacific coast of Mexico. The young chicks hatch after around 44 days and stay in the nest for about 12 weeks. The young bird lacks the elegant tail streamers (which are often missing in adults as well) and the juvenile's beak is yellowish.he They are generally silent at sea but sometimes give shrill grating or rattling notes.......................... now I am going to email you so that I can ask you in private how your bottom is!!
Caroline xx
Charlie
Just checked in after a mad week touring with tales of the high seas - great to see your spirits still strong and everything all in order.
I sang that little bit out of Finding Nemo tonight at a talk 'Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming'...
Sending you good vibes,
S x
Hello from all of us in Aotearoa! All in absolute of awe of what you are achieving every day, one day at a time. I (Tom) got some proud emails from Tim, and Gio is keeping track of your (QUICK!) progress and keeping everyone updated. Next week the rich boys go play in their multi hulls, exciting... but the challenges you face and that you have already overcome make their races pale in comparison.
Tim and I are already starting to scheme some kind of challenge to try and (at least partially) step up to bar! Im sure he will keep you updated!
Wishing you a safe, successful row to the finish, hard to write enough praise and encouragment
Tom, Gio, Georgina, Chrstine, Nonna Hilda
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