Charlie's B(oat)LOG
17th February 2010 - Day 45
Last night the wind was as close to the wind I had on 21st January when I did around 80 miles. It was then I nearly pitch poled. Last night I did two broaches (this is a hand brake turn, then falling over or better still, like turning on skis and catching an outside edge)on top of waves and thought an oar was going to be trashed. However, after coming up, all was fine, I pumped out the cockpit and re-positioned myself on the seat! In fact, it was after the second one I thought I may as well go and watch something on TV (laptop) as I wasn't doing much good on deck. True. I spent the next six hours below whilst the boat danced on the waves without any more exciting moments. As it got lighter, I could see the grey skies all over and started worrying about getting power to re-charge the batteries. It is critical to have these fully charged whilst I totally rely on the autopilot. A lot of thought has to go into this charging business, because I also have to make fresh water everyday, so it is always something that has worried me.
However, by lunchtime the clouds vanished, the wind dropped and the sun shone with all it's power, charged the batteries and exhausted me so much that around 1300 I had to get out of it and just lie down very still and think what was going on. Again, I think a little bit of de-hydration and tiredness. On top of that, I haven't managed to wash since Sunday and am really sticky. I've made up some extra fresh water and some more again tomorrow in anticipation of a much needed midday bodywash, yeah, can't wait!
It has been good news for the last couple of days and as I write, I only have 450 miles to go. The sad thing is, there is another bad patch of weather coming my way, so no more 80 milers! The wind has started veering to the SW and will drop to 5 knots on Friday. That is a hell of a pill to swallow after all we have been through and so close to the finish. It will be light over the weekend and then start picking up on about Tuesday. This is a blow to the old heart, for somehow I knew the good weather wouldn't last. It's just my luck.
With all that's happening around me and with the forecast in mind, I've been pulling hard on the oars and have broken my targets into minutes. Each minute west is ten miles and that to me is from my Yacht Club to the mouth of our river. Each session, I imagine myself going one way or the other and where I would be etc. My bigger target is to get past 55 degrees by lunchtime tomorrow, 24 hours ahead of when I thought it would be last Monday.
I was thinking about all the things that have gone wrong with my equipment since the beginning and can honestly say there is only one thing - a squeaky hatch hinge, but I've no lubricant on-board. I call that a perfect score! I am down to my second last toilet roll, so should be fine and still have plenty of exciting (not) food to dine on.
Come on wind, give me one more puff, my arms and shoulders are about to go on strike!
Great news! This challenge has prompted my mother to get a computer and online services etc. Gobsmacked!
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 17th February 2010 21:27:45
That's not bad, only a squeeky hatch hinge ... just a can of WD40 short then !!
Based on a well known phrase to do with a weather prediction which is appropriate for both shepherds and sailors. I changed the words to this when I was a lot younger, but probably when I had just found alcohol !!
Red sky at night ... shepherds pissed
Red sky in morning ... shepherds hangover
... hic !
Probably just as accurate as the original !!
Nearly there Charlie ... any spare loo roll save for your tears of joy !
Do you ever wake up with that split second panic of 'heck, did I leave the iron on back at home?', no? probably just as well having put some 2000+ miles in!
I can't believe the pace you've made, boy you've come on a long way from that slow coach and novice adventurer I went to the West Highlands with all those years ago. How I remember the days carrying your laden rucksack under one arm, whilst giving you a piggy back up and over munro after munro, across rivers, through forest paths; you in all your latest outdoor gear, state of the art GPS in your hand, and me with my nothing more than my sandals and a hessian bag for a coat! I'm pleased that that week with a true Jedi adventurer has inspired you to such heights! (Just hope you've lost at least one toe nail?)
Keep the focus right up there for this final leg, you're doing fantastic, just keep your wits about you and don't do anything silly (well relatively speaking I guess that is).
Meanwhile, this modern adventurer wishes you all the best as I set off to tackle a mountain of ironing in search of the illusive clean shirt for another day in the office!
Commander Pennywhistle OUT
Hi you outta there, again from Munich, Germany. We really like to read your blogs - somehow it is like being on board :-) We cannot imagine doing what you have done but the remaining 450 ms are like a walk in the park for you. We wish you a good wind, not too big waves, some friendly birds the closer you will be to Antigua and keep on writing those personally blogs.
Go Charlie go! Your arms cannot give up!
Go Charlie go! Your arms cannot give up!
Go Charlie go! Your arms cannot give up!
Thought this joke might talk your mind of the weather for a few minutes Charlie The Power of a Badge. A police officer stops at a ranch in Texas , and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay , but do not go in that field over there," as he points out the location. The police officer verbally explodes saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me." Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. "See this badge.This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish....On any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand? "The rancher nods politely, apologises, and goes about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the police officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull...... With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get gored before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs.... " Your badge.......... Show him your BADGE ! "
You havnt washed since Sunday... snap!! Joking, only just though! My shower isnt getting any warm water and I am too much of a baby to get in the cold stuff... especially when its freezing outside... having man showers every day (spray on deodorant)
Counting down the days for you to get back, heard you on the radio earlier, me and my mates were all in the room listening. They havn't really worked out why my uncle has decided to row the Atlantic yet, nor have I but I am very jealous in a way... what do you think about me rowing the India Ocean, its a thought!
Mums on the radio on Saturday, cannot wait to hear her make a fool of her self... its inevitable isn't it? She will cry, stutter or fumble up some way!
Just incase you have not heard England just won against Italy in the rugby but it was a very poor performance. Wilkinson missed his first conversion in the 6 nations since 2003, and he missed 2 all match, very unlike him! We have this weekend with no internationals which means that if all goes to plan, you can watch the next England match with a pint in you hand!
Been listening to a band called Bright Eyes and there is a song called Another Travelin' Song. I will have to show it to you.. acoustic guitar with a southern USA accent, but most importantly the lyrics, think you would really like them and after what you have been through, really appreciate them!
Watched Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid a few nights ago, I know you love it, as do I. But we had a discussion the other day, Do both Butch and the Sundance kid die at the end, when they are surrounded but gunmen, or is there a way they escape? I will leave that up to your imagination!
Off to bed now...Sounds like your set up in JJ is more comfortable that my bed here at Uni!
Goose
xx
Wow !!!!!
Awsome work you are doing and I am very impressed !
Keep up the fantastic work you should be able to smell land in the not too distant future !
My sister is K. Rowntree and her husband Tim put me onto your blog.
I will now keep an eye out everyday, sorry for the late start !
Its snowing here in sunny Devon hope you are having better weather !
Cheers !
Red Sky at night - my house is on fire. Red sky in morning - yep, still on fire.
Keep going Charlie. Do some cloud busting - look at the clouds and burn holes in them with your Superman laser eyes.
With vehement veneration,
Andy, Sadie, George, Esther and Ted.
Howzit Charming Charlie of the Chasing Climate, your voyage is but almost nearing an end and what then. Lotsa rest and so much to tell face to face. Wish I could be there with all you dingie doughnuts to listen to all your warstories. When my husband and the boys do the Fish Canoe Marathon last weekend in September every year, (our annual long weekend bundu bashing, I second, they paddle) and we sit around the campfires for 3 nights and listen to who swam, who pulled off some hat tricks and all the other crazy war stories. I just love it. I just loved the bullshit story....show him your badge captain.....hectic. As you know Pete had a very exciting encounter with 2 hairy humans in the middle of the ocean from Spirit of M. Mustve been quite emotional to breakaway and go back to the middle of nowhere just to get somewhere. Am thinking of going to walk our local Buffs Marathon next weekend. Have not been training for this and only walk/plod for a bout an hour 3 - 4 times a week. But because you have inspired me to push beyond my limits and just trust God that we call do ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES US THE STRENGTH. There is a new baby care centre that has just opened its door in EL called Breath of Life and they are looking to raising some funds on the Buffs Marathon. So am wanting to get a few plodders together to make up teams and to each maybe run/walk 10 kms to cover the 42kms. I have already done 13 of these marathons but have more or less trained a bit for them in the past. So thanks to your blogs you have given me inspiration to get out there again and contribute a bit back to society whilst having a bit of fun in the fresh air. Was just reading on the girls blog and reminded that you chaps have not been able to stand in almost 2 weeks. Thats hectic. it must surely be so lekker when you dive overboard and are able to stand upright in the water and just to stretch those pins of yours. So you have planned your race around your loo roles. Damn good strategy. Just hold your pose for a few more days and then you can collapse in a wonderful hot bath, laze in a grand stable comfy bed and graze the finest of steaks and slug the coldest of beers. Now thats worth rowing 5000 kms for.....well not really.....but you make it all worth while. Stay strong, stay sane, stay happy, stay healthy and stay focused. The game is almost over. xxxxx Tess from Nyamazela land
Hi Charlie,
Right now, you are 419 miles away from here; not much work left to do. Look after your water maker, you may need it when you are here too; Antigua has not had any rain to speak of this winter, so there is a huge shortage. We still have our usual Easterly winds, but decreasing. Not so good for the RORC 600 race which starts from here on Monday.
You are doing a great job; see you soon. Poul and Sophia
Charlie,
Just seen Poul & Sophia's message about the weather in Antigua ("Not so good for the RORC 600 race....") Oh dear, and I'm doing it in a clunky Swan 56!
Hope I'm back in Antigua for James & Ollie's finish, let alone yours....
Have just "converted" a number of Shamrock Quay, Southampton, business residents to your trip. They are just staggered, and I hope they'll be getting their wallets out for the cause, MDL's b*****d rent demands permitting.
Our Virgin Flight out to Antigua on Saturday is getting close now. The CHARLIE PITCHER SUPPORTERS CLUB is amassing at Gatwick South Terminal, with the Police having to exercise extensive crowd control. Lunchtime news on BBC says the queues for check in resemble a cross between the Harrods sale and a Papal visit. Extra aircraft being drafted in, with the cheapest available tickets available being on recycled Hercules transport planes which promise to get you "somewhere near English harbour, so that you can jump out of the back and hope for the best."
On a serious note, Katie & I saw Chris Jago last night, who sends his total & utter congratulations. He flew back to the UK from Grenada via Antigua last week, and got the last flight out of Antigua before they cancelled everything for 36 hours or so because Montserrat was kicking off again. (Planes don't like flying through ash.....) All is back to normal now, but I would suspect that (knowing the volcano is usually giving off quite a "signature,") even where you are now, if you look to the West, you might be able to see the "cloud" from Montserrat.......? If you can, you'll know (as we do) that you really are NEARLY THERE!
Its getting very difficult to concentrate on work here.........
All the best from everyone here in the office, AND ME
Richard
Hey Charlie,
Sorry abowt all the wind, I gess I ordered too much! Try not to be to disspondent about the forthcoming weather (f*@k, am I in danger of becoming an intelekchual? Andy its working!), you are aware of how it works mate, thats nature, it does as it pleases and you have to go with it the way you always have done. Keep your spirits up my freind, be strong in mind and the body will follow!!
I have Just had a visit from my brother Gary, he has been barred from B and Q, aparently some bloke went upto him in an orange apron and asked him if he wanted deckin, my brother got in there first!!!!!
I am constantly speaking to the gods now (I can sometimes hear them talk back now, have I been in here too long?) asking for a change in the weather in your faver, I hope it works buddy!
"Constant dripping hollows out a stone". Lucretius
Darren
Hi Charlie
So sorry about the weather, i thought the good winds where going to be with you till the end. I know you must be very frustrated but you are doing brilliantly and after all you have been through you are nearly there. We are so excited about seeing you, its really not long now.
Be save
Love little sister Katie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Forgot to mention you and Pete have done the most miles in the last 48hrs.
Katie xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Charlie,
This row of your's is amazing every day, not sure what we're all going to do with our days when you get there! Reminds of the scene from Monty Python when everyone starts following Brian and he's mum said "he's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy..."
Keep pullling! And while your thinking about water...
---------
A fleeing Taliban, desperate for water, was plodding through the Afghan desert when he saw something far off in the distance. Hoping to find water, he hurried toward the oasis, only to find a little old Jewish man at a small stand, selling ties.
The Taliban asked, "Do you have water?"
The Jewish man replied, "I have no water. Would you like to buy a tie? They are only $5."
The Taliban shouted, Idiot! I do not need an over-priced tie. I need water! I should kill you, but I must find water first!
"OK," said the old Jewish man, "It does not matter that you do not want to buy a tie and that you hate me. I will show you that I am bigger than that. If you continue over that hill to the east for about two miles, you will find a lovely restaurant. It has all the ice cold water you need. Shalom."
Cursing, the Taliban staggered away over the hill.
Several hours later he staggered back, almost dead & said........"Your brother won't let me in without a tie!"
Hi Charlie
Sorry that the good weather didn't last long. You've done so amazingly well to battle against everything that has been thrown at you. Looking at the dot map, it looks as though you could virtually touch the chequered flag now. If you keep going at this rate, it won't be long.
Judging by the ever increasing number of messages you're receiving each day, your fan club is growing at a tremendous rate. My only concern is that the more messages you have to read, the less time you have for rowing!! Maybe that's your tactic to give the old muscles a bit of a rest?
It sounds as though you have a huge welcoming committee to await your arrival in Antigua. What a party that will be! My request is that I wondered if you could keep your blog going for at least a couple of days after your arrival so that those of us who won't be in Antigua to greet you, can share in some of the excitement and help us to imagine all the celebrations that we're missing out on! Tall order I know, but just a thought!
Well done on the bog roll rationing! Enjoy the rest of your row, if that's possible. We're all seriously impressed and are willing you on with each stroke of the oar.
Keep safe.
Paula, Paul, Lucy & Sophie Bartlett
Good luck on those last few miles (or last few ups and downs of the Crouch). We've loved all your blogs and have been with you every 'pull' of the way. Paul delighted to hear the loo rolls will last the distance !!!
Paul and Liz
I thought of you today as i was at a friend's house and was sitting on their loo when I noticed a giant basket just full of loo rolls, there must of been at least ten or 12 and I thought I bet our Charlie would love one of these! Anyway I'm glad it's looking like you'll have enough loo paper, I know what a worry that must have been!
Anyway, Go Charlie, Go Charie, Go, Go, Go!!!
LesleyXXXXXxxxx
For heavens sake, what some people will do for some winter sunshine. Just logged into your site. There are some very cheap flights to Antigua these days, I am a travel agent and I'm not really sure about this self help travel.Hmm you worry me!
A ha, me thinks that you have timed loo roll supplies to spur you on in the final stages - hope you don't have to use any on a runny nose!
Two fat blokes in a pub, one says to the other "Your round." The other one says "So are you, you fat bast**d!"
Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid, and the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let the other one off.
A man walked into the doctors, he said, "I've hurt my arm in several places" The doctor said, "Well don't go there anymore"
X
Hi Charlie there are allot of people who are worried about what happens when you finish this epic crossing and what they will do with there computers. We will all miss your Bloggs and our lives will be missing that stimulation we all get when reading them.
The consensus is that you should row back. I’m sure Emma would understand.
Keep your spirits up nearly there way ahead.
Chip Cole
Hello Charlie
You have all in Felsted on tenderhooks-even had prayers for your safety in Church last sunday! I can't begin to visualise the stamina you have needed to maintain your extraordinary progress. Will watch your (hopefully) last few days with increasing excitement and look forward to seeing you back on home soil.
John&Sue
dont like the sound of those broaches although i cant altogether picture it. you dont need any more excitement (especiailly crossing the indian ocean with goose) we judt dont trust the wind out there and sadly cant do anything about it just keep doing your best whatever the conditions. have you been accompanied by any more dolphins. rory bella and amy all enjoyed amsterdam. hugs and kisses mum
Oh Charlie not far now keep your focus and stop the bird watching, your not in London now...Got up early this morning to hear you on the radio but think I must have got the wrong station or day,
Love all on the farm
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