Charlie's B(oat)LOG
18th February 2010 - Day 46
Typo error on yesterday's Blog - SW wind was ment to be SE wind. Who noticed??
The wind kept on coming and with strength. I wasn't expecting to still be flying along at the speeds I've been getting over the last few days. The SE wind came in this morning, much stronger and with the sunshine, made for a day to remember. Big seas, very busy, but not confused. About 15 - 20 knots of breeze coming from the same direction as the sunshine. Not Charge of the Light Brigade, but I saw all these waves coming at me with Terriors (millions of them led by Pogle and Hector )barking on the crests. Can you imagine it? White breakers everywhere giving off this barking noise before vanishing into a trough. I have really enjoyed today, but now the wind actually has dropped and I'm just making headway in the right direction. I think it will die down completely tonight, leaving me to tackle with those tricky waves coming from any direction with no wind to help. Slop, slap, rock n roll...very little speed. Hard work. What I'll do is get another curry down me and some more rest, then carefully go and pull on the oars for six hours tonight. I said carefully, because my right shoulder has just started giving me agro again. Mind you, this is the first time since all the worries I had at Christmas time, so I have been very lucky.
I am rowing over some of the deepest water in the Atlantic. I am about to go over a depth of about 5,843m. How long would that take to run? I wonder what living things are below me right now? Gulp. Dave Brookes (Panasonic) dived down 16m without weights in La Gomera to the bottom of a bay we were in. That is incredible, but to imagaine the depth here is about the same as from Chelmsford Station to Danbury, deep. I should also be taking advantage of some current, but I don't think it is here as I have been doing the numbers on my instruments.
I managed to have a decent body wash today. It is like having your car serviced. I feel completely different and happier, so I'll try to squeeze another one in early next week. My back seems better today, but it is the fingers and tendons in my hands and arms that are suffering. As Peter (PVK) said in his last race, this was the worst thing. Everything is fine when you go to rest, but your fingers cease up and you can't close them without doing it with the other hand. After a warm up, they are operational again, until the next rest and so on. After winning the last Atlantic Rowing Race 2007 in the pairs class, I am now in full admiration of Peter to be doing it again. This really is tough. I can't wait to see him soon, if only he would get a move on. ha ha.
I was on BBC Essex Radio on Tuesday, but didn't know it was going out live, but for those early birds, next Tuesday, I am being interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live (Sports) at 0600 onwards. Listen out, otherwise, I'm sure you will hear it on the website.
Now that the end is looming, I'm not sure I want to come back to one of the worst winters it seems! I can't believe it has still been snowing. Here I am in 35 degrees! A good year after all to do this row. Seriously, I really look forward to getting settled back into my usual lifestyle and doing lots of things with my family and friends. I've also got to do some leg work over the next two months in anticipation of the final challenge in memory Shaun. No details going out yet, so please don't ask. I really do look forward to getting back to the business I have built up with my partner over the last fifteen years and seeing all "the blokes" and having breakfast at my favorite place in Portobello Road after having done the usual 0630 workout every morning at the gym in West one.
But for now I still have 375 miles left to row and it isn't going to be easy. I am rowing for Karen Rowntree tomorrow. Karen is an Ultra runner who helped me with my MDS training and has become a great friend. Poor Karen has got to have a major knee operation tomorrow (I think) and I will be thinking of her. Another couple who are always in my thoughts are Ian and Helen Dean who have relentlessly looked after Emma, my boys, have been emailing me and generally acted as my "family support team" whilst I've been away. It's for Ian, Helen, Henry and Clemmie that I'll be rowing for on Saturday.
To all those supporters and followers, you have made this more exciting for me knowing you have been interested in the story so far. There are times when I am in a corner and at my whits end, don't know what to do and feel exhausted. It's then that your emails and messages trigger me on (like Shaun does) and gives me the energy to take another step, knowing there are so many people involved in this story as well as me.A few days left, but keep the messages coming. It's not over yet.
Thank you with all my heart.
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 18th February 2010 23:38:57
Edited By: Charlie Pitcher, 18th February 2010 23:39:49
Hi Charlie, We have been following your blog every day. Glad to hear everthing is working well. Didnt want to tempt fate by asking how the watermaker was performing.
Good luck for the last few days. Im sure that for all the text and messages you receive, there are many like us quietly willing you on to victory.
Cheers from Jim and Ann & all at Mactra Marine.
Well, here i am Charlie. I just read your blog and I don't understand that you can do all this writing while you are in a lot of wind and big waves. Your blog is so much fun to read and you are doing so well. You are flying and in such a straight line. I am glad that you feel good besides having to deal with your fingers. Lets hope that it gets better. I am sure you must feel wonderful after a good wash. Soon you will be getting all the luxurious treatment in Antigua. Keep going Charlie, you will be there very soon.
Marianna Cash
keep going Charlie.. its only like Burnham to Ostend 4 times Think of the lamp post.
chris
Good morning Charlie
Coffee in hand and 11 emails from my friends across the sea
My papa tells me that you have completed 87 % of the race
Bloody well done super job
Your 366 miles in front of the pack still pushing the lead well done
I don’t want to know what is swimming around under your boat that is a little scary
And to think how deep it is brings back when I was scuba diving and I had a nemo moment when I could not see the bottom look left fine look right panic i have not done scuba again Stay in the boat please
pleased to see that you have washed dont want to up set the locals with the smell do you
Again good winds sorry the see that the shoulder is giving you pain. just a little more then you can rest sorry REST the wrong word to say to you keep going land is on its way keep to the plan stay safe
Lots of love
Ken dawn Rebecca Ethan and bump xxxxxx
Ps.
Some more jokes to pass the day with a smile
One morning, two 80-year-old men sat talking over the weather and the latest in medical science, and such, when one brings up the latest male medical miracle, Viagra. The other elderly man wasn't familiar with Viagra and asked the first man what it was for. The first man said, "It's the greatest thing I've ever known. The Fountain of Youth! Makes you feel like a man of thirty."The second man then asked, "Can you get it over the counter?"
"You probably could, if you took two pills," replied the first man.
London - Following the approval of Viagra by the UK's health authorities, the first shipment arrived yesterday at Heathrow airport, but was hijacked on the way to the depot.
Scotland authorities have warned the public to be on the lookout for a gang of hardened criminals. They will face a stiff sentence when convicted and they'll surely be sent to a Penal Institution.
Before Viagra, for some people, making love was classified as "Assault with a Dead Weapon."
The first thing i do when i get into work everyday is check your blogs.
What an amazing journey you've been on and what a great strength of character you have. You certainly deserve all the wonderful praise and support you are recieving from all your friends and family.
Keep up the good work.
So Charlie you still can't tell your soueasterley from your souwesterley. No change there then.So just imagine for a minute (if you can find time!) you have been asked to put together a sailing team with you on the boat where would you put yourself-at the front or the back ? Ha,Ha. Reckon there will be a few crews signing you up for the 3 Peaks race though.
Any more sightings of that migrating east coast Long tailed Arse Warbler. The twitcher from Burnham has gone quiet of late and come to that you have not mentioned any more wildlife sightings of late.You must have seen something ?
We are still all gobsmacked by your performance and all wishing you good winds to the finish . Make the most of your last few days without women and wine !!
GB
Hello Charlie,
We've totally run out of superlatives, and continue to be totally awed by your physical and mental stength. Dick must be a very proud fellow. At the risk of sounding 'Mumsy' - please don't push yourself too far, you've got to enjoy your arrival.
I did notice your typo. Have been worried for a couple of weeks or so about the impending southeast winds, and have expected you to be pushed too far N. I am over the moon to see that your can reach so successfully. Your daily DMG and distance covered almost always nearly identical. It makes one feel very sorry for the others - if they could achieve the same they would be a fair bit closer.
I met Emma and the boys in the club last Sunday an they seemed very relaxed and happy, and of course very proud.
Jenny should be going on line-today, so should be able to follow you more closely. I suspect she will be playing cards less often for a few days!
Keep up the good work - not far to go now (relatively speaking).
Love and best wishes from us all.
Chris.
Go Charlie. Nearly there. Loving the blog. Like the broach catching outside edge analogy. Birthday suit detail not required. I read your messages over breakfast :-) Elliot
Hi Charlie,
Transatlantic fantastic!
Sorry to hear about the shoulder - try sleeping on the other side of the bed.
Wouldn't sell the boat yet, I reckon you'll be home for about a month before you get itchy feet, Indian Ocean Race starts 17th April 2011 should be a nice warm run.
Keep up the brilliant work,
All the best
Patrick M
Hi Charlie the curry sounds like a good idea if the wind is forcast to drop.
Great Blog not to far to go, thoese waves sound great fun. Keep pulling.
Chip cole
Charlie, not long to go now. Have loved reading your blogs. Saw this little poem earlier and thought would send it to you:
Theres no thrill in easy rowing when the skies are clear and blue.
Theres no joy in merely doing things which anyone can do
But there IS lots of satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take,
When you reach a destination that you never thought you’d make
Keep going Charlie, you are so nearly there. Simon and I will try and call you this evening. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. Love and big hugs, Mary and Simon xxxxxx
Hi Charlie
Great admiration for what you are doing - my brother (Tom Barnes) is finding the winds tough at the moment too on board HMS Red Arrow, but is determined not to let it beat him.
Keep up the fantastic work.
See you in Antigua
Ellie
Not long to go ... following you with all "enthouiasme" possible - Very proud of you Charlie - and think Dicky is too -Lots of love from all of us
THE MACS
KEEP GOING
Yes, I noticed your typo! Your Mum's getting to be HOTSTUFF with internet and the jargon. XXXXXXXXXXX
Keep pulling big fella! Felsted expects, Essex expects and (after your Radio 5 showcase) your country will expect! Move over Rooney, step to one side Wilkinson, here comes Pitcher! Massive admiration and huge respect for everything you've achieved!
p.s. Bella (who we keep forgetting) sends big sloppy kisses also xxxx
Thanks for you great blogs Charlie we look forward to reading it every day. Life won't be the same when you reach land, you'll have to write a book in your spare time when this is finished. Good luck
Dave
Hi Charlie,
As of now, you just have 341 miles to go; by the sound of things you are in good shape. In Antigua 90% of the time the winds are ESE; makes setting race courses easy.
We do a bit of fishing, and according to the experts, the best catches are to be had on the shelf. This is where the deep water stops; you are in a perfect position to do let us know exactly where this is. You should have everything down there; from Blue Marlin to Barracuda.
Not long now, and you will have someone to do the washing for you! You are doing a great job; Poul and Sophia
Congratulations on your amazing progress Charlie; we're sure you're going to arrive in Antigua well before we do on 27th of Feb! We look forward to seeing you and your family again. Olli & James have given the perfect reply to comments posted by some of the more over-excitable french supporters on Karukera's website and, God willing, a "Burham one two" now seems a distinct possibility. Take care and good luck. Our best wishes for the rest of your voyage, Ed & Susie Back
Sooooooooooooo excited, not far now. Packed ready to catch flight tomorrow morning, so this is probably the last communitcation till we see you. Meeting up with Emma, James, Freddie, Ginny and Livvy tomorrow. CAN'T WAIT.
Love Katiexxxx
Great stuff Charlie and more great reading from your blog....I don't know what I'll read once you finish...it'll be back to the boring FT! Perhaps you should look to publish it all when you return to raise more funds for Addenbrooks.
Looking forward to Radio 5 Live on Tuesday too...I'll have to get the whole family to gather round the radio (apparantly that's what used to happen before TV...and before my time!). And perhaps you'll finsihs just in time to cathc the end of the Winter Olympics too....Vancouver has been having eeather like you after all!
Keep it up!
Neil
Hi Charlie
From everyone at Barts and the London school of medicine and dentistry sailing club & boat club, congratulations on your epic voyage. We have followed your progress since the charity auction in Burnham and we are delighted that you have nearly finished the race. The men's rowing team are equally impressed. Enjoy your last few days at sea!
Barts and the London, School of medicine and dentistry sailing club & boat club.
Hi Charlie - I'm blubbing again reading all these fabulous blogs to you! And you deserve everyone of them. I think it is two books. One of your diary and one with all the jokes, poems, anecdotes etc.
Well you'd proud of me - I have just been down to BBC Essex and recorded my bit for tomorrow's Ian Wyatt Show. Couldn't do it live 'cos I'll be on the plane! Yippee! It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be as I am not a public speaker as you well know.
Charlie keep the body together in one piece. Thrilled the shoulder has held out, I told you Ian was good! He'll just have put the back straight now.
Livvy is taking her laptop so as long we can find a plug or whatever we will be able to stay in touch. By the way a guy from BBC East TV was there this morning and seemed to know all about you and is trying to get a reporter in Antigua for the finish. I have put him in touch with Livvy for her film footage.
Love you baby brother and see you within the week. Wow.
Ginny xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Keep going, you can do it!!
I so wish I was able to meet you in Antigua and was catching a flight now to see you in!
You will have to let me know when you will be back in england as soon as you know so i can make plans to come and see you straight away :)
Missing you more than anything, and it was lovely to hear your voice when you called last friday, please call when your on land!!
Love you so so so much, lottie xxxxx
Come on Charlie ! God Bless you - (I sent you an email)best wishes Tim
I am so full of admiration of all that you are doing - wonderful, marvelous, spectacular! The last mile is going to be the hardest but I know you will be the first boat in. Lots of love Bridget
Charlie,
Watching your continued amazing progress Charlie just fantastic, just "half a fastnet" to go now !
You are probably smelling the mountgay and jerk chicken by now !
The lengths you have gone to to avoid the lousy winter here are incredible !
Best wishes for the rest of the trip hoping the s westerly is really a s easterly !
Nick
You're sure pulling much more than I am :)
Great blog!
Good luck, Bob
Hi Charlie
You continue to amaze. Top stat today - Your nearest competitors - our friends on QBE are further away from you than you are from Antigua. Most of the other solo rowers are closer to La Gomera than they are to Antigua! Put that in your pipe and smoke it! You have done so well, still a long way to go, but so much furthjer for everyone else. Keep to the plan and you will be enjoying your rum punches in Antigua before you know it. Willing you on!
Adrian and Vicki
Hello Mr Pitcher!
You are amazing! All at FKS are in awe of you and your family. Mrs Pitcher and James and Freddie are so proud of you and are so excited about seeing you. To think you are going to win as well..... and the FKS pupils are really looking forward to hearing first hand about the adventure. Freddie did a great assembly about your journey and Mrs Stewart is really inspired!
Hope the 'sticker' is still there- flying the FKS flag.
I also have to say that you have also helped the less adventurous staff to become more familiar with 'blogs' and 'twitter'!
Keep strong! We are with you all the way.
I would love to be there to see James and Freddie greet you... please can someone take lots of photos!
Anne W
Hi Charlie,
Just so excited for you and your lovely family and friends. Let us know when you first smell land. Photos & video of your arrival would be great to see.There must be so many of us 'others' that feel we 'know' you ! Keep pulling. Not far now. We are with you all the way. All the best from Carol & Ray
Dearest Charlie
The next three hundred are going to seem amongst the most difficult. But only because you're so tired and the end is almost in sight. Break it down, bite-size chunks (think chocolate!), rest more than you feel you need to, listen to the most uplifting music you can find on your I-pod, try to enjoy the moment and, most importantly, know that everyone of us is rowing with you and cheering you on with every pull of those oars! Bubble-bath and slippers await you Mr. Fox!! Love XXX
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