Charlie's B(oat)LOG
21st February 2010 - Day 49 - Morning
I don't know how hard some things can be. You never can tell unless you have been there before. I know what to expect when I do a set of heavy repetitions in the gym or how I will feel after running for 80km, but I just couldn't imagine how difficult the last 48 hours out here approaching the Carribean Islands would be. I am struggling to row five miles in four hours. To think I could do eighty miles in a day is a dream of the past, not to ever be repeated. I find myself in the deepest part of the ocean on this route and it seems there are under currents and criss cross wave patterns that are stirring the whole lot up like a soup ladel in broth. I cannot move forwards without extreme effort pulling on the oars. I have tried changing the gearing, taken different food, drinking more, changing direction, but noe of these seem to make a difference.
I am going to stop now and let the boat drift which ever way it wants to as my body is wet from constant sweating and tears I've not shed like this before. The sun will rise soon to throw over 40 degrees at me again and the weather (what bloody weather?)is not forecast to improve for a few days. I am searching for that strength I have never needed before to ge me through the coming days. It just seems so unfair to do this to me so close to the end. It's like I'm on a long piece of elastic tied to Africa - the closer I try to get to Antigua, the harder the pull from behind.
I will really put my head down properly now and listen to some quiet music and remember that this time will eventually pass. Later, when I feel better, I will dive the bottom and check there are no mermaids hanging on!
Please, no more jokes my way for a while, but pray for just one more little break in this blasted weather that has been a constant pain in the backside for me. I only have 220 miles to go, but now I just do not know when I will get finished. I'm sorry I will miss Sally and Steve who can wait no longer for my arrival.
Bless you for hearing my dribble. I must think Tom Crean, Sir Ranulph and my Family who are my rock. To you all out there, I am deeply thankful for your supporting messages and hope you will send me a few more just to help me along.
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 21st February 2010 09:43:57
Come on Charlie - we are all with you. the end was always going to be tough. Your last few days have been absolutely incredible and now with the end in sight you must respect the elements and look after your body and soul. We as a family and friends in West Sussex are supporting James and Sam on HOTW who have had a heck of a crossing as have so many of the crews behind you. All are suffering. You have shown everyone just what one human being is capable of and no-one doubts the extraordinary person you are. So cool man, relax, think positive thoughts and you'll soon be there, albeit later than you thought. What's a few days in the scheme of things??
We'll be looking forward to your book! We will really miss reading your daily blog! It has helped us mere mortals get through this journey as spectators (not always easy either!)
Pat et al
Hi Charlie,
Antigua is really not far now, and yes, we are praying for you and willing you on. Despite having a "bad" day yesterday, you still managed to pull out on your nearest competitor. You have done it before and you can do it again. Get into the groove and start enjoying yourself again. Even if progress is slowing down, you for sure are the best!
See you in a short while. Poul and Sophia
You are doing so well, keep your spirits up, all too soon you will be realising that you have only one more sunset, one more sunrise and one more night of shooting stars and peace and calm.
The big black bird sounds like a frigate bird and you will soon see big white ones with long tail feathers too, we saw them in 2005/6 race and thought they were good omens to guide us in!
Beers and huge family hugs so close now, you are a star, take one shift at a time, you WILL be there soon.
xxSarah
Charlie,
I know this must be the toughest miles rowing for you to get to your destination. But you have to stay strong and be positive as you have been all along. You are almost there and you have to think of your body to give it all the rest you can so you will be able to get all you strength back and row towards your amazing achievement. All your friends and family are with you every minute of the day and want to help you getting through your last few days. Not long Charlie, take it easy, you are so far ahead. You are so amazing.
Marianna and Tony
Hey Charlie,
Antigua is in sight and your welcome party awaits...
All of us; Kate
Gail, Capey & Noah
Murray, Kathryn, Poppy, Zac & Matilda
Jonathan, Molly, Ben & myself
Kirsty, Rory & Helen
are all gunning for you every single second. Keep going you are so close + we are looking forward to seeing you on your return to the UK.
Big hugs + love from us all
Fogs xxxx
Ps You know when Gail & you were sharing the flat in fulham - when Shaun and I were "staying" how come he got the double bed with you!!!! xxx
Hi Charlie ,
Your so nearly there now and your family and friends are waiting to meet you and swaddle you in their love. I was in Burnham yesterday and my Dad and I were talking about all that you’ve achieved and just how amazing you are! He says you’re the talk of the town and wherever you go in Burnham their all talking about Charlie Pitcher!
Don't loose heart, as they say all this will pass, and before you know it you'll be there.
Sending you loads of love and a big pair of scissors to cut that elastic that's trying to pull you back to Africa!
LesleyXXxx
Charlie, you don't know me from a bar of soap. I am a SA supporter of PVK living in USA. I have been following the race from the onset and feel compelled to write and let you know that "you are the man". Don't give up. You may well have run out of petrol but I sence you have a big reserve tank. I am an ex competative sportsman and can sence your frustration but can not feel your pain. Just think of what awaits you on the other end.Your journal/blog thus far has been brilliant - I am sure the most read ever. Well done and good luck for the final stretch.
Dear Charlie, reading your blog on this cold and drizzly day in Blighty where so
many of us are humbled by your phenomenal courageous spirit. We feel your
tremendous frustration and yet, as you say, this WILL pass and you will forge
ahead with renewed vigour. Here's praying that the conditions will improve and
Neptune will give his best for you. We salute you. Liz and Simon
Ok we are here in Antigua and have all just read your blog over breakie.
We see what you mean about the heat, apparently hotter than normal for the time of year. There is a water shortage on the island and where we are staying has had no water what so ever (no shower, can't flush loo etc) But where Emma is is fine.
Heh CHarlie - Lucky we are made of tough stuff. Just showed with a flask of water Took me back a few years!! We are so excited. We all knew this last fews days were going to be hard but we also know you can battle through it. We are not going anywhere so hang loose.
Have lined up a beautiful yacht to come out and greet you day or night. Look out for the tall mast on the horizon!
Chat later on. Keep going.
Love you from us girlies. xxxxxxxxxx
Sending you our love and prayers and sharing your tears. N X O
come on charlie not far now, dont give up your doing soo well
my thoughts are with you mate see you soon
jack :)
Charlie, you are making history out there in that little boat of yours, you are so close to the finish and have been so courageous in getting to this point. Jamie and I have read your blogs every day and this incredible journey you're on will soon be over. Our thoughts and prayers to the wind gods are with you all the way to the finish. Lots of love and wind-in-the-right-direction Emily and Jamie xxx
Hi Charlie,
One day soon when you are back in the ' office ' you'll look back and say 'yep, I loved every minute of it '. It's tough now but these will be the memories along with all the good ones that you will recall. These will be the times you'll be asked about more often and of course we want to hear all about them when you get back. Take it easy, enjoy the sweet success, oh ......... and get a move on !!!
Loving your blog. It's amazing you are still able to type.
All the best Carol & Ray
Come on Charlie you are so close.
Don't think about how crap you feel right now, think about how amazing you will be feeling in a few days, eating your favourite meals with a few of your favourite drinks all in the company of your family and friends who are all so very proud of you. And enjoying the luxuries of your hotel, comfy bed, crisp white cotton sheets, a soak in a nice warm bath.
Keep smiling, you are amazing!
Hi Charlie,
keep going, from one rower to another dig deep and keep pushing!
you're doing an incredible thing, not long now till a cold pint and good kip!
all the best.
jason
O Charlie. What an incredible effort! And what a moving entry. You're tired, and I know that when I'm tired, I'm always very emotional. But take strength from it and from your friends. We are behind you. Think what you have achieved. Sir Ranulph Feinnes writing you encouragement!! The world's greatest modern explorer. I've read all his books - and he describes well and often the state your are in now. No-one knows it better. Be determined. So easy for me to write from a table overlooking the River Crouch. Fantastic Charlie, just fantastic!! Darkest hour is always before dawn, old bean xxoo
Darling Charlie
I know you will meet the challenge. You will find the strength from somewhere within you and the fact that you know that there are so many people praying for you and willing you on will propel you forward. Keep strong and keep focused. There are a beavy of mermaids awaiting your arrival here in Antigua.
All my love. Your Emma xxx
I meant - the darkest hour is always JUST before dawn... I blame my school.
Charlie,
We've never spoken but I was at the charity dinner at the Raj before you left and I've been following he blog daily the past 48 days and felt compelled to write today, especially after reading your last post this morning.
You were mentioned during the prayers in Felsted church, the congregation prayed for your strength and determination these last hard days. I though you would appreciate knowing this, the village is behind you!
The feeling of seeing your family and friends in just a mater of hours having rowed the atlantic and won the race will be worth every bit of pain right you are feeling right now.
Tough times don't last...tough people do
Ed
GO CHARLIE GO!!!!
now your into your last few days dont stop smiling :D
keep going LOTS OF LOVE FROM THE DALLIMORE GIRLIES
XXXXXXX
Charlie,
Rest when you need, eat when you need, and your smile will come back, and your boat will respond.
Best wishes
Justin
Have started to compose a message a few times recently, but never found the right words. Having seen you row along the Crouch a couple of times, I didn't have the imagination for what was about to unfurl. I still can't quite believe what you have achieved, in your progress, determination and your emotional depth and honesty. I have known you since we were babies in Burnham, but I have never met this Charlie before. You have got your golden ticket & deserve everything you desire in the chocolate factory.
Lots of love, Jo xxx
Hi Charlie, everyone has encapsulated what I was going to say. These last miles are tough for you, I don't know why, it does seem so unfair. Take a deep breath, you are rowing the Atlantic. That is beyond most of our dreams and comprehension.To complete this marathon is simply outstanding, to arrive first is breathtaking, to be a little later than you expected is at this stage for you a kick in the teeth. But you know for us, out here you are simply a complete and utter hero, and someone that we boast as being a friend.There is nothing I can say to change the winds, but the only thing you can affect is your mind.So reign it in, and do what you have been achieving so far. Staying strong.I think the right winds are on their way.
just think how much nicer that rum is going to taste if you push hard now and get to the finish! nearly there keep going!!!! xxxx
Hi Charlie,
I don't know if it helps but everyone who knows you (and every one who knows the people who know you 'cos you can be sure we've been telling the world about you and your row) is willing you on. We can't do it for you, but we know YOU CAN!
PaulS
Dear Charlie,
We can only imagine your pain. We are willing you on to win.
God bless.
Just keep your pecker up, deep breath and listen to beautiful soothing music. COWES weather not worth being here. Rodney to be in Antigua beginning of April, by that time you will have landed and have a big smile on your face. Mary Ann X
Charlie,Charlie,Charlie....stop feeling so sorry for yourself re your dmg :)Half this fleet would,especially now,give their right arm to be making 30dmg,let alone 46 and only a third of them are making thirties. Yes I appreciate that you been knocking out 80's! but its time to stop showing off before you overshoot the island.
p.s. has anyone mentioned that the finish is about to be moved to Barbados?
Incredible..... not far now Charlie keep it together. Wishing you all the strength and good weather I can.
Paddy Mac!
Charlie - You're doing amazingly, I know I've said this before VERY well done! Don't be hard on yourself, your journey is incredible. Keep strong and focused, and just dream of that beautiful boat that will meet you at the finish line and of course my gorgeous sister, he he!
p.s Don't wish the warm weather away too quickly, it's freezing here (esp we have no heating) tomorrow is the start of our "big build/extension"... you might be glad to hear that Adam, Charlie and I are de-camping for a few days, to house-sit/look after Murdoch who I'm sure awaits your return with glee too.
Go Charlie, Go Charlie, Go!
All our love P, A & C xxx
Charlie
There is no elastic tied to Africa, only your proud family and friends reeling you in to Antigua. Dig in mate.
By the way, Ellie and Sam have just discovered the video of the inversion test and are playing it constantly! Looking forward to the victory roll next week.
R, L, E & S
Hi Charlie Sorry to hear how frustrated and upset you are - I hope in the last few hours you have got your head back into it's usual positive fighting gear - I just read Sally's blog - which I think is perfect - keep reading it! I hope in the last few hours you have got your head back into it's usual positive fighting state - I just read Sally's blog - which I think is perfect - keep reading it! Just looked on the race website and saw that one boat still had 1855 nms to go - I suspect he's feeling pretty pants at times too! When the going gets tough, the tough going Charlie! You and everyone else knows you can do it - it's just going to take a little longer than you thought. Thinking of you as ever Lots of love Caroline xx
Charlie - you are so so close, mum has been ecstatic to see you so soon and in the lead and so are we all back here in England! If you need to take your mind off things, start planning the next mass family adventure, where are we all going to go?! Keep pushing! Lots and lots of love Bells xxxx
Charlie
We are thinking of you and praying for good weather to help you in the final stage of your courageous and inspirational journey. We are in awe of your immense achievement and are willing you every inch of the way home. Your endeavour is truly oustanding. You can and will do it!
We can't wait to see you back in Felsted very soon.
With very best wishes
Chris & Sally-Anne xxx
Come on big man, final push for the line now - your strength and stubborness, skill and grit have got you this far, just empty the tank for the finish. Soon it will all be a memory and you'll have only the knots in your back to remind you of life on the ocean.
Be strong and take what you can from these final moments at sea. Be prepared for the very final run in - it's not over till it's over...
Amazing effort out there. Big respect,
Sarah x
Charlie, Your so close to the end. You've shown us what faith and the human sprit can do. Your very inspirational to us all. I'll be waiting for you on "The Rock" when you arrive at the final "Destination"
Gerry
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