Charlie's B(oat)LOG
14th January 2010 - Day 10
It's the 14th January and I've got my first letters to open, a pressie from Emma and an "unusual" one from my friends at LA Fitness. It'snow that I really think of being with my family with all our creature comforts, pets and enjoying being together. But I am also very happy out here on the beautiful ocean. The loneliest moment is when the sun goes down and it becomes dark, however, I switch straight into another frame of mind and think about th tasks to do over the next twelve hours. When am I going to rest, row, eat and do navigation / weather and blogs etc. The time passes soon enough and hey ho, a new morning arises.
The first week of this race was manic. I had one goal to somehow get myself into a commanding situation and cover the opposition. I didn't know how the boat would perform, but knew how much I could give. It is now well into the second week and I know that the first week was the toughest physical time I'll probably ever have. It is now obvious that InsureandGo cannot be rowed forwards in a strong cross wind whilst the other boats can, because of her unique design and weight of just over 500kg loaded, she is as fast as a whippet with the wind behind. This is just what I've had for the last few days and I'currently at the front end of the whole fleet. I'm still putting in long hours rowing, because there is a possible Low on it's way. That means Para Anchor time for me, whilst others may do some "catch up". (Note: The solo class is "open design" so you can design what you like as long as it has all the safety requirements and self rights itself, not like the pairs class where all the boats are almost exactly the same).
Jamie Fabrizio and Emily Adkin built this little boat and they should be proud of the workmanship and attention to detail. I cannot fault any of the construction and finish in any way. Hats off to Global Boatworks!
Less serious stuff - When I asked what the birds out here could be (in a previous blog), I received two very funny replies. One from Andrew Wilkins, who says he put all the credentials into his google search engine and it came out with "Atomic Kitten" ha ha. The other one was from Ian Dean, who said he wasn't sure what it's name was, but that he had seen a bunch of them sunning it up at Southend pier last summer. I keep on chuckling. I'm just waiting to hear back the replies on the type of shark that I saw a few days ago?
I have just been and made aware that loads of people are sending goodwill messages to the ARR 2009 website. I do not get these, so please forgive me for not mentioning it earlier, but PLEASE USE MY WEBSITE IF YOU WANT ME TO RECEIVE YOUR MESSAGE. Although I have email, I cannot access the net.
Health - Hands good! Almost back to normal and my bum is definitely on the mend, but the old wounds are now dry and itchy! Must not touch, just keep applying the cream. I found time to wash myself down today. I do my hands and face everyday, but the body is not really dirty (there is not dirt out here) so once a week seems to work well.
Here we go again, the wind has just picked up and so I better check things out on the other side of my hatch. For all you from the RBYC who are keeping in touch, thanks. It's nice to know I have your support.
Tess from South Africa, I love your message and yes, racing in mud sounds good. We have rather a lot of the stuff where I come from so I fancy my chances!
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 14th January 2010 09:11:22
Edited By: Charlie Pitcher, 14th January 2010 09:43:23
Happy Birthday Charlie.
Mike & Diana
Love you Charlie, Happy Birthday and keep it up!
Love Lizxx
Happy Birthday Charlie
Glad the body is on the mend and you've had a bath you old stinker!
As of this morning you appear to have a 30 mile advantage on everyone except the Frenchies, and they're going a bit further north which could shape up to be a bit interesting for them.
As for sharks I wonder if he was a friend of my cousin Nick's? Nick regularly thrashes me at pool, sinking most of the balls in about two turns where it takes me about 20 to do the same. I suppose the lesson is don't compete against someone who sinks balls. Ooh, that's a bit rude isn't it?!
Anyway I couldn't think of a better place (or race position) to be in.Keep up the good work champ and I hope the rest of the day is full of some mega big wave surfing and perfect winds.
Margaret x
Good day Charlie's Angel....am watching your moves and I hope to see our man pete sweep past you like an eagle and then the race will be on. You can deal with that when you on dry land downing cold ales with your rival and water bud Pete. Please tell me does your cabin stay dry when those twin tower waves crash down on you. Do you manage to sleep properly when you get to punch a few zzzzzz. Do you ever jump overboard and catch a swim? Are you taking photies when you resting? Are there any safety boats around you crazy amazons? All I know is, i have run the comrades only 3 times in my life and I know about vasbyt and endurance but what you guys/girls are doing is beyond my imagination. Being out there on that huge span of water alone for over a month must surely be the biggest test of all. I praise you rowers and I salute you....you are all so special. I am going for my little lunchtime plod now and will enjoy the 5km scenery of beachfront and will salute the ocean in memory of you dotty rowers. So when I wave at 1.15 pm please wave back....hee hee hee. Ok just a bit of idle chatter......keep going buds and keep your chin up and remember Im watching you....and the others. Charlie row your boat ashore babyshoes xxxxx Tess from East London
Happy Birthday Charlie!
Given up on the poem; I couldn't get anything to rhyme with rollocks... Wait a minute Castor and Pollux! It's back on mate...I'll keep you posted. On that note Castor is greek for Beaver and Pollux means 'much sweet wine'. They knew a thing or two about good combinations.
All the best mate and we are so relieved you are healing well.
Big love,
Andy, Sadie, George, Esther and Teddy
xxx
Happy Birthday Charlie! We're having Emma and the boys round on Saturday for a little celebration for Sam's birthday and will sing a few verses for you too.
With love from us all,
Lucy, Rob, Ellie & Sam
Happy Birthday Charlie.
Great to see you are back in the lead a great Birthday Present - keep it up - we are all behind you willing you to the finishing line.
With love from us all
Rupert
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!!!!!!!! Well done on the position and i no it will be extreemly hard for an average person to keep it there but you are like superman!!! Keep going on those ores, you three must be best of friends by now!!! ;)
Vincent and Binky, Fred and Alex
Im at school and every break i have im constantly checking up on you and you progerss and i hear Bella is to. So much love from Uppingham and keep soldiering on your are doing unbeliveably well!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Babe!! Hope you're getting my other messages through Ginny and Emma, especially birthday messages. Am in close contact daily and thinking of you constantly. All love MUMXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Just to let you know that we are avidly tracking your progress and reading the daily blog! Genuinely gobsmacked at your progress so well done you! Keep it up and have a very happy birthday!
Thinking of you,
Tim, Zoe, Jake, Jasmine & Thom x
hi Charlie
ref the type of sharks you saw if its got a wig on it it's a lawyer.Using the kit?
cheers Alistair
Fantastic work Charlie - keep whippetting along - Jude and I confused about timezones as in NYC but think it's still your birthday so have a great one - love as ever all the PJs xxx
Happy Birthday Charlie!
So impressed with your progress. Amazing!
Realise it won't exactly be a relaxing birthday but enjoy!
Best wishes, Andrea & Phil xx
good luck charlie and I thinking of you
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE, TAKE GREAT CARE AND KEEP STRONG. I AM SURE DAD IS THERE WITH DICK AND SHAUN WATCHING OVER YOU. BIG HUGS AND LOVE STEVE AND SAL XXX
Happy birthday Charlie! An amazing performance thusfar. Keep going strong and stay safe. With best wishes. Ed & Susie
Happy Birthday Charlie!!
Remember: It's not the years in your life that counts, but the LIFE in your years!
You are experiencing an awesome LIFE in your years at the moment, enjoy it.
One a minute few people get to enjoy what you are at the moment.
All the best with you on this journey, and may you experience a lot more LIFE in your years to come and a whole lot of them.
Jaco + Marilise
Hi Charlie, Im a friend of Peter Van Kets, happy birthday for the 15th, great racing bud, keep it up, you and Pete are both winners no matter who crosses the line first. Safe Passage, Evan
Hi Charlie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
What a way to spend the day, not the usual kind of celebration. Hope you are able to enjoy it, we are all thinking of you and following your progress everyday. My internet connection bombed yesterday, and I was bereft, had to phone Shane for news. Glad the hands and bum are feeling better. David was stuck in Gatwick for 25 hours, sounds like you are having much more fun.
Lots of love
Nikki and Danny
Hi Charlie,
Happy birthday for today, Kevin says he will have a glass or two for you in the city tonight!
Rachael and Joshua keep looking at your progress and are telling all of their friends and teachers at school. We can not believe how well you are doing.
Keep safe, we are looking forward to seeing back in the Close to share a laugh and a drink or two.
Love from Kevin, Helen, Rachael and Josh
Happy Birthday Charlie! -There seem to be a lot of people in the race with birthdays at the moment, what is it with you crazy Capricorns?! Anyway spending your birthday leading the fleet is OARsome! Are you a man or a machine?
Hard to tell from your brief description what the shark was, but if you can count the teeth next time, we will be able to give you a more definitive answer.
Very best wishes, we are supporting you every salty inch of the way, many happy and safe returns,
Sally and James
Hello Charlie,
Happy Birthday! We will have a slice of beef and a glass of red wine to toast your health!
We can't believe the phenomenal performance you have been achieving! Fantastic, keep up the good work!
Jenny and Paul Davies on Ninita in a now very quiet La Gomera!
Happy birthday mate. Sorry I have not been in contact but its pretty hectic with no worries. We are all watching your progress at work dont worry its only at break times!! Had a laugh with Danny at Mikes this morning about your rowing styles in the first week. Keep going the way you are. You are always on my mind in that dark,dusty office.Take care The Murrays x x x x x
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE! This is one birthday you are bound not to forget because of the lousy present we sent ya! Ha ha!! I think it would have been nice on Christmas Day but totally out of sorts on your birthday - hope the tackiness of it makes you chuckle! It was only ever created to make you giggle so hope it works. I hope you can read the small print! Everyone at LA Fitness is asking after you. Their eyes pop out of their heads when they hear you are leading all the boats!
Long may it last!
Happy Birthday and Happy Rowing!!
Roz x
Happy birthday m8 and well done so far keep it up m8 everything is going well and the boys are allways checking on your progress at this rate i will see you soon
Happy Birthday Charlie
47? I cannot recall back that far!! Charlie you are rocking!! I am watching your progress every 6 hours!! Just outstanding!! Glad to see your healing up.
Be smart and safe now that you are in a strong position. hahah Fun trying to think of advice sitting behind a computer in Texas while you are out in the middle of nature at her best!
Happy Birthday
Doug and Mocha
Charlie hope you are having a successful birthday;good wishes old friend.I enjoyed meeting Simon on the train this morning and getting all the latest.
66 miles in one day? I want your boat!! (and muscles!)
Seriously - fantastic stuff. I knew you'd do well - you're one of the best organised and best prepared ocean rowers I've ever met. But to be leading the whole fleet is just AWESOME! I hope the winds continue favourable for you.
Keep up the good work, and take good care of yourself.
Roz x
Hi Charlie
At Sally's so i thought i would take advantage of using her computer, still not online at new house. Glad to hear bum and hands are improving and Alistair has identified the type of shark for you. New house is working out brilliantly and it is fantastic to be right in town. Mum is so engrossed in your progress and blogs that she is buying a lap top!!!!!!
Take care and will be in contact soon. Love Katie
Hey Charlie
Wow! Still making fab progress, we are all so impressed and pleased for you. I trust you are not "fartarting" this one!
Thought I had better identify myself a bit better than just Roz, having seen Roz Savage's post I thought we dont want another mix up like we had all those years ago when you started out on this lark!
No blog yet from you today, guess you must be a bit busy rowing?! Hope all is ok and look forward to the next installment. It would be kind on all us followers if you would stay out in front where you are it makes it very easy to track your progress ;-)
Keep smiling!
Roz x
Hi Charlir
We are so inpressed with your progress, fantastic effort. Happy 47 and a day.
Best regards
Guy & Sarah
happy birthday charlie you are doing fantasticly well weve just put a big bottle off champers on ice for your safe return gods speed.
ian clare and chaz
Charlie
You are doing so well. Keep it up, nice and steady.
What do you call a happy Roman?........ "Gladiator"!! (sound it out)
Gobsmacked....
Paul
Hi Charlie,
Happy birthday for the 14th. I can see that all is going well. Everyone at the office is watching your progress and pretty much in amazement. It must be both awe-inspiring and terrifying at the same time. You said in your blog that these messages are fuel for your rowing arms so let me tell you this.. people you have never met at my office who only know you are carrying product with their name on are cheering you on. Its quite something to see these young people in their 20's inspired by the courage it takes to set off on such a journey. And they are asking if you can come to our June barbecue to tell us all about the adventure. So if you're bored in the evenings, start penning your motivational speaker matierial as i am sure you will be busy giving a few talks.
Row like the wind....
Hi Charlie. You are the man mate. You're steaming away! Keep it up.... this will make you laugh.... guess what book Amanda bought me for Xmas??? Know anywhere I can buy a second hand Altlantic row boat (one careful owner).....! Don't worry...I'm not in your league... I would only consider 40ft plus, water maker. auto pilot, fridge freezer, state of the art navigation and a nice comfy cockpit with cushions! I check your progress everyday mate and wherever you end up, your a winner in my book. Proud to call you a friend. Keep up the good work and very best wishes from us all here in New Zealand.
Cheers
Paul and Amanda Pearson
Charlie
Keep Rocking on!! I have seen mega progress.. keep it up!!!
Dougie and Mocha
PS Wliie Castle and Geoge Fransico sent their best!!
Charlie, well rowed, you are a star and Shaun would have been proud of you. We are all thinking of you and watching your progress. Keep it up, hope your hands and bum are ok? Murray and the crew.
Dear Charlie, I hope your OK? When you come back you can come to our house for tea and tell me, Zac and Matilda about your journey. Lots of love, Poppy, aged 5.
Excellent work Charlie I have been watching everyones progress and especially yours and Roger and Toms. Absolutely amazing feet of endurance to remain in front, keep up the good work and I wish you every success in reaching Antigua. Pete (Crew member for Rowing for Prostate - Indian 09)
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