North, south, east, or west — look any which direction today and you might be puzzled to find any noticeable differences, down to every passing cloud and wave. But it was not the sky or waves that made today special. Here are a few surprises for the day:
- Birds. Not sure what is it about 8N 31W, but the wildlife has been abundant and lively! On a typical day, I can expect to see a few birds either heading straight east or west. But today, I found a swarm of about twenty birds flying about, rather aimlessly. I was certainly caught off guard to hear chirping! As I was rowing along, I also spotted two albatross floating by.
- Front row seat to a fish fight. Lots of splashing and then two huge fish (perhaps tunas) emerged, one chomping away at a smaller fish.
- A bottle! It was a few hundred feet away, and I was tempted to see if there was a message inside but could not bear to see my compass point east. Rowing backwards certainly does not help — by the time anything enters my field of view, it is usually too far gone. So, unfortunately, I cannot report finding a message detailing where to find hidden treasures of the Atlantic. Sorry.
- An airplane and first sight of human life in over a month. It took three or four glances to confirm it was not just my imagination! I have never been quite so amazed to see an airplane, the way I reacted as if it could be a spaceship. I think some serious sensory overload is in store whenever I make landfall!
And finally, a little surprise on the iPod. Could not help but laugh when the song “Land Down Under” played for, if I did not put the fate of my future into this song, I might not be here at this very moment. A couple years ago, I was debating whether to study abroad in Germany or Australia, and after hearing “Land Down Under” on the radio the day the decision needed to be finalized, Australia was a must. And, if I did not live in Australia, I likely would not have learned about ocean rowing by having that conversation with a stranger on a bus. How cool is that?
{ 29 comments }
I hope there’s going to be a documentary of your journey. We’re watching with several layers of fascination (amazed, jealous, morbid). I hope you either record or remember your thoughts during the solitude.
Sounds like a great day. A few nice surprises and no big waves and definitely no tuna’s bumping around…lol.
Hope for a lot more days like that. All good in Nashville. Got 5 inches of snow Friday (very unusual for us) and kids got out of school Friday and Monday. Sam was just mad he had to go back today.
Continuing to pray for you.
God speed.
Alan and fam
That is very cool about the song! It’s the Magician working in you!
Along with the Warrior and Wanderer! Keep rowing. Katie, I’m considering meeting you on land. Would you like that? I’m not able to for Anne, so I thought mayby for you.
Ha ha, I was flying over the Atlantic about 3 weeks ago, off the coast of Africa, and I could see ’something yellow’ down there.
For a moment, I smiled to myself, thinking it might have been you! (Although I am pretty sure we were too North, heading from Toronto to Cairo).
Good luck with your days to come! You are experiencing the true wonders of nature! I am completely and utterly jealous! It is my dream to do something like this one day!
Erinn
Sounds like another great day! Looking forward to your next entry.
I’m gonna go out on a limb here and relate that I know exactly how you feel out there reveling in the fascination of your solo journey; witness to nature in all its glory.
Oh how it excites the senses to marvel uninterrupted at creatures undisturbed and undeterred by your presence; living as they have for millennia in their natural habitat.
I have been fortunate to have had many such experiences and they do make you feel more intimately connected to life; alive and intertwined with the natural world.
However, unlike your journey, there was no Twitter or SAT COMM with which to share these occasions straight away.
A “sea” of “surprises” confined to one mind; fondly remembered moments cataloged for later reiteration.
Nothing matches the joy and intensity of sharing your extraordinary and unexpected experiences as they occur; during the heights of your enthusiasm.
Thank you Katie so much for sharing with us all, the delights of your SEA SUPRISES!
Katie,
Listening to Coldplay’s song “Clocks” the other day made me think of you. One verse in particular:
“Come out upon my seas
Cursed missed opportunities.
Am I part of the cure
Or am I part of the disease?”
It’s great to see you accomplish your dream of rowing an ocean, and being part of the cure for unsafe water rather than part of the disease of indifference. In doing so you bring all of us a little closer to our dreams and make indifference to this global crisis even more unacceptable. You are….the best! Thank you.
Hi Katie; First off, let me applaud you on the issue of water. It is not only an issue in the so called “Third World”, but everywhere! You are planting the seed, and awareness will come. I wonder if you are at all interested in the heavens. What an opportunity to observe the stars and the planets. Is Venus an evening star, or a morning star? I envy you Katie. Safe journey. Alfred
Vancouver, Canada
Katie, awesome wildlife sightings!
Just wanted to let you know that I have been rabidly researching open water rowing, rowing instruction/clubs, and spending time on a rowing machine in the school’s weight room since following your blog. You’ve inspired me a ton! Maybe this summer I can learn how to row.
Hello Katie!
Whew! I just finished back-reading all of your previous Blog posts and accompanying comments from both your Allegheny swim and your current Atlantic row-for-water adventure. What an extraordinary and inspiring read! Plus, reading the uplifting (and funny) comments on your Blog is half the fun!
Amazing doesn’t seem to come close to describing your passion for life and adventure. Your life be told, is a magnificent story, that is a delight to watch unfold.
Rock and Row Girl!
These updates are great – thanks for posting!
Katie – I second the motion for a documentary about your journey!
I think you’re right about sensory overload/culture shock when you hit land! I experience it even after spending a few days in a wilderness area!
I’m loving your wildlife descriptions! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure!
elli
Hey Katie,
Maybe it’s time you try some tuna sushi! Them maybe the fish will leave you alone.
Keep going strong. We’re all soooo proud of you!
Uncle Darren
This is Amber and Sofia of O.L.B.R. we are doing a class project on your location you have reached using longitude and latitude! We’re all very inspired in what you are doing for the people of Africa!
stay strong!!!
Katie,
I am surprised from where these birds are coming. Is it possible some unknown small islands are nearby or are they migratory birds. Interesting. Katie You are great. You are showing such a poise and sence of humor.
Satyam
Katie, Hope you know many of us at Warren Wilson are there with you and keeping close tabs as you make your way.
Hope those nasty Portuguese man-o-wars stay away from you and your oars!
Warmest wishes and love from the Valley!
Katie, Foremost – Thank you for bringing this important issue of water to the world’s attention. I watch your progress daily, you are an extraordinary woman. One’s self discipline and motiviation to tackle this mammoth task is beyond my comprehension….Simply amazing! Good luck, Katie and I look forward to more of your “Sea” experiences.
Each day as we read of your accomplishments we feel prouder of you then the prior days, if that’s possible? AS USUAL LOTS OF LOVE & BEST WISHES!
DOO & ellen
Dear Katie: I just bought the recent number of Popular Mechanics in Spanish and to my surprise there’s an article there describing your oddisey. I just entered ur website and watched the sports time Ohio interview. Im amazed by ur resolve and determination, I wish u the best of luck!! You go, go, go!! row, row, row girl!! There´s nothing like a good challenge
I have a little girl who is 6 years old and together we will be watching our advancements on this adventure. “No dream is too low, no goal is too high, the world is out there so u can reach the sky!!” Best Wishes Dr. Azcarate & Sophie (Daughter).
You go, girl! Keep on keepin’ on!
Hey Katie-
Hey I miss you so much love ya
Katie: I have goose bumps that you have made it so far. . . .keep on rowing, girl. . . .YOU’RE gonna be the one to set the record. . . .so many
are rooting for you . . . .and rowing with you. . . in, out, in, out, keep going. . . .you
WILL do this!!! Thanks for the fabulous posts. . . only problem is, I may get fired looking at them while at work. . . just can’t help myself. . . .keep rowing. . . .keep rowing. . . .Hugs to keep you going!!
Hello Katie!
Just checked in on your tracker and your progress continues to be outstanding! You’ll be there before you know it
BTW, I own the book “Daring The Sea” and have read it many years ago (many times too.) Harbo and Samuelson were great men and accomplished an amazing feat with their first ever rowboat crossing of the Atlantic, but in my opinion you are putting them both to shame. I believe that if they were here today they would be (like me) in complete awe of you!
Row Like A Girl!
Katie, I was alarmed to hear that the piece of bubblegum on your oar was indeed a Portuguese man-o-war, and I looked up the first aid for it, just in case you didn’t already know. (sounds like the sting is mostly just painful) “Carefully remove any remnants of the creature from the skin, apply salt water (not fresh) to the affected area , follow up with the application of hot water.” Just don’t get stung, though – promise? (sheesh!)
Loving your blogs like crazy,
Jim and Rachel Ockuly
Dear Katie,
I have been following your travels via THE GAZETTE — Jefferson, Ohio. I wish you nothing but the best of adventure and good luck. You are truly a courageous young woman and please be careful out there.
Kathleen
Katie – we continue to check on you many times every day. The boys schools are following your trip – everyone is so excited! We love you and are praying for your safe return. Row fast Connor wants to give you a big hug!!
aunt shel
You’re doing great! Congratultions on you efforts.
I’ve been telling a zillion friends and relatives about you, your blog, and your efforts to help our environment. Your spirit and good deeds are and inspiration for many people, young and old.
One question (for now) — I hear that there’s a lot of big and hazardous debris floating around in the oceans these days. What do you see from up close and personal? Have you run into things bigger and messier than a floating bottle?
Praying for your comfort and restful sleep. I really envy your fortitude! There must be times when you are in awe of God’s creation.
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