1,230 miles away from the nearest land, 36 days without seeing another human being, and I just might be in one of the most remote places on the planet aside from the North and South Pole.
So how does it feel to be smack dab in the middle of an ocean? Well, it’s the same limitless sky, same deep blue waters, same endless horizon, while sitting in the same bright yellow rowboat. But today, no sunset or wildlife could be more exciting than seeing the half-way point tick by on my GPS.
A few weeks before flying out to Dakar, a friend mentioned that the row is just the “icing on the cake” and that the real challenge had already been won. Any ocean rower can vouch that the challenge of finding the right teammates, right boat and gear, and funding is nearly insurmountable. Several years of planning and preparing for these 70-100 days. For today.
I would especially like to thank everyone for helping me reach this milestone. I could not have dreamed of this much support and although a seemingly lonely journey, there has not been a moment I have felt alone.
Right, I have some dancing to do now.
{ 50 comments }
Congratulation, Katie! Dance your heart out!!
Congrats Katie…I hope Sam or someone has shared with you all the winter weather you’re missing here in Mentor and really throughout the country.
congratulations! what a wonderful milestone. i think of you out there and am always so excited to read about your thoughts and progress.
Katie,
Yes indeed this is the icing on the cake……but it’s the most amazing icing anyone’s ever seen! You’ve baked one delicious treat for us, and for the 1,500 people who will drink clean, safe water the rest of their lives thanks to you.
To help celebrate your half way point the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club has a little surprise in store for you. Stay tuned.
Katie,You are an inspiration to young people everywhere, particularly for doing this for such a noble cause. The halfway point in certainly a milestone on your epic quest. Best of luck for a successful conlusion.
Your friend, Malcolm
~~~~~~~Congratulations Katie on a fantastic achievement; your weather and wave conditions are so much better that Shaun Qunicey rowing the Tasman at moment ~ you guys are an inspiriation ; Go Gen Y ?? ~~~~~~~
Congratulations Katie! We have been with you this far and will continue to be so the rest of the way.
WTG Katie! We love your blog, your Tweets and especially all the wonderful pics! Things most of us will never get to see the same way you do. We’ll be checking in several times a day until you reach land again.
Dance Katie, Dance!!! So many are dancing with you. . . you’ve accomplished SO much. . . .and with all this support, prayers and determination, you’re gonna make it. . . .keep on rowing and row a little more. . . and a little more. . . . . . .with each stroke it is closer to your goal – the dream of a lifetime. . . .I’m so happy for you!!! Row Katie Row!!! Hugs!!!
Katie: Rowing over 1200 miles is astonishing. I would have trouble driving that many miles. You are an amazing person. See you in about a month or so. Bill
When Sam posted the exact time that you shoved off, I immediately casted a chart. And, I laughed when I saw that Pisces was rising – how appropriate! The Moon & Mars are both opposing Neptune, the ruler of Pisces, and this is good, as it’s the stress aspects that challenge us, and urge us forward, to act and react. Plus, Mars is your natal ruling planet! So, keep pulling those oars, Katie…the planets are sending energy!
Katie, you are incredible, an inspiration to all. You missed the Super Bowl yesterday. So much hype about one game that will soon be forgotten. You are the real game! What you are doing, and why you are doing it, is the real deal. Your mental (and physical) toughness is beyond comprehension. Great job. I’m so glad I met you, if only for a few minutes..
Jsck Kramer
WOW – can’t wait to share with my 1st graders tomorrow morning that you have passed the half way point. They called your boat the “yellow banana” today and we all wish we could be in South America to greet you when you land!!! We continue to wish you good weather, calm seas, and plenty of friendly wildlife to help pass your time. You are almost home. God speed.
Congratulations from all your Chagrin Valley Rotary friends who will be celebrating your halfway point accomplishment at tomorrow’s meeting. Roger
Katie,
Keep dancing your heart away! We are sooooooo excited for you.
Cheering you on from Tampa, Florida.
-Josh Tremblay
You are truly an amazing inspirational young woman. Best wishes for the remainder of your travel.
Congratulations.
You go, girl! Keep it up.
WTG I so look forward to seeing how your doing each day. keep on keeping on.
Once you’re halfway home, you know that you can probably get the rest of the way there.
Janis Ian
Dear Katie,
Congratulations!! This is such an amazing trip, and thank you for sharing it with us. Thank you for dedicating your time to help give water to the people who really deserve it. Many blessings and divine power to you. We are thinking of you in India. All the best.
Susan and Raj
Just thought you ought to get to see the faces on the folks I tell about what you are doing: :-O
Enjoy the accomplishment of having your routine down so well. Thank God for your good conditions so far. Assess yourself, and be proud of your condition born of training. Feel the swirl of all the spirits who are with you. You are not alone out there.
We love you Katie and know that there is really nothing you can’t do – you are on your way home now – keep rowing and stay strong – we miss and love you!!
Aunt Shel, Uncel Pat and the boys
Whew, home stretch? You make this journey seem too easy, alone all that time with nature and your thoughts. Can’t wait to hear all the details when you return. Speaking of cake, what is your favorite kind ? We will celebrate with it!
Katie, everyone here at WWC is looking forward having you visit the campus when you get home. Think of the stories!
Katie,
I am so impressed. I heard you on the radio just before you embarked on your journey, I looked up your web site and have checked in daily. You are an inspiration.
Congrats, woman!! You dance like nobody is watching!!! What you’re doing is amazing, and those who will benefit from your accomplishment are getting so much more than clean drinking water…they’re getting hope! Thank you! Thoughts and prayers for good conditions and a smooth ride home!
Andrea
Congratuhalfway! We just danced with you to Row Row Row Your Boat…gently down the ocean. You are the best!
Dance Katie Dance! I got goosebumps reading your halfway post.
elli
Such great news Katie, well done!! You have done so amazingly well so far.
How great it would be to row downhill… I hope those winds and currents help push you along.
When we reached half way in a race we used to say it is all downhill from here
I’m so excited for you, Katie, that you have passed the half-way point! Know you continue in my prayers for safety and success!
Congratulations Katie for crossing half-way mark.
You did it. I am excited. Wish you all the success. You are the star and I am the fan of yours.
Satyam
Go Katie! Go Katie! Awesome! What an uplifting post for all of us following you! Woo Hoo!
KATIE – Yeah!!!!! Halfway there!!! Soon you will be 3/4 of the way there!!! I’m watching you every pull of the oar. I am sharing your posts on Facebook too. I love you blogs and Twitters. Thank you so much for taking the time to do them.
Anne Miltenberger is less than 36 hours from their finish line – they are headed to Barbados now – instead of Antigua. I’ve been trying to keep her posted on your position also.
Love you and thinking of you daily!!! Row Row Row you Boat…….
THERE YOU GOO.
Just checking in and see that you are doing awesome. Wow, halfway, just think!
All my best wishes for a speedy, beautiful and safe second half!
Go girl!
Beth
Congrats Katie!!! We are cheering you on from
L & M Marine here in the ice & snow.
Larry Sr.
What an inspiration you are! Your progress is amazing. Godspeed.
Trudy
Pull Wood
Push Water
Provide Water
Dance and envelop natures harmony and oneness within and around you my friend as you feel the supportive hugs and smiles across the miles…. ~*~
Katie
It is 12:10 a.m. and I just checked on you…
Your speed is 3.18 knots! At this rate, we will see you in no time!!!! Great work Katie. We are so proud of you
Katie,
I am very impressed by you! I follow your progress & put pins on Google Earth! I wish I can zoom & find you there!!! I left a message on your flickr account!
According to my estimates, you are about to cross the mid atlantic ridge in the next couple of days! When I go sleep at night I think of you & hope you are safe…
My 14 year old son think what you’re doing is “so cool” when he groes up he said he’s gona do the same thing!!!!! (I am not sure about that!)
Congratulations! A standing ovation to you and your cause. We are cheering you on.
Great job Katie!!!!!
I can’t believe you already made it half way there!!!!
Greetings from California.
Water is life, and thank you for passing it on
-David
WOW! What an incredible accomplishment! Nineteen third grade students and 1 teacher from the International School of Dakar, Senegal have been following you since day 1! We are so proud of you and think you’re AWESOME! Right now, we’re thinking of some ways to help earn money to support you in reaching your money goal! We are all inspired by your hard word and excellence! “Captain excellence” (a super hero who helps students be EXCELLENT) would be so proud of you! KEEP SMILING and DANCING! Love, your biggest fans (the 3S Jaguars–Growl!)
Congratulations Katie on finishing half of your trip. The point of no return. I listened to Sam on the radio today. I have a greater understanding now of what you are doing. Best Wishes, Alfred
Vancouver, Canada
Katie,
Super job! Stay the course and you’ll be home soon. You are a great inspiration to all of us. We can accomplish so much more if we only try!
God speed!
The O’Donnell’s
Hi Katie, It has been a few days since I have left you a message. However, I was watching through the Plain Dealer which tracks your progress every day. I was especially interested in you reaching the halfway point. I now you have done it! Congratulations! Only 1250 miles to go. Just think just a few weeks ago, it was twice that far. I listened to the 20 minute interview sponsored by Pop[ular Mechanics. I listened closely so I couldd catch glimmers of your personality. You came across as a steady, no nonsense kind of person which I think fits, except for your propensity to do these amazing endurance events. But you said a rowing life is not for you, at least in the sense of the sleep deprevation, and lonliness of the days, not to mention the routines of your diet. I am from Clevand and I appreciate the good publicity you are giving our area. We has anothe snowstorm today and Forbes magazine said that Cleveland was the worst large winter city in the US. What do they know. We got Katie to help us endure the winter. I gave my donation,to bring life-giving-water to a person for life. You are getting close to your $ goal. I hope many others pitch in as you are on the second leg. All the best to you.
Ed
Congratulations Katie!
Our 24 year old cousin is progressing through a similar long term journey. Except it is with chemotherapy and surgery to combat cancer. we are following you both with deep admiration and support. Stay the course.
I just started following your adventure. My boss brought in an article from the Plain Dealer. I am so amazed of your accomplishments at such a young age. You go girl… Be proud of yourself!!!
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