This blog is coming a few days late as, at the time, the seas were just too rough.
I am the first to admit that the conditions so far have been nothing like a scene from “The Perfect Storm”, but certainly nothing like river rowing either. With no storms on the horizon, I thought I may not get the opportunity to test out the capabilities of my boat. On nearing the coast of South America, things changed very quickly.
Although it wasn’t a storm, there were several forces in opposition: strong winds and a strong current making for some powerful waves as I reached the continental shelf.
The understanding between me and the ocean changed too. Waves seemed to spike up unexpectedly with great force. Every moment outside was spent harnessed to the boat and I frequently questioned whether it would capsize. Everything inside the boat was tied down nicely, including myself by strapping myself in when sleeping. All “capsize ready”.
It was exciting to row in these conditions, but would certainly wear me down if I’d had to face these rough seas daily. My attention needed to be so focused as every passing wave was studied. You may have also noticed that my one-day mileage has nearly tripled from average, an example of the strength of the forces of nature pushing at my boat.
Here at 56W the current has slowed, although landing seems to be one of the biggest dangers and difficulties. But there’s only one way to find out, so let the rowing continue.
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Katie,
May your patience pay-off with a smooth ride into shore. I’m very thankful that the map is working again as we can visually see your progress. God speed and blessings to you and your wonderful support team!
Andrea
I hope mini-wilson I is tied down also. Mini-wilson II misses him. hope to see you both soon. love, Uncle Norm & Marge O.
I’m impressed and (not that this is any kind of comfort) bravo/kudos to you. This is the kind of crazy nutty thing I might try given the circumstances and it’s a pleasure to see others getting out there and pushing the envelope within the envelopes. My mother introduced this site and your adventure to me (I believe she said she’s met you at least once at the Salton Sea – one of my favorite ports o call). I’ll congratulate you when you’ve made goal — great job
bob
Riding the waves of the Ocean is a great analogy of riding the waves of life.
You go with the waves when possible and do your best if you must go against.
Patience and wisdom is needed most on the rough seas!
I hope a calm sea will open to welcome your landing!
Until then one wave at a time.
beth
We’ve been following you from here in VA Beach and we hope you have a safe and fun final leg.
Wow! It’s a good thing the currents were going the way you needed them to. No human could row “upstream” in conditions like that! Hopefully you will continue to enjoy calmer seas as you approach Georgetown.
Katie: It is soooo good to hear from you. . . but not sure it is the news any of us were expecting. . . oh my. . .please be safe. . .lets hope the current continues to slow some more so you can come in for a safe landing. . . .you’ve come so far. . . .you are amazing and you will do this. . . .because you are incredible and there are so many praying for your safe return. . you will do this. . . . .we continue to pray for calm seas at the end of your dream journey.
Can’t wait to see you on Good Morning America and every other talk show you can get booked on. Woohoo Katie! Power 10 home!
Conditions of every Variety!
“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” ~ African Proverbs
Think how skillful you’ve become!
“Following your heart’s desire will lead you in the direction your spirit wants to go.”
OPRAH WINFREY
(keep following your heart’s desire
in*spire-
1 a : to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration b : to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on c : to spur on : impel, motivate d : affect ?2 a archaic : to breathe or blow into or upon b archaic : to infuse (as life) by breathing?3 a : to communicate to an agent supernaturally b : to draw forth or bring out ?4 : inhale 1?5 a : bring about, occasion b : incite?6 : to spread (rumor) by indirect means or through the agency of another
Katie, I plugged your coordinates into Google Maps, and tried a “search nearby” for pizza…..no joy *sigh*. You continue to amaze me.
Fire up the senses; lower jaw out a bit. SMile of competition against the water. Confidence borne of the last 2 months. Bring it home. Carry on!
Whew! So glad we’re able to once again SEE the progress you’re making, Katie. I think more than one of us has become quite dependent on being able to see exactly where you are at any given moment. How will we ever cope once you’re safely back on land? I mean – you WON’T mind fielding hundreds of calls and/or drive ups by all of us continuing to keep tabs on you? I suppose we could just insert a chip in you – like a pet cat – with a tracking device attached . That wouldn’t be quite so intrusive now, would it? It’s gonna be hard to even recognize you though, with all the beard growth you must surely have accumulated by now …… Katie? Katie? Are you there? Katie? Hmmmm ……
Can’t wait to see you on dry land. Seriously.
- Jim and Rachel Ockuly
So glad to see the map is working again. This is the best time to follow you. I’m sure I am not the only person that has been glued to your site the past few days, anxiously waiting for you to reach your destination. Good luck through this last stretch! We are praying for you!
Mandy H.
Katie,
You’re almost there! Good thing the weather wasn’t always like this during the trip. Once you get near shore the waves will probably pull you closer but, until then, row like you only have 10 feet left to row! You’re doing great and will be at land soon!Great job!
Annabel W.
Was Hobs tied down too? Glad you’re safe and didn’t capsize!
Katie,
I’ve been following your adventures recently and just wanted to send a note wishing you all the best in these final few miles into Georgetown. While erging, I’ve been thinking how much more exciting it would be to be crossing the Atlantic. This is such a huge accomplishment and amazing adventure! I’m beaming you some mental and physical fortitude to help in the final push. Be safe, Good Luck, and Congratulations!
Frank
Cleveland Heights
Hi Katie!
Sounds like the best for last! Glad you didnt have to have the best the whole was, but Im sure you didnt want a paddle in a small pond the whole way. Looking forward to your arrival, sorry I cant make it to your landing, would be fun to go to Guana. I have finally sent in a little donation, thanks to (Sam?) for the reminder. Thank you so much for the great adventure, and thank you for your humanitarian efforts.
Hasta la pasta!
Michelle
Woo hoo Katie, breathe and be as we know you are in the perfect place at the perfect time and all is well.
*Hob’s says “Thanks Katie!”
Blessings ~*~
All the boys say,
Hey Katie, Hey Katie, Hey
Girls Say, Girls Say,
Hey Katie, Hey Katie, Hey
Hey Katie Katie…
OH! Hi there everyone! I was just jamming-out to “Hey Baby”, by No Doubt, while I was reading over all of your excellent comments on Katie’s latest Blog post. You guys did a really fine job this time too! Very, very entertaining! I mean that too!
Katie, your post was ok, I guess… (a little weak maybe)
I’m gonna really miss yous guys… Reading you comments every day… You’re all so supportive, and kind, and funny… Like my very own surrogate family! (GROUP HUG!) Aw, give me a minute… *sniffles* *whimpers a little*… Ok, ok, I’m ok now… Sorry about that, but I LOVES YOUS GUYS *sniveling mess*…
Katie, I guess I’ll miss you a little too (I just said that so she doesn’t feel left out- wink, wink.) (You don’t think she heard that? Doh!)
I couldn’t forget you Sam. I don’t think I would have survived this epic journey without you! Always there to get me the best updates and coordinates; or a funny story to keep me from getting too anxious. You’re a good mate, a real pal! I’m gonna miss you most!
SEE YOU ALL AT THE AFTER PARTY!!!
Do you think we should invite Katie? (I wish she’d stop lollygagging and get into port!)
(yells out to sea) K A T I E!!! K A T I E… …
KAAAAAAAAAAAATIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Where is that girl?
My first graders were SO excited today to learn that you are SO SO close to land, but sad to hear that you will probably land this weekend when they are not at school to hear the news. They were also very concerned about Hobs and wondered how he (she?) is doing. We were also glad to see the map is up and working again so they can “see” where you are.
I too, am very anxious for you to make it to Georgetown and know that you are safely back home. Only thing is, I don’t know what I will do with all the time I will have because I won’t have any good reason to keep going to the computer to check on your progress. I will be glued to the computer this weekend to see just when you finish your epic journey. God speed and safe landing.
Katie, myself and all the students of the Green Dream at Beachwood have been keeping checks on you all the way. I/we so admire what you are doing and look forward to a chance to grab a coffee with you and hear all about the whole journey blow, by blow! You have motivated the students to donate money to your cause from the Green Dream. Safe return x
be safe Stay out of the ships way have enjoyed following your adventure. And when all else fails just keep rowing.
Mike D – I hope you live near Cleveland, because I definitely want to meet the person responsible for making ME laugh most often on these blogs. I hope we’ve managed to make Katie snort once or twice, too.
Katieeeeeeeeeee!
(yeah)
*Waves hello again* Gee Katie I got all excited for you after checking out your position this morning – not long now. Wish I could be there to see you land (and maybe help hold you up till you get your land legs back, I bet you will be more than a bit wobbly). Wishing you happy landings stay safe and keep alert. Love from me xxx
Paulineb
Perth
West aussie
@ Mike D. You have another fan here, you crack me up with laughter thank you.
My my what an adventure you are having. Birds on board, fishermen coming to visit, all in a day’s work! Awesome work dude and thanks Sam for keeping us all up to date with everything.
What can I say except awesome job!
Chris x
I have been following the entire adventure. What great cause you are rowing for. I see this morning you have raised over $62,000, not bad for a $50,000 target. Don’t forget to keep your passport day, immigration will want to see it when you land in a day or two.
Dear Katie!
You are almost there! I hope you get to land soon! You are such a warrior!
Love,
Sophia S
Katie,
We are so proud of you and can’t wait till you are home safe. Be careful and we are praying for you and a smooth , safe landing.
Katie…..What a fantastic journey, not only for you, but for all of us traveling with you……thank you for your tenacity, strength, fortitude, and courage. What a privilege to have grown to know you a little bit more. I send a loving yoga “ohm” to you.
Hello Katie!
@ OurAsylum March 13, 2010 at 4:06 am
And
@ Paulineb March 13, 2010 at 6:36 am
I was off my meds that day. Sorrie!
I’m much better now :-\
BTW, I’m from Philadelphia, Pa and would love to meet everyone but I’m afraid I can’t row that far…
Come on home Katie. Your fans await ?
That Question mark was supposed to be a Smiley Guy
Dang Hyper Text Markup Language!
Katie,
Congratulations on your journey. The feats you have conquered with swimming, cycling, and now rowing across the Atlantic are in my view up there with the accomplishments of the world’s greatest athletes. You are an inspiration.
Congrats on everything!! But what happened to Hobbs??
Congratulations Katie! You are simply amazing, not to mention inspiring for taking on yet another incredible challenge and donating to such a good cause
Best wishes in your future endeavors and hope to see you in the media in the coming weeks and hear first hand of your adventure.
Sincerely,
Liz McMahon, NJ (also mom to a 20-something Kate who loves travel and adventure to far away places)
Hi Katie…
I’m so proud of you, and this is the first time I’ve read anything about your journey… (I don’t get out much…), lol… Fantastic journey… I wish that I could have done it myself. What a Power of Example you are to myself, and many more… God Bless you… Tony! You go girl… excellent…
Hello Katie:
Katie, you did a fantastic thing, You are just wonderful. Thank you very much for the very great adventure you did. May your future be very bless. Mark E.
What happened to Mobs??
What happened to the bird Hobbs?
Good luck Katie. god speed. I hope you make it…………
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