This morning I smelled something burning; either a passing boat was having a mean barbecue or my boat was catching fire. Not surprisingly, it was the latter.
My tracker unit has been acting up and took its final farewell up in smoke. I quickly grabbed the fire extinguisher and, being so close to land, I didn’t plan on taking any other course of action. Thankfully, all the glitches and malfunctions seem to be happening in the final days.
And they certainly are the final few, with less than 50nm to go. These final days have been similar to the first ones, with generally calm seas. Today was an especially nice day. It looked as though the water was sparkling the way the sun hit the waves. Hopefully these conditions will allow for a safe and successful landing, unlike the conditions in Cayenne. I’m so glad I extended the journey 400 miles, as a part of me is holding on dearly to the simplicity of the sea. During an interview, when asked what I think about while rowing, although my mind wanders here and there, for a large part of the journey I felt present; there’s no need to think beyond the moment.
I’ve also learned a thing or two about being patient, open, accepting… the list goes on. But with land just beyond the horizon, I’m most looking forward to food and good company.
I’m expecting to arrive tomorrow, with my dad and brother in Georgetown now, and soon a very special friend, Sam, who has been a constant source of support and inspiration all along the way. I’m not sure I would have made it this far without him.
{ 46 comments }
It’s been great following you the whole way.
Looking forward to reading the recap and all the things you didn’t have time to tweet or blog.
Such a fantastic journey! I’ve followed you daily, and been enthralled by the spirituality and mindfulness of such an adventure. My best to you, your family and close friends upon your very soon reunion!
Hearing that you’ve almost hit land gives me chills!!! I bet it’s going to feel weird to walk more than a few steps!
Can’t wait for the updates when you’ve reached land!! Get it giiiirl!!!
Congratulations on almost completing the ocean crossing! Whew! What a tremendous accomplishment. And it’s getting exciting reading your messages about getting closer to Georgetown. I’ll be checking in tomorrow in eager anticipation of your landing. Yes – I hope the sea gives you a soft, calm landing. It’s been a joy following your crossing. Thank you for sharing this with the rest of the world of which I’m part. Enjoy your final hours on this particular voyage on the ocean. I’m sure you’ll probably have more in the future.
I am so looking forward to meeting you one day. This has been like an epic tale about a brave and funny girl who sets out to change the world but only it’s real and it has been a great time trying to keep up with you and your adven tures. I hope you keep posting The adventures of Katie Spotz daily fix of adventure. You and Sam should write a book.
Are you sure you didn’t burn out your tracker fully planing on Liv while surfing down those big waves out running sharks and lonely fishermen?
Glad to hear conditions are improving while at the same time you had a lil taste of the elements as you wished.
Smiles across the miles my friend! ~*~
I hope there will be news coverage relayed to cleveland when you land.
Way to go, girl! I’m so proud of you!! You’re an inspiration to all of us!!
What an amazing accomplishment! Orig heard your interview on Rosie Radio and have followed faithfully ever since. Am in awe of your wonderful attitude and drive to succeed.
Katie, I hope you haven’t deliberately delayed your landing until tomorrow in honor of your cousin Jim’s birthday, although I’m certain he’s convinced you have. (heh) We’ll be watching and waiting, ready to celebrate along with all the rest of your family and friends. Happy landing!!
- Rachel Ockuly
So glad the fire wasn’t a disaster! I’m a Riverside HS girl and love seeing a local do good! I hope you will continue to update this blog after you reach land because while one journey will end, another will just begin!
Are you considering writing a book? I think it could be very interesting.
Congratulations!
*waves a BIG hello again to you and everyone who posts and reads on here* Katie I was just about to ‘hit the sheets’ when I thought I would do a quick check on you first (has become a habit now). You are sooo close to reaching your goal. Stay alert and stay safe you amazing sweet girl, looking forward to hearing of your safe landing. Goodnight and God bless, lots of love from me
Paulineb
Perth
West Aus
Katie! I am so happy for you! I was reminiscing the other day about when you used to talk about wanting to do this with me and Carol back in good ole Ballfield B. I remember all the drama with getting a boat and finding support and just look at how far you have come from there!!! You are so amazing! Good luck tomorrow! I’m so excited for you!
Hi Katie!
My students and I are on Spring Break now, but I’m sure they are just as eager to continue following your blog as I am! Please update us on the health of Hobs. I told them about the suggested bird care from one of your readers–they were all very concerned about whether or not Hobs is okay.
Thanks for all you’re doing,
Bonnie
This post gave me chills! I quickly emailed my dad and said “Katie is about to hit land!” Good luck in the last few hours, and enjoy the reunion!
- Tye
Ahoy, Matey!!
So very soon you will be able to hear and say those words!!! It has been such a joy following your journey. I have been checking on you ever since the first day when you left Dakar and I can’t believe that your trip will be over soon. It will be so exciting to see your dad, brother and Sam when you land. I was so hoping that Sam was going to be there since I knew he saw you off. Enjoy your last few hours being one with the sea and I am happy to know that things are calm (except for your tracker buring up!!) Wondering about Hobs so I can tell my first graders on Monday. AWESOME journey for such a great cause. You are truly an amazing young woman and it has been a pleasure to have been able to part of your journey. God speed.
I have been sharing your story. I work at Riverside HS and Iam proud that you are a native from our area. Ohio has great woman! Paige Nemec of Geaga County just became first girl to make the High school state wrestling tournament in Columbus where she fell one match short of placing by 2 points. Ohio is top in the nation for wrestling great accomplishment for Ohio woman. You are a great role model for young woman who needs to believe in themselfs.
I can understand your final appreciation of the last 400 unexpected miles of simplicity. The fewer the choices we have, the easier life certainly becomes.
When My kids were young and my life seemed a little overwhelming, my mother always told me to “simplify your life.” She was right.She, having 7 children, (and me, overwhelmed with 3.) She’d learned a few things along the way.
Who needs a stinkin’ tracker anywho?
Wondering, are there even things you found you could have done without? to lighten your load?
“Simplicity Darlin. It’s using whatch’ got! And doing with it what you can.” -Alex Bevan
Hard to believe your journey is almost over Katie. Well at least this one anyway. It has been a true blessing to follow your journey throughout. I’ll give a small cheer when you reach land, but will miss your journey updates.
Hello Kaaa… Yikes!
Practice your fireperson skills on land! If not for you, then for our collective sanity!
Silly girl… (Playing with fire on a boat!) (I suspect it not her fault. These things usually come about from bad parenting!)
Sam… Can’t you do something with her!!!
On the home stretch now! Doing great Katie!!!
Count me among your many followers and great admirers Katie and I will be so happy when you land safely…. Although I must also admit that I will miss checking your progress multiple times a day, and trying to visualize your experiences, and drawing very meaningful inspiration from your comments about persistence against adversity and the vital importance of remaining present. Thank you and be well.
I agree with Chris, there will be a sense of emptiness once you land but will be very glad when you do land. You have been an inspiration to us all of what we really are capable of doing if only we set our minds to it. You go girl! I will be on the lookout for your next adventure ready to cheer you on.
All the best…
Beth
We are so proud, Katie…
What an inspiration you are to me and my family!
Get rest, and sleep when you get back and maybe do some yoga.
Namaste~
Gloria Escover
With Landing in sight, I can see how you will miss the solitude and the present moment, to be at one with the present moment and nature, to feel like the only one on earth. Now the rest of the world will croud into your world, leave some time each day to find your self again.
Keep us posted on the progress of water being given to those in great need.
Only half the story has been told. Now that you have completed your part to get the means, show us what you do with it!
Thanks Katie, for being you.
Beth
I am so happy to hear that you are so close. I have enjoyed reading your posts.
WELCOME HOME
KATIE AND LIV !!!
I’m living vicariously through you. I have LOVED reading your blogs and tracking your progress. You are an inspiration to SO many people. I agree, you really need to write a book. DOCUMENT!! You really have a talent for writing — so interesting to read! Looking forward to seeing you take your first steps on land!! GOOD JOB!!!! So proud of you.
I am going to miss following your amazing journey. Happy Landing!
way to go katie you are truly inspirational. our prayers are with you in hopes for a calm ocean as you row your way to shore
Awesome job, never a doubt!!!!!
Can’t wait to see you when you get back home.
Enjoy your accomplishment, we’re so proud of you…
Way to go Katie! So glad to hear that you are close to land. You have been in our thoughts & prayers ever since you left. You are truly an inspiration to all of us. I loved following along with you on your journey & can’t wait to hear how it finally feels to be back on land. Our prayers are with you as you row your way to land!
Colleen
We knew you would do it – never a doubt!! You are such an amazing role model and we are all so proud of you!! We love and have missed you and cannot wait to see you ! All our prayers and love.
Uncle Pat, Aunt Sheli, Sean, Ryan, Connor, and Matt
Katie: I’ve been gone all day and before I even took my coat off tonight I had to check on you. . . . talk about chills from this post. . . what an experience and to share it will all of us . . . we all congratulate you on this accomplishment. I certainly hope MENTOR is planning a huge welcome home for you in the very near future and hopefully I can be a part of it. . . . you deserve it. . . what a wonderful experience for all of us and especially thanks to you for letting us ride the waves with you!!!!
Katie, leave it to you to complete a journey, that was believed to take between 75 and 100 days……….. in under 75 days. I hope calm seas and a a sunny day brings you in to Georgetown to greet your family. We are with you in spirit as we have been since day one and we are looking forward to seeing you when you come home. Thank you for taking us on this journey and including all of us in this extrordinary experience with you.
Michelle
Being present. In the moment. I try to practice this. Our family cats and dog and horse teach us this. A beautiful gift. May the sea remain calm. May your last moments at sea be a beautiful gift. We celebrate what you are doing and why.
It’s getting late here in Alaska but I am reluctant to go to sleep and miss your momentary arrival into Georgetown; I probably won’t be able to sleep anyway as the cheers of your arrival will undoubtedly ring the world round! Your mission is worthy and I so admire you for acting on what matters. Water for people in the world is something I have long held as important and concerning – but I never did anything about it like you have. I live vicariously through your gumption. I hope you’ll keep us posted on your re-entry back on land – even, or perhaps especially, all the little details like you have done such a great job of sharing along this adventure. Big love and much pride. Catherine
Katie Spotz… it’s now 2:43 a.m. here in Denver… and I too am reluctant to go to sleep to miss your landing. Your everday adventures and insights have been a part of my daily life for the last 2 and half months. After I get some sleep… I will fill you in later on what your adventure personally meant to me. But for now, you and your parents should know, that as a dad of a 4 yr old daughther… your adventure inspires me to be the best dad I can be… to somehow help impart in her a sense of wonder and courage for my daughter to one day to pursue her own adventures… WHATever they might be in her life. Land Ho! Congrats. The world is proud of you.
Michael Levy
Denver, CO
Congratulations Katie!!!1 We are so proud of you and have missed you so much. Welcome to dry land…
We love you
Hey Katie,
I hope you are excited to reach land! You deserve everything you want for your epic journey! I hope to hear from you soon! How is Hobs?
We are cheering you on!
Love
Sophia S
Katie- The All Saints Family and SJV have been watching the journey! My kids and all the students give us updates regularly. We are so excited you are on land and have made it safely. You will continue to be in our prayers! What an awesome accomplishment!!
CONGRATULATIONS !!! Thank you for allowing all of us to participate, vicariously, in your fantastic voyage. One day, would like to meet you and congratulate you personally. You and and your adventure have become quite an inspiration for so many people.
Katie, you are amazing. Congratulations on an incredible achievement and for inspiring so many to act with love and generosity towards one another.
Your desire for “the simplicity of the sea” reminded me of this:
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
Hi Katie ! I am so glad that you landed in Georgetown safely.I knew your story ten minites ago in the Culture Room under my dormitory.After reading your story in the newpaper ,I can’t help reading your whole journey by the net adress the newspaper provides.
I will read your blogs carefully from now on .
You set a good example to we young people .GOOD GIRL !
Congratulations Katie. I am so glad you made it!! From the moment I met you, I felt as if I was in the presence of greatness. In fact I think I told you that, and as always you were humble and looked at me as if I were mad. Thank you for making the journey. I don’t think you realize how extraordinary you are.
Keep wowwing us with your strength.
Congratulations!! Job well done! I know a little about what you went through, although I had a motor pushing our boat. I enjoyed reading some of your blogs, but I only found out about you yesturday.
We met a lady solo kayaking around Iceland on our trip. Her picture is on our video “You’ll Get Swamped” on youtube.com. Enjoy your moments back to reality. Great Job!!
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