Those avid dot watchers will have seen that over the last 2 days we have gained 2 places and are now 6th in the race and 4th in the pairs class. As the only mixed pair in the fleet this is all the more special as most of our competitors are equipped with two large blokes, the vast majority of whom are in their early to mid twenties (I am 44). It is therefore very satisfying and motivating to see us consistently up there each day near the top of the miles covered per day. We can assure you that we are doing our utmost to hold our position each day whilst loooking to make gains on the next boat in front. We still have a long way to go though so we can’t afford to relax or be complacent.
The weather has improved for us today with the wind pushing us almost directly towards Antigua and at changeover 20 mins ago Lia was making 2.5 to 3.5 knots, hopefully we can keep up that pace overnight.
Took our weekly dip to clean the bottom of the boat today. It was an interesting experience as we were hoping to get the opportunity to photograph some of our fishy friends. I went in first to be greeted by a deserted scene under ther boat but then again it’s probable only natural to run away when your world is invaded by a naked 15 stone rugby player dropping from the sky!
I set to cleaning the boat which did not have too much growth on it and was easy to clean and after about 5 minutes I was aware of some large fish behind me, I looked away from the boat and was greeted by the sight of 10 yellow fin Tuna swimming not ten feet away from me. We thought we had around 5 fish living with us but 10 was a complete surprise. They ranged in size from 3 feet to 5 feet and seemed to be unconcerned with my presence. I had taken my camera in the water with me but failed to get many decent shots, I think Lia was more successful with her better quality camera.
I set out on this trip to gain new experiences and do things most people do not have the opportunity to do. Swimming with such amazing and beautiful creatures in the middle of the Atlantic over a thousand miles from land certainly does this. Once again another special experience.
Great win for England against Wales although disapponited to see Leicester Tigers lose to Northampton Saints (I suppose we have to give these lesser teams some help from time to time)
Tomorrow’s row is dedicated to our marine safety equipment sponsor and supplier ADEC Marine. ADEC have provided the vast majority of our safety equipment from life raft and life jackets to flares. Without this important equiopment we would not be allowed to row so a big thanks to Martin and his team for their ongoing support and generosity
4 Comments for Not bad for an old bloke and a girl!
NICK OLIVER | February 8, 2010 at 9:49 am
Claire Laxton | February 8, 2010 at 10:42 am
Great to see you moving up. Just to let you know that Jamie had his first game since October yesterday against S&L. They lost but played quite well, and are looking better and better as a team. Jamie ran into one player whilst running up the pitch and we heard the “smack” at the other end of the pitch. There was a communual “OOoh!” from everyone! Are you sure you don’t have any fruit on board as I definitely got the impression there were sour grapes somewhere! I hope that Saints do the double at the end of the month with the premiership match. Keep up the amazing work that you two are doing. Dismiss girl power at your peril!!
David Faulder | February 8, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Dear Mick & Lia,
First visit since last Thu was getting withdrawal symptoms! Let’s see Saints win, England win, U14s win, Team Sky Pro Cycling Team demolish all others in Tour Qatar time trial and last but not least Dream Maker gains two places. What a weekend!
OK U15s (eldest son) lost in a tournament but the short games don’t seem to suit team and there was some truly heroic defending.
Team Sky remind me of Clive Woodward and England Rugby – money is not a problem and team will want for nothing. But for a new set up Sky have already had instant success in Australia and now good to see the Union Jack, at the moment, in No1 spot in the desert.
Talking of minority sports, I thought Dream Maker speed and gains were impressive early on when seasick, with blisters etc. etc. After 30+ days in, outstanding. I provide family updates every eve. meal but rest assured Mick, we are not sitting at the table or on chairs!! Allez! Allez!
Paul Powley | February 9, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Hi Mick (hello Lia)…I thought giving a presentation on information sharing was arduous! Yes it’s Paul from Dorset…you know, the DCI who coughed to the delegates to thinking he’d been given a poison challis in MoPI implementation…I was so relieved when you came out in support!
Having just read The Crossing (Cracknell and Fogle) and read your blogs I’m convinced that you’re insane and for a former Royal Marine to say that means that you and your crew mate get big respect!
I wish you both all the very best and will continue to follow your progress with much interest….
Hi both.
WOW 6th place, fantastic news.
The SAINTS win over Leicester was in the LV CUP Mick.
But a win’s a win I guess.
You are still top of the premiership though.
Not sure if you’ve seen this before but worth a read .
GLOBAL DEBT SOLUTION.
In a small town on the South Coast of France, the holiday season is in full swing, but it is raining so there is not too much business taking place.
Everyone is heavily in debt.
Luckily, a rich Russian tourist arrives in the foyer of the small local hotel. He asks for a room and puts a Euro100 note on the reception counter, takes a key and goes to inspect the room located up the stairs on the third floor.
• The hotel owner takes the banknote in a hurry and rushes to his meat supplier to whom he owes E100.
• The butcher takes the money and races to his supplier to pay his debt.
• The wholesaler rushes to the farmer to pay E100 for pigs he purchased some time ago.
• The farmer triumphantly gives the E100 note to a local prostitute who gave him her services on credit.
• The prostitute quickly goes to the hotel, as she was owing the hotel for her hourly room used to entertain clients.
At that moment, the rich Russian comes down to reception and informs the hotel owner that the room is unsatisfactory and takes his E100 back and departs.
There was no profit or income. But everyone no longer has any debt and the small town’s people look optimistically towards their future.
Could this be the solution to the global financial crisis?
Who knows !?
Have a good day guys.
Nick