A handful of snaps from a recent photo shoot with Gulliver and I. The sea was too bouncy to let us put him on the water safely (trailers and waves make tricky business for launching and landing), but the spray and wind made for some fun stuff.
In other news, the weather isn’t looking favourable for the end of the week. A few more days on land yet… Meanwhile Ricardo and I are doing the last bits of tinkering – going through every piece of kit again to make sure that it is vital and ready for the ocean. These are exciting times. It is great having him here, so that I can switch off a little bit and relax – he understands the headspace needed for a solo sea voyage and the emotions of getting ready to go. The food shipment should be released from Customs today, so we can soon start preparing that and packing Gulliver. Seven months of supplies into a tiny wee boat. My motto? ‘If it has to fit, it will.’
wow I suddenly fee very remiss in my duties as poetry finder. Was wondering if you have iBooks or other reading service. Some of them allow gifting so if you think of a book you want to read…. For poems I’ll just post here so all can share.
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and Iā
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
God Bless Sarah and Gulliver
What a beautiful poem. Thanks to Barry for sharing it.
Frost has always been one of my favorites. He did 7 pages on a patch of Blueberries…. I’ll post that one in sections.
You will be pleased to know I have a couple of poetry books aboard. This is a great poem and one of my favourites too. You have just reminded me to get some laminated for on deck learning too while I row…
Thanks Barry!
All best,
Sarah
These are awesome pictures and I wish you the best of luck for your upcoming adventure. We’ll be following the progress on a regular basis.
Cheers!
I agree lovely poem …
Sarah you have good past experience behind you when packing Dippers and you off for the Indian – I know you have more months to consider, but as long as you hide those important surprises for the time when you need a lift or when you had thought all had been eaten š
Can’t imagine how you can estimate the chocolate bars ?
Happy Packing
xtina
Gulliver looks sweeet! It’s an incredible epic that you’re embarking upon Sarah. Hope the pre-departure waiting isn’t too long now…
All the very best. Bon voyage et bon courage!
What an exciting time!!! Nick and I send you all best wishes for an amazing journey.
Frankie
7 months!! I’m trying to get my head around that. I know there will be tough times but there will be many magical moments. Will be following all the updates and wishing you good luck.
Hopefully it won’t be quite 7 months – but I am taking enough for food to keep going as long as it takes…
Best,
Sarah
Hey Sarah,
I am excited for you! I’m sure there’s a way we can track your progress across the Pacific! Don’t forget that when you cycle through the US, my wife & I want to treat you to a dinner when you are out our way.
We are praying for you! God’s speed!
Blessings,
Dave Baldwin
Hi Dave – Thanks for your kind words. If you are on my route I would love to head out for dinner. Do check out the tracker for following the route across the Pacific and here on the blog will have all the content, too.
http://www.sarahouten.com/the-mission/journey-tracker/
See you on the other side,
Sarah
I am packing with you in spirit. I’ve been following your progress with interest and can imagine what these last days are like. Have a fantastic adventure. Love Margot
Hello WA!
Ric and I were just remembering our packing time in Freo today. It is all a bit more chilled this time round than the 24 hours we had last time!
Hoping all the family are well.
All best,
Sarah
Hello Sarah, we have loved keeping up to date with your stories and reflections so far. Very excited about the next stage for you and look forward to news when you post it. All the best, with lots of love, Kim and James Quick x
Thanks and thanks! I still remember Speech Day in the amphitheatre and thought of you the other day as I vacuum packed the fish novel you loaned me. Hoping to take it out to sea with me! Do shout hello@sarahouten.com if you would like to set up a phone call into assembly or similar. Happy Monday, Sarah
How exciting! I have been tracking your revels for some time now. Do you have plans to stop around Chicago? I would love to be a part of your trek if possible. Take care of yourself across the big blue.
Warm hugs!
Hello Cassie,
Thanks for following the journey and I am glad you are keen to join in.
Chicago is on the route map, yes. Watch this space….
All best,
Sarah
Sarah, where and when do you propose to land in the US. I know there will be crowd to greet you and I’d like to be there when you do and maybe do some cycling with you too.
Pete
Hi Peter, I am aiming for Canada – Vancouver Island, though anywhere on that northern coast would be a success. When is a tricky question, too. We reckon five months or more – hence seven months of food coming aboard! It would be great to have people come cycling on the other side. I will rest for 4-6 weeks post row before heading East.
All best,
Sarah
Sare, I’ve got goosebumps and teary eyes thinking that Friday could be the day you leave land, which is nothing on what you must be feeling!
An email awaits you if you have time to read, but in the meantime be ready to catch a barrowful of hugs.
Ready?
Coming atcha!
xx
Lookin’ good, girl. (And boat too!)
I was just wondering: Do you have moments when you wish you were alone in this endeavour instead of having the whole world watching and having to shoulder expectations? Just curious.
Hi Ray,
It would certainly be a very different expedition if it weren’t a goal to make it a shared adventure! But I love sharing the stories in spite of the challenges that brings.
I have plenty of ‘alone’ time so that’s all cool!
BEst,
Sarah
Hi Sarah, Glad to hear that preparations are going well.We all wish you all the best as you prepare to set off again! Hope the weather settles down for Friday.We know you can and will succeed, GO FOR IT! “Whatever the mind of man can see and believe he can achieve! You are a WINNER
Love Heather and Cameron et a lxxxxxxxx
Hi Sara / Sarah.
Cannot wait to follow the trip across the ocean.
Has it been done before.
Concerned about your tracker as it is not keeping up.
Will it be as good as Around and Over as their tracker posts every day.
You would be able to feel me urging you on.
Cheers and God Speed
From Bruce
Down Under
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your hello. Don’t worry about the tracker – it hasn’t been turned on yet!
All best,
Sarah
Hello Sarah
I am a student from Manor School that you recently spoke to. I have lots of questions to ask you so please may you answer me?
From Farah
Manor School Student
Hello Farah,
It was a great chat with your Assembly yesterday. Please send your question to hello@sarahouten.com and I shall answer!
Sarah
I just saw your journey from yahoo news. I couldn’t believe it actually when I saw it. Then I watched some of your videos from your site and from youtube. Then I followed you in facebook. Next thing I know, im sharing and telling my friends about your journey. I am truly inspired! Hope you are doing well.
Btw, the last update of your tracker was when you were in Japan.. Do you have an update to where you are right now?
Have a safe journey and good luck! š