Our ocean rower is finding the tough parts particularly tough right now and despite some technical difficulties her end, all the lovely things you lot say WILL get to her via her team so keep them coming. They really give her a lift.
Catch up below:
-
Recent Posts
Sign up to Sarah’s blog:
Education Blog
I was about to serenade you with
‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’
but wonder if
‘Deep in the shady sadness of a vale,
Far sunken from the healthy breath of morn’
might be more appropriate.
But then Keats could not even finish ‘Hyperion’ as was the named himself doomed to failure.
I cannot complete the last few feet of the swimming pool as it is too shallow – thus I am finally denied.
Not bad company we are in.
But then the Titans are about to be replaced by the Olympians – thus I believe you still to be propelled into our modern Pantheon.
gosh sarah,that doesn’t sound great but you continue to amaze us all with your fortitude pluck and pragmatism,to be honest it makes me feel quite small(in a good way),our day to day lives have what I’d term “first world ” challenges which in comparison to your travails are nothing,it is inspirational to know there are people like you to face down the elements and your own limitations and when at a low ebb we can think of you and know our boundaries are there to be pushed and that it can be done,bravo! by the way was that school named after the poet or was it someone else?
Hello Sarah, Thinking of you and checking on you often. Breathe deep and rest when you can, Winds coming from the west have begun here in Alaska, I am sending them your way, gently to assist you on your way home.
I know lots of love is coming your way from so many of us. Huge hugs,,, Colleen @ Blue Fox.
You’ve been out there for over 3 months now… not a wonder you are feeling the pressure. Sending lots of love and helpful winds your way. 🙂
Thank you for calling my year 5 group at Malcolm Sargent today – it was amazing and I have been telling my little brother Rohan all about your journey. I have enjoyed following your journey as you travel around the world. Good luck for the rest of your trip. From Callum Horder
Hi Sarah I was talking to you in year 5 at Malcolm Sargent School today 17 September (I asked you what were the highs and lows of your journey) . I go to Rutland water to kayak . I love what you are doing and have the tracker up every day. I have written a letter for you and I hope you like it. I am watching you every step of the way and hope to be at the finsh line .Don’t think you are alone me and my class are watching you every day .Goodbye Sarah and Happy Socks lots of love Holly- talk to you soon
Sarah, you are A LEGEND. Keep your chin up. And if you are ever anywhere near Worcester, come and see the lovely boys and girls that I coach rowing. They would love to meet you. Go for it!!
Sarah, I can’t help you row from here, but perhaps a technical point could be useful.
Assume for a moment you have made it home, and you look back at this ocean crossing, breaking it up into the three physical components that got you there: wind, current and rowing.
Each of those is relatively independent, which means that whenever the sea anchor is up and conditions allow (seas not too rough), your rowing will contribute to the final accounting and will definitely get you there quicker.
So don’t think that “rowing backwards” (e.g. when wind or current is pushing you back) is counterproductive or wasted, because it isn’t, and each stroke you take towards home (sea anchor up) shortens the journey.
Also, consider that you are not really alone. You have tons of people (myself included) there with you, willing you onward, towards home.
Keep plugging and may favorable seas arrive soon!
Hi Sarah, I follow you with more and more pain and compassion. But you are a tough cookie and unless there is a strong head-wind and the sea-anchor obviously has to deployed, you have to get out there and pull on those oars! Even if the wind is from north or south and you only seem to make very slow progress. It is going to be very uncomfortable, but pain is temporary, pride is forever. You can do it!
From Stein in Norway
Have been following the course of your journey along with the Dartford branch of the Outens (AKA Homdens and Gows) and with you all the way! Good luck as you plough on – know you’ll get through.
All best wishes.
Andy Homden
We continue to be totally amazed by your strength and determination. This incredible journey will forever fuel your future and inspire so many (like me!). Thank you Sarah!
You are a superstar. Keep sharing your light.
Keep going Sarah! You can do it, you know you can! We are with you all the way.
We have followed your progress ever since you left Fremantle, Western Australia,
en route for Mauritius all those years ago! Good Luck for the last stage of your epic journey!
Rosemary Hamp, City Beach, Western Australia.
Sarah,
The stars when visible are so brilliant and how fortunate you are to seeing God’s majesty in the skies above from your vantage and soon after landing, you will not have such opportunity and moreover, the challenges you face, well nothing is easy and as a Christian who has been Blessed to visit Jerusalem a number of times, well, Christ carried his cross and to fulfilling his commitment and you dear are burdened by far less challenges and you with God’s help will see your journey through and with this, I wish you adieu!
Christopher Tingus
Harwich (cape Cod), MA 02645
http://www.bigdiglifevest.com
*For three years, three very cold long winters, standing all alone in one-man silent protest as a mere citizen objecting to politicians closing a much needed fire station which had been situated and serving my fellow people in the community for 100 years, well Sarah, it took 1,491 hours of standing with 30 lb wooden sign in hand never touching the ground and my standing in cold, warm, hot, windy, sleet, snows, on top of snow mounds, in the midst of thunder and lightning, it too stamina and perspicacity and it is you, too which has been Blessed in your willingness to commit yourself with strength of mind and body to achieve your aspiration — as my Dad said to me long ago, now passed on in the loving embrace of the Lord, “Chris, before you know it, this too will have passed” so while you feel as though you are being pushed backwards and sideways, you WILL achieve your objective and we all wish you our very best wishes!
God Bless you —
Aye, aye Madam!
Keep going Sarah! The sooner you get back, the sooner you can meet our new puppy Kiwi! She is a black lab – one of a litter of seven BLACK labs whose parents are BOTH yellow labs! She is so cute and such fun – we have had her two nights. I am trying to distract her from chewing the tassels on the hearth rug but it seems that they taste better than her own rag toy!!
She was Fred’s 21st birthday present – he saw her at a farm where he was cleaning carpets – his summer holiday job. Can you believe that baby about whom you all wrote poems – when you were in Mrs Higgins’ class, Year 5 – is twenty-one?!!
Love from Belinda X
Hi Sarah. Hadn’t checked into your progress for a few weeks. Listened to your Day 127 broadcast and seemed that things were not going too well from the sound of it. Then looked at the map. You are doing GREAT! You have made tremendous strides since I last looked at your track. Having done little trips like paddling around Vancouver Island, and soloing Haida Gwaii (in 2 bits) in a kayak, and thought that they were pretty special, I am totally and utterly in awe of what you are doing. It must be terribly hard keeping pushing on when kit is breaking and failing but your extraordinary willpower is a marvellous example to young and old (and middle-aged, like me). Thank you for reminding us all what dogged determination looks like. It helps us keep our own rather small problems in perspective.
All I can do is wish the same for you as you wish for yourself – sunny calm days, surely there must be some just over the next wave. Just keep having big screams and shouts out there, must do wonders to ease the frustration of it all. Willing you homeward every ripple of the water
I am totally amazed by your strength and determination. This incredible journey will forever be record of your will and ingenuity. You will share amazing stories and teach children and adults when you arrive in London. You may be interested in watching an amazing film on a giant screen in the future called Meru. “In the high-stakes pursuit of big-wall climbing, the Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru may be the ultimate prize. Sitting 21,000 feet above the sacred Ganges River in Northern India, the mountain’s perversely stacked obstacles make it both a nightmare and an irresistible calling for some of the world’s toughest climbers. In October 2008, renowned alpinists Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk arrived in India to tackle Meru. Their planned seven-day trip quickly declined into a 20-day odyssey in sub-zero temperatures with quickly depleting food rations. Despite making it to within 100 meters of the elusive summit, their journey, like everyone before them, was not a successful one.”
Wishing you continued strength and tailwinds.
Just to add my admiration to the collective of well-wishers above, it’s getting through the crappy days that takes most reserves of fortitude and determination. But you are THE GIRL and your supporters all have faith in you. We are all rooting for you Sarah! On a silver lining note (literally) maybe the lack of music is an opportunity – an opportunity to practice your singing skills on the local aquafauna?!
Keep strong and stick with it – things WILL improve! Having to make a choice of listening to only 5 tracks a day must be so difficult – I like the idea of taking the opportunity to hone your singing skills! Wishing you fair winds and a speedy safe journey home.
Keep a stiff upper lip as Brit’s do ! You go girl ! You can do . !! Its a walk in the park for someone like you!
I’m sending good thoughts, favourable gentle winds your way from Cold Country C A N A D A !
You can do it girl !
I’ll remember you in my prayers !
You are the only person I know who is tougher than 3 Oceans.
Even in your darkest hours, you continue to amaze. Your up-beat attitude, strength, fortitude and resilience have gotten you this far and will continue to serve you well as you get over that mid-Atlantic ridge and head straight for London. If well-wishes help to propel you, just think of the thousands of people you have met on this epic journey, each one of them willing the wind and waves and currents to help carry you ever forward. You have touched every one of us as a bright beacon of inspiration. Wishing you fair winds, calm seas and swift currents in the proper direction!
Hi Sarah, the weather will change and your patience will pay off. I phone chargers usually fail because the jack plug is contaminated. Try cleaning the connection and brushing well to remove any residues. Remember that your Indian Ocean row was much further and you still kept going. When you are in your cabin or times on deck practice your breathing. Start by lifting the upper chest, push out the diaphragm as you breathe in then open your rib cage. Pause for a second then breathe out first from the lower abdomen, then the diaphragm, then the upper chest.
Thinking of you often John xx
Hi Sarah, hope you enjoyed your surprise stack ? Of Mars bars, hope you savoured every mouthful!
Well, you certainly don’t do things by halves do you, certainly testing your resolve but that’s nothing new either is it, your journeys have all been eventful and this one is no exception. Don’t look back , exhale any negative thoughts and inhale the good and positive thoughts and love that are continually being sent to you by Everyone all over the world following you and willing you on… You are coming home and we can’t ( yes we can really) wait for you to arrive in London once again! Lots of love and hugs Heather and Cameron xxxx
you are the tough fist person I know !!!
Hi, Sarah – I couldn’t agree more – a daily dose of 10year olds cannot be beaten – with or without Match of the Day theme music!
We can beat Belinda’s addition to the family as we have 5 or 6 puppies due 12th October – Springer Spaniels from Fly – Philip’s shooting dog (or rather picking up dog, as she has not yet mastered the 12 bore)
You are much in our thoughts and prayers and we are full of admiration for the way in which you cope with the many challenges that the Atlantic throws at you.
Look forward to welcoming you home in due course.
Libby xx
Sarah, I am in a dark dark place right now in my life. Things aren’t looking good for me and I’m dangerously close to the end of my rope. But when I think about you out there in the middle of the ocean, all alone, doing God knows what to get through the day, but getting through the day, it gives me strength. Sometimes I feel like you suffer out there so that the rest of us don’t have to. I can only offer you my prayers, and all my love.
Hello Ken,
I’m sorry to hear your in a dark place at the moment, but glad your still holding onto the rope. Just keep inching back up it, one little bit at a time, nice and steady. From someone who herself has been at a very dark place very near the end of the rope before, I really recommend seeking professional help and also confiding in a few good friends. It often takes more then one person to get back up the rope.
Know that you have one smelly rower in a little white boat rooting for you from the Atlantic.
Go well,
Sarah and Happy Socks
Hi Sarah, Was getting worried Last I heard was day 116. So glad all is still o.k. Thinking of you and wishing you well. Ethel
Sarah, I just looked at how far across the Atlantic Ocean you have gone, and it looks like you are on the “home stretch’. However, it still takes inches of progress to get you to the end! One inch at a time, preferably a “Forward Inch”.
Your determination is an inspiration to me!
Alan
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
I wish I had a surprise stash of Mars bars. Of course, I could just go and buy some but it is diet time again. Rations are two a week.
It looks like a northerlie wind for you for a few days but hopefully then you will get some westerlies to push you homeward. Stay safe.
Best wishes
Margaret
Dear Sarah,
My family and I began to follow your journey when you were already cycling in the U.S. We first learned of your adventure when a friend loaned us a DVD with you kayaking and have been following your progress ever since. It is so very impressive that you literally took on the world and have nearly succeeded. You are so near, so close. Keep rowing, keep observing, keep learning. And, keep GOING.
We look forward to more phonecasts. Be well! And Brilliant Job to Team Sarah!!!!
Sarah, I am thinking those 5 songs you are keeping yourself to must be crazy good songs! I wonder what 5 songs I would pick in the same circumstance. Sometime you must tell us what they are – they must be amazing songs that lift you, and encourage you and fill you with strength and smiles! Keep the faith. Stay strong. And you will have a wonderful day tomorrow!
With love, Elizabeth Cunningham, from Mount Albert, Ontario, Canada
Isn’t it amazing how things just appear when you most need them! The Mars bars appearance augers well for the coming days I think! Your row accompanied by stars above and bioluminescence below sounds absolutely magical! Now if you can just get over that Mid-Atlantic ridge it will feel like you’ve turned the corner —pulling toward home!
Keep your chin up Sarah you can do it- we are all sending you positive vibes!!
I’m just one of so many of your admirers. You’ve achieved so much stage by stage. We all obviously hope that the weather smiles again, and that you can resume your homeward leg, and make the European coast, if not UK, before long. As an alternative, with winter fast approaching, any hope that winds and current could help you toward the Azores, to your South, for a winter break before continuing ?
Hugs from a stranger who feels he’s come to know you. thanks to your records of your exploits !
B a r r y
Dear Sarah, I hope you find comfort and hope from all the good wishes and love coming your way. June x
Hi Sarah! This is Libby, John Dickson’s cousin, friend of Katie White, big fan!! We have never met, but I have heard so much about you and am following you all the way. Your trip sounds amazing. I know that all of the wonderful things – the big sea, the sun and stars, the birds, turtles, whales and fishes, and the days of progress you have made so far will, in the end, far outshine the bad weather, discouraging days and setbacks. Hang in there! We are all cheering for you. Hope to meet you some day in Chatham or anywhere! Libby
Dear Sarah
Best wishes in this endurance test you’re going through right now! I will pass on your news to my classes in Cape Town. It’s amazing to think how some of them are about to write their final exams and they were new at the school when you started your epic journey!
Warm regards
Ingrid Weideman
You have inspired me to try and cross the Atlantic by myself,,Hope you can write a blog–or book–about this subject. thanks
Sarah,
Thank you for your vision of inspiring so many people with your extraordinary journey. All across the world– yes the whole entire world– all of us who have met you are cheering for you and wish you courage and fortitude. Although our bodies may be far from you we lend you our spirits and prayers our hopes and dreams. If your journey were easy your story would not be so inspirational. Thank you for braving these hardships for the thousands and thousands of children (our future) and adults that you will be (and have already been) inspiring with your story. Don’t forget you are changing the world. I can’t wait to eat ice cream around a fire with you again as we did on cape cod.
Much love,
Michele
Ahh Sarah…this phonechat and your comment about how you’re “being tested” made me think back over the course of this L2L journey and previous journeys. You have stood more than your fair share of “tests” and I have no doubt but that you’ll conquer this one with your overwhelmingly positive attitude! That’s not to say that you don’t have the times of tears and wailing…but those times are cathartic and very much needed!!
Stay the course, Sarah, as I know you will! So very many are with you in spirit, wishing they could huff and puff you home!
~Gigi in Va. Beach
Can you physically get something to Sarah?
Hi Sarah,
I recently participated in a 3 day 100 kilometre walk for Kidney disease and it took a lot to do it; however, it doesn’t compare to 1/1000 of what you have already accomplished!! Let’s face it No One has every done anything close to what you have done!! And likely no one every will accomplish what you are doing! You have gone most of the way, and YOU Will finish Victorious and this will be but a small part of your legacy! Sarah, you will accomplish your goal, and you will forever, be able to chairish that courageous feeling your every waking moment!
Sarah, if only 1% of the people of the world was able yo accomplish just a very small part of what you have, the world GE so much more of a beautiful place to be, no matter what country you lived in ! I look forward to seeing your victory pictures and you victory post!
Outs you are absolutely amazing and I think of you every day. Winter is arriving early here in the north country. The land turned gold a couple weeks ago with aspen, birch and cottonwood leaves. The big winds arrived yesterday gusting to 70km/hr in my back yard and I thought of you out there waaaay over there! I took a little break from writing my thesis and went to pick up some meat from the back of the meat truck the other. As it happened, I met a nice new man in the meat line up and I thought you would find that to be a funny start to a story as well! Sending you loads of love and support always xoxoxo