Annie’s Blog – Friday 5th March: Making Progress
The wind continues to be behind us and the swell with us so Explore is still racing on towards Antigua and all is good on board.
We’re currently trying out a new watch system, 3 hours on and 3 hours off during the night instead of 2. Mel and I are both liking it – I feel if you can manage 2 hours o the blades, there’s no reason you can’t manage one more. But the real benefit comes in the off-watch. 3 hours sleep in one stretch is absolute luxury. Saying that though we are currently finding that neither of us can get enough sleep – the second we stop rowing it seems like we’re asleep. Why we’re suddenly more tired than we have been I don’t know. I guess 2 months at sea, exercising 12 hours a day is finally getting to us.
The other thing we can’t get enough of is food. I’m sure we’d eat while still rowing and during our sleep if at all possible. We’re probably going to be the only crew that actually puts on weight rather than lose it – and there was me planning out my new size 10 wardrobe. Oh foolish me!
All things considered though we’re both holding up well. I think I can speak for Mel too when I say our bums are still our most problematic areas – even the most hardcore pain killers are not reaching the spot. Thankfully the severe pain comes and goes. Last night I was trying to devise a plan where I could row standing up, but now I feel fine. My bum obviously has a mind of its own, which is a little worrying.
One thing that happened when we both were both on deck at the same time was we were privileged to be given a display of synchronised swimming by a group of dolphins – what is the collective noun for dolphins anyhow? (it’s a pod – Ed.)
They were leaping about all in perfect harmony and seemed utterly happy and carefree. There was probably mass fishy slaughter going on under the surface that we were totally unaware of.
Anyhow, time for a quick snooze and a bite to eat before I hit the blades again
Annie xx
We will be tracking Annie and Mel’s progress and posting more of their blogs here. Keep up to date and find out why we are supporting them here. Track their progress across the Atlantic here.
Mel & Annie
Amazing effort girls, as I was travelling to work by Tube in London. I saw an Explore! poster on the trackside wall, and it made me think of all you currently still out there in the atlantic.
Not long to go now and you will on the dry land of antigua, back with loved ones and family.
Keep up the great work, keep looking after each other.
Louise xx
(Jo on Mission Altantics partner).
Hi Annie and Mel
Blimey – you’re doing brilliantly! Well done!
I’ve read every blog and I’m compiling your book as I write. The title’s a toss up between ‘Row Your Boat’, ‘Birds with Wooden Wings’ and ‘If Birds Could Row’. (You can see I need help there.) I’ll concentrate on the title, you just row and write the inside bit.
I look forward to buying you both a beer soon. Somewhere with extra cosy seats.
Take care
Julius
Hi, Annie&Mel
You girls are fantastic, You were in the local paper(two page spread) last week,probably be made
a Dame!! after this. I hope your sore problems get better,have you thought of trailing it in the sea
the salt is good for it!!. Take care, it wont be long now.
john.
Allez les femmes ….oh, hang-on …..thats the other boat ! – Dear Annie and Mel, you girls are doing great, not long to go now ….you are almost there ! ( already ?!!! ). Wishing you good racing weather and as little bottom pain as possible ! Dave
Best wishes from me too… you’re amazing!!! Hope you can both put your bottoms behind you… Sunny Antigua awaits!!! Viv.