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August 1, 2000
Solomons to Australia voyage - Update #14
Lat/Long as of 14.10 hrs local time
12 degs 48. 68’ S
152 degs 35. 42’E
Day 15. Wind SE 20 knots. Heading 210
Another minus day for miles made south – around 8 to be precise since our last 24 hourly GPS fix. I’m assuming this situation we’re in – not unlike being stuck in the counter-current of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone on the Hawaii to Tarawa leg – is an anomaly related to the bad weather we’re currently having and not something more long term that has finally caught up with us after having it ‘easy’ for the first 2 weeks. However, after 72 hours of no progress we’re both beginning to wonder…
It’s at times like these that I fully appreciate what an immense deal it is to try and cross an ocean by human power. Sometimes you can get a little cocky, especially after a relatively easy crossing like the last one with Chris. But the ocean is always the one that ultimately gives the thumbs up or the thumbs down regardless of what the pilot charts predict for this time of year. And humility is a good thing. I know being reminded of my limits as a human being will remain even after this expedition has finished as one of the most precious gifts the ocean has given me. But, there is a point when we all need some olive branch, some glimmer of hope. And I think April and I are at that point now.
I’m a little concerned for April. It beats me where she finds the energy to pedal considering how little she eats. This morning for example she took just a smattering of dried oatmeal in the bottom of a bowl, a pack of ‘Gu’ (athletes food - “100 calories, no fat” - that has the consistency of a week’s nasal outpourings of someone with a bad cold) and a Clif bar. Will her mother please have a word – she won’t listen to me regardless of how much I guilt trip her on liability. Stubborn girl.
Jason
Posted on August 1, 2000 2:33 PM