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June 18, 1999
TWELVE-FOOT SHARK EYES AROUND-THE-WORLD ADVENTURER
>> LOCATION: PACIFIC OCEAN
>> DATE: JUNE 18th, 1999
>> SECTION: TARAWA VOYAGE
Pacific Ocean - 46th day at Sea (June 18, 1999). A 12-foot shark visited Expedition 360's Jason Lewis today. "I'm now giving serious reconsideration to the plan I had of going over the side this weekend and removing barnacles," said Lewis. The shark flashed back and forth underneath Moksha, Lewis' special pedal-powered water craft, apparently chasing a large school of fish which was using Moksha as a shield.
Earlier in the week, Lewis experienced a close encounter with an adult Finback whale. He spotted the mammal about 20 yards out and became concerned when it kept circling Moksha getting closer and closer with each circuit. Was it just curious, looking for a mate, or wishing to play? After closing within 10 feet, the whale dove deep and disappeared.
"Who said life out on the big blue is dull?" the adventurer remarked. Lewis is currently pedaling from Hawaii to the Gilbert Islands in his quest to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe using only human power. During this leg, he has been inflicted with food poisoning, salt sores, scorching sunshine, severe seas, and now curious sea life.
Live media interviews with Lewis over a crystal-clear high-tech Iridium satellite telephone can be scheduled through RoDan Public Relations at (619) 454-1717. In addition, broadcast-quality B-roll tape of Lewis and Moksha is available. Again, contact RoDan Public Relations. Pedal for the Planet Expedition updates can be obtained toll-free at 1-800-943-0114 or on the Internet at www.goals.com.
Expedition 360 goals are 1) to be the first to circumnavigate the globe using only human power (either bicycle, in-line skates, or pedal-powered water craft), and 2) through school presentations, cultural exchange programs, and curriculum development empower children in each country the expedition visits to follow their dreams and connect with the youth of the world. To date, Lewis has completed almost 20,000 miles of the circumnavigation: from the United Kingdom to Hawaii via Portugal, the Atlantic Ocean, the breadth of the United States, and the western Pacific Ocean -- all by human power.
>> END
Posted by jason at June 18, 1999 11:34 AM