Atlantic Rowing Race: Blog 21

Annie – Blog 23: "Pride"

Last night during the graveyard shift (5am – 7am) I fell asleep mid stroke and subsequently fell off my seat and bruised my bum. Now you may well laugh at this but personally I’m not altogether happy as I don’t think, technically, it was my fault. You see there was no moon. Had there been a moon, I would’ve been a lot more alert and aware of my surroundings so the incident would never have occurred in the first place. In this twisted world of ours I think I may be able to claim compensation.... When I get home I’m going to write a jolly stiff letter of complaint to the DLA (Dept of Lunar Activity) and see what comes of it. Surely the moon must be employed under some kind of job description contract that specifically states that it must provide lunar guidance to all sea faring vessels during the hours of darkness? One would’ve thought so wouldn’t one? I will keep you posted of the outcome...

Bruised bottom aside, last night provided me with ample pondering time as usual. I pondered the topic of pride (having just had mine dented a little, I thought it highly appropriate).

As you know, we’re dedicating this race to Mel’s Dad. How I wish he could see his daughter now! He would indeed be a very proud man it has to be said. Mel is doing a fantastic job navigating our way across the Atlantic. Our strong position within the leading pack most certainly has nothing to do with my map (sorry, chart) reading abilities – if it were up to me we’d still be trying to find our way out of La Gomera Marina! Before we left, my parents told me how proud they were of me which is such a lovely thing to hear after all these years! My Father probably won’t remember this but when I was about 15, I announced that I when I grew up I was going to read English at Oxford University. Dad said that if I did this, it would make him the proudest man alive. I tried. But the closest I got was an English degree from Bristol Poly so it’s taken me 40 years, but finally he’s proud of me! Truth be known though, I have far greater reason to be proud of them than they have of me. How many parents have their only daughter come home and say: “Mum, Dad, I’m going to row across the Atlantic. I will be gone for several months and I may die in the process. Can you loan me loads of money and oh, by the way, would you look after my dog?” Their reaction? 100% total support. Now that’s a cool Ma & Pa if ever there were! If you know them and see them before I do.... Be sure to give them a big hug from me and tell them how much I love them! Right. Back to the blades for me. Mel’s going to spend some time now plotting and scheming ways in which we can overtake crews and get to Antigua in the quickest possible time. It’s all very complicated stuff involving mathematical equations and spreadsheets etc – I’d best leave it up to her to explain how it all works! Annie x

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