Hemp cookies - taste even worse than they look.
Not much meat on this flying fish.
11 Jan, 06 - 19:26
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
Since the demise of my camping stove I've had to get more creative with my cooking.
Breakfast has been a problem - flapjack alone gave me too much of a sugar rush followed by a sugar crash, and I was finding cold porridge rather hard going first thing in the morning, so yesterday I tried making some oatmeal and hemp no-cook cookies.
Roz's Recipe
1 sachet Mornflake Oats 2 Go porridge
1 scoop hemp protein powder
Ginger
Cinnamon
Raisins
Add enough water to make a stiff paste and stir thoroughly. Shape into cookie shapes and place on billycan lid. Leave to 'bake' in the sun for as long as you dare before a wave or rain shower gets to them.
Serving suggestion: best chucked overboard - I managed one bite before consigning the remainder to the waves (with apologies to any fish hoping for a tasty tidbit).
So today I'm trying the hemp powder mixed into a protein sports drink with a little bit of coffee. I haven't drunk coffee since setting out from La Gomera, but felt the need for something to solve my mid-morning energy crisis. It seems to be working well, giving me sustainable energy throughout the morning, although it has also necessitated frequent visits to the bedpan.
It's not quite my ideal breakfast (New York style French toast, topped with melting butter and maple syrup, liberally sprinkled with cinnamon, served with fresh fruit and ice cream) but it's a damn sight better than those hemp cookies.
Sorry to hear about the mishaps that have befallen Digicel, Pacific Pete, Rowgirls and Gurkha Spirit. Wishing all the best to all.
Thank you for texts and messages from: Natalie (will answer your questions tomorrow), John T (character assessment - scary! Thx for reassurance after yesterday's frank expose on the finances of a would-be professional adventurer), Tim in Ithaca (no, not 'By the time I get to Phoenix'. Nice try, but no cigar!), the Galls (like your perspective on my performance compared with All Relative!), Mike C, Tim Harincar at WebExpeditions, DB (maple pecan is favourite), Prince's Trust, Abigail James, Virginia, Flemming in Denmark, Victoria Humphries (your polar example has helped keep me going - anything IS possible!), Sam K (hope you had a good gym session), Mac from Team Sevenoaks (you're on).
Wind: NE
Weather: sunshine and cloud, occasional shower
Sea state: calm earlier, rough later
Hours rowing: 14
Casualty List
I thought it might be interesting to keep a tally of items that have ceased to function, got damaged, disappeared overboard, or otherwise ceased to be of service:
3 oars damaged (another one last night)
Camping stove
Navigation instruments
Stereo
Thermos mug
Lid off thermos flask
Spoon
Drinks bottle
Storage jar
Alpaca skin seat cover
Lip salve
Milton fluid
...and a comfy foam cushion for sitting on
With apologies to the ocean for unintentionally leaving such a trail of litter.
| Atlantic Row Part 2 |
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Comments [0]
Corporate sponsor ParadiseBet
10 Jan, 06 - 20:03
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
ADDITIONAL NOTE FROM ROZ' MOTHER:
Roz phoned me first thing this morning to say that she had had a comment that she had been too frank about her financial situation in this dispatch. The main reason that she wrote as she did was to show that if a person really wants to do an "adventure", they do not need to have an unlimited supply of money behind them. It is the determination to carry out the dream that is the vital ingredient, the rest will hopefully follow. Once the dream becomes reality it is that determination that is so vital too! Meanwhile she does need to rely on the help that others give, not only the finances but the messages of encouragement for when the going gets tough
Question from a texter: 'How does one live day to day when planning an adventure like yours? How does one feed onself? What about money?'
It's terribly un-British to talk about one's finances, but you did ask, so here goes...
I wouldn't be here, on this fine boat on this big blue ocean, if it weren't for the kindness and generosity of countless individuals who have chipped in what they can to help me on my way. I am grateful to each and every one of them.
I've been preparing for this full-time for 14 months - pitching for sponsorship, fitting the boat out, training, researching, etc. During this time I've had no regular income.
My living expenses are modest - I don't own a house or a car, or have any dependents. I usually manage to live rent-free: homes in the last couple of years have included a very Dickensian garrett above a shop, an office, and various housesits. Most of my clothes come from charity shops, in keeping with my recycling philosophy. I also count some wonderfully generous people among my long-suffering friends, who give me hospitality, buy me dinner, and generally give me moral support.
The boat costs and my living costs have come out of my savings from my previous more affluent life, supplemented by income from sponsorship - some of it corporate, but much of it from friends, acquaintances and even total strangers. Donors have varied from the woman who works in the local bakery to wealthy businessmen.
They just happen to be interested or inspired by what I'm doing, or some of them even wish they were doing something similar themselves, and by supporting me they can become a part of my adventure.
Some people slip me cash, some use the PayPal link on this website, and a couple of generous souls have even set up standing orders to support this and future ventures.
Because this isn't a one-off. I hope to make a financially sustainable future out of adventuring, through writing, photography and speaking engagements. I've already written a book about my travels in Peru (manuscript completed, but haven't got around to putting it out to agents or publishers yet). I have plans to spend much of 2006-2007 travelling around North America for another book (a quirky theme, based on a song - details coming soon).
And I also have a plan for another Very Big Adventure, to be announced probably in March. That one should, I hope, establish my reputation and pave the way for my career as adventurer and speaker.
At the moment I'm out here on a wing and a prayer, but like my faith miles, I carry on doing what feels right in the belief that it will all come right in the end.
Catching up on backlog of texts from yesterday and today...
HSS: thanks for the anagrams - Rosalind Savage = Vandal Ergo Sis or A Naval Dog Rises, Sean Chapple of Polar Quest - thanks for the message - hope your preps going well
From OULRC 1989: Natalie - glad the WaterRower is getting some use in my absence, and Penny - don't worry about not knowing what to say - just nice to know you're thinking of me
From Kew/Richmond - Steve S, Will -- well done on Oxford place - maybe you can take up rowing?!
Pauline, Nic, Sarah W, Martin T, John T (lap of honour - no way!), DB, Mark R, Guy, Sam K, Andrew V (I did find those tranquil waters - seems a long way back now, though), John from Galway, Steve Maskell (pat on the back much appreciated), Karen Luscombe (glad to find someone who appreciates my sense of humour!)
Rita Savage's PS:
As Roz approaches the 1000th mile, our thanks today to those who have sponsored miles with their donations as follows:
999 B Yates
1000 Mr T Molins
1001 Mrs Molins
1002 Anne Molins
1003 Indie Molins
Wind: N
Weather: sunshine and cloud, occasional shower
Sea state: moderate to rough
Hours rowing: 14
| Atlantic Row Part 2 |
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9 Jan, 06 - 19:40
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
Most of today was sluggish and sloggish - slogging along for very little reward. These are what I've come to think of as 'faith miles' - not necessarily productive in themselves, but you have to put in the effort in the faith that it will eventually be rewarded.
And rewarded they were - at about 4pm, heralded by a squall and a quick cold shower, I was suddenly back in the sweet water, and it was all the sweeter for the slogging.
I don't know if it was the force of all the texts, or even just the thoughts, of people wishing me sweet water, but just in case, thank you all very much, keep up the good work, and let's see if we can get me to Antigua before the end of February!
In haste, getting back to the oars while the going is good...
Rita Savage's PS:
Very grateful thanks from Roz and myself to all those who are supporting her with their words and their messages of encouragement. Many of you have spoken of the inspiration she has given you to cope with your everyday situations.
We also very much appreciate the gifts of money that have been sent, and some regular payments, either to help Roz with the costs of the voyage, or as donations to the Princes Trust. Every bit helps. I know that some people are not in a position to donate as they are already committed to other causes; just knowing that they are interested in Roz is a gift in itself. I do enjoy reading the messages from various parts of the world that have been coming to Roz via the links on her website www.rozsavage.com
Thank you to one and all for your continuing interest and concern – continue to urge her on her way!. Rita Savage.
Wind: NE
Weather: sunshine and cloud, occasional shower
Sea state: calm earlier, rough later
Hours rowing: 14
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The ocean got camera shy - this is my best attempt at capturing what I mean by 'sweet water'.
8 Jan, 06 - 22:16
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
I've been asked to clarify what I meant yesterday by 'sweet water'. With apologies to Mr Tiny Little for appropriating and possibly misinterpreting his phrase, what I mean by it is big friendly waves rolling in the right direction.
If the baddies are the hit-and-run drivers/waves that smash you upside the head and then race off without a word of apology, these waves are the good samaritans of the road, gentle giants that pick up a hitch-hiking solo rower, carry her a few yards and then deposit her a little closer to Antigua, moving on with a gentle fizz of dispersing bubbles.
They are to be blessed, and I've taken to giving an appreciative 'ooh', 'aah', or 'waheyyy' when they come along, just to let Mother Nature know I've noticed her generosity and in the hope that she'll send a few more my way.
Thanks again for all texts, especially to Romy - you flatter me, my dear, I'm not a wise woman yet, but I'm working on it, and hopefully a little wiser every day. Big thanks also to Tiny, for his helpful and encouraging words - yes, I, too, feel like I'm starting to get the hang of this ocean rowing lark at this stage. And my cabin isn't always that messy, honest - I had just been Matron-ed! And thanks to the other regulars too.
Wind: NE, force not known as nav instrument still not working
Weather: sunshine and cloud
Sea state: rough
Hours rowing: 10
| Atlantic Row Part 2 |
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