Blog from the Boat: Day 5
Day 5 : If Carlsberg did islands!
I woke up this morning alongside a little jetty with the fishing vessel that towed me in. The lads were heading off fishing for the day. I had a busy day ahead. I needed to come up with a departure plan from here. So myself and Rob (my support on the ground) have now done so.
I intend to row from the western side of this island group north-west off the continental shelf on Friday Morning. I plan to start rowing at around 5.30 am just before day break which will give me 12 hours of day light rowing to get out of danger and out into the open ocean. Before we made any decision regarding this I needed to be absolutely sure that the record books would credit me with my Indian Ocean row. This has been confirmed. All that remains now is to go and row it!
I have spent the day cleaning the boat so she is all shiny again after her few days at sea. With everything that had happened and because I was very sick I didn’t have much time to keep things neat. It’s amazing how much stuff you can find that needs to be done.
I have also rearranged where I have stored items as I was finding it hard to get to the things I used most frequently easily. No doubt I will continue to find better ways of doing everything over the coming months. I also found time to have a little snorkel on the reef. Some amazingly weird fish and crystal clear water. It’s literally theming
with sea creatures. I wonder what they think of a pasty white Irish Ocean rower. Although I am looking less and less white these days.
In terms of me personally I haven’t found it lonely at all. I was unsure if I would at first but not really. Of course I miss people but there is so much to get done all the time so I try not to think about it too much. My home is at sea for the next number of months and its best if I keep most of my thoughts on the job at hand. I have been building my strength up over the past few days after all the sea sickness. Lots of carbs and protein! Powerbars all the time now! YUMMY! They really have been a massive help in getting in calories every day.
Despite the fact I could have slept in a nice comfortable bed the last few nights I have resisted the temptation as I want to keep my sea legs. The thought of sea sickness again is not worth the few nights in bed so I have been staying on the boat as much as possible. So tomorrow I set off from the Abrohlos islands …next stop Mauritius!
Thanks to everyone on the ground for their continued support and especially to the guys here on the Pelsaert Group of islands who have been awesome. They are even cooking my spag bol tonight to carb up for a big day of rowing tomorrow.
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KEITH WHELAN
In 2011 I am aiming to become the first Irish person to row solo across the Indian Ocean. Although this challenge is vastly different from everyday life for me, I believe I have the determination and sheer single mindedness to achieve my goal of becoming the first Irish person to row across the Indian Ocean, not only that but I will also be the first Irish person to attempt it solo. My other interests include snow boarding, playing guitar (badly), drama, flying and generally keeping fit.
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May 12, 2011
1:10 pm
Good man Keith, keep it up, once you hit the open sea's you'll be grand. Think of the beers we'll have to celebrate your adventure :-) Good luck man :-)
May 12, 2011
9:43 pm
Holy shit Keith! I am cosily tucked up on the couch here in Carlow having just watched Jedward get us into the €vision final when i decide to check in on popeye! Never mind a fitness dvd, you are well on your way to a bestseller diary/blog. Trip sounds very scary so far but exciting reading, will ye mind yourself out there ye mad yoke?!!
May 13, 2011
2:33 pm
I didn't realise there was a blog til now! I'll definitely be following from now on. Well done Keith – a brave undertaking. Hopefully the land is gonna release it's watery grip on you today and you'll be out in open water at last!
May 13, 2011
7:57 pm
I'll watch the little mermaid in your honour :) I knew I should have given you it, you would be one with the water! Next time you'll know to bring a raft to the local swimming pool and live on it weeks beforehand, it'll help with the sickness. I'm a fountain of knowledge.
Seriously though, be safe :) remember our pirate deal. Find the map!
May 16, 2011
3:38 am
Well done Keith, do Ireland proud! Were all rooting for you
May 17, 2011
8:32 am
Hi Keith, where've you been for the last few days. I hope that circle on the tracker isn't bad news. Bet the drama is better out on the Indian Ocean than in CLTS. Any way I can get a script out to you? Stay safe, fair winds.
May 17, 2011
9:43 am
Hey mate!
Maan hte blog you're writing is very exciting to read!
I now the feeling of scary waves, strong winds and all that shit from canoeing!
Keep on rowing, i'm very proud that we met in Freo!
Had same thoughts than Paddy… the circle on the tracker made me worry a bit… are you fine?
The good thing is, that gives me a bit more time to get a chiropractor to fix your Robinson Crusoe body :D
BTW… i'll definately keep on paddling! Cheers mate!
May 17, 2011
9:44 am
Hey mate!
Maan the blog you're writing is very exciting to read!
I know the feeling of scary waves, strong winds and all that shit from canoeing!
Keep on rowing, i'm very proud that we met in Freo!
Had same thoughts than Paddy… the circle on the tracker made me worry a bit… are you fine?
The good thing is, that gives me a bit more time to get a chiropractor to fix your Robinson Crusoe body :D
BTW… i'll definately keep on paddling! Cheers mate!
May 17, 2011
6:04 pm
Keith !
Stumbled across your blog tonight. Sorry to hear about the setbacks so far but it'll only make you stronger !!
Your striving for a great cause, not to mention your own dream, not so many people chase them to the extent you are doing, so you should be very proud !!
Many weeks ahead and we wish you sunny days and all the best for them. We'll keep following with avid interest.
The dim sum girls with the dog called cheezel !!
July 21, 2011
6:13 pm
Keep on writing and cuhgging away!