Robin’s Blog Eight part 2?
Day Fifty-Five of Indian Ocean Row
Blog post from Barry.
As we write this blog, we a nearing the “1000 miles left to row” mark, which is very exciting prospect. Coupled with a good overall seven day weather forecast, suddenly the idea that we can be in Mauritius within the next few weeks is very real!
The fact that we are on the home stretch, the crew have had time to reflect upon the journey so far. It has been an amazing experience. We have been through exceeding difficult times, particularly in the first half of the row – Sea anchors and feeling like we were going backwards. Injury, sickness and infection have caused pain and suffering. The fact that we have been in full wet weather gear for the majority of the row has made it challenging. However, we have had the privilege to see shooting stars, comets and unexplained flashes in the sky. High luminescence in the water, stunning sun sets and sun rises, towering waves, deepest blues and tranquil seas.
Barry Rowing
However, for me there were some moments that will be with me forever. The whale encounter. Eight whales took time out of their busy migration to check us out flying along side the boat. Their huge eyes watching us before circling and swimming under us. It was the most beautiful magical thing I’d ever seen.
The green flash. Growing up, my dad used to tell us on very rare occasions after a sunset, just as the sun dips below the blue horizon, a green flash can be seen. We used to sit and watch every sun set when we were by sea but I never saw one. On day 51, out here I had just finished my shift and was talking to Billy whilst I looked, the sun was huge and orange and was setting. And as I watched it dipped below the horizon – there it was, the green wispy flash. It made my year!
We’ve had some time to reflect on our own lives whilst we’re out here has been incredible rewarding. This has been a bigger challenge than any of us expected. It has pushed us to places we didn’t think we could go. But as a result, has broadened my mind and has caused me to inwardly reflect on how my life is back home. As a result I now have a notebook crammed full of ideas, drawings, events and a long list of things I want to achieve and try when I return.
I’m looking forward to getting home but this trip has been spectacular from start to finish. Giving us highs and lows, we really weren’t expecting.
-Barry
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