An Almost Disaster // Day 16
Shaun experienced the worst conditions yet over night. Extremely strong winds and massive swells continued to belt into him at so much force that at about 4am this morning one of the sea anchor bolts was sheared in half! When it was light enough Shaun braved the conditions to retrieve the sea anchor, hurting his back in the process. Once safely back on the boat the sea anchor ropes took over two hours to untangle and re-set up and then finally Shaun was able to pop a couple pain killers and lie down!
As you can see on the map, Shaun is still being taken west however the storm should start to abate tonight and next week is forecasted to bring favourable rowing conditions.
Even under immense duress this morning, Shaun was still able to share a funny story which shows he is still mentally on top of the game. After two days in the cabin it was time for a bowel movement….so Shaun ventured outside in the terrible conditions, set his bucket up and was half way through his business when a large swell hit the boat, unbalancing him and….well you can guess the rest!…..
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Hi dude, can i post articles to your website ? Let me know if you are interested
Hi Shaun, you are an inspiration, we know you will knock the bugger off! Hang in there through all the highs and lows you have to endure. At the end of it all you will be one of the special people this world needs more of. Our thoughts are riding with you everyday.
Just think of other inspiring stories mate… such as the time two likely devonport heroes delivered 12 boxes of freshly squeezed mountain dew from Devonport New World to 12 domain street. A harrowing tale as our vessel (a “borowed” shopping trolley) faced treacherous features such as New world trolley staff, curbs and ourselves… hah, hope that gives you a chuckle. Hang in there bro, wishing some favorable conditions for ya…
Wow Shaun – great going!!! Luvved the poo story!
Big Dog,
Hope your back is feeling a bit better. Weather has calmed down here, hopefully it’s heading your way. Remember safety first your not a cat, keep your eye on your equipment and stick to the rules. Things go pear shaped when we aren’t doing the basics right.
Keep safe.
Talk soon
G’day Shaun,
Following with interest.
Go for it!
Cheers,
Li
Quincey – you’re amazing! Fingers crossed for lots of fine weather and calmer seas in the days ahead. Thinking of you, Frenchie.
Hi Quincy,
We are following your progress in room 12, keep up the great work! It sounds like an amazing adventure!
Here are some comments from my students:
‘Hopefully the weather gets better’ from Hayley
‘Hope you are having a great time’ from Callum
‘Hopefully the boat is still in good shape’ from Kate
We follow your progress everyday! Keep up the stories, we like the bucket story!
Pike
Hey Shaun, here’s something, thanks to Woody Allen, to give you a laugh in the midst of your tough conditions. Seeing as you’re in the ‘floating around’ stage, wow! pleasurable times ahead!…
“MY NEXT LIFE
In my next life I want to live backwards.
You start out dead and get that out of the way.
Then you wake up in an old people’s home, feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day.
You work for 40 years until you’re young enough to enjoy your retirement.
You party, drink alcohol, and are generally promiscuous, then you are ready for high school.
You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play.
You have no responsibilities, you become a baby until you are born. And then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters every day and then, Voila!
You finish off as an orgasm!
I rest my case.”
You are inspiring. Kia kaha.
Thinking of you Quincey! I’m sure there are blue skies and fair seas ahead. Keep up the good work and enjoy the ride!
Shaun, from the physio!! Rest your back while you can, so that you are fit to row when the weather improves. Keep up the good work and hang in there.
a poocanno erupting in the cockpit can be very distressing, you may recall our chat about sea anchors v drogues outside Fosters. wait out this little storm your luck will change.
Hey Q, mate thinking of you, keep up the good work!
Sean,Thinking of you all the time.I,ll be at N.I champs this
week-end at Waihi and I’m sure there will be some collective
and strong thoughts with you from all your surf club mates
all over the N.I.I reflect on tours of Japan and Aus and how
much of a leader you were then and now you’re leading the way
again.Control the controllables and keep the mind focussed.
The goal in distance is well within your grasp and when the mind stays strong is even closer.Love your work brother,will talk
again soon.
Pratty
Hi Shaun
Hope the sea abates and you get going – Lord Howe is a really good place – guess you don’t want to stop there though!
Good luck, sorry to hear about the bad back, but try to keep strong in mind. We’re watching your kayak each day on the google map.
Barby and family
Hi Shaun
I quessed that these conditions would be a good opportunity for you to get some rest and recouperation….and to lick your wounds…if you can reach that far…….hope that the bolt that broke wasnt the towing eye….anyhoo….the weather is looking better in a day or 2…..as far as your bowel movements are concerned…..pooooooooooooooo……………
Hi Shaun. How come you are going westward? Last time I looked NZ was in the opposite direction. So you’ve decided to go the long way around? Good for you; I like to see a man take up a challenge. Hasn’t someone told you its a lot further! Judging by the wind and wave prognosis you should be able to take up the sticks again on Saturday and conditions will be perfect by Tuesday. Hang in there bro. You won’t believe this but I phoned my brother Ian in NZ yesterday and spoke to my niece, name of Caroline, and guess what? Not only am I, like you, an old Taka Grammar and Mairangi Bay boy, but I am also Caroline’s uncle. I even suspect I have actually met you at a certain residence in Sunrise Ave. And here I thought you were a total stranger, whose website I just happened upon by chance. Small world, eh!
I think “buggar” sums it up. But never never give up. Think of, beer, hot shower, food,
Keep it up Qunicey! If the sea conditions on the northern beaches are anything to go by – you must be copping some pretty bad swells/weather!
Keep rested mate and hit it hard when the weather clears.