30th June- Day 4
- dawnysmiff
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
It was still what I call a pea souper yesterday. The thick fog stayed with us all day until about 1pm, when it finally lifted… only to reveal cloud. I’ve no idea where the expression pea souper actually comes from, but I’ve always used it to describe fog so thick you can barely see a thing.
There’s still no wind, so it continues to be a real slog. Progress is slow, but mentally and physically I feel great. The biggest challenge at the moment is the cold. It’s not just being cold – it’s how long it takes to get all the layers on and off every time you change shifts. Here’s hoping the UK heatwave makes a return before we get there so we can finally ditch a few layers!
Around 120 miles ago, we picked up a piece of seaweed wrapped around one of the oars. Naturally, it has now been named Wally the Weed. Wally has become an unexpected member of the crew, faithfully clinging on through every stroke. Let’s see how long he manages to stay with us!
Throughout the afternoon we watched whales on the horizon, their blows and tail flukes constantly catching our attention. Then, as evening fell, a pod came much closer. This time they were close enough to capture on camera.
It’s difficult to describe the feeling of having something so enormous and powerful glide silently alongside such a tiny rowing boat. You hear the explosive whoosh of its spout before you fully take in just how close it is. It’s humbling, exciting and just a little intimidating all at the same time. Moments like that remind you that we’re visitors in their world.
As darkness fell, the full moon lit up the night sky, making it surprisingly bright. The night remained calm, meaning another tough session on the oars, but the moonlight somehow made it all feel a little easier.
As the sun rose, we were treated to yet another whale encounter right beside the boat. It’s becoming almost routine now—although I hope it never feels ordinary.
We’re rowing into another bright, sunny day. It’s still cold, there’s still no wind, and there’s still plenty of hard work ahead. But spirits are high, the wildlife continues to amaze us, and every stroke brings us one little bit closer to home.
Thanks, as always, for following our journey. Every message, comment, share and donation means the world to us and really does help keep us going on the tougher days.
Until tomorrow,
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Dawn
“Together Paul and I are rowing home — the long way round.”
Hometown Row
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