Friday 15th January
- dawnysmiff
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
(Covering the last 24 hours)
🐋 An Unforgettable Encounter
Without question, the most exciting thing in the last 24 hours was a whale sighting — and not just a fleeting glimpse.
We believe it was a minke whale. We first noticed the outlines of several large shapes moving toward us from behind, occasionally breaking the surface. There was a moment of quiet anticipation as we tried to work out what we were seeing.
I grabbed the GoPro and started filming underwater. Then suddenly, one of the whales appeared right behind the boat, before swimming calmly alongside the starboard side, literally at the end of the oar.
As it drew level with us, it rolled onto its side, showing us its pale belly — almost as if it was waving, or turning to get a better look at us.
It was one of those moments that completely stops you in your tracks. There was no fear at all — just awe. Time seemed to slow down as we watched this enormous, powerful creature move so effortlessly through the water beside our tiny boat.
After it disappeared back into the blue, Paul and I just sat there for a moment in silence, grinning like kids. We talked about how lucky we were to witness something like that, and how encounters like this are the true reward for the hard days and long nights.
Moments like that stay with you forever.
🍍 Small Joys & Looking Ahead
It’s Pineapple Friday today, which always gives us something extra to smile about.
And it really doesn’t feel long now until Antigua. The forecast is looking pretty good to take us in, and the thought of land — and the end of Leg 1 — is starting to feel very real.
Onwards, with full hearts and tired arms.
Dawn
“Together Paul and I are rowing home — the long way round.”
Hometown Row
Leg 1 – La Gomera to Antigua
Leg 2 – Antigua to Florida
Leg 3 – Canada to the UK
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🌐 Or visit the website: www.rowaurora.co.uk
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