Thursday 8th January
- dawnysmiff
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
(Covering the last 24 hours)
Conditions remain tough. Waves are hitting from all angles — sometimes there’s lots of wind, sometimes driving rain, sometimes no wind at all. At times it’s unbearably hot, then suddenly overcast and grey.
I often describe ocean rowing as chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow — you never quite find the conditions exactly where they should be. Just as you think you’ve cracked it, the ocean changes the rules again.
💪 A Really Hard Day
I think this has been my toughest 24 hours so far.
Previously, even during the hard days, we had the promise of good conditions coming. Now, although the forecast suggests the rest of the crossing should be mostly following winds — which is great — the sea state itself could stay like this.
The physical toll is starting to show. I’ve hit my thumb on my metal buckle so many times I honestly don’t know how it isn’t broken. My legs are covered in bruises, where the oar handle smashes into them several times an hour when the boat lurches unexpectedly.
Paul has exactly the same battle scars. We genuinely look like we’ve been in a fight.
🐟 A Welcome Visitor
The highlight of yesterday was a huge marlin.
Its fin suddenly popped up out of the water behind the boat, and it stayed with us for about 15 minutes, pacing us effortlessly. We don’t think it was hunting — more likely just travelling along in our wake, matching the boat’s speed with ease.
Marlin are powerful, fast predators, capable of reaching speeds of over 60 mph in short bursts. They can grow to several metres long and use their distinctive spear-like bill to stun prey. Despite their size and reputation, this encounter felt nothing but exciting.
I grabbed the GoPro and managed to get some footage. We weren’t scared in the slightest — just thrilled to finally see some proper wildlife out here.
Moments like that remind you why you’re here.
Onwards.
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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