I've uploaded 60 of the best photos to Picasa because that is too many for this blog. Click on the title and it will take you there.
If anyone wants high quality versions or can't see them then send me or Steve an email.
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Adam's Bag?
Steve has a got an extra bag of clothes - he thinks it belongs to Adam but doesn't have his phone number ....
If anyone is missing a bag please contact Steve.
If anyone is missing a bag please contact Steve.
Home at Last
Yep, we made it! I say we because reaching Greenwich was a total team effort. So many people helped along the way and I don't want to single out anyone, you know who you are and each contribution was equally valuable. Help with organisation, support, publicity, cheering on, places to stay, meeting, greeting and so the list goes on. Without all of you, we would not have achieved it.
Despite some tough sections, I loved every minute. The Thames was a delight, with its changing character and rowing through London was very special. I spent the week with some amazing people and met some more along the way. I learned about a sphere of life in the services of which I knew little. I have also learned more about SSAFA and the valuable work it does.
Thank you to everyone who made last week very special and a success. Raising around £7000 was I think a great achievement, but just as important was giving publicity to SSAFA and educating people about who they are and what they do. I am happy to help again to keep that flag flying.
I was pleased with the plan, which went to schedule, even with the few unknowns that happened. Above all I was pleased with the little boat, Scullcat 'Dora'. She took what the Thames had to offer, even the sea-like conditions through London. I calculated I rowed about 50,000 strokes. This morning I feel surprisingly good apart from a bit of a stiff neck and of course the blisters.
So back to normal, until the next time!
Thank you all so much
Despite some tough sections, I loved every minute. The Thames was a delight, with its changing character and rowing through London was very special. I spent the week with some amazing people and met some more along the way. I learned about a sphere of life in the services of which I knew little. I have also learned more about SSAFA and the valuable work it does.
Thank you to everyone who made last week very special and a success. Raising around £7000 was I think a great achievement, but just as important was giving publicity to SSAFA and educating people about who they are and what they do. I am happy to help again to keep that flag flying.
I was pleased with the plan, which went to schedule, even with the few unknowns that happened. Above all I was pleased with the little boat, Scullcat 'Dora'. She took what the Thames had to offer, even the sea-like conditions through London. I calculated I rowed about 50,000 strokes. This morning I feel surprisingly good apart from a bit of a stiff neck and of course the blisters.
So back to normal, until the next time!
Thank you all so much
Saturday, 23 May 2009
HE MADE IT
At 4pm and exactly on schedule, Steve arrived on the Scullcat at the Globe rowing club in Greenwich.
150 miles, 45 locks, 5 days, 2 equipment failures, 10 blisters, sore arse, 2 kilos lighter, new friends, loads of money for SSAFA, 8 interviews, free accomodation, fabulous foood,......
He went so fast for the last few miles that not all of the welcoming committee were there to see him but there was a great celebration on the beach in front of the Royal Naval college.
Extra guests include Doug, Ellie and Katherine, Rob, Patrick, Rosie, Callum, Lily, Lindsey, Florence and Harry. And Ken from the Globe rowing club.
These were joined with the crew from the week including Sean, John, George, Andy, Adam, Vortex, Luke, Pip, Will, Tim, Tom and Nigel.
With glasses of bubbly and a speech from Steve the party broke up and people headed off home to a hot bath and comfortable bed - or may be that is just me.
I'm not able to put any photos up as I drive down the M4 so I will try and update with some photos tomorrow so please come back to have a look at the Blog over the next few days.
If you have any photos that you would like to add to the blog for everyone to see then please leave a comment with your email address by clicking on the "Comments" button. Or you can link to me on Facebook at "timnlinds".
Also just leave a comment anyway
Until tomorrow. bye
150 miles, 45 locks, 5 days, 2 equipment failures, 10 blisters, sore arse, 2 kilos lighter, new friends, loads of money for SSAFA, 8 interviews, free accomodation, fabulous foood,......
He went so fast for the last few miles that not all of the welcoming committee were there to see him but there was a great celebration on the beach in front of the Royal Naval college.
Extra guests include Doug, Ellie and Katherine, Rob, Patrick, Rosie, Callum, Lily, Lindsey, Florence and Harry. And Ken from the Globe rowing club.
These were joined with the crew from the week including Sean, John, George, Andy, Adam, Vortex, Luke, Pip, Will, Tim, Tom and Nigel.
With glasses of bubbly and a speech from Steve the party broke up and people headed off home to a hot bath and comfortable bed - or may be that is just me.
I'm not able to put any photos up as I drive down the M4 so I will try and update with some photos tomorrow so please come back to have a look at the Blog over the next few days.
If you have any photos that you would like to add to the blog for everyone to see then please leave a comment with your email address by clicking on the "Comments" button. Or you can link to me on Facebook at "timnlinds".
Also just leave a comment anyway
Until tomorrow. bye
Just after the last posting we got a call to say that Steve had broken a rigger (the bit of metal that holds the blade (or oar)) and that he needed to fix it.
For any other competitor that would have been the end of the challenge. But not Steve....
He rowed for another mile with a the rigger held together with string and then the minibus got to Teddington lock with the welding gear. With help from Pip, Steve dismantled the offending part and welded the rigger back together. Within 40 minutes he was back on the water with a boat that was stronger than before.
Now we are waiting for him at Putney Bridge by the Star and Garter, he has just left Hammersmith Bridge but is running well behind his schedule. I would estimate a 2-3knot tide against him so he will be making slow progress.
The sun is still out and it is a lovely day but I'm sure that Steve will be getting hot on the water.
More updates later.
For any other competitor that would have been the end of the challenge. But not Steve....
He rowed for another mile with a the rigger held together with string and then the minibus got to Teddington lock with the welding gear. With help from Pip, Steve dismantled the offending part and welded the rigger back together. Within 40 minutes he was back on the water with a boat that was stronger than before.
Now we are waiting for him at Putney Bridge by the Star and Garter, he has just left Hammersmith Bridge but is running well behind his schedule. I would estimate a 2-3knot tide against him so he will be making slow progress.
The sun is still out and it is a lovely day but I'm sure that Steve will be getting hot on the water.
More updates later.
THE LAST DAY
Early start this morning with alarms going off before 4am. Bacon sandwiches cups of tea and Steve left at around 5am from the Weybridge rowing club. Thank you to the club for letting us use the facilities.
Steve has passed through Sunbury Lock and Hampton Court this morning and is on his way to .qne Teddington lock.
The sun is out, the weather is fabulous. Not a breath of wind and the river is like glass - well a very browny sort of glass.
Steve has just been sighted coming under the bridge towards the double locks of Teddington.
oops turns out it was a swan of the feathered variety....
We wait.
Steve has passed through Sunbury Lock and Hampton Court this morning and is on his way to .qne Teddington lock.
The sun is out, the weather is fabulous. Not a breath of wind and the river is like glass - well a very browny sort of glass.
Steve has just been sighted coming under the bridge towards the double locks of Teddington.
oops turns out it was a swan of the feathered variety....
We wait.
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