It is clear that William Shakespeare was an Englishman if only because of his song, ‘When That I Was And a Little Tiny Boy’ from ‘Twelfth Night’, the refrain of which is: ‘For the rain it raineth every day’. He knew our weather.
Becky and Ian returned home this afternoon, managing safely to negotiate the still disrupted A27.
Afterwards I scanned more slides from Barbados, March 2004.
Sam successfully brings his boat into dock.
He sits aboard for a while, preparing himself for his first touch of land for two months.
Then comes the official welcome of Ken Crutchlow, Secretary of the Ocean Rowing Society, filmed by Dixie,
Before doing anything else Sam was required to report to border control. This involved walking along a narrow quayside to present his passport to a man in a little office. As he was rather wobbly, he needed my assistance to reach this point. It was, of course, a great privilege to be selected to provide such support.
After this we lined up for group photographs. Here Jessica, Louisa, and I join Sam and Ken.
Before repairing to the bar, Sam caught up with me, his mother and his sister.
Here he is in the beach bar.
Each evening for the rest of our stay, we began with potent rum punches in the main dining area upstairs. After a few of these, Ken would always cry: ‘Samson Knight. Who named that boy?’
This evening there was plenty of last night’s Spice of India takeaway left over to feed Jackie and me. I finished the cabernet sauvignon, and Jackie abstained.
I am trying to imagine what it must’ve been like to try to walk on dry land after such an experience…..a most interesting post, Derrick.
That was exactly my thought also Cynthia – I am quite sure I should not be able to stand steady for quite some time!
Thank you, Cynthia
A wonderful accomplishment thanks, Derrick – both the deed and the recording of it… Now all I need is a boat.
Thanks, Bruce. That one cost £6,000 to hire
Samson hey? I guess I assumed it was Samuel………. so much for assumptions!! Still, the name kind of fits the young man 🙂 This was quite an achievement young Sam undertook. I can only imagine how proud and relieved you must have been.
Many thanks, Pauline. I tried to get the luggage manufacturers Samsonite to sponsor him. Since he won the race, they missed a trick
Sam is unbelievably handsome.
Thank you, on his behalf, Mary
What a great achievement! Thanks for sharing your documentation of it
Thank you, Matt
This was a great story, well illustrated and told. I really enjoyed it. Kind of like a serial in an old newspaper…
Thank you, Lisa. Even I was surprised at how many photos I had taken
Terrific photos of some of the landing experiences with your family–thanks for opening up more of your photo stories.
Thank you, Cynthia
Your fantastic post made me holiday-nostalgic 🙂 Speaking about the weather – the meaning of the word ‘water’ is so different whether we speak of the rain or of the boating…
My thought too Cynthia – walking on land, must of taken a bit. He looked to be in great shape, healthy and very happy to have made his goal and see those he loves. So glad you shared this Derrick.
Thank you, Mary
A wonderful story to share, Derrick! Great photo of you and the group. Sam looked great! 🙂
Many thanks, Amy
Lol@ He knew our weather. XD The Dutch also complain about the weather…
Well done Sam!
Thank you Timi
What an adventure!
It certainly was, Ashley. Thanks
During our visit to London in early June, the rain was kind to us:) I love reading your blogs because they bring alive all those every day happenings, Thanks.
Thank you, Mukhamani. June was good this year