Sorry this did not go out last night. However, I assure you we have been busy. Our crew has chosen to spend this morning on Bowen Island in Snug Cove, getting up to speed with our brains before we get up to speed with our rowing. Unlike the 2006 team that all lived together and was able to learn a lot of the same things at the same time this rendition of OAR Northwest is scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest. This means each of us have been pursuing different aspects of this trip and creating different strengths as we came to the launch. So now we are teaching each other and coming up with a comprehensive schedule to balance all the rowing, eating, data collection, video and communication. Our boat is too small and each of us spend too much time being the locomotion of the craft to for anyone to be saddled with the responsibility of making sure everything is working – this is a team effort in everything we do. So, as I gazed at the bridge I realized that we could pull into one of the many quiet coves and make sure everyone felt comfortable with all the amazing doodads and widgets that make this much more than just a rowing boat. Feeling rested at the start of our journey is important, too, as a full eight hours will make us sea-ready after months of sleep deficit and no days off.
As we said goodbye to all the folks who came out to see us on our way out past the Lions Gate Bridge I was thrilled to be finally on our way. And yet, all was not quite right with me. Over the last few months far more than the four of us currently on the boat have been working for the success of this project. In addition to the gratefulness and thanks we feel for being put in this position it comes with responsibility. This boat is amazing. At this point our vessel is way more than a rowboat. It collects data, it films and it communicates lots of information at a distance. Problem is all of us can’t quite use it all yet, and as of yesterday were just too drained from the fatigue of preparation to be in a healthy position to tackle this brainwork en route. I’m well aware that being tired is part of the game and the challenge out here. And yet starting at such a deficit did not feel like the best way to plan for success. But I have faith that we are all eager to learn and team minded and it won’t take too much time.
Until next time,
Jordan