Sunday, March 29, 2009

Day 88: They've got him!

Joy again, not much time to write, as Paul is ONE HOUR from the harbor. After 3 days of constant change in his situation and the water conditions, Paul made a difficult decision last night to accept a tow into English Harbour. He's done what he set out to do, has crossed the ocean and past several points of land that theoretically could have been his destination, and is ready to come home.

This morning at 6:30 my parents, Bill and Karen Tomic (KRock and Wild Bill of blog fame), Chris McNickle of the Row for Hope board, and Kyle and Barb from our boat-builders, Aquidneck Custom, chartered a catamaran to go out and bring Paul in. As I write this, they're all feeling quite seasick, but they have Paul, who is still in his boat, and getting ready to be cut loose at the mouth of the harbour. From there he'll row the last leg into the dock, and we'll all dissolve into puddles of tears. At least that's the plan.

Will try to update again soon, and will post pictures of Paul on land!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to hear that he is on land with his fantastic welcoming committee and to see pics!! Congrats again Paul!!!

Jodi Malinovsky

Leslie said...

Congratulations to Paul and the whole team of supporters! Fantastic determination and mindset from Paul.

Welcome back to land!

Robert P said...

wow!, keeping track in CT...

Daniel Capi Serenelli said...

Felicitaciones Amigo!!!!!!
Daniel Serenelli - from Argentina

Anonymous said...

With Gods hand on your right shoulder and your mom on your left,there is no way you could have failed. It has been our sincere pleasure to follow your entire journey,the good times and bad.

Fred Jones
upstate NY

Jody said...

How exciting! Any chance a news channel is filming him as he rows in? What channels can we catch it on here in the states? Congratulations to Paul and all the Row for Hope crowd. What an accomplishment!

Aunt Jane said...

Fantastic news! We'll stay glued to the computer for updates. Many, many prayers of thanksgiving for bringing our boy home. It took me 4 kleenex just to get through church this morning. Amber and Austin send their best wishes. The Press has a great article on the front page this morning.

Love to all, Aunt Jane

Anonymous said...

Great job Paul! You are a great person for doing this. I am 7yrs old and hope to be famous one day for doing something so awsome.

Jonathan Afify
Upstate New York

Anonymous said...

Paul,
Congratulations. You've done an amazing thing. Very well done and all the praise you'll receive is very well-deserved. Fantastic job.
Gary and Adrienne Ricciardi

Anonymous said...

Paul, you're awesome! There was never a doubt in my mind that you would make it!! Last check you were 5 miles out so I'm sure you'll be on land when you read this.

You're a real inspiration to many people and a hero to lots of children (and some adults as well, me included).

Enjoy your first night on land with 'real' food, good drink, great company, a long hot shower and a wonderful bed! I look forward to your first posting from land!

Many, many congratulations!

A Friend of K-Rock

Unknown said...

I'm so excited for all of you! Welcome back!

PTR said...

Paul, you really did it. Amazing. Thank you for sharing this journey.
- P

Anonymous said...

Paul: Congratulations! What an awesome accomplishment! Will only be happier to hear that you are safe on land. In the meantime, just know that we are all so proud of you!

elaine from CTK Vestal

Anonymous said...

I can hardly wait to see your "making it to land photos". I will be anxiously waiting. Once again.....WELL DONE!!!

Lori H. and family
Endicott

Robert P said...

according to the gps tracker Paul has made landfall! Congrats Man!

Ms. Elizabeth Cleary said...

I'm crying already!

Unknown said...

Welcome Home!

Tom Watts said...

What a fantastic thing you have done Paul. I have like many others followed your journey each and every day. Job done ! Next month my brother Guy Watts is set to challenge the Indian ocean in a pairs boat. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Tom Watts

Anonymous said...

Huge congratulations Paul! I'm always in total awe of anyone who does this thing solo, I only just coped in a double!

Enjoy Antigua, enjoy food, enjoy clean water whenever you need it, and most of all enjoy having no salt with anything :@)

Take care of your calves, you haven't really supported your own weight for 3 months, they might suffer a bit

Cath