Thursday, April 2, 2009

Open Water

Another busy day, with TV interviews in the morning, then a luncheon with government officials, work on sorting out details for shipping the boat back home, and finally in the afternoon my first visit to one of Antigua's many beaches. My goal is to get Liv loaded into a container and ready to be shipped back to the States in time to get home for the weekend, but it'll take a lot of work to get everything sorted out in time. Otherwise I'll be here though early to mid next week -- not the worst thing in the world by any means, but I also haven't been home in almost four months, so I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.


Anyway, as promised, below are some pictures taken by my dad from the boat that carried me in for the last little bit on Sunday. Though almost everyone on the boat was turning green with seasickness (I know the feeling!), they got some pictures of what I looked like rowing on the open ocean. In case you're wondering, the sea state last Sunday was on the smaller side and I expect that I would have made slightly better than average progress that day -- my point being that it often got much worse than what you see!


Here goes:





11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Paul, it's Alexander. Wow, Wow, Wow!!! I can only say congratulations. Hope to see you in CT.

Aunt Jane said...

I'm so happy your landing went so well - much like you envisioned it! I just saw the photos of you on the water and, whoa, I got seasick just looking at them. We are all so proud of you!!!

Love, Aunt Jane

Anonymous said...

Paul, OMG these pics are insane! You are an Open Water Warrior!!! Hurry up and come home, Stamford is anxiously awaiting your arrival!!! -Liz Barron

KingOfPain said...

Paul, I so wish I would have known about this from the beginning. I just found out about this incredible journey yesterday. I guess I live under a rock.
Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS!
I had to pimp you a little bit on my own blog.
I just wanted to let you know that you inspire me.
When's the next trip?

Warmest regards,

Philip

Lian said...

Was browsing Twitter and I somehow landed here. You've got such an amazing story. May God be with you in this quest of yours for the benefit of many. :)

KR and #1WM - The Tomics, Binghamton said...

Hi All - Did I say I was done writing? Well, not exactly. Wild Bill & I were among the fortunate folks to make the trip to Antigua to see Paul arrive. What a fabulous experience! It was like being in the pit at the end of an Indy race - hugging, flash-bulbs, hugging,crying,champagne, hugging!Just amazing. And all the while thanking God and all of you wonderful supporters of Row for Hope for making it a safe and happy home-coming. The Row Team is more than aware that as much praying as rowing went into the success of the trip.Please stay with us - there's more work to do. Right up until we left for the airport, I was on the dock at English Harbor narrating the Row story and pitching the cause to curious folks who stopped to look at Liv resting comfortably in the water.We'll be trying to set up some Binghamton and state-side events in the near future - stay tuned for information! And Thank,you, thank you all again for your support and prayers.

Mrs. B. said...

Hooray! My students and I continued to follow your progress, and we are ecstatic that you made it back to dry land safely and are enjoying some well-deserved time with friends and family. As one of my eighth graders said, “He’s earned all the burgers he can eat!” We are awed by your accomplishment and inspired by your commitment to this wonderful cause. Thank you for being such an incredible role model. Congratulations, Paul!
Sincerely,
Mrs. B. and her eighth grade students

Anonymous said...

Hi Paul,

It was so great to see you on the dock! How did it feel to stand on land after 88 days? I remember how wobbly I was after a week cruise so I can't imagine what it must have been after the length of time you were at sea.

Hope this finds you on your way back to the States and 'home' in just a few days. How many welcome home parties have been planned so far?!

You are an amazing person and one who deserves lots of attention for your accomplishments as well as your reason for doing it. Here's hoping the donations really start rolling in soon and you will far surpass your original goal of $500,000!

You're incredible!!

A Friend of K-Rock

Anonymous said...

Paul,
We are extremely proud of you, what an amazing accomplishment. We have followed your mission since January. You make everyone at Colgate extremely proud. Hopefully we'll be fortunate to meet you and your family at our favorite Upper Saranac 'camp' again in the near future.

Our love,
Debbie and David Rhyde

24hourapartments said...

Paul Ridley, you've got guts, dude.

--Scott

www.24hourapartments.com

Anonymous said...

congrats paul






courtney