Almost out of London

So, to continue.  Life at St. Kat’s docks was always fun and one never knew what would come next!  Whether it was work on the boat, standing at the gate waiting to be let in or out as we only had a couple of fobs to use to get in and out, or waiting in the long line for showers/toilets.  You thought I just liked getting up early?  Actually discovered a great reason to get going early! Early riser got the showers without waiting!

Spent some time with friend/crew mate Judith from London.

Had to get a picture of this. On the way to Judith's and she was beginning to think that there are no rainbows in Texas since I took a picture.

Had to get a picture of this. On the way to Judith’s and she was beginning to think that there are no rainbows in Texas since I stopped in middle of street and took a picture.

Not sure why but I was fascinated by this rainbow!

Not sure why but I was fascinated by this rainbow!

As payback we ate at a favorite place of hers.  Actually I think she was trying to impress me about the history of pubs in England!

Do we have anything in the states that can beat that date??

Do we have anything in the states that can beat that date??

The extra bags at her feet are my London leavings so I could pass weight on bag to go (25 Kilos).

Now an interesting video to watch.  Moving the boats in St. Kat’s Dock.  This happened daily with some boat or other.  This is one of about 4 moves that we had to make. I am afraid that I need to contact Doug to see how to get this one on.  It maybe too much for the program to handle.

For now, see how close they are, the little rib in the back nosing it around and in general a close picture.

For now, see how close they are, the little rib in the back right nosing it around and in general a possible close encounter.

So til then, Some of the fun things we got to do while waiting to start the race.

Alex and Doug in grinding contest

Alex and Doug in grinding contest

Linda taping all split pins in the shrouds inner part to avoid catching on sail damage

Linda taping all split pins in the shrouds inner part to avoid catching on sail damage

had a little help from my friends! working on reefing lines! THANKS!

had a little help from my friends! working on reefing lines! THANKS!

For all my percussion friends, do you think this is what xylophones were made of at one time? Or the owner played one?

really looks indestructible!

really looks indestructible!

hmmmm?

hmmmm?

And Crew party last night in London!

crew mates Judith, Regina, Nigel

crew mates Jen, Judith, Regina, Nigel

And would you believe,  there is an Aggie Round the Worlder sailing on UNICEF.  Meet Drake!

Meet my Aggie Friend DRAKE! Class of 14! and like a true Aggie, he proposed to hhis girlfriend prior to leaving on this trip and plans for wedding are.... next fall on hopefully an open weekend for football!

Meet my Aggie Friend DRAKE! Class of ’14! and like a true Aggie, he proposed to his girlfriend prior to leaving on this trip and plans for wedding are…. next fall on hopefully an open weekend for football!

Great guy from Houston and Is now growing a beard and looking real authentic!

So you will be anxious for next update…the ceremony out of London, check this out you band friends and especially percussionists!

Check out the other masts!

Check out the other masts!

Back tomorrow!

Okay world, I am back! And in Rio!

First, a big thanks to Doug Kern for keeping everyone informed of what was happening during the race!!

Now, let’s see if I can finish up London pretty quickly.

And add some exciting stories about the trip!

So, I really had a great time being able to visit with Anais and Christina.  The last Sunday I was there, Anais and husband Alistair and I went to the National Gallery to see an exhibit called Sound scales.  It was really neat as it put together musicians making music as they saw a painting.  Provided me a whole new perspective about viewing art.

After that, Anais and I went back to the docks and she viewed the Queen’s yacht.

Pretty interesting boat. Oars and all.

Pretty interesting boat. Oars and all.

Next, Anais got to do a bit of work for me.  Between she and Doug, I finished up one project which is still looking good!

Learning a bit of splicing for end of Halyards (lines that hoist up the sails).

Learning a bit of splicing for end of Halyards (lines that hoist up the sails).

Crew mate Doug and Anais made my work disappear!

Crew mate Doug and Anais made my work disappear!

Getting to spend time with Christina and Anais was a definite highlight of the trip.  Catching up on what they were now doing was great fun!

FUN

FUN

Later some of the crew mates shared dinner in a pretty good Pizza place right by the boat.  I did not break their hearts by telling them I had already had pizza with Anais and Alistair.

Ryan, Jamieson (NBC reporter doing the story on us), Skipper Diane, Chris, Elaine and a few more not seen!

Doug, Ryan, Jamieson (NBC reporter doing the story on us), Skipper Diane, Chris, Elaine and a few more not seen!

I know that many of you refuse to believe that I really worked on the blog while at St, Kat’s.  Well, here is proof!

6am in the morning at Starbucks.

Outside of Starbucks after close with Hal and Doug!

Outside of Starbucks after close with Hal and Doug!

A bit for NBC and a little TEAM building:

Having fun with my famous upper body training. (Hint: never tell anyone what off the wall thing that you might be doing.)

Having fun with my famous upper body training. (Hint: never tell anyone what off the wall thing that you might be doing.)

Han , my South Korean crew mate in actions!  He is very strong!!!

Closing for this portion so I don’t hit the wrong button and lose it!!  More after supper!

Day 27: Nearing Rio

Linda’s ClipperTelemed team is tacking down the east coast of Brazil, neck-and-neck with Visit Seattle, 547 miles from the leg one finish line in Rio. The team is on track to finish on Wed Sep 30 given current pace. Continue reading

Day 9: Through the Canaries

It’s Day 9 on the way from London to Rio, with the fleet hugging the African coast for better breeze and current, passing through the Canaries and into the Doldrums.  The teams found some great downwind breeze mid week, with gusts over 40 knots, sustained winds overnight of 30-35 knots and 20 knots boat speed surfing.  This was followed by some light air as teams split the route around the Canaries. The fleet should arrive in Rio in about three weeks, around September 30th.

Here are highlights so far. Follow Linda’s ClipperTelemed+ team on the live Race Viewer and check out the daily team diariesContinue reading

Bon Yoyage! Off to Rio.

[While Linda is off the grid, I’ll be making a few updates. — Doug]

The Clipper Race fleet officially began their 40K mile journey today, with the 12 teams headed to Rio. After the downwind start on the Thames east of London, the teams turned the corner and sailed southwest through the Channel in 12 knots of breeze and flat seas.  The 5,186 mile trip south through the Doldrums to Rio should take around 30 days, putting the fleet into port around September 30. Track the race on the Race Viewer.

And yes, in addition to being an inspiring person, Linda is also a TV star – check out the feature on NBC, also shown on The Today Show (many thanks to NBC’s Jamieson Lesko – @JamiesonNBC).  Continue reading

Bad news

OK, computer issues and with one swift move, I just lost the post that I had done.  To explain all.  Charger on Surface with all pics no longer wants to work. Computer is being sent home to get fixed so will greet you in Rio with new adventures.  Until then have fun and remember to donate!!!

TEAMability in San Antonio is working to raise $10 per mile to beat us to RIO.  That means they need your support and help to raise $59,980 to beat us there.  Soooo, go to the donate page and help them out!!!!  Make a difference in a severely disabled child now! Continue reading

London I am here!

Well now that you have followed the journey here I will tell you what I have been up to.  Since I have been to London several times I have not been to some of the usual local sites to check out.  Being here at St. Katherine’s Docks has been great as we are right by the Tower of London and the Tower bridge.

Here we are at sundial right by docks 1st night. Tower Bridge in background and Jen up front.

Here we are at sundial right by docks 1st night. Tower Bridge in background and Jen up front.

One day I will learn to take selfies.  Just give me time to come into the present generation. Continue reading

Pics you might enjoy from trip up to London

This is a bit more of my adventure on the upper part of the boat.

Just hanging on and taping where chaffe line should go.

Just hanging on and taping where chafe line (a covering so that the line will not wear through) should go.

Doing a bit of holding on

Doing a bit of holding on and down to next possible chafe point

Continue reading

Let’s Have a Parade to London

Still trying to catch up with myself.  Glad there is a Starbucks right by the boat though I wish they did not close at 8pm.

OK this is weird posting, but have a brother and sister living in Seguin! Hi Riley and Sandy

OK this is weird posting, but have a brother and sister living in Seguin! Hi Riley and Sandy and family

Trip to London with the boats was much fun.

Helping each other get lifejackets ready. Amazing we do not even move boat at doc Amazing, we do not even move the boats from one dock to next without our lifejackets.

Helping each other get lifejackets ready. Amazing we do not even move boat from one dock to next without our lifejackets.

It started with a practice on how we will be doing the parade out of St. Katherine’s Docks in London on the 30th.  Incidentally there maybe coverage on early morning NBC show this coming Sunday of the beginning of the race start. Continue reading