ROCKHAGGIS

Well its the back end of January 2010 and its been a while since my last post. Not that things haven't been moving along, they have, but I have been quite busy on other projects and the festive season, to find time to post. Definitely something I need to address. Must try and get daily entries done as a matter of routine. I have received much of the equipment I'll be needing, just a few things remain on my shopping list, namely the solar panel and bits to complete the wind turbine. The next big task is to organise and contact the base camps that I'll be using for R&R, to ensure location, facilities and availability. Lost the beginning of January to a heavy cold. Not bad for most peeps - but for me with my duff right ventricle - any restriction in air flow severely effects my O2 absorption. Not very nice feeling like fish out of water, gulping for something that aint there. So apart from a tiny tickly cough ... I back to this week. The last couple of days I've been on the rower and managed my minimum targets with minimal discomfort. So things are good . Swimming, Gym and Tai Chi today. PS - Need to try for a sponsor - Any ideas? I'm going to try and raise funds for the Paisley Have a Heart program, they were very good for me! So my targets for the next week or two are to, maintain the fitness program, order the remaining required equipment, seek a sponsor, confirm base camps and try and make a daily blog post. Easy. Upward and Onward!

 

OMG she's arrived!! No backing out now!!!

Not had time to take some nice shots but managed this, even though she takes up the whole length of the hall way. Definately going to need a new home asap! Will add more later.

Basic spec:Dagger 'Exodus'

	A fully kitted out ocean expedition boats ideal for anything from a half day on the local estuary to a multi day trip. The multi chined hull delivers speed and stability. A raised deck eliminates chop with a profile that deflects water. On the fore deck there are mounting points for a GPS immediately in front of the cockpit and a compass mounting point, plus deck lines and front storage hatch. On the rear of the Exodus you will find deck lines, a large rear hatch and a day hatch for easily accessible items.ooooo
Length Width Weight Capacity Cockpit Metric 5.13m 59cm 30kg <180kg 86x48cm Imperial 16’11” 23” 66lbs <397lbs 2’10”x1’7”

Just a wee note:

Managed 1220 yesterday and 1250 today .... on the rower that is! No pain no stress. Good workout and I do enjoy them once I get going. I guess thats the same for most people. Need ... NO!!!! .... Must keep it up... no slacking no excuses... If Im going to make the start line I need that high degree of confidence in my fitness and health.!

"UBUNTU" :)

Have to keep it up anyway, my number one daughter, Tamara, gave me a roasting the other night... ouch! She'll be watching !!!

 

Well several things have happened to give me a wake up call as to the enormity of the challenge ahead!

I managed the other day to catch one of the few remaining sunny days of the season to cut the grass. It had grown a little shabby and unkept. I borrowed the neighbours petrol mower, much more powerful thing than my whining electric job. Just as well I did! It was tough going, even with its powered drive, each single pass nearly filling the clippings basket full. I managed the front and rear lawns in one session but my back was killing me......, being overweight just puts too much pressure on the suspect areas in my lower back. That was wake up call one! Must get serious about getting under the 200 lbs mark for the trip, more even better.

Read more

Well only to be expected! A couple of minor setbacks.

I have this cheap but handy little tripod, that's ideal for the trip. Never used it as the little square foot that screws to the base of the camera and locks into the pan housing on the tripod is missing. I spent months searching for the correct part, but in then end ordered on the basis of best guesstimation !! The item arrived today!! Not even in the same ball park. Will have a word with supplier as it doesn't even to look like the part I ordered!

Read more