THE LATEST FROM THE DONKEY
Ok people, it’s time again for some messages of support for Axe and Charlie. As they approach the Timor Sea, the elements have turned against them… Read below for details… Every message counts- let’s be the wind that pushes them home!
UPDATE FROM AXE ON SIMPSON’S DONKEY:
“It’s too hot and we are too tired to write much I’m afraid. We are suffering brutal endless day after day of sun and heat onboard, its 35 degrees by 0800 hrs in the shade and we have to try and row through this all day until reprieve at 1730 hrs. Our earlier excellent progress is now stalled and we have hit adverse winds and currents. The monsoon winds from the west we so desperately need are not here – instead the wind is blowing from the south east and we are now stuck on para anchor without the ability to move forward. For the first time in 12 days and nights we have stopped rowing and having an enforced rest. It looks very tough from this point to make it to Darwin due to currents. We are not sure if it will even be possible and our spirits are not high at this time. It does not help that the current information for this remote region is so inaccurate for our planning. We hope to make progress again when the winds either stop or turn to the west. We have food for another 15 days maximum onboard. Our skins are taking a hammering, with lots of rashes and sores in our armpits and groins. Yesterday we rowed in 2-up shifts for 24 hours to try to make progress until at 0600 this morning even with 2 of us rowing we were going backwards, we had 2 hours sleep each in the last 24 hours. We are hot and exhausted and currently wondering if this wlll ever end. The area we are in is very remote – no people, we cannot see land except or a tiny volcanic outcrop, and we really feel alone here. We can only pray conditions change and allow us to continue and at least get entry to the Timor Sea.“
Photo taken with NIKON Keymission 360 degree camera
Posted on February 24, 2017, in Rowing Home. Bookmark the permalink. 20 Comments.
Grant Axe Rawlinson 
Thinking of you amazing guys; brave, courageous, intrepid, mad but awesomely awesome. Few would even dream of undertaking what you are doing. This latest report is extremely vivid and real, painting a picture of pain and isolation. But you are not alone, many are firmly behind you, and my C2 which I see every week in the gym, is certainly urging you on too. You’ll do it chaps, you’ll do it. Thinking of you, Tim Lambert
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Keep up the hard work guys. Just checked on WindyTV.com and it looks like the winds are due to change in your favour late Saturday afternoon, which is about 24 hours away. Rest up a little and then get back into the rowing when the winds change tomorrow. Keep strong guys!
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Two mad gits are rowing from SG to NZ and try a spot of fishing along the way. The first geeza reels in his line and sees that he’s snagged an old bottle. As he’s taking it off the hook, a genie pops out and promises to grant him one wish. “Turn the sea into beer,” he says. The genie goes, “Poof!” and the sea turns into beer. He says to his mate, “So what do you think of that?” The other guy says, “You muppet. Now we’ve got to piss in the boat.”.
oh go on then ..tell us another one then …….
A geeza walks into the local welfare office, marches straight up to the counter and says, “Hi… You know, I just HATE drawing welfare. I’d really rather have a job.”
The social worker behind the counter says, “Your timing is excellent. We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful nymphomaniac daughter.
You’ll have to drive around in his Mercedes, but he’ll supply all of your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You’ll be expected to escort her on her overseas holiday trips. You will have to satisfy her sexual urges. You’ll be provided a two-bedroom apartment above the garage. The starting salary is $200,000 a year.”
The guy, wide-eyed, says, “You’re bullshitting’ me!”
The social worker says, “Yeah, well… you started it.”
So keep Slapping the Donkey’s arse all the way to Darwin
Tim, Scho and Heather
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Thinking of you guys during this challenging period. Keep rowing you bastards (eps when it’s dark and cooler)!
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Keep going fellas! things will turn for you soon!
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Hang in there Grunted. Just another one of those subtle challenges for you and Charlie to overcome. The good lord/ mother nature is testing your resilience but they know that you guys a strong and will push hard to overcome the challenge. Its time to sit tight, rest as best possible and let the current dilemma pass before you get back up to speed and back on track. I look forward to hearing a more positive report when you next check in.
Go well!!!
Cheers,
Rob
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Keep at ’em fellers and keep those spirits high. Looking forward to hearing positive news soon….
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Keep at it. You can do it. The winds will surely turn and you will be whizzing along again. So inspired by your journey. Blow wind blow.
Big hugs from the Shorties xxx
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Hang in there guys, the wind will change – it always does…
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A message of support for Axe and Charlie from Holland,you are both Awesome, what a fabulous team. Thinking of you Jannie Doorn.
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I am totally aware of where you guys are at. No matter the goal, you are both so in need of a right blowing wind two bring the Donkey across to safe harbour. My deepest concern is for your safety and welfare.No matter the goal – the effort supersedes it. What you guys are doing is awesome dudes; adventurous, brave, gripping, scary and wonderful. I so wish I could help you to row so imagine I’m pulling with you both and I will too. As Nicola says,” keep at it, you can do it – blow wind blow – and slap that Donkey’s ass!
Begin forwarded message:
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Hi Guys sorry the winds are not being kind at the moment. I know from a little experience that you don’t have to go far when land disappears to feel really alone but come on Axe we have been up Everest together so I know you and Charlie can do it. I’m sorry but I’m no good at telling funny tales to raise a smile so think of the kids that should do it. Cheers Kate
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Tim’s jokes should do the trick! Bet you’re smiling after those ones. I can’t even imagine what you must be going through. We’re just willing that wind to change and that you get the lucky break you need. In the meantime, hang in there. As the saying goes ‘this too will pass’ and you’ll on your way again.
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All positive thoughts going out to the donkey at what sounds like an incredibly difficult time. Am in awe of what they are doing. Come on axe! You can do it!!!!!
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Sounds tough, but you boys are tougher!
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Keep your heads up guys, you now have beautiful island scenery and a rest in Dili ahead. You are now closer to Darwin than ever!!!
We will sacrifice one of the holy cows to appease the wind gods.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Darwin.
Best wishes punchie and lib.
Sent from my iPhone
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The tides will turn – dear old mother nature will allow you to continue your epic journey!! Sending lots of current turning vibes!! M x
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Gents, sending you all the best thoughts of support. You can make it work and if anyone can you both are the ones. We all read your news in awe of your tenacity, resiliance, determination and sheer guts. Keep going men knowing we are all willing you on and praying for mother nature to stop playing jokes and join the success! Cheers, Glassy!
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You will persevere!! You can do this!!!
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Its tough, very tough and I wish you luck with the currents and wind! What you’ve done so far is awesome! You have already proved yourselfs, you are already winners no matter if allmighty Nature lets you reach your final destination.
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