Yesterday we managed to battle headwind for 9 hours today we lasted only 7 and did incredible progress of 25 km. We had all sorts of weather only headwind is not getting any weaker. Unfortunately reception is not good enough to upload short movie. Headwind’s forecasts for tomorrow, too. We will attempt to make the same distance as guys in London at Kayakathon.
Author Archives: Michal
Brighton
Yesterday we had a long day. We could not see any place to camp once we reached Eastbourne and so we decided to make the most of the last hour of ebbing tide and to go around Beachy Head. Once we made this decision we knew the next suitable place to stop before Seaford would be Cuckmere Haven. We arrived there and landed there at dark. The night and today’s paddle were fairly uneventful. We didn’t have to rush in the morning and cooked last nights super for breakfast. Then continued to Brighton, we had to be there by 5.30pm since we are staying with Howard and Gill. Today is a shower day. Tomorrow we will sort out our wheel and finally do some proper expedition shopping.
First day
We are at Gravesend in a family restaurant called GrabGrub. That’s what we’re doing. No cooking, no camping, we are staying at Gravesend Sailing Club, very nice people. Thank you who all who saw us off this morning and to those who paddled with us. So far great.
ready for the party?
READY? WELL, IT’S BEEN HECTIC
Now we have only three days left so everyone is asking if we are ready.
I have to say, it would be great to have one more week but all major things are under control. Thanks to Natalie’s hard work our flat is nearly empty and clean as a baby. Our boats have new Kevlar keelstrips fitted and are waiting to be loaded.
Of course there have been some glitches. Thanks to DHL our new paddles travelled twice between Czech Republic and London. However, we have them now, and I have to admit I’ve been very impressed when I tried them last Tuesday for the first time.
Getting a tent was even more stressful, again it needed two attempts to have the correct one and what more, we had to do some DIY extention of one of the poles. It had two short ones and one long instead of two long ones and one short. It is sorted, now.
We also have new Spot connect and are learning how to use it. So soon there should be new link in the menu to our position.
Now to the important stuff.
We have a leaving party on Saturday evening starting at 6pm. Also some people expressed their interest to join us on the water on Sunday. We are glad people want to show us their support. Only we would like to remind everybody that we are leaving at 10am sharp and it is fundraising event. So if you want to show your support don’t forget do bring loads of cash with you.
Something about Joshua
Joshua just finished his two week session at Bobath centre.
Here is short short summary from Tara.
2 Week Block is Complete!
I think we are all pleased that the block of treatment is finished. No more back and forth to Finchley, no more organising who is picking kids up, no more exhaustion for Josh. But, now the work starts. They have given us the tools now we must use them.
Some of the things we worked on
Dressing and Undressing
By doing this in a seated position it will encourage Joshua to be more aware of his body and help to straighten his arms.
Supported Sitting
New techniques to help with sitting positions, this will help his head and trunk control. The first picture shows Joshua sitting with a leg bent, this helps him to reduce the tightness in his arms and legs.
Drinking from an open cup
We were shown how to give Josh additional support around his jaw to help him bring his lips together.
Communication and Play
We were shown different ways of using Joshua’s step by step switch for play. We are encouraging more sounds, like m, b, and p and we are already being rewarded with more consistent responses.
We also looked at seating, standing and reclining.
The two weeks were incredibly hard work for Josh. By part way through week 2 he was exhausted. He did persevere and did so well, he continued to keep becoming active in the play sessions. He has been using muscles that he hasn’t before, he is fighting against gravity and still he has a smile. We are so proud of him.
Help us to give him another session through our donate page.
Moving, phase one
Plan was simple, we had a whole week to go through our flat and pack things we or the new tenant won’t need while we are away. But as always, we were too busy with work, so most things had to be done on Saturday. Another early morning start. The move itself was easier that expected with help from Alastair and Karel. Thank you.
Now half of our stuff occupies Eamonn’s spare bathroom. We were quite surprised with the variety of things we found in our flat, alongside ordinary objects like clothing and framed pictures, we moved 2 pairs of skies, 2 bouldering mats, 360 meters of climbing ropes, 28 shot glasses, and Natalie’s Grandmother’s tea set.
Move Phase Two is scheduled for the last Thursday in March, two days before we go. Thank you, Eamonn.
FOUR WEEKS LEFT
and another article is out. This Sunday it is going to be four weeks before we are gone. All these articles and promotion are not to make ourselves to feel good but to increase awareness about our trip. In the end, it’s a fundraising event as well as overcoming personal challenges.
So, please, help, go to the donate page and don’t worry, it only takes what you are willing to give. Think about the effort we already invested in it since October and if you are our fan, show us.
Ok, we are not sailing, but try to explain that to journalists. At least we managed to establish the canoeing versus kayaking business.
BABIES ARE HOME
It is a long story involving lots of driving up and down the country. Natalie is going to write it all latter.
The main thing is, we just arrived back home with two shinny boats thanks to Aled, Dave and Alice, all from Tiderace. Now, we only have to choose their names.
home-LESS-home
Today, just before we had supper we reached another milestone.
From the first day we have started to plan our trip there was one big worry. We knew that we cannot afford to pay the rent while not working and sleeping rough along British coast but we also love our flat. So we always wanted to have it back.
Rob from Olympic Committee signed contract and made us homeless from 1st April for five months.
And so tent it is with all possessions in the boats.
Postcards ready, Posters to go
Just over a month to go and we are still busy to raise profile of our trip. With great help from Tara we received first bunch of our postcards.
We are just about to finish posters. Both should be freely available in any good kayaking centers or shops.
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