Comments on: Day 96 – Announcement: Changing Course

By: Roz Savage arrives in Tarawa

Roz Savage arrives in Tarawa — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:19:52 +0000

[...] winds, Savage decided to change her target of Tuvalu and reset her sights on Tarawa. In her blog she writes: “It seems to be my karma in this lifetime to be faced from time to time with [...]

By: prin

prin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:54:08 +0000

I hope your heart is alright. *hugs* Good luck for the rest of the rowing.

By: Jim Bell

Jim Bell — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:22:53 +0000

44.5 miles in the last 24hrs must feel really good especially since its all in the direction of a fresh water shower and a cool drink Jim Bell Australia (8/29/09 12.03 PM Roz Tracker time)

By: Andy in Vermont

Andy in Vermont — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:08:26 +0000

Congrats on making the tough, right decision. In aviation, we talk about the phenomenon of get-there-itis which has led so many pilots astray from good, pragmatic decision-making. I commend you on both your determination to try for Tuvalu as long as you did, and on your strength to make the decision to pull for Tarawa. I hope you enjoy every day remaining, and know that you will be welcomed by those who love you on your arrival.

Cheers,
Andy

By: Sandy

Sandy — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:50:20 +0000

Hi Roz, I am in awe of your great adventure and purpose. Ok, I have an idea for how to solve future water maker issues. Might even do away with the need for the ones that keep breaking down on you. I am not an engineer, but I am sure there is someone reading you who is and can tell us if this is even possible. Why can’t your water maker pump be connected to either the rowing or seat slide mechanism (assuming that is what you have). As each row or slide occurs there is a pump action. That way you don’t have to row for hours and then pump for hours. Seems like it would work to me and would not add much more than tubing to your boat design. Just my idea, maybe even been suggested before, but I can see it working. Keep the faith!

By: UncaDoug

UncaDoug — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 06:25:27 +0000

Roz, glad to see you back at the oars … good progress today!
RozTracker shows you crossed 178 00 at 3:20 PM this afternoon.
Scattered westerly … 23 carrot$ + 7 bonu$ carrot$ = 30 carrot$

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:28:07 +0000

Roz,
I think you made a solid call. In my line of work there’s a phrase: “Leaning forward in the foxhole”. In short, it means making advance preparations to accomplish an implied or potential task. It’s a great thing – normally. But the hazard is that the preparations can get so extensive they COMMIT you to the task. So when the time for a go/no go decision must be made (if made at all) common sense is drowned out by the “need” to justify the time, effort, money, and resources involved. I’m happy to hear in your case the tail is not wagging the dog.

Cheers,
Eric

By: Nancy Wentworth

Nancy Wentworth — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:08:42 +0000

May your body, mind and spirit soar with exhiliation as you glide towards your destination in the living waters by the breath of the Great Divine!

“There is great love for you here”!

By: Tawita

Tawita — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:16:13 +0000

Mauri Roz, and greetings again from Tarawa. I can’t imagine how difficult the decision must have been for you, but if there is anything I can do to help you and your team ahead of your arrival, please let me know. We’ll look at putting the welcome mat out for you around the 9th.

By: Sindy Davis

Sindy Davis — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:10:37 +0000

Hey there! On the Roz Tracker, it looks like the ocean has been pushing you in that direction all along. And right now you look all set up for a straight beeline to Tarawa. Good move on your part and this is probably what the other rowers should’ve done to complete their journeys. Amazing how that works out. I would love to meet up in Tarawa, but I’m still planning for the Australia arrival. I might actually send my husband (mechanical engineer) to Tarawa next year to help you get launched. He can create anything, build anything from nothing you’d imagine, and figure out all sorts of resolutions to problems. Last week a friend’s truck was overheating and Dion fixed it with a mini-maglite. Maybe this is a common fix, but I would’ve never thought of it.

Be safe Roz, enjoy the solitude. Sing the Hawaii 5-0 theme as loud as you want. Probably not your favorite song, but you did great on that video.

-Sindy

By: Gary

Gary — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:09:59 +0000

Roz:

It was a tough, but right decision.

Looking forward to your first blog from dry land and behind a beer.

You are always in our thoughts.

Gary in Arizona.

By: Alejo from Colombia

Alejo from Colombia — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:12:24 +0000

The truth, I had hoped you had chosen Tarawa, but admired you when you decided Tuvalu. That decision was enough to prop Tuvalu into public conscience, whichh it needs very much! But now, Roz, you can play it more into the future. We need you traveling and speakin up for the environment. Row, Rosita, Row, all the way to Tarawa. We’ll keep rowing with you!
Besitos,
ALEJO, from Colombia

By: UncaDoug

UncaDoug — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:55:57 +0000

(12:49 AM HST) – Looks like Roz has started rowing again.
The past three hours she has averaged 2.4+ mph due west
after drifting westerly at 1.25 mph over night 12 hours.
YAYY ROZ … ROW FOR TAWARA.

By: The Hamm's

The Hamm's — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:48:47 +0000

Looking good Hun…been with you every step/pull of the way so far! Not long now till that cold beer…looking forward to sharing one with you sometime soon. Heaps of love from us all…keep safe X
p.s – think we’d need to work on those dance moves though!!?

By: DogsDontPurr

DogsDontPurr — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:45:41 +0000

Big cheers to your decision! I feel like you’ve actually got the best of both worlds going…having raised our awareness of *both* the islands…no matter which you land on. It has been an incredible journey. I cannot wait for you to get on land again, so we can know you are safe….and so we can celebrate vicariously with you! *Cheers!*

By: Richard in Austin

Richard in Austin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:41:39 +0000

Good girl. Now I can stop worrying about you, and go back to working on another poem or song or something, and you should ENJOY the next two weeks of solitude, getting yourself balanced and centered, in preparation for returning to the world of people and chaos. What you have accomplished in the last three months is spectacular! And you’ve set yourself up just perfectly for next year and Oz! In your honor, I’ll eat a Lemon (my favorite!) Larabar this afternoon.

By: Sajeev

Sajeev — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:41:41 +0000

Once I read your decision, it felt like a huge relief inside. I can’t count how many times I zoomed the RozTracker back and forth between your boat and Tuvalu, and just wondered how you could possibly achieve that, especially with a broken watermaker. I am so happy for you!

The wind which had been your adversary for the past few days suddenly becomes your friend!! No? Is this what we call paradigm shift? I think there is something for me to learn there.

Also a quote from Churchill: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

It was truly a courageous decision.

By the way, you will have to cross Equator back again. Why don’t you weave in and out a few times? Judging by what happened the last time, each time you cross that magic line (Equator), it is a moment of celebration for all the Rozlings!

By: Brian from Tuvalu Islands.com

Brian from Tuvalu Islands.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:57:27 +0000

While the people of Tuvalu may be disappointed that you are unable to come, they are certainly continuing to support your voyage, and hope you may some day visit. They understand what you are doing is for the whole planet, not just Tuvalu.

Tarawa in Kiribati was a logical choice due to the climatic conditions.

TuvaluIslands.com will continue to publicize your journey.

By: Steve in Cincinnati

Steve in Cincinnati — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:50:47 +0000

I read “The Alchemist” last night as a result of this blog. This passage struck me when I learned of your “new path”

“The closer he got to the realization of his dream, the more difficult things became. It seemed as if what the old king had called ‘beginner’s luck’ were no longer functioning. In his pursuit of the dream, he was being constantly subjected to tests of his perisistence and courage. So he could not be hasty nor impatient. If he pushed forward impulsively, he would fail to see the signs and omens left by God along his path.”

No choice you make would be wrong if you follow the signs. Your dream (as I understand it) is to cross the Pacific. The ocean has persistantly given you the signs.
That shower (you’ve probably been in enough water to actually want a bath)and cold beer await your arrival in Tawara.
Oh, and by the way. Will we get to know your (land)travel schedule, that we might try to get to meet you?

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:12:43 +0000

Perhaps there is a another cause the gods were pulling you towards. There are a lot of young girls on Tarawa who need the example of what a woman can do when she puts her mind to it.
There are a lot more people in the world who are ignorant to the degradation they are enduring to survive.

By: Greg Martin

Greg Martin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:46:09 +0000

Sorry you had to agonize so much, but the final decision was the only one you could have made.

By: Kevin Gamin

Kevin Gamin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:12:50 +0000

Roz,

Your decision shows your high level of pragmatism and intelligence, two traits which any true adventurer uses to the best of their abilities. After all, your true destination is at the end of Stage Three of your journey, so all you’re really doing is changing the starting point of that stage.

Besides, this just means you get to the cold beer sooner.

By: John Kay

John Kay — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:36:17 +0000

Dear Roz;
You have achieved your primary objective for the year: crossing the Equator. Reaching Tuvalu would have been the ‘icing on the cake’ but not essential. Of course it is a shame not to be able to do everything that you want but this isn’t be the first time you’ve had to change your plans and it certainly won’t be the last. Perhaps your expectations were influenced by your spectacular arrival at Oahu.

Any landfall by rowboat on a tiny island in the South Pacific will be an achievement, whether guided by electronics, Rick Shema, Ricardo, or dead-reckoning.

Take a few days to adjust and we look forward to your virtual return, mentally adjusted, refreshed, and somewhat more relaxed!
Love from us both;
John and Patricia

By: Paul Jacobs

Paul Jacobs — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:33:17 +0000

This is great news! Going to Tuvalu was a terrific idea, but there is just too much stacked against it at this point.

Terrific decision!

By: Mark A

Mark A — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:27:16 +0000

I did not think Tuvala was really attainable when you made the decision a few days ago. The currents had been pushing you west for a while so Tarawa seemed to me to be where you would end up going. You can see where the World War II battle was at Tarawa.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:23:26 +0000

I am so relieved. I’ve been watching the RozTracker and you’re traveling almost directly to Tarawa. Seems a much more logical destination than Tuvalu and I’m so glad you’ll be heading there with purpose.

Also want to let you know what an inspiration you’ve been to me. Lately, when I think of doing something and it occurs to me how difficult it might be, I think “Roz is ROWING across the Pacific. If she can do THAT, I can do THIS.” Enjoy your break and we’ll all be here when you get back.

By: Steve Moore

Steve Moore — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:51:44 +0000

Dear Roz
Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!
I had been wondering how to tell you to read your last few blogs, to listen to what the ‘Rozlings’ were saying, to listen to what nature was telling you so clearly, to stop being so STUBBORN!
But I don’t have to ‘cos you’ve done it all by yourself!!!
Go west, girl, and just glide into Tarawa.
And remember the Royal Navy saying: If it can’t be fixed with duct tape or WD40, it’s a female problem!!!
The Portsmouth News has finally done an article on your second stage – when you crossed the Equator. I’ve sent the paper to your dear mum, as promised.
Wishing you all the very best & God speed.
luv, Steve

By: Leonel

Leonel — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:48:38 +0000

Thanks for sharing your adventure.
I envy you very much and I admire your courage.
good luck!

By: John Bullard

John Bullard — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:42:22 +0000

The most important lesson I’ve learned from the ocean is humility. It doesn’t care how I feel about it. It doesn’t let me do what I want to do all the time. It just is. So you have adapted and that is a wise course, Roz. You inspire us all to push ourselves (sorry I forgot about the rowing – to pull ourselves!) And the waves teach us something as well. There are troughs we fall into. But they are always followed by crests. Keep on keeping on, Roz. Fair winds.
John

By: Jim Bell

Jim Bell — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:34:49 +0000

Good on you mate! Now see if you can run over that coconut! He’s got a few days head start on you but not your gumption ,or oars . Jim Bell Australia

By: Meg

Meg — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:33:23 +0000

I feel for you. I know how tough it is to have to change ones plans when one was really hoping for something. I’m sure you will get to see Tuvalu someday. Peace.

Meg

By: Cece Gannon

Cece Gannon — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:15:56 +0000

Hi Roz,

In addition to bringing awareness to the world, you demonstrate strong decision-making abilities. That is the basis for the former…..

Sometimes the wind does not change in the direction that we want but it does change. It seems wise to follow this new course and wait for the new-found joys to unfold.

Peace and harmony to you….

Cece

By: BroganMc

BroganMc — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:09:36 +0000

Better safe than sorry. I know it’s hard to change your heart once it’s set on something but life’s winds must be obeyed. The last thing any of us want is for your story to end in tragedy. Be at peace with the universe and it will be at peace with you. Good fortune Roz. I’ll be watching you come in with the tide.

By: Jeff Akeley

Jeff Akeley — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:46:35 +0000

Roz, I linked to your blog via Laureen H, who lives near me. (I’m a “box dweller” near the marina.) I spent part of last night reading your adventures. I applaud what you’re doing and wish you strength and endurance, whatever route you have to take.

By: Ron in Vancouver BC

Ron in Vancouver BC — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:34:51 +0000

H’lo Roz,

Since you started Leg 2, Tarawa has always been your choice option. Back in June you stressed this fact again, but with an alternate objective – to cross the Equator first, then beetle over to Tarawa. Wise choice. Bathymetry (my bag) showed you were in a general corridor favorable for Tuvalu destination; but that Ol’ Wind Bag upstairs chose to be obstinate. The southern Booby did a tap dance on your dome to wake you up. Which way was its beak pointing when you next saw said Booby? Now your motor is missing on a cylinder or two, your fuel is running low and the mechanics of ocean rowers all calling you to Tarawa. Current stats say you can make it there in ten days or so. Go there, recondition your motor, and get a full body overhaul. After completing two thirds of your Pacific objective, the final lap is going to be a doozer! With you 300 percent – mind, body and soul. -Achates

By: Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:26:03 +0000

Dear Ms. Savage,
We have just received an emergency message from your program manager, Ms. Nicole (we find her a very delightful and efficient person to work with), that you are changing your destination from Tuvalu island to Tarawa. We have immediately put emergency plans into effect here at Pacific Cold Beer Transportation Corp. Please be assured that your cold beer will safely be transported from Tuvalu to Tarawa and will coolingly be awaiting your arrival at your new destination. No problem – it is our pleasure and privilege to play such an important role in your courageous project!
Our best “Great Rowing!” wishes from the team here at Cold Beer Transportation Corp.!

By: Dully

Dully — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:57:32 +0000

Hi Roz,
Changing course for Tarawa is wonderful news….I was hoping you would do that all along, but did’nt want to say so, as you were so keen on Tuvalu. I am sure there a few thousand sighs of relief going on right now, from all your loving fans. It made my day a lot brighter. Lots of love and best wishes on your new course.

By: Shari

Shari — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:50:08 +0000

Change is very hard. You embraced it and made decisions based for what YOU believed, that alone proves your integrity & stength in your values. Had you stayed on course with Tuvalu, you would have compromised your values and finished based on societal expectations. Aloha Roz!

By: UncaDoug

UncaDoug — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:45:18 +0000

Rita, I think most — if not all — of us are relieved, as you and Roz have both expressed. Hugs and love to you both, as well as TeamRoz ;-D

By: earthly presence

earthly presence — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:42:55 +0000

Well done Roz! You have put Tuvalu on the map for many who didn’t know it existed and turned eyes to this amazing place. We’ll be watching and cheering them on just as we have you. Your reasons are true to your goals and you aren’t disappointing anyone.
Way to go! Way to go Nicole too!

By: Rita

Rita — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:05:35 +0000

Roz wrote the above blog BEFORE she had read the comments from yesterday’s blog, and was delighted to see that a number of the Rozlings had approved of her changing her plans if it became necessary to do so. She phoned me this morning (UK time) to ask me to mention this, and to say a big THANK YOU for your loyal support and understanding. It has not been an easy thing to do to go back on what she had previouly decided. I am personally hugely relieved that she has made the decision to head for Tarawa. A big thank you too to Nicole, who has had to hastily make alternative arrangements – she is doing a grand job. Grateful to all, and best wishes from Roz’s Mum.

By: Bosque Bill

Bosque Bill — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:50:49 +0000

Tough decision, well made. May the weather and ocean currents bless you.

All the best from dry New Mexico.

Bill

By: Old Man

Old Man — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:39:30 +0000

You have accomplished so much – Changing your final destination does not diminish your message. Swift travels to your new destination.

By: UncaDoug

UncaDoug — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:38:42 +0000

Roz, in line with your awareness building purpose in this stage, I just have to add one simple thought:

I see a metaphorical message in your decision: Faced with insurmountable forces, you changed course, as humanity must change course to stem insurmountable forces of another kind.

By: John H

John H — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:36:05 +0000

Good for you!

John H

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:30:11 +0000

Glad to hear reality coming back into your decision instead of the HUGE outside influence of the inexperienced and the wannabees..
It is all so entrapping to the ego, but then it becomes like a parasite to your soul after a while.

By: Joan in Atlanta

Joan in Atlanta — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:20:29 +0000

I couldn’t admire you more for making this decision, Roz. Striking out to take the toughest course to Tuvalu was a bold and difficult decision, but changing your course to Tarawa based on some very real safety, wind probability and environmental decisions, to me, is an even more difficult and admirable choice because it takes a sacrifice of a very different kind.

It reminds me of Everest climb leaders who have to make the decision not to summit if the hour has grown too late or the conditions become too unfavorable. Leaders who cannot let go of their pride or their primary goal have lost their lives and others’ in not being able to make that hard choice. It’s not an equal comparison in all aspects, though, because you’ll still get to summit, it’s just a different summit. All of those Pacific islands are giant mountains with their base at the bottom of the sea, so I think the term really applies.

Row safe, Roz, and enjoy those Walden days.

Take it away, Nicole!

By: UncaDoug

UncaDoug — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:17:13 +0000

Carrot$ Errata, Roz. My math is not so good this early in the morning.
Carrot$ will be $cattered every 2 nautical miles (2 minutes of longitude)

Oh, one more thing: the carrot$ that were previously $cattered on a southerly course
to Tuvalu are now magically rescattered westerly before you toward Tawara.

By: UncaDoug

UncaDoug — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:02:40 +0000

Roz, with you 100% in your decision. As promised, your favorite number of carrot$ (plus bonu$) will be $cattered in a golden trail westward before you, showing you the way to Tawara. Carrot$ will be scattered ahead of you as you cross the following longitudes:

178 00 … 23 carrot$ + 7 bonu$ carrot$ = 30 carrot$
177 00 … 23 carrot$ + 7 bonu$ carrot$ = 30 carrot$
176 00 … 23 carrot$ + 7 bonu$ carrot$ = 30 carrot$
175 00 … 23 carrot$ + 7 bonu$ carrot$ = 30 carrot$
174 00 … 23 carrot$ + 7 bonu$ carrot$ = 30 carrot$
173 00 … TAWARA … SURPRISE BONU$ POT O’ GOLDEN CARROT$

Every 3 nautical miles (3 minutes of longitude) easy to follow and easy to $pot

My spiritual emissary Bugs will be there in spirit to greet you with a cheery Ehh, what’s up Doc? so tip your cap and flash him a big $MILE as you pass the minutes.

Fellow Rozlings, please get a supply of carrot$ at the carrot$ $tore and together let’s make a very clear, wide golden trail for Roz to follow to Tawara. (Carrots of any size will help improve her eye sight.)

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:56:38 +0000

Roz, Here is today’s Pure Moxie du Jour for you.

Great and clear thinking, sometimes you must make the decision to go to plan B and realize that plan A would be have been a better outcome, that is why it was plan A to begin with. But if it is not safely, or sanely possible, then plan B is the way to go.

Glad to see that nearly 100 days at sea and you are still sane!

Pure Moxie du Jour
August 28, 2009

“You’ll seldom experience regret for anything that you’ve done. It is what you haven’t done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means you’ve lost them forever.”

Wayne Dyer
Author and Speaker

Roz, the above is not to say you should go to Tuvalu, just that you should get in your boat and row!

The above quote along with one of my favorites below really puts things into perspective.

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”

-Conrad Hilton
(American Hotelier, 1887-1979)

These above thoughts together, are pure magic.

Have a very productive weekend and keep thinking about the tools you have to work with and what you want to make happen

Make it happen!

I am trying, no strike that, I going to make it happen… will you?

Sincerely,

Steve
Pure Moxie du Jour
http://www.PMdJ.com