IOR 2009 Blog Archive

Message for Guy & Andy: "the oars on the boat go round and round, round and round, round and round, the oars on the boat go round and round, all day long" Amelia Watts, aged 23 months xxx (she can do all the actions to that one, need to work on her technique though!)

"No matter how bad it gets... ...he doesn't want to kiss you." Good luck guys! Baa.

There will be a massive bag of Haribo waiting on the fridge for you guys!! Best of luck, Sarah and I will be cheering you on from Putney! xx

Der Wunsch von Ihnen beiden Glück auf Ihrer erstaunlichen Reise!! auf Englisch: Wishing you both good luck on your amazing journey!! Take care, Cat, Craig & Jacob xxx p.s. Jacob sends you both a huuuuuuge raspberry :p !!

Just keep focused on how magical you will feel when you see that first site of land! When it all seems impossible just go there! I am so proud of you two , you set an example to us all. John

well boys, there is no looking back now, just looking forward to an amazing adventure!!there is a whole bag of emotions waiting for you, tiredness, frustration, tears, fear, but most of all joy and elation at the sight of that beautiful island of Mauritius that awaits you. Enjoy every second of it and know that everyone is supporting you and thinking of you all the way!!! Take care of yourselves and stay safe, and most of all, GOOD LUCK!!! XXXX

Good Luck guys...you are braver than me..!!! And Keep "Pulling"...... See you when you are back...we will all be following your progress. Martyn

Hello Guy Not sure if you remember me but we spent a few weeks coaching together in Kabwe when we were both out in Zambia. I have been following this incredible project on Facebook and more recently on the blog. Have to say, I am blown away by the ambition of the whole thing, not to mention the commitment shown to it. This is a truly outstanding endeavour and so I wish you both (even though I have never met Andrew!) the best of luck. I will be a regular visitor over the next three months. Good luck mate! Charlie

Dear Guy and Andrew I can't believe you're almost there at the starting point, oars blazing! What a spectacular lead up to this truly amazing venture! Over the next few weeks you can reflect on all the hard work, courage and sheer determination to get where you are today but not forgetting the amount of fun that went with it!! You are both legends and Guy, I miss you sooo much, Gail xx Hi Guy and Andrew Cripes!!! the date is getting so close now, and I am thinking of you both! - Good luck guys, take care, and go and break that record! See you when you get back - and I will follow your progress. Love Sara

Keep a good look out for the GAY PIRATES! They'll be the ones with the pink Jolly Roger, waving handbags. You don't want to bump in to them do you! Enjoy the IPOD. I hope you fitted the one-way mirror. My collection will be the best by far. Tim, ‘a technical genius’ – you fellas (Mr Kilick) crack me up.

Come on everybody .... i am here at the ready to write your messages inside the boys cabin ..... the sun is hot ..... and so are the boys ..... my pen will flow as you show... us your thoughts today and you will say your final wishes as they row off into the groove of the Big Blue. off into the Blue

Remember.....each stroke/pull of the oar is ONE less to do!! Hope you have an amazing trip guys!!! Sarah is doing well, and sends best wishes and HUGZ!! GO GO GO!!.....but stay safe!! Helen

Boys, I remember discussing the race in a dodgy Pimlico boozing establishment 18 months ago. I've got to be honest, I never thought you'd do it! You've proved me - and any other silly doubters - very wrong. Masses of luck, I know you'll do it. Guy, watch out for those sharks, yeah. xxxxx

The Manns say: We can't believe you are actually on the verge of doing this crazy trip. We will be watching it all in wonder and admiration. Hope it all goes to plan with not too many mishaps! You are both very brave,(or mad)! Stay safe and look out for big fish!!! Love Ann, John and Boys. x

ROW ROW ROW . Message from Sarah. I have just spoken to her on the phone. She is fine and sends a big hug to you both!! She says see you in Mauritius!! Good Luck!!

Loads of luck guys - know you can do it. Delbarina just remember the water is sadly not vodka...but there will be plenty of drinks awaiting your return! xx

Having witnessed you two achieve SO much from the beginning with a drunken idea up to now, makes me so proud and impressed by you both, despite me being Mrs Negative!!!!!! Your determination and drive will make you RECORD BREAKERS. Love you both lots (though obviously one more than the other!) and am so so proud, it is all anyone ever talks to me about these days, demonstrating all the well deserved support you have generated. Row safely and cant wait to see you on your return. Sarahxxxx Oh and Guy however lonely it gets please dont corrupt my boyfriend and the other way around del boy, as thats another thing people always talk to me about!!!!!!hehe

Oh boy, the time has finally come! Guy and Del ~ we hope you both have the most amazing experience and then return home to us safely to tell us all your stories. We will be following you daily and send you so much love and hugs and kisses Please take care Trudy xx

Watch out for the jellies and giant dive bombing pelicans (you never know!) Oh and those big white and grey things with sharp teeth too. Seriously though, HAVE FUN! All the best from sunny W. Sussex xx

Hey Quick story - James and I were halfway up Mt Kenya and I was dying of altitude sickness. In this state we climbed for three hours through the dark and the snow to get to the summit and every step of the way I kept saying "if del and guy can row an ocean i can climb a hill", over and over again, and I made it. The point is not to compare your adventure with my pathetic attempt to walk up a hill, it is to say that what you are doing is inspirational, to me, and to everyone. That morning you helped me get somewhere I did not think I could go. When it gets tough out there remember what you mean to me, and to everyone; we are proud of you. You are never alone out there boys. Have a blast, see you when you get back. Steve