Well it certainly doesn't feel like 5 months ago today we were just 10 days from reaching the such keenly anticipated endpoint, Fort Lauderdale. Life has certainly moved on, Will has started at RMA Sandhurst and George is finishing off the final stages of his year abroad. Fortunately, we have been kept busy over the last few months, working hard and catching up with friends and family. Although there are times we both wish we were back bobbing around in the vast expanse of the ocean, I think it is fair to say we are enjoying being back on dry land. Watching over our GoPro and drone footage has kept us thoroughly entertained, if not a little scared!
27th December 2016 - Success!
With the expedition wrapped up the only thing left behind in Fort Lauderdale was our beloved kayak, Mathilda. It is now with huge excitement that we can reveal she is on her way home! Kindly sponsored by Southampton based Peters and May, a world leading global boat transport and marine logistics company, Mathilda is travelling home aboard HHL New York. Passing through the USVI, Antigua and finally home to Southampton, with an expected arrival between the 8th and 11th of June! If you were a keen follower of our tracker throughout the expedition and you're desperate to track something else then you're in luck, you can follow HHL New York here:
A very large ship for a rather small kayak!
As ever, loading the kayak has not come without it's troubles. We were calling on everyone and anyone on Sunday, desperately trying to find someone to transport the kayak from the Anglers Avenue Marine Centre, where it was helpfully being stored by Dave Hoffman, to Port Everglades. After amounting a rather large phone bill in calls to America our saviour came from Jeanette Osgood, a fellow paddler and member of a Miami kayaking group. Without hesitation she incredibly jumped to our aid and strapped the kayak to her trusty 4x4 to drive it down to the port.
Safely secured on the roof of Jeanette's car!
It's definitely fair to say that we would have been in a rather sticky situation if Jeanette had not so kindly helped us. Similarly we are incredibly grateful that Peters and May are bringing the kayak home for us which gives you all the opportunity to meet her. A big thank you to all!
With the last piece of the puzzle on it's way home we hope you are just as excited as us for the fast approaching summer. The film is nearing its completion and we hope to see you all at the adventure festivals, talks or dinners we will be attending and hosting throughout summer.
We will keep you updated on everything's progress!
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What will your next adventure be?
Puzzling over the boat!