Archive for the ‘Chris Duff’s NORTHERN REACH adventure’ Category

In Iceland with Chris.

Thursday, June 30th, 2016


 

Chris met me at the gate having arrived earlier and spending a long night sleeping in the Keflavic International Airport and  make that heavy on the “International”.  What an influx of people from all over the world!  It seems everyone wants to visit Iceland and for good reason.  Icelanders are some of the nicest, friendliest, helpful and beautiful people in the world.   Our rental car was waiting and down east we went.  It’s 405 miles or 653 Km from the airport to Breiðdalsvík (Brad-dols-vic) on the east coast of Iceland.  It took us no less than 8 1/2 hours.

Breiðdalsvík is where Chris left the NORTHERN REACH two years ago.  His dear friends Helga and Ingo took good care of her and had her on a trailer and ready for work in their beautiful shop.  The atmosphere was that of one long huge family reunion with people coming to welcome Chris home (his Iceland home anyway).  It was such a privilege to witness it all.  Their warm feelings for Chris spilled over to me and made me feel as welcome as ever I have been.

Chris’ reunion with NORTHERN REACH was quick and simple with a touch of sentimentality.  How could he not have deep feelings for something he has put so much hard work into and trusted with his life for so many long sea miles?  Then, out came the work list and the fun began.  Chris had two years to think over every detail he wanted to change, add and make better.

Follow Chris on his Facebook page at Chris Duff.

Captain Tommy to help Ocean Rower Chris Duff prepare for next leg of Atlantic Crossing

Sunday, June 12th, 2016
...thy oceans are so wide and my boat is so small

…thy oceans are so wide and my boat is so small

Chris in Port Angeles Harbor for test row.

Chris in Port Angeles Harbor for test row.

I will be leaving Port Angeles for Iceland on Wednesday June 15 to assist Chris Duff prepare for the next leg of his great rowing adventure.  Chris has already rowed from Scotland to Iceland.  It’s an honor to be a participating contributor to this man’s great adventure.  My job is to be… “Road Manager”, that is I get to drive him to  his boat.  It’s like being a non-performing part of a high school band by virtue of having a car back in the sixties. I should add “Tool Manager” to my title as well since I’ll be handing him tool as he works on the boat.

Actually, Chris and I became friends before the launch of ArcticSoloSail.  I read his books on kayaking.  And you should too!  Follow this wonderful adventure on face book by friending  Chris Duff.  Chris tells his own story far better than me.  (visit his web page at olypen.com/cduff/     There is a link to his facebook page there too.)

 

I’ll be posting pictures and blogs along the way about the NORTHERN REACH and Iceland here too.