And then we were done...

So, here we are, two and a bit weeks and the adventure is over. But what an adventure! First things first, we've learnt a lot. Mainly that it's very easy to be over-ambitious when planning routes and daily distances while nice and cosy in front of a fire in winter. Hindsight is always crystal clear, and our original plan of 15-18 mile days was too much, especially with only one rest day planned in halfway. However, what was achieved was still pretty amazing, considering Sara only started paddling in Febuary, and most of her on-water time has been on canals, where you don't get affected by winds, tides, swell and chop.
As her support boat skipper I watched her push herself to her absolute limit, mentally and physically. I've known Sara for 8 years now, we were housemates and University and best friends since, and I think I've experienced more swearing and tears in these past 2 weeks than in that whole period! But there was also plenty of laughter to go with it; I'm sure Sara and her mother Christina won't forget the surprised and slightly anxious look on the face of the owner of the very nice restaurant in the small Cornish village of Coverack when I asked for a Macchiato coffee..."Right, OK, I think we can do those...let me check the book..."!

A few thank yous need to be said. First of all to Christina; without her organisational (and VW-camper van driving!) skills, it would have been a near impossible project. Then to all the people who have helped us along the way, from equipment discounts, campsite discounts, free moorings, free pastys, the loaning of 2 support boats to all the smiles and good luck wishes along the way. And last but not least, to all those who donated, and helped us break our target. Thank you to you all.

So, what's next? In the short term one of us is having a few days in Spain, while the other is back to work. Enjoy yourself Sara, you deserve it! In the long term, Sara will be moving to the Isles of Scilly in mid-July as the volunteer vet nurse, and more than likely dreaming up next year's crazy adventure!

So that's all from me. Just one special thank you to go, to my best friend Sara for inviting me to be party of this whole thing, it's been a blast! And well done you :-)

Skipper Dan, out.