http://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat.aspxPublic school chaps hopping up Everest with a goat on their head? Yawn. Instead, how about a 24-year-old woman circling the globe by rowboat, kayak and bicycle – alone – and posting thrilling instalments to our blog as she goes? Follow Sarah Outen here.http://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=eac1c671-7b80-4ebf-a941-bb5fe347b75dThe latest update on our girl adventurer after she capsized in storm MawarMon, 11 Jun 2012 04:03:49 -0700Poorna Bell5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aaeac1c671-7b80-4ebf-a941-bb5fe347b75dBlogArticle157FC84665F7488F012012-06-11T11:03:49.873The latest update on our girl adventurer after she capsized in storm MawarThe latest from Sarah's team: Sarah has arrived in Japan. She spent some time in hospital on an IV drip to combat the dehydration she was suffering and is now on her way to a friend’s house for much needed rest and recovery. Sarah was expecting to be able to post a phonecast today but has needed to rest. In the next day or so she will post a blog explaining the events on the ocean that led to the situation requiring her to make the distress call.The latest from Sarah's team: Sarah has arrived in Japan. She spent some time in hospital on an IV drip to combat the dehydration she was suffering and is now on her way to a friend’s house for much needed rest and recovery. Sarah was expecting to be able to post a phonecast today but has needed to rest. In the next day or so she will post a blog explaining the events on the ocean that led to the situation requiring her to make the distress call.BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=60eb74fe-0b9a-4776-8849-9bf38391566dJapanese coastguard rescues her - the story so farThu, 07 Jun 2012 07:55:21 -0700Poorna Bell5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa60eb74fe-0b9a-4776-8849-9bf38391566dBlogArticle157FC84665F7488F012012-06-07T14:55:21.053Japanese coastguard rescues her - the story so farSarah Outen's team have posted the following: "While on her solo row across the North Pacific Ocean, Sarah has been hit by the tropical storm, Mawar and her boat, Gulliver, has rolled on several occasions. The boat has been damaged, the extent of which is as yet unknown. The team has however spoken to Sarah and she is safe and doing well. "Following an emergency call from Sarah, the Japanese Coast Guard sent a plane to assess the situation and is now sending a boat to pick Sarah up on Friday pm JST, 8th June, 2012. A Coast Guard plane is staying overhead to keep an eye on Sarah." Here is the last post before her dramatic rescue: Day 24 at sea: Okay Rosie, we're ready for you Waiting for Rosie is a weird mix of adrenaline, calm and anticipated fear. The latest forecast is that the currently mixed up light winds will remain for another few hours before everything starts  building. By  lunchtime tomorrow we will have 45 knots with gusts of 55, later peaking at 55 knots with gusts of 60. There will be forty eight hours of that madness before everything starts dropping, bit by bit. That Rosie is a windy lass…   I am calling the storm Rosie now, in a bid to befriend her. I don’t usually shout at storms or the sea but maybe I will this time, now that I know she has a name. (The system is Typhoon Mawar – the latter meaning Rose in Indonesian). I am rather hoping that all of the models turn out to be wrong and that Rosie wanders off to play elsewhere.  Or that she turns out to be like the Rosies I know who are all rather lovely and lots of fun. Keeping a level head on, however, as to the likelihood of either of those scenarios, I have prepared for the worst conditions possible. Needless to say I shall not be blogging until it is all safely over and we are happily out the other side.   My first ocean swim.....   In other very fantastic news… today I confronted my fear of deep water and went swimming for the first time since leaving land. It took two attempts and  8 full minutes of sitting on the side of the boat but eventually I got in. I loved it – naturally. I always do, but the simple act of stepping over the edge and letting go of the boat freaks me out  – for reasons I still don’t understand. I bartered with myself this time, saying that with the impending storm on its way (which I know is going to be very scary and potentially painful) I was being a wimp if I didn’t get in the water now (which I knew probably wasn’t going to be at all scary, dangerous or painful). I am so daft but I guess that fear of letting go and getting out of your comfort zone is universal, whether or not you are over 6,000 metres of ocean blue.   Final fantastic news was my second birthday party yesterday, after I found a stash of cards tucked away in a locker. It wasn’t obvious which were birthday cards and which good luck notes so I opened them all. Highlights included a bottle of bubbles and a beautiful piece of fluorite cut into a smooth disc for holding when you are scared. Perfect timing – thank you Heather and Cameron. My brother Michael had given me some gin tokens in Canadian dollars, so now I have a real incentive to make the other side.   I nearly forgot – the most fantastic news of the last two days has been the turtle who drifted by yesterday afternoon. I named him Taid – Welsh for Grandfather, in honour of my late Taid. Prehistoric looking, slow-moving and gentle.   And with that, I shall return to waiting for Rosie.   Until the other side,   Sarah and Gulliver xSarah Outen's team have posted the following: "While on her solo row across the North Pacific Ocean, Sarah has been hit by the tropical storm, Mawar and her boat, Gulliver, has rolled on several occasions. The boat has been damaged, the extent of which is as yet unknown. The team has however spoken to Sarah and she is safe and doing well. "Following an emergency call from Sarah, the Japanese Coast Guard sent a plane to assess the situation and is now sending a boat to pick Sarah up on Friday pm JST, 8th June, 2012. A Coast Guard plane is staying overhead to keep an eye on Sarah." Here is the last post before her dramatic rescue: Day 24 at sea: Okay Rosie, we're ready for you Waiting for Rosie is a weird mix of adrenaline, calm and anticipated fear. The latest forecast is that the currently mixed up light winds will remain for another few hours before everything starts  building. By  lunchtime tomorrow we will have 45 knots with gusts of 55, later peaking at 55 knots with gusts of 60. There will be forty eight hours of that madness before everything starts dropping, bit by bit. That Rosie is a windy lass…   I am calling the storm Rosie now, in a bid to befriend her. I don’t usually shout at storms or the sea but maybe I will this time, now that I know she has a name. (The system is Typhoon Mawar – the latter meaning Rose in Indonesian). I am rather hoping that all of the models turn out to be wrong and that Rosie wanders off to play elsewhere.  Or that she turns out to be like the Rosies I know who are all rather lovely and lots of fun. Keeping a level head on, however, as to the likelihood of either of those scenarios, I have prepared for the worst conditions possible. Needless to say I shall not be blogging until it is all safely over and we are happily out the other side.   My first ocean swim.....   In other very fantastic news… today I confronted my fear of deep water and went swimming for the first time since leaving land. It took two attempts and  8 full minutes of sitting on the side of the boat but eventually I got in. I loved it – naturally. I always do, but the simple act of stepping over the edge and letting go of the boat freaks me out  – for reasons I still don’t understand. I bartered with myself this time, saying that with the impending storm on its way (which I know is going to be very scary and potentially painful) I was being a wimp if I didn’t get in the water now (which I knew probably wasn’t going to be at all scary, dangerous or painful). I am so daft but I guess that fear of letting go and getting out of your comfort zone is universal, whether or not you are over 6,000 metres of ocean blue.   Final fantastic news was my second birthday party yesterday, after I found a stash of cards tucked away in a locker. It wasn’t obvious which were birthday cards and which good luck notes so I opened them all. Highlights included a bottle of bubbles and a beautiful piece of fluorite cut into a smooth disc for holding when you are scared. Perfect timing – thank you Heather and Cameron. My brother Michael had given me some gin tokens in Canadian dollars, so now I have a real incentive to make the other side.   I nearly forgot – the most fantastic news of the last two days has been the turtle who drifted by yesterday afternoon. I named him Taid – Welsh for Grandfather, in honour of my late Taid. Prehistoric looking, slow-moving and gentle.   And with that, I shall return to waiting for Rosie.   Until the other side,   Sarah and Gulliver xBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=6fca2783-42b4-4317-b6da-31529e9f0bc9Sarah Outen finally sets sail on her next epic journeyTue, 15 May 2012 09:57:42 -0700Poorna Bell5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa6fca2783-42b4-4317-b6da-31529e9f0bc9BlogArticle157FC84665F7488F012012-05-15T16:57:42.637Sarah Outen finally sets sail on her next epic journeyWe're very pleased to announce that MSN Travel blogger Sarah Outen, who is currently circumnavigating the globe via kayak and bike, has finally set sail. Sarah, who has a fear of deep water, says of the row: “The North Pacific will be the most gruelling part of my whole London2London expedition. Physically and mentally, I expect to be exhausted most of the time – the distance, the solitude, the weather conditions and my complete isolation will make it hugely challenging.  In spite of the challenges and dangers ahead, I still can’t wait to get out there.”   She adds: “I am an ocean girl at heart and love being so close to the water and living to the rhythms of the wild. The energy out there is magic and the dynamics so exciting. I am hoping for some special wildlife moments and hopefully not too many storms.  But I am especially looking forward to the sunsets and the stars.”   Since she set sail, MSN Travel heard from her PR, who said that Sarah has rowed some long hours to get out to the Kuroshio current and has hit some rough seas and high winds along the way. She even capsized but our brave adventurer managed to get upright again.   You go girl! Photographs: Tracy JohnsonWe're very pleased to announce that MSN Travel blogger Sarah Outen, who is currently circumnavigating the globe via kayak and bike, has finally set sail. Sarah, who has a fear of deep water, says of the row: “The North Pacific will be the most gruelling part of my whole London2London expedition. Physically and mentally, I expect to be exhausted most of the time – the distance, the solitude, the weather conditions and my complete isolation will make it hugely challenging.  In spite of the challenges and dangers ahead, I still can’t wait to get out there.”   She adds: “I am an ocean girl at heart and love being so close to the water and living to the rhythms of the wild. The energy out there is magic and the dynamics so exciting. I am hoping for some special wildlife moments and hopefully not too many storms.  But I am especially looking forward to the sunsets and the stars.”   Since she set sail, MSN Travel heard from her PR, who said that Sarah has rowed some long hours to get out to the Kuroshio current and has hit some rough seas and high winds along the way. She even capsized but our brave adventurer managed to get upright again.   You go girl! Photographs: Tracy JohnsonBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=fa2f6d7c-23fc-4c7f-8f65-7bb050a6a3eaSarah continues to hold out for a weather windowSun, 06 May 2012 08:13:35 -0700SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aafa2f6d7c-23fc-4c7f-8f65-7bb050a6a3eaBlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-05-06T15:13:35.273Sarah continues to hold out for a weather window'A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon be drowned, he said, for he will be going out on a day he shouldn't.  But we do be afraid of the sea, and we do only be drownded now and again.' John Millington Synge - 'The Aran Islands' (1907) I was happy to be on shore last week The weather continues to do its changeable thing out here in Japan and Gulliver and I continue to wait for the right opportunity to push out east. Fellow ocean rower Charlie Martell slipped out from Choshi Marina yesterday morning in Gulliver's sister boat 'Blossom' on his North Pacific rowing bid, but we stayed on land and waited. I am glad, too - after a cracking start yesterday Charlie and Blossom have had a rough second day in big swells, confined to the cabin on the sea anchor and feeling rather sick. Do head over to  Pacific2012 and send them a hello and good wishes. Charlie and I shared beers and pizza in Choshi on a couple of nights and swapped tales of the sea, our hopes and fears for the journey ahead. Charlie has already seen whales, so I am happy he has been welcomed by the waves and look forward to following on soon. After standing down last Sunday I headed away from the coast with friends to decompress - the emotion of getting ready to go and calling it off at last minute with the storm forecast was exhausting. Midweek and we headed back to Choshi to wait for a chance to go. As predicted, the storm raged and impressed us all with the raw power with which it battered the coast, hurling spume and spray ashore and turning the seascape to hues of wild grey. I love watching the ocean on days like that, preferably from ashore, tucked up and safe. With no stable window presenting itself for a while longer yet, I have come back away from the coast again to stay with the aforementioned friends. Tari, Tracy, Kelly, Kaz and Mike - thank you. Currently Lee predicts the 14 - 17th May is offering a good stable window and the most comfortable departure opportunity. We are keen to choose the optimum gap in the weather so that I can settle in to sealife quickly, safely and as comfortably as possible. With Hercules-the-carthor ​ se at home in the UK, I am excited to be trying out a speedy racing bike! Mostly I am calm about being on land still, knowing that it is the safest option and that these things can't be rushed.  Yet the impatient Tigger-like side of me is bouncing to get started, raring to go. My head is ready, Gulliver is ready. Space away from the boat and the sea is a good thing - I can distract myself with bikes and resting. There will be little opportunity for either once we get started. Thanks for all the messages of support from all corners of the globe. It is wonderful and humbling to know that this journey is a shared one. With that in mind, if you could all face east and blow with all your might, the Tigger in me would be super happy. For now, all best from out here. Sarah and Gulliver x PS Thanks to everyone who has donated to the charities lately. We have smashed £10,000 already. I wonder if we could hit £11,000 before I go next week? To donate your pennies and pounds please click  here'A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon be drowned, he said, for he will be going out on a day he shouldn't.  But we do be afraid of the sea, and we do only be drownded now and again.' John Millington Synge - 'The Aran Islands' (1907) I was happy to be on shore last week The weather continues to do its changeable thing out here in Japan and Gulliver and I continue to wait for the right opportunity to push out east. Fellow ocean rower Charlie Martell slipped out from Choshi Marina yesterday morning in Gulliver's sister boat 'Blossom' on his North Pacific rowing bid, but we stayed on land and waited. I am glad, too - after a cracking start yesterday Charlie and Blossom have had a rough second day in big swells, confined to the cabin on the sea anchor and feeling rather sick. Do head over to  Pacific2012 and send them a hello and good wishes. Charlie and I shared beers and pizza in Choshi on a couple of nights and swapped tales of the sea, our hopes and fears for the journey ahead. Charlie has already seen whales, so I am happy he has been welcomed by the waves and look forward to following on soon. After standing down last Sunday I headed away from the coast with friends to decompress - the emotion of getting ready to go and calling it off at last minute with the storm forecast was exhausting. Midweek and we headed back to Choshi to wait for a chance to go. As predicted, the storm raged and impressed us all with the raw power with which it battered the coast, hurling spume and spray ashore and turning the seascape to hues of wild grey. I love watching the ocean on days like that, preferably from ashore, tucked up and safe. With no stable window presenting itself for a while longer yet, I have come back away from the coast again to stay with the aforementioned friends. Tari, Tracy, Kelly, Kaz and Mike - thank you. Currently Lee predicts the 14 - 17th May is offering a good stable window and the most comfortable departure opportunity. We are keen to choose the optimum gap in the weather so that I can settle in to sealife quickly, safely and as comfortably as possible. With Hercules-the-carthor ​ se at home in the UK, I am excited to be trying out a speedy racing bike! Mostly I am calm about being on land still, knowing that it is the safest option and that these things can't be rushed.  Yet the impatient Tigger-like side of me is bouncing to get started, raring to go. My head is ready, Gulliver is ready. Space away from the boat and the sea is a good thing - I can distract myself with bikes and resting. There will be little opportunity for either once we get started. Thanks for all the messages of support from all corners of the globe. It is wonderful and humbling to know that this journey is a shared one. With that in mind, if you could all face east and blow with all your might, the Tigger in me would be super happy. For now, all best from out here. Sarah and Gulliver x PS Thanks to everyone who has donated to the charities lately. We have smashed £10,000 already. I wonder if we could hit £11,000 before I go next week? To donate your pennies and pounds please click  hereBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=f6afa63e-26dd-4c2d-ab68-b10efbac4f4eSarah gives us an honest, emotional account Wed, 02 May 2012 07:49:32 -0700Poorna Bell5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aaf6afa63e-26dd-4c2d-ab68-b10efbac4f4eBlogArticle157FC84665F7488F012012-05-02T14:49:32.153Sarah gives us an honest, emotional account BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=eeef5176-7066-42c1-81f4-6c350291fc32Video: Sarah looks at the main problems that might crop up during her next journeyTue, 01 May 2012 06:30:04 -0700Poorna Bell5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aaeeef5176-7066-42c1-81f4-6c350291fc32BlogArticle157FC84665F7488F012012-05-01T13:30:04.673Video: Sarah looks at the main problems that might crop up during her next journeyOn the physical toil of the row ahead:   On my fears:   On coping strategies and the psychological challenges:On the physical toil of the row ahead:   On my fears:   On coping strategies and the psychological challenges:BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=0db81ca6-66b7-482b-a36e-dcdaedbfb2f2Waiting for the weather windowMon, 23 Apr 2012 05:42:04 -0700SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa0db81ca6-66b7-482b-a36e-dcdaedbfb2f2BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-04-23T12:42:34.13Waiting for the weather windowJapan will be my home for another week, it seems, as the window which we thought would give me a good run at getting clear of Japan this week is now not looking good at all. Japan’s island situation means that stable weather at this time of year is pretty hard to come by as it is influenced by so many different areas. Lee (weather router) reckons that there could be a nice little window on the 2nd May – no westerly winds but a gentle set from the south. It is a bit of a gamble going with southerly winds as it would mean my course out from Choshi has some degree of north in it which means that the time it will take to get out to the Kuroshio current will increase and I will be in the shipping lanes for longer.  Yet with no westerly winds forecast for a couple of weeks, the 2nd could be a really good option. We shall stand by some more and see what happens. This picture below is the Kuroshio track at present – a snaking current which runs up the east coast of Japan and out into the Pacific. It will be useful at times and not at all at others. If I can get into it after a day or so then it will help me run clear of the coast. The numbers are in knots (nautical miles per hour) so you can see that at times it is whizzing along! The Kuroshiro Current : it will be super useful at times and not so at others. Ric will be leaving later this week as he has other commitments that he cannot postpone, but it has been wonderful to have him out here to help with the final boat tinkering and the mammoth job that was packing Gulliver. He is almost ready now – all the gear and food has been waterproofed and stowed and lashed down. Treats and letters and photos have been hidden around the boat and I have squeezed as many delicious extras as I can into the tiny gaps. I shall continue tinkering until I leave – but it is really just the detail now. There is one good thing about waiting for the weather – and that is that it gives more time to rest, to sleep to be 112% happy with everything. We shall continue to monitor the weather and update on sarahouten.com and through Twitter (@SarahOuten) so do keep an eye on it  all, especially if you are thinking of coming out to say cheerio. All very best from Choshi, Sarah and Gulliver xJapan will be my home for another week, it seems, as the window which we thought would give me a good run at getting clear of Japan this week is now not looking good at all. Japan’s island situation means that stable weather at this time of year is pretty hard to come by as it is influenced by so many different areas. Lee (weather router) reckons that there could be a nice little window on the 2nd May – no westerly winds but a gentle set from the south. It is a bit of a gamble going with southerly winds as it would mean my course out from Choshi has some degree of north in it which means that the time it will take to get out to the Kuroshio current will increase and I will be in the shipping lanes for longer.  Yet with no westerly winds forecast for a couple of weeks, the 2nd could be a really good option. We shall stand by some more and see what happens. This picture below is the Kuroshio track at present – a snaking current which runs up the east coast of Japan and out into the Pacific. It will be useful at times and not at all at others. If I can get into it after a day or so then it will help me run clear of the coast. The numbers are in knots (nautical miles per hour) so you can see that at times it is whizzing along! The Kuroshiro Current : it will be super useful at times and not so at others. Ric will be leaving later this week as he has other commitments that he cannot postpone, but it has been wonderful to have him out here to help with the final boat tinkering and the mammoth job that was packing Gulliver. He is almost ready now – all the gear and food has been waterproofed and stowed and lashed down. Treats and letters and photos have been hidden around the boat and I have squeezed as many delicious extras as I can into the tiny gaps. I shall continue tinkering until I leave – but it is really just the detail now. There is one good thing about waiting for the weather – and that is that it gives more time to rest, to sleep to be 112% happy with everything. We shall continue to monitor the weather and update on sarahouten.com and through Twitter (@SarahOuten) so do keep an eye on it  all, especially if you are thinking of coming out to say cheerio. All very best from Choshi, Sarah and Gulliver xBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=5f43bd43-5a22-46ce-af70-3a9d9c25123bSigning out from land lifeFri, 13 Apr 2012 05:26:02 -0700SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa5f43bd43-5a22-46ce-af70-3a9d9c25123bBlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-04-13T12:26:33.267Signing out from land lifeBOOSH! Almost ready to go. (C) Kris Hallenga One little week to go now until Gulliver and I head East across the big blue. Gulp. And the biggest of 'Whoop whoops!' too. These are exciting, slightly stressful and adrenaline-fuelled times now as I zone in on the start, signing out of land life bit by bit. It is as much mental as physical - there is a To Do List of tasks to tick off, and also a state I need to get to, where I am on my way to becoming an ocean beast again. I feel a little bit like I am in limbo - not quite signed out and yet not quite ready to go yet. But we are getting there. The To Do List is manageable, the week ahead as planned out as it can be and a wonderful network of people helping me out to sea. If you are one of those, in whatever way that might be, thank you. Arigatou gozaimasu. A very special hug with my Mum at Narita Airport - a whole year after I left Tower Bridge After two weeks of delicious R&R with my wonderful Mum and the lovely Kris and Maren Hallenga, interspersed with packing, parties, interviews and boat tinkering, I am now up in Choshi, Chiba. Back in November last year I dipped my toe in the Pacific at Choshi Marina, having cycled and kayaked all the way from London. It is from that point that I shall push off in just a week's time. Yesterday Gulliver arrived at the Marina by truck and I followed on today, via Tokyo for friends and more farewells. Leaving my little home by the sea at Kasa Zima Marina yesterday was rather emotional - the lovely Otake-san and his wife, family and staff now feel like my own family - so it was with teary eyes that I bade my neighbour Fuji-san cheerio and promised I would be back again one day. It was a beautiful day and Fuji-san peered out through a crown of white clouds all day, bathed in gold as the sun wet down. I feel so very lucky to have lived just across the water from such a fine and iconic mountain, surrounded by warmth and friendship. Cheerio from Japan Welcome It's not all about the farewells at the moment, however. There is also a welcome to make. And that is to Ricardo Diniz, who many of you  will remember from my Indian row. I was very sorry to hear a few weeks ago that the indomitable Justine wouldn't be able to join me in Japan to support my final week of preparation, after taking a rather serious tumble from her bike and puncturing her lung. She is mending well but flying isn't sensible, so she has promised to recover fully and be ready to greet me on the other side of the blue! I am happy that Ricardo was able to step into the role. He is due any minute now.... Ricardo and I as I stepped ashore in Mauritius, 2009 Weather window I am due a chat with my weather router Lee on Monday to look at the forecasts. We are aiming for a Friday morning departure if possible. "Good weather" just means as stable a pressure system as we can get, blowing offshore - ideally for a few days, creating the best window possible for Gulliver and I to get safely out to sea and away from land. Until the next one, Sarah and Gulliver xBOOSH! Almost ready to go. (C) Kris Hallenga One little week to go now until Gulliver and I head East across the big blue. Gulp. And the biggest of 'Whoop whoops!' too. These are exciting, slightly stressful and adrenaline-fuelled times now as I zone in on the start, signing out of land life bit by bit. It is as much mental as physical - there is a To Do List of tasks to tick off, and also a state I need to get to, where I am on my way to becoming an ocean beast again. I feel a little bit like I am in limbo - not quite signed out and yet not quite ready to go yet. But we are getting there. The To Do List is manageable, the week ahead as planned out as it can be and a wonderful network of people helping me out to sea. If you are one of those, in whatever way that might be, thank you. Arigatou gozaimasu. A very special hug with my Mum at Narita Airport - a whole year after I left Tower Bridge After two weeks of delicious R&R with my wonderful Mum and the lovely Kris and Maren Hallenga, interspersed with packing, parties, interviews and boat tinkering, I am now up in Choshi, Chiba. Back in November last year I dipped my toe in the Pacific at Choshi Marina, having cycled and kayaked all the way from London. It is from that point that I shall push off in just a week's time. Yesterday Gulliver arrived at the Marina by truck and I followed on today, via Tokyo for friends and more farewells. Leaving my little home by the sea at Kasa Zima Marina yesterday was rather emotional - the lovely Otake-san and his wife, family and staff now feel like my own family - so it was with teary eyes that I bade my neighbour Fuji-san cheerio and promised I would be back again one day. It was a beautiful day and Fuji-san peered out through a crown of white clouds all day, bathed in gold as the sun wet down. I feel so very lucky to have lived just across the water from such a fine and iconic mountain, surrounded by warmth and friendship. Cheerio from Japan Welcome It's not all about the farewells at the moment, however. There is also a welcome to make. And that is to Ricardo Diniz, who many of you  will remember from my Indian row. I was very sorry to hear a few weeks ago that the indomitable Justine wouldn't be able to join me in Japan to support my final week of preparation, after taking a rather serious tumble from her bike and puncturing her lung. She is mending well but flying isn't sensible, so she has promised to recover fully and be ready to greet me on the other side of the blue! I am happy that Ricardo was able to step into the role. He is due any minute now.... Ricardo and I as I stepped ashore in Mauritius, 2009 Weather window I am due a chat with my weather router Lee on Monday to look at the forecasts. We are aiming for a Friday morning departure if possible. "Good weather" just means as stable a pressure system as we can get, blowing offshore - ideally for a few days, creating the best window possible for Gulliver and I to get safely out to sea and away from land. Until the next one, Sarah and Gulliver xBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=96cf8fab-917a-4ea4-ab00-19c8af9119e1Video from a recent talkFri, 23 Mar 2012 06:28:36 -0700SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa96cf8fab-917a-4ea4-ab00-19c8af9119e1BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-03-23T13:35:15.73Video from a recent talkMy time in Japan has been full of all sorts and one of the things I have enjoyed the most is sharing the stories of my journey so far through talks at schools and clubs. Here is a little video from a recent talk I gave at the first TEDxTokyoTeachers event. There are some wonderful speakers after me, so do dig about on the site and share all the great messages. I particularly loved this  one by Miki Kano on teaching Japanese children critical thinking skills. Enjoy! Less than one month to go until the ocean... S and Gulliver x   PS Overhauled website going live soon...watch this space!My time in Japan has been full of all sorts and one of the things I have enjoyed the most is sharing the stories of my journey so far through talks at schools and clubs. Here is a little video from a recent talk I gave at the first TEDxTokyoTeachers event. There are some wonderful speakers after me, so do dig about on the site and share all the great messages. I particularly loved this  one by Miki Kano on teaching Japanese children critical thinking skills. Enjoy! Less than one month to go until the ocean... S and Gulliver x   PS Overhauled website going live soon...watch this space!BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=abe10a36-f788-473a-8bd3-312de199f601An update before the final run to the oceanWed, 14 Mar 2012 06:23:57 -0700SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aaabe10a36-f788-473a-8bd3-312de199f601BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-03-14T13:23:57.63An update before the final run to the oceanThings are hotting up out here. It's nearly time to go. Pottering about with Gulliver in the bay In two weeks time Mum arrives. It will have been a full year since we gripped each other tightly on the wharf of HMS President and I grinned my way under Tower Bridge. A week with Mum will be followed by the same with the lovely Kris and Maren Hallenga, friends and founders of  CoppaFeel!, one of my very fab supported charities. On April 12th we will pack Gulliver for his ride to Choshi, Chiba up the coast; I shall say goodbye to my 'family' in Sajima and head up towards the airport. As the twins fly home, Justine - one of my team mates  - will fly in to help me in my final week of preparations. We aim to go on standby from April 20th. As soon as the weather is good, I shall go. For those in Japan wishing to come and wave me off, we hope to post details online three days before departure. I have recognised the swinging emotions and adrenaline which characterised the final build up to my previous big departures - across the Indian ocean in 2009 and April 1st last year at the start of this one. I try and make the adrenaline my friend - letting fears have their voice,  nagging noises do their bit - and letting the excitement drive me on. Preparations are trucking along in the way that preparations for these things do. Little hurdles and conundrums pop up here and there (e.g. a sprained back joint a few weeks ago) and red tape puzzles and frustrates us from time to time. But, with persistence, creativity and plenty of time out to play,  my team at home and my friends and supporters out here in Japan are getting there. Onwards, onwards, onwards. Meanwhile, Gulliver continues to look and feel more like a home/office/rowing pod. The collection of trinkets woven into the cabin netting are steadily growing, tool boxes are being filled and equipment stowed in cubby holes and lockers, gadgets are tested and retested and the To Do List shortens and regrows accordingly. Reminders of home and friends in the cabin I slept in him for the first time the other week and am happy to report it all went smoothly, though I had forgotten how tiny a little rowing cabin can feel. The jury is still out on which way round I will sleep - head amidships (in the middle) and enjoying the headroom or head at the stern (back) of the cabin and enjoying the stars. Outside of boaty tinkering, I am training and feeding in readiness for the journey ahead and now just have a final couple of talks to give.  Within the team we have been working hard to plan the overhaul of the website (due to go live in the next couple of weeks) and have also bringing our shiny new Media Manager Jenny Ellery up to speed. All in all, busy but happy and focussed times in this final run  in to the very final run before the ocean. Sarah and Gulliver xThings are hotting up out here. It's nearly time to go. Pottering about with Gulliver in the bay In two weeks time Mum arrives. It will have been a full year since we gripped each other tightly on the wharf of HMS President and I grinned my way under Tower Bridge. A week with Mum will be followed by the same with the lovely Kris and Maren Hallenga, friends and founders of  CoppaFeel!, one of my very fab supported charities. On April 12th we will pack Gulliver for his ride to Choshi, Chiba up the coast; I shall say goodbye to my 'family' in Sajima and head up towards the airport. As the twins fly home, Justine - one of my team mates  - will fly in to help me in my final week of preparations. We aim to go on standby from April 20th. As soon as the weather is good, I shall go. For those in Japan wishing to come and wave me off, we hope to post details online three days before departure. I have recognised the swinging emotions and adrenaline which characterised the final build up to my previous big departures - across the Indian ocean in 2009 and April 1st last year at the start of this one. I try and make the adrenaline my friend - letting fears have their voice,  nagging noises do their bit - and letting the excitement drive me on. Preparations are trucking along in the way that preparations for these things do. Little hurdles and conundrums pop up here and there (e.g. a sprained back joint a few weeks ago) and red tape puzzles and frustrates us from time to time. But, with persistence, creativity and plenty of time out to play,  my team at home and my friends and supporters out here in Japan are getting there. Onwards, onwards, onwards. Meanwhile, Gulliver continues to look and feel more like a home/office/rowing pod. The collection of trinkets woven into the cabin netting are steadily growing, tool boxes are being filled and equipment stowed in cubby holes and lockers, gadgets are tested and retested and the To Do List shortens and regrows accordingly. Reminders of home and friends in the cabin I slept in him for the first time the other week and am happy to report it all went smoothly, though I had forgotten how tiny a little rowing cabin can feel. The jury is still out on which way round I will sleep - head amidships (in the middle) and enjoying the headroom or head at the stern (back) of the cabin and enjoying the stars. Outside of boaty tinkering, I am training and feeding in readiness for the journey ahead and now just have a final couple of talks to give.  Within the team we have been working hard to plan the overhaul of the website (due to go live in the next couple of weeks) and have also bringing our shiny new Media Manager Jenny Ellery up to speed. All in all, busy but happy and focussed times in this final run  in to the very final run before the ocean. Sarah and Gulliver xBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=5efc7cb6-357e-4b49-a994-9520ccf5b234Thoughts of home and here and thereSun, 19 Feb 2012 05:05:25 -0800SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa5efc7cb6-357e-4b49-a994-9520ccf5b234BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-02-19T13:05:25.1Thoughts of home and here and thereRecently I returned to my marina HQ after a packed week away of talks and meetings and travelling and not enough exercise. After the concrete jungle of Tokyo, stuffy trains and throngs of people, I was so happy to be by the space and quiet of the sea once more. Shibiya-san, one of the marina staff, said something to me with a smile as  I wandered over to see what he was working on. I asked another for the translation. 'He says 'Welcome Home',' said Mama-san, smiling at me warmly. 'We miss you when you're away.' I had to gulp back the lump in my throat, grinning wide and teary-eyed. They are right - this is my home now. For now at least. Home has meant all sorts of things to me in my life - an ever changing role of people and places and, perhaps, ideas. 'Home home' is Rutland -  our family HQ. Nearly a year ago I left the warm familiarity and choked a cheerio as bravely as I could, hugging the dog with a feeling of betrayal as I reassured him I would be back soon. I still won't be home for another 18 months yet. Gulliver - Home is whenever I'm with you Just before Christmas I longed for home. I missed my family and friends. It had only caught up with me then, after months on the go - months where my home was defined by my bike and tent and boats, my garden an ever changing parade of scenery and countries and neighbours.  I have grown into my new life out here though and, while I miss family and friends from time to time, I have my international family here in Japan. There will be a part of me which finds it hard to leave in April and wave goodbye. Still, I shall have Gulliver - my new home and mate for much of 2012. (He and Hercules have met and they seem fine with the arrangement). Gulliver arrived at the marina two weeks ago and has been making me grin ever since. Jamie and Emily of  Global Boatworkshave done a wonderful job (again) and I am really enjoying tinkering with kit and getting him set up.  I have been out with him a few times already, both with and without passengers. He is beautiful to row and will be a perfect home on the ocean. Thanks to everyone who helped get him from Rutland to Tokyo, out of customs and then safely installed at the marina - it was quite a mission. And thanks to my team at home for packing him up with all the gear (also a mission) and to all my sponsors who helped furnish him with kit. So, here's to homes and all that they mean to us - wherever you are and whatever home means for you at this point in your life. May they be filled with sunshine and smiles.   Sarah and Gulliver x A smiling rower is a happy rower PS Mum is coming out to visit in 5 weeks time - woop woop! PPS Thanks to new sponsors who have joined us recently - Go Pro and  Crewroom and  C S Ellis and  Rutland Worldwide Freight and  Blaythorne Equipment. PPPS The title of this blog is taken from the very brilliant song   'Home' by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic ZeroesRecently I returned to my marina HQ after a packed week away of talks and meetings and travelling and not enough exercise. After the concrete jungle of Tokyo, stuffy trains and throngs of people, I was so happy to be by the space and quiet of the sea once more. Shibiya-san, one of the marina staff, said something to me with a smile as  I wandered over to see what he was working on. I asked another for the translation. 'He says 'Welcome Home',' said Mama-san, smiling at me warmly. 'We miss you when you're away.' I had to gulp back the lump in my throat, grinning wide and teary-eyed. They are right - this is my home now. For now at least. Home has meant all sorts of things to me in my life - an ever changing role of people and places and, perhaps, ideas. 'Home home' is Rutland -  our family HQ. Nearly a year ago I left the warm familiarity and choked a cheerio as bravely as I could, hugging the dog with a feeling of betrayal as I reassured him I would be back soon. I still won't be home for another 18 months yet. Gulliver - Home is whenever I'm with you Just before Christmas I longed for home. I missed my family and friends. It had only caught up with me then, after months on the go - months where my home was defined by my bike and tent and boats, my garden an ever changing parade of scenery and countries and neighbours.  I have grown into my new life out here though and, while I miss family and friends from time to time, I have my international family here in Japan. There will be a part of me which finds it hard to leave in April and wave goodbye. Still, I shall have Gulliver - my new home and mate for much of 2012. (He and Hercules have met and they seem fine with the arrangement). Gulliver arrived at the marina two weeks ago and has been making me grin ever since. Jamie and Emily of  Global Boatworkshave done a wonderful job (again) and I am really enjoying tinkering with kit and getting him set up.  I have been out with him a few times already, both with and without passengers. He is beautiful to row and will be a perfect home on the ocean. Thanks to everyone who helped get him from Rutland to Tokyo, out of customs and then safely installed at the marina - it was quite a mission. And thanks to my team at home for packing him up with all the gear (also a mission) and to all my sponsors who helped furnish him with kit. So, here's to homes and all that they mean to us - wherever you are and whatever home means for you at this point in your life. May they be filled with sunshine and smiles.   Sarah and Gulliver x A smiling rower is a happy rower PS Mum is coming out to visit in 5 weeks time - woop woop! PPS Thanks to new sponsors who have joined us recently - Go Pro and  Crewroom and  C S Ellis and  Rutland Worldwide Freight and  Blaythorne Equipment. PPPS The title of this blog is taken from the very brilliant song   'Home' by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic ZeroesBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=66f6c010-6f4c-409b-b3a1-e75500872db9A little montage from trainingSat, 04 Feb 2012 06:23:47 -0800SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa66f6c010-6f4c-409b-b3a1-e75500872db9BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-02-04T14:25:32.787A little montage from trainingA little montage from training.A little montage from training.BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=58e6b911-73a1-4818-969b-c386cc0d7195Looking back to the Russian Far EastThu, 19 Apr 2012 06:32:00 -0700SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa58e6b911-73a1-4818-969b-c386cc0d7195BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-01-23T03:37:34.377Looking back to the Russian Far EastBelow is a selection of photos from the most challenging phase of the journey so far - Russia to Japan by bike and kayak, a five week adventure in the autumn. It allowed me to link mainland Eurasia with Japan's main island, Honshu. I hope you enjoy rootling through them as much as I enjoyed pulling them out of the stores. And, if you fancy a wild and beautiful part of the world to bike and kayak through, then the Russian Far East is a wonderful place to go. To remind you of the story - check out some of the  blogs and  videos from that time. http://www.flickr.co ​ m/photos/sarahouten/ ​ sets/721576289783304 ​ 51/Below is a selection of photos from the most challenging phase of the journey so far - Russia to Japan by bike and kayak, a five week adventure in the autumn. It allowed me to link mainland Eurasia with Japan's main island, Honshu. I hope you enjoy rootling through them as much as I enjoyed pulling them out of the stores. And, if you fancy a wild and beautiful part of the world to bike and kayak through, then the Russian Far East is a wonderful place to go. To remind you of the story - check out some of the  blogs and  videos from that time. http://www.flickr.co ​ m/photos/sarahouten/ ​ sets/721576289783304 ​ 51/BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=ae7e4753-8ecb-4af8-bbcd-99605a91f9c9Notes from my new ocean HQSat, 14 Jan 2012 04:23:57 -0800SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aaae7e4753-8ecb-4af8-bbcd-99605a91f9c9BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-01-14T12:30:57.103Notes from my new ocean HQThis year is all about the Pacific. Or, more exactly, rowing across it from Japan’s east coast to Canada. The clock is now ticking and the ocean is calling. Gulliver, my rowing boat, arrives next week. As I sit here in my room, just twenty metres from the sea, I can hear the waves sloshing on the shore. It is wonderful. I moved down from the mountains last weekend to be here full time. At first I was sorry to leave new friends in the hills, and then I had my first lungful of sea air and knew that there was nowhere else I would rather be.                   It is a perfect spot for training, on and off the water. My sponsored  Concept2 rowing machine is set up in a glass fronted room looking out to sea. I take out a sit-on-top kayak for a paddle round the bay most mornings and a sunset swim is just metres away. Not toasty but not freezing, and utterly exhilarating. I have some weights, a skipping rope and a swiss ball for my core training. For brain training I have spent some time recently on the phone with Briony, my very wonderful sports psychologist. I continue to be battered (helpfully) up in Tokyo by my physio to try and right the wrongs done over the first leg from London. My right shoulder is still not right enough and my lower back is holding grudges against me, apparently.                        Alongside the training there is much planning to be done – not just by me, but by my wonderful team of elves back home. We are looking ahead to landing options on the other side (and getting very excited about meeting Canada for the first time in my life), logistics and then the trans Canada/U.S cycling phase beyond that. Although it still feels a bit abstract, we are even looking at the very final bit of blue stuff before the U.K – my homecoming row across the Atlantic.  There is still an awful lot of globe between Japan and London according to my windowsill, but I have more headspace now than I anticipate having for the next two years, so this time and space now is key to the rest of the expedition. Back to school Alongside the Skype  calls to classrooms around the world, I am also spending time in schools, sharing stories from the journey so far and encouraging students to chase their dreams and believe in themselves. I was buzzing after my morning at the British School in Tokyo yesterday – I realised how much I had missed being around young people since being on the road. One young lad asked if I would have a support boat on the ocean or someone to follow me on the bike to make sure I am safe. ‘No’, said I. ‘Hmm,’ said he, and thought about it. ‘So you’ve got to be careful then?’ I hope that your year has got off to happy start, wherever you are. Stick with us and bring your friends along, too – the next few months are leading into a very exciting time and the ocean ahead will be an adventure. I promise. Yours from down-by-the-sea, Sarah P.S: Latest education blog here ‘ Giant waves & wobbles’ – please circulate to schools and young families P.P.S: Latest videos  here P.P.P.S: Thanks to all the new sponsors who have joined the journey recently:  MSR,  ExtraWheel,  Knog,  Schwalbe,  StarlineThis year is all about the Pacific. Or, more exactly, rowing across it from Japan’s east coast to Canada. The clock is now ticking and the ocean is calling. Gulliver, my rowing boat, arrives next week. As I sit here in my room, just twenty metres from the sea, I can hear the waves sloshing on the shore. It is wonderful. I moved down from the mountains last weekend to be here full time. At first I was sorry to leave new friends in the hills, and then I had my first lungful of sea air and knew that there was nowhere else I would rather be.                   It is a perfect spot for training, on and off the water. My sponsored  Concept2 rowing machine is set up in a glass fronted room looking out to sea. I take out a sit-on-top kayak for a paddle round the bay most mornings and a sunset swim is just metres away. Not toasty but not freezing, and utterly exhilarating. I have some weights, a skipping rope and a swiss ball for my core training. For brain training I have spent some time recently on the phone with Briony, my very wonderful sports psychologist. I continue to be battered (helpfully) up in Tokyo by my physio to try and right the wrongs done over the first leg from London. My right shoulder is still not right enough and my lower back is holding grudges against me, apparently.                        Alongside the training there is much planning to be done – not just by me, but by my wonderful team of elves back home. We are looking ahead to landing options on the other side (and getting very excited about meeting Canada for the first time in my life), logistics and then the trans Canada/U.S cycling phase beyond that. Although it still feels a bit abstract, we are even looking at the very final bit of blue stuff before the U.K – my homecoming row across the Atlantic.  There is still an awful lot of globe between Japan and London according to my windowsill, but I have more headspace now than I anticipate having for the next two years, so this time and space now is key to the rest of the expedition. Back to school Alongside the Skype  calls to classrooms around the world, I am also spending time in schools, sharing stories from the journey so far and encouraging students to chase their dreams and believe in themselves. I was buzzing after my morning at the British School in Tokyo yesterday – I realised how much I had missed being around young people since being on the road. One young lad asked if I would have a support boat on the ocean or someone to follow me on the bike to make sure I am safe. ‘No’, said I. ‘Hmm,’ said he, and thought about it. ‘So you’ve got to be careful then?’ I hope that your year has got off to happy start, wherever you are. Stick with us and bring your friends along, too – the next few months are leading into a very exciting time and the ocean ahead will be an adventure. I promise. Yours from down-by-the-sea, Sarah P.S: Latest education blog here ‘ Giant waves & wobbles’ – please circulate to schools and young families P.P.S: Latest videos  here P.P.P.S: Thanks to all the new sponsors who have joined the journey recently:  MSR,  ExtraWheel,  Knog,  Schwalbe,  StarlineBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=003c0327-9dd6-4226-9fab-d2d0db139519Thoughts after a week's volunteering in IshinomakiWed, 04 Jan 2012 07:35:12 -0800SarahOuten5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa003c0327-9dd6-4226-9fab-d2d0db139519BlogArticleBB659F501A638A12012012-01-04T15:35:16.413Thoughts after a week's volunteering in IshinomakiThe final part of this  first leg of the journey from London took me down the Tohoku coast of Japan - the region devastated by the huge earthquake and tsunami which rocked the country in March 2011. Having  finished the journeying for the winter, I returned to the fishing town of Ishinomaki to volunteer for a week with the wonderful group ' It's Not Just Mud'. Humbled and moved by what I saw and now understood a little bit better, and having heard some of the stories from residents who remained and were now trying to rebuild their lives, I made this little video about my time there. It still makes me cry to watch it, but it also makes me smile. People tell me that what I do inspires them - that is very kind and I am glad to be of use. But if you would like to see some real inspiration and courage then watch this  piece by the BBC  about INJM founder Jamie and listen to the story of Matsumura-san in my video. That, my friends, is courage. Lessons so far My journey so far has shown me all sorts of things and taught me some wonderful lessons about life and what it is to be human. What home means to different people. What it is to risk failure and make a leap into the unknown. What it is to be succeed. What it is to be welcomed by strangers and to share their food and home and lives with them as though you were family.What it is to lose your livelihood, your family, your world. What it is to struggle. To survive.  What it is to hope. And what it is to help. Journeys It has shown me that we are all on journeys, wherever we are going and whoever we are  -  bikes or no bikes, internatonal or not, emotional or theoretical, this way or that. Static or errant, little or large, wherever we are going and for whatever reasons, we are all one. We are as different and varied as the flowers of spring, of the flags of the world , of the seasons and the weathers  - but we will all flounder sometimes, be it on the road or in our heads and hearts. We all get tired and face challenges. And we all need refreshing from time to time. And we all need support and encouragement and reassurance and hugs. Most of all, I have learned that we all need each other. Here's to all of that and all of our journeys as we bound or plod or meander or wheel or think our way into a whole new year.  I hope it's a good one. All very best from the east, Sarah P.S. P.S: I am keen to use royalty free music for future videos - if you are keen for me to use your work then please drop me a line P.P.S: Thanks to everyone who donated to the  Winter Clothing Appeal. The money is being sent over right about now and will be used to buy thermal clothing for needy residents in Ishinomaki. P.P.P.S: With the return to school imminent or recently thrust upon many youngsters, I shall be restarting the Skype and live calls into classrooms. Please  spread the word and  drop us a line if you would like me to call your classroom.The final part of this  first leg of the journey from London took me down the Tohoku coast of Japan - the region devastated by the huge earthquake and tsunami which rocked the country in March 2011. Having  finished the journeying for the winter, I returned to the fishing town of Ishinomaki to volunteer for a week with the wonderful group ' It's Not Just Mud'. Humbled and moved by what I saw and now understood a little bit better, and having heard some of the stories from residents who remained and were now trying to rebuild their lives, I made this little video about my time there. It still makes me cry to watch it, but it also makes me smile. People tell me that what I do inspires them - that is very kind and I am glad to be of use. But if you would like to see some real inspiration and courage then watch this  piece by the BBC  about INJM founder Jamie and listen to the story of Matsumura-san in my video. That, my friends, is courage. Lessons so far My journey so far has shown me all sorts of things and taught me some wonderful lessons about life and what it is to be human. What home means to different people. What it is to risk failure and make a leap into the unknown. What it is to be succeed. What it is to be welcomed by strangers and to share their food and home and lives with them as though you were family.What it is to lose your livelihood, your family, your world. What it is to struggle. To survive.  What it is to hope. And what it is to help. Journeys It has shown me that we are all on journeys, wherever we are going and whoever we are  -  bikes or no bikes, internatonal or not, emotional or theoretical, this way or that. Static or errant, little or large, wherever we are going and for whatever reasons, we are all one. We are as different and varied as the flowers of spring, of the flags of the world , of the seasons and the weathers  - but we will all flounder sometimes, be it on the road or in our heads and hearts. We all get tired and face challenges. And we all need refreshing from time to time. And we all need support and encouragement and reassurance and hugs. Most of all, I have learned that we all need each other. Here's to all of that and all of our journeys as we bound or plod or meander or wheel or think our way into a whole new year.  I hope it's a good one. All very best from the east, Sarah P.S. P.S: I am keen to use royalty free music for future videos - if you are keen for me to use your work then please drop me a line P.P.S: Thanks to everyone who donated to the  Winter Clothing Appeal. The money is being sent over right about now and will be used to buy thermal clothing for needy residents in Ishinomaki. P.P.P.S: With the return to school imminent or recently thrust upon many youngsters, I shall be restarting the Skype and live calls into classrooms. Please  spread the word and  drop us a line if you would like me to call your classroom.BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=5d74d6ca-861a-42c0-81ad-c5c98b347e1eIshinomakiMon, 28 Nov 2011 00:45:58 -0800Sarah Outen5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aa5d74d6ca-861a-42c0-81ad-c5c98b347e1eBlogArticle7B026DECDD761FE2012011-11-28T08:45:58.11IshinomakiJust over two weeks before I left London in April this year, Japan was rocked by a huge earthquake and  over 700 km of the coastline were devastated by the ensuing tsunami. A major nuclear incident near the city of Fukushima rendered acres of land an evacuation zone and scenes of the disaster filled the global news screens and dailies.  Eight months on, the battle in Tohoku, this north eastern region of Honshu, continues.  Winter is nearly here meaning that battle will get harder. Global attention may have faded somewhat but the reality of the situation facing thousands of Japanese people has not and will not, for years to come. For some, the scars will never heal. Earlier this month while cycling my way south to the end of this first leg , I diverted east and pedalled out to the coast, specifically to the town of Ishinomaki. It was one of the worst hit towns. Thousands died here, including 80 children at a school of just over 100.  I wanted to see what had happened there and I wanted to see what  I might be able to do to help. I was shocked, humbled and saddened by what I found – flattened neighbourhoods, ruined industries, poignant memorials to lost loved ones and mountains and mountains of debris. There are no mountains on the map at this point but, looking out to the periphery of the town and across it, a new landscape grows each day – the rubble piling higher and higher. I was also inspired by what I saw in the quiet, determined efforts of local people to rebuild the town and their lives. I shall be returning to Ishinomaki next month to volunteer and hope to do so again and again before I leave for the ocean in the spring. I shall be doing so via  ’ It’s Not Just  Mud’, a brilliant not-for-profit set up by British man Jamie El-Banna. He quit his job in the UK in the summer to come to Japan and help. Their work is focussed on providing and improving food and shelter for local people through a number of supported projects and initiatives. I asked Jamie what I could do to help, above and beyond volunteering my time and energies. He said warm clothing is needed urgently. As such, I need your help in raising some money to provide warm jackets for those in need in Ishinomaki. Given Japan’s ageing population and the lack of heating and hot water in many homes still, there are a lot of grannies facing a very cold winter. A fleece or warm blanket could really make a tangible difference to someone’s life in the cold months ahead. In fact, it could save a life. Already the Stamford Endowed Schools and Barnsdale Lodge have very generously donated hundreds of pounds. I am keen to get it well up over £1,000. If you are able to donate a few pounds I would be super grateful. Details at www.sarahouten.com blog Thanks and all best, Sarah x PS I am still committed to fundraising for my supported charities and will return to this in the new year.Just over two weeks before I left London in April this year, Japan was rocked by a huge earthquake and  over 700 km of the coastline were devastated by the ensuing tsunami. A major nuclear incident near the city of Fukushima rendered acres of land an evacuation zone and scenes of the disaster filled the global news screens and dailies.  Eight months on, the battle in Tohoku, this north eastern region of Honshu, continues.  Winter is nearly here meaning that battle will get harder. Global attention may have faded somewhat but the reality of the situation facing thousands of Japanese people has not and will not, for years to come. For some, the scars will never heal. Earlier this month while cycling my way south to the end of this first leg , I diverted east and pedalled out to the coast, specifically to the town of Ishinomaki. It was one of the worst hit towns. Thousands died here, including 80 children at a school of just over 100.  I wanted to see what had happened there and I wanted to see what  I might be able to do to help. I was shocked, humbled and saddened by what I found – flattened neighbourhoods, ruined industries, poignant memorials to lost loved ones and mountains and mountains of debris. There are no mountains on the map at this point but, looking out to the periphery of the town and across it, a new landscape grows each day – the rubble piling higher and higher. I was also inspired by what I saw in the quiet, determined efforts of local people to rebuild the town and their lives. I shall be returning to Ishinomaki next month to volunteer and hope to do so again and again before I leave for the ocean in the spring. I shall be doing so via  ’ It’s Not Just  Mud’, a brilliant not-for-profit set up by British man Jamie El-Banna. He quit his job in the UK in the summer to come to Japan and help. Their work is focussed on providing and improving food and shelter for local people through a number of supported projects and initiatives. I asked Jamie what I could do to help, above and beyond volunteering my time and energies. He said warm clothing is needed urgently. As such, I need your help in raising some money to provide warm jackets for those in need in Ishinomaki. Given Japan’s ageing population and the lack of heating and hot water in many homes still, there are a lot of grannies facing a very cold winter. A fleece or warm blanket could really make a tangible difference to someone’s life in the cold months ahead. In fact, it could save a life. Already the Stamford Endowed Schools and Barnsdale Lodge have very generously donated hundreds of pounds. I am keen to get it well up over £1,000. If you are able to donate a few pounds I would be super grateful. Details at www.sarahouten.com blog Thanks and all best, Sarah x PS I am still committed to fundraising for my supported charities and will return to this in the new year.BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=c628ba00-09ff-49be-a0c6-aab6a0befda6The end of the 1st leg of London2LondonSat, 19 Nov 2011 19:52:30 -0800Sarah Outen5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aac628ba00-09ff-49be-a0c6-aab6a0befda6BlogArticle7B026DECDD761FE2112011-11-14T10:21:10.01The end of the 1st leg of London2LondonIt is a very happy Outen-shaped pedalling and paddling grinning machine writing to let you know that at 1230pm local time today, November 14th, Hercules and I arrived in glorious sunshine at the British Embassy in Tokyo. 7.5 months and 18700km of pedalling and paddling since Tower Bridge, this first leg is now complete. (NB: Nelson, my kayak, had arrived a few weeks ago so I was able to get a ‘Me and my boys’ shot too. Yesterday I cycled to Choshi Marina on the East coast to dip my toes in the Pacific and officially close the leg – I start out from here next spring with Gulliver, bound for the other side) Just in from London.... My two faithful steeds from London to Tokyo - Hercules the bike and Nelson the kayak. Ready for the Pacific next year. Choshi Marina - departing spring 2012   'Hello London, this is Tokyo calling. I arrived safely this afternoon and, after a short rest, I shall be heading home again. Don't wait up for me, though; I'll be a while. ETA 2013.'   If you have enjoyed reading my blogs thus far I would love it if you could spare whatever change, shrapnel or notes you can to my supported charities: Coppafeel!, WaterAid, Jubilee Sailing Trust and the MND Association. TO DONATE CLICK  HERE Warm, warm thank yous to everyone who has helped me on my way – from my sponsors and supporters, to strangers on the road and followers of this blog, my team and my family – I am grateful. Here’s to the next chapter… Meanwhile, I am due a sleep and a G&T. More stories from in a wee while. All best from me, Herc, Nelson and Tokyo x   PS Another very happy thank you to the British Embassy here in Tokyo for their support and especially Mike Sims-Williams for escorting me into Town today and accompanying me the last couple of days.She is braveBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=b4f72699-8a82-4277-8109-0b6ae4d5384bnearly thereMon, 14 Nov 2011 02:19:09 -0800Sarah Outen5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aab4f72699-8a82-4277-8109-0b6ae4d5384bBlogArticle7B026DECDD761FE2012011-11-14T10:19:09.203nearly thereRound and round and round they go. The final pedal awaits. Tokyo is just around the corner. Just 170km to go now. Pedalling upriver tomorrow and turning left for Tokyo on Monday. Too many stories from this last week to fit into a single swift post, through these tired fingers and befuddled brain. It feels like my headspace and fresh legs have abandoned me somewhat, as though they are lining up to stand down. They know what is around the corner once we hit Tokyo. A rest. A pause. A sleep. This last week has been emotional – both looking back at what has been and ahead to what shall be. Seven and a half months out of London and heck knows how many back. But the most emotional of all journeys is not my own and yet somehow it is all of ours.  For this week I have been shown the rawness and grit of much greater battles than I have fought on my way here and I have witnessed optimism and hope enough to fire me with drive forever. I have been humbled and silenced by what I have encountered on Japan’s East coast. The earthquake and tsunami of March 3rd this year have devastated vast areas. Flattened towns. Claimed thousands of lives. Altered landscaped. It has reminded me of the awesome power of nature just as much as it has shown me about tenacity and fight and community. Gulp. This was painted on to the side of a huge drum (as tall as a two storey house) laying in the central reservation in Ishinomaki. I want to share this part of my journey properly and do it justice – I promised the people I met on my way that I would. So I shall. But not now. Next week. Japan, you have my deepest respect. I am proud to finish this leg here and begin the next part of my journey from here. Ganbatte, fight on my friend. Sarah and Hercules x PS Thank you to  Choshi City Hall who welcomed me to their city yesterday. It was wonderful. And thank you to Kay and Kaz who have been instrumental in showing me round and helping me prepare for the ocean next year. PPS Thank you also to Mike from the British Embassy for all his help and for cycling with me yesterday. Hero that he is will be cycling into Tokyo with me on Monday too.Round and round and round they go. The final pedal awaits. Tokyo is just around the corner. Just 170km to go now. Pedalling upriver tomorrow and turning left for Tokyo on Monday. Too many stories from this last week to fit into a single swift post, through these tired fingers and befuddled brain. It feels like my headspace and fresh legs have abandoned me somewhat, as though they are lining up to stand down. They know what is around the corner once we hit Tokyo. A rest. A pause. A sleep. This last week has been emotional – both looking back at what has been and ahead to what shall be. Seven and a half months out of London and heck knows how many back. But the most emotional of all journeys is not my own and yet somehow it is all of ours.  For this week I have been shown the rawness and grit of much greater battles than I have fought on my way here and I have witnessed optimism and hope enough to fire me with drive forever. I have been humbled and silenced by what I have encountered on Japan’s East coast. The earthquake and tsunami of March 3rd this year have devastated vast areas. Flattened towns. Claimed thousands of lives. Altered landscaped. It has reminded me of the awesome power of nature just as much as it has shown me about tenacity and fight and community. Gulp. This was painted on to the side of a huge drum (as tall as a two storey house) laying in the central reservation in Ishinomaki. I want to share this part of my journey properly and do it justice – I promised the people I met on my way that I would. So I shall. But not now. Next week. Japan, you have my deepest respect. I am proud to finish this leg here and begin the next part of my journey from here. Ganbatte, fight on my friend. Sarah and Hercules x PS Thank you to  Choshi City Hall who welcomed me to their city yesterday. It was wonderful. And thank you to Kay and Kaz who have been instrumental in showing me round and helping me prepare for the ocean next year. PPS Thank you also to Mike from the British Embassy for all his help and for cycling with me yesterday. Hero that he is will be cycling into Tokyo with me on Monday too.BlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=ed4600fa-14a3-40e2-abf2-c7814ccad604and close to the end of Sarah's 1st legMon, 07 Nov 2011 05:13:26 -0800Sarah Outen5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aaed4600fa-14a3-40e2-abf2-c7814ccad604BlogArticle7B026DECDD761FE2012011-11-07T13:13:26.45and close to the end of Sarah's 1st legLake Tazawako, Towada Hachimantai National Park. Last Monday Hercules and I arrived at the beautiful Lake Tazawako just as the sun was setting, turning the sky and water pink and purple and me into a wonderful, reflective calm. Stripping off, running into the lake and swimming sent me high as a kite. Happy happy days. I write this from Morioka, Akita prefecture. 600 km left to go until I reach Choshi, on the Tohoku coast where I will start my North Pacific row from in the spring.  And from there it is the final pedal into Tokyo where I will be reunited with Nelson at the British Embassy and round off the journey for this year. Happy days indeed. I can’t quite believe I am nearly there. Gulp. Sarah and Hercules xLake Tazawako, Towada Hachimantai National Park. Last Monday Hercules and I arrived at the beautiful Lake Tazawako just as the sun was setting, turning the sky and water pink and purple and me into a wonderful, reflective calm. Stripping off, running into the lake and swimming sent me high as a kite. Happy happy days. I write this from Morioka, Akita prefecture. 600 km left to go until I reach Choshi, on the Tohoku coast where I will start my North Pacific row from in the spring.  And from there it is the final pedal into Tokyo where I will be reunited with Nelson at the British Embassy and round off the journey for this year. Happy days indeed. I can’t quite believe I am nearly there. Gulp. Sarah and Hercules xBlogArticlehttp://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/one-woman-in-a-boat-blogpost.aspx?post=cfc62142-86ca-4eea-a28d-6cb97260ee5eSarah finds rest and renewalTue, 25 Oct 2011 06:46:21 -0700Sarah Outen5033ddfb-e131-4dba-8867-b2dff31aa4aacfc62142-86ca-4eea-a28d-6cb97260ee5eBlogArticle7B026DECDD761FE2012011-10-25T13:46:21.417Sarah finds rest and renewalA whole week off the bike and I feel human again. This is reassuring. Hercules and I head out from Mutsu, Aomori this afternoon for the final run south. In contrast to the whole journey so far, now there is no rush. No time pressure. No weather window to worry about. No visa issues. Just me, Herc and three whole weeks to cover the 1400ish kilometres of meandering route that I have roughly sketched out to get us down to Choshi and Tokyo. The week off the bike has been defined by new friends, lots of eating and sleeping, a luxurious visit to an onsen (hot spa) and a rather bizarre session of electrocution and chiropractic crunching, and hours and hours of catching up on admin. The latter hasn’t been a bad thing – it is good to be back in control. One afternoon I rode up through the hills, all rich in autumn leaf, to the sacred Mt Osorezan. Not only was it a beautiful ride and a tranquil reward for my efforts, but perhaps the most wonderful thing was the headspace – it was so refreshing to be sat on the bike with a clear head, my mind either happily empty or skipping about thoughts and questions voluntarily, rather than feeling overwhelmed as I have done in recent weeks. Oh yes, and fresh legs, too. Not a squeak of lactate or stiffness in sight. Until next time, Sarah and Herc x PS Exciting week – our shiny new Schools HQ will be going live with a library of new educational resources, which we have worked hard on with our partners Digital Explorer.A whole week off the bike and I feel human again. This is reassuring. Hercules and I head out from Mutsu, Aomori this afternoon for the final run south. In contrast to the whole journey so far, now there is no rush. No time pressure. No weather window to worry about. No visa issues. Just me, Herc and three whole weeks to cover the 1400ish kilometres of meandering route that I have roughly sketched out to get us down to Choshi and Tokyo. The week off the bike has been defined by new friends, lots of eating and sleeping, a luxurious visit to an onsen (hot spa) and a rather bizarre session of electrocution and chiropractic crunching, and hours and hours of catching up on admin. The latter hasn’t been a bad thing – it is good to be back in control. One afternoon I rode up through the hills, all rich in autumn leaf, to the sacred Mt Osorezan. Not only was it a beautiful ride and a tranquil reward for my efforts, but perhaps the most wonderful thing was the headspace – it was so refreshing to be sat on the bike with a clear head, my mind either happily empty or skipping about thoughts and questions voluntarily, rather than feeling overwhelmed as I have done in recent weeks. Oh yes, and fresh legs, too. Not a squeak of lactate or stiffness in sight. Until next time, Sarah and Herc x PS Exciting week – our shiny new Schools HQ will be going live with a library of new educational resources, which we have worked hard on with our partners Digital Explorer.BlogArticle