Let's race the tube...!

Because it's there?! Because it's fun? All of the above... pointlessly fulfilling?

P (h/t Brian P. Smith)

The Islanders nail the World Record...

Had a splendid day up Londinium yesterday to watch The Islanders team with two of our Mersea boys aboard break the World Record for a non stop unassisted row round the British Isles in the GBRow2013 challenge. Went to the 02 Dome first and watched them pass through the Thames Barrier before legging it to the Thames Clipper to overtake them, as per the film above, and then watch the record breaking finish at Tower Bridge. (Sorry about the noisy soundtrack, inspiring music to follow!)

Nearly there - only 100 metres to go (after a mere 2,000 miles)!

Let me through, I'm a rower!

And relax! Made it in a new world record time 26 days 09 hours 09 minutes and 58 seconds!

So light up the fire let the flares burn!

'Incoming! Here comes race director Chris Usborne to remind us how to stand up again!'

It's been emotional! L-R: Gavin, Josh, Alan, James

Morgan versus Liggins - enthusiastic supporter of the endeavour from BBC Look East

'Now Chris, if you'll just sign our cheque, that'll be grand!'

Well done boys, enjoy your rest and welcome home!

P

You spin me right round...

Our The Islanders rowing team have been holding station at sea anchor awaiting more favourable wind conditions before moving North through the St George's Channel and into the Irish Sea... Although they are now adrift of the world record and have team member Gavin Sheehan suffering with a back sprain we long to see them back on course leading the GB Row 2013 race.

The billing as the world's toughest rowing race has been proved true with 4 of the 6 starters running into difficulties and no longer competing.

PB

Press toward the mark...

Excitement builds on Mersea Island once again as we support our boys in The Islanders team rowing 2000 miles non-stop round Britain's coast in the GB ROW 2013 race. At the time of writing The Islanders in Black Oyster are just nudging it ahead of the rest of the fleet which now comprises 6 entrants.

It is possible to track their progress, updated hourly, on both the official GB Row Challenge website and the corresponding smartphone tracking app, yellowbrick.

Press toward the mark for the prize boys, God speed and stay safe!

P

And... exhale!

Phew!

Muamba's Miraculous Moments...

OK, I confess this stirs a deep seated response within me... whatever our faith (or not!) I am comfortable with this 'miracle' story, especially bearing in mind the sense of this extraordinary medical community working together as one. This is about action, even without a belief (faith?) in a positive outcome. Meanwhile the hashtag, #prayformuamba, became a Twitter phenomena reflecting the reaction of players who demonstrated a fundamental instinct to fall on their knees and pray.

One thing for sure, I feel comfortable with accepting this reveals the hand of the Divine at work rather than one of those dreadful, coercive, churchy moments that are claimed to be miracles performed in God's name?

It's not a 'fairy tale' ending, like everyone, I was saddened to read Fabrice is to retire from the game. Whatever happens for him now there is no-one who would not wish him well...

P

Ticket to ride... extremely!

Watching this is almost as convincing as one of those roller coaster simulators! Just hope wasn't disqualified for riding through the tapes a couple of times (or splatting the dog!)? I couldn't help noticing the pin-striped suit the competitor is wearing, too!

P h/t Pat Kirby

Servant king...

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Matthew 25 v40: The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me...

P