Update

16-12-2007

Just had a message from Simon to say that they had a very warm and friendly send off from the villages they met yesterday, they are making much better progress, still using the Coral Reefs for protection from the swells, still lots of wildlife and as they landed for lunch today children from a nearby village climbed trees and picked them fruit, which was much appreciated. They are camped on the beach now waiting to paddle across to Isle De St Marie which is almost on route but well worth the slight diversion as it is reknowned for being a beautiful place to visit.

Update

15-12-2007

Had a message from Phil to say that they had left Cap D'Est and made it to the Southern point the day before yesterday and were poised to make a fairly large crossing to what the termed 'The Mainland' again. Rising early yesterday morning they set off and made thye crossing in 101/2 hours. They landed in a small and beautiful bay were their was a small village, no one spoke any English or French but they came across a French Missionary who was passing through and spoke with him. All is good with the boys and they say hi.

Madagascar Update

13-12-2007

Had an update from Phil yesterday to say that they had departed from Cap Est and were heading off into a fairly remote region, no road contact at all for the next few days, paddling inside and outside of Coral reef. On the outside the seas are quite large, and they have in the main been seeking the protection of the Coral Reef's.

As they went in to land today they came in to the beach just as some locals were launching out in Dug outs, they exchanged boats for a while and had a good laugh with the locals. The area is very beautiful and life is good.

Madagascar Update
12/12/07

Just spoke with Simon on the phone, they are now camped on the most easterly point of the Island, up at 3.45am this morning and getting as many miles in as they can once more, but they are noticing that the winds are gradually easing a little the further south they go, this is normal conditions for this time of year apparantly. The surf isnt particulary big but due to the steepness of the beaches, what swell there is, is creating a nasty shore dump on occassions. They have managed to navigate inside of coral reefs at times which has made their progress quite interesting. They both sound happy, Simon is looking forward to seeing his young sister and they both say hi to their families and friends.

Madagascar Update

10-12-2007

Had two updates today, one from Phil which must have come in yesterday and said that they had some more head winds to deal with as well as a bit of a nasty shore dump, they had launched early to avoid the daytime sea breezes and had to land by midday. Then Simon rang this morning to say that once more an early start had been the order for the day, but by midday the winds had not materialised and they had managed a good eight hours of paddling.

Yesterday they made it almost as far as Sambava, so Im expecting them to be there by now if not beyond. Whilst paddling today they paddled across the top of a whole school of Rays, about 15 in total which sounded pretty amazing listening to Simon describe in detail the experience. Once more dumping surf and coral reefs were to be negotiated before landing safely.

Update
07-12-2007
Recieved a call from Phil today to say that they were making progress, albeit quite slowly, due to the winds,.
Funnily enough I recieved the call whilst in London with Phils good friend Harry Whelan, who he circumnavigated Gt Britain with a couple of years ago, Phil interestingly enough said

" Jeff if you get a chance give Harry a quick kick in the B---s for me will you"

which i did of course, after all thats what friends are for at the end of the day.

Phil then went on to tell me that their daily routine had now become a daily routine of getting on the water as early as possible to avoid the strong winds, they had just replenished their stores to give them another 7 days of water and 14 days of food, on landing today they met with a lady on the beach who was digging for Turtles eggs. Anyway they are up early and paddling in the wee hours to avoid the strong sea breezes which are causing them problems.
Keep going lads, have a good lead up to the Xmas period, everyone here is thinking of you, stay safe and paddle strong.....

An Osborne Update.

While Simon has been away his Dad and Louise have been busy! Congratulations guys!

Simons new sister!!!! 7lb 5oz born 3rd December 2007