Re: [Paddlewise] Crossing The Ocean Roar

Peter,
That was an emotional-for-me clip of the memorial service.

I'm sorry if my "tribute" post detracted form Andrew's accomplishments in 
any way. I don't think I got the spelling of his name correct, either, but I 
was posting at a time when I was not feeling too well.

I see from the recording found that Andrew probably gave new meaning to the 
term "suffering at sea." Like I said, I can't even imagine what it must have 
been like for him.

I'm glad the media viewed his trip favorably, not that we care too much 
about what opinions the media have, but it is probably a good indicator of 
the common-man identifiers most everyone feels in retrospect.

We will look forward (if that is possible in a sort of non-negative way ) to 
the documentary and book by Paul and Vicky, respectively.

_That_ type of media attention is well deserved. Andrew's wife will need his 
courage and strength too, to move on, dealing with the remorse and loss of 
her husband and father to her small son. Yvonne and I have agreed to send 
some funds via the avenue you suggested,even  though we are tight these 
days.

> G'day Doug,
>
> Your post was a fitting tribute to Andrew, describing his voyage and the
> circumstances with great insight. I'd been holding back from commenting,
> feeling totally unqualified. So focused on pointing to his web site and 
> the
> weather conditions. Then following his loss found it hard to describe my
> feelings or what was gong on. Can't think of anyone better fitted to 
> provide
> such a good view of Andrew's achievement.
>
> Thanks mate. You described the voyage perfectly and I'm grateful.
>
> The press have been sympathetic and have understood Andrew's effort. They
> gave wide coverage of the memorial (video clip
> http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=26018&sy=smh&source=undefined). Five hundred
> people attended the service held in wind and light rain at Australia's 
> first
> lighthouse overlooking the Tasman sea. Paul Hewitson has been helping to
> analyse the events of Andrew's last day from the material found in his 
> boat.
> Paul will release this in a documentary for Vicki's benefit. Vicki will
> write a book to celebrate Andrew's adventures. We now know that he was
> within 54km of landfall. As Vicki says: "I feel very strongly that he 
> should
> be recognised as having achieved his goal. He was well in sight of land" 
> and
> "I want to encourage Finlay to have his dad's strength, courage and
> integrity and just to have his dad's incredible belief that anything is
> possible."
>
> All the best and here's wishing you a very successful recovery, PeterO.
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