It would be very easy to just say congrats but I don’t think that really is enough to be honest. I’m writing this from my warm, dry, and comfortable apartment in Sydney. The fridge downstairs is full, the toilet works and I have a whole nights sleep ahead of me. Everything you haven’t had for over 200 days. Welcome back home and relish it!
I met you just over a year ago when you had just got hold of Ella’s Pink Lady from Don McIntyre and it was a pleasure to fly up from Tasmania whilst on my own world trip and meet you up in Mooloolaba.
I was struck when I first met you quite simply by your attitude and how passionate you were about your trip. I’ve always thought that was your best attribute, as with enough passion I believe anything is possible.
It was fantastic to really get to know you then and chat about all the different aspects of what was to come ahead; from the loneliness, to the food, to the way the media can act. I remember vividly how much your eyes opened as we spoke about the southern ocean and just how much fun it is down there!
It’s been really great fun speaking on the phone to you whilst you’ve been out there and it’s always brought a smile to my face hearing about what’s happening out on the ocean. You brought back so many memories of the time I spent out there.
Over the last year, it has been an absolute pleasure to be in the thick of things communicating regularly with yourself, your family and your team and really living the adventure with you. It’s been so much fun to be a part of it all.
Not many people will ever come close to understanding just how much of an accomplishment yours is, and I really do offer my heartfelt congratulations.
Best wishes,
Mike
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Nicely said Mike!
ReplyDeleteI was watching (on-line from here in Canada) as Jessica came through the Heads, across the harbour and back onto dry land. It was great to see you and Jesse Martin jump aboard as the first ones to welcome her back and assist her up to the dock.
I enjoyed following your journey and homecoming last year too and I have a feeling this won't be the last I hear of adventure from the lot of you!
Sarah
Thank you for making the journey to Australia to help celebrate our Jessica's amazing journey also for helping to inspire her to do it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your stay in Australia, I just wish I could give you the "grand tour" of everything our wonderful city of Sydney has to offer. If you would like a driving tour of Sydney in a Porsche Boxster S with the roof down let me know at sydney_girl30@hotmail.com
Thanks again
Nikki
Mike said it all Jessica. Congratualtions on a job well done. You, like Mike, are a great inspiration to many people.
ReplyDeleteJim
Wow Mike !
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the, as you say, so few people who can even come vaguely close to appreciating what Jessica has just achieved and you have expressed it so well.
As with your own homecoming in my hometown of Portsmouth, I was glued to the internet all night here in Mexico, surfing the Australian TV, radio and webcam sites for news of Jess' arrival and was wrapped up in the adventure and emotion of it all.
Bless her, bless you, Jesse Martin and all the others who have the opportunity to take on these wonderful adventures and to, by coming home safely again, offer the tired world an example of a much-needed fresh newness and the pure energy of youth and of possibility.
In awe, and with much love for you, Jessica and the others, and also for all fellow followers of your wonderous journeys!
Hiya Mike, just had to comment on your above blog, nicely expressed and from the heart..... Neil A.
ReplyDeleteI love how you and the others are just happy for each other and congratulate and help one another. It really shows great character in you!
ReplyDeleteUSA
Well Mike, another adventure ends. I'm chuffed that you were there to greet Jessica rather than being out on the Bounty Boat right now. It is too bad that Don couldn't also be there to meet Jess on her return. I know Don would have loved to be there also.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to take 'Nikki' up on her kind offer...you know the line about sailors 'in port'...LOL.
Safe flight home Mike. I know your parents are very proud of you as your mom's exitement has really come through on Timo's forum last Fri night (Europe). I watched live online as you climbed aboard that "pink" boat..lol. It was nice to see you at sea again mate. Timo and his mates from Sydney were totally chuffed for you also.
See ya later mate...oh finally got your autographed book in the mail...I think it came via a slow atlantic bound sloop....hehe.
Dan, friend of Timo and Nadalie for life
Well said and very positive. Hope you enjoy your time in Sydney. Get time to speak to Jess after she has a good nights sleep.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike - I just wanted to thank you for joining us in Sydney to welcome Jesse home. It was truly special to have you on board to help her through the Harbour and your professionalism and respect in allowing her to soak in the scenes on the Harbour produced one of the most natural TV moments of all time. I think when the two of you have time to sit and watch the replay of your chat, legs dangling over the side of Ella's Pink Lady, you'll have a real laugh that the world was watching! All the best to you both in the challenges you take on for the future!
ReplyDeleteI was watching from Dorset as Jessica crossed the finish line. Never mind that I had to get up at 2am but it was so exciting to witness it all from the other side of the world. It was so lovely to see you and Jesse Martin clamber aboard EPL and bring her to dock, you are a wonderful friend and a great role model. All the best for the future! Belinda
ReplyDeleteMike, I really enjoyed your blogs during your own solo trip - you are a wonderful writer! Your blog "to Jess" really shows your strong writing skills - you spoke beautifully... and I hope she's now had the chance to read that. It's really great that you hopped on a plane & flew half way round the world to congratulate her!! (I'm hoping there is a future between the two of you... don't miss your chance!!) She also writes very well... from her heart - Thank you for continuing your blog I enjoy learning & reading about your adventures and I'm hoping there will be many more to come! CHEERS Mike!
ReplyDelete~Canadian Girl.
I'm halfway through your book at the moment and it makes for a great read. Like Jesse Martin and Jessica Watson, you show that sometimes the only way to the stars is through adversity.
ReplyDeleteBTW Did you really agree to speak exclusively to New Idea?
Hi Mike, I just wanted to post a note to tell you how wonderful I think you are, with such lovely comments from a mere 18 year old. You are so wise for your age. You, Jessica and Jesse are truly aspiring young adults. I wish there were more teens out there with some goals to set. It would get them off the streets and into our hearts. All the best
ReplyDelete