Geoff and I have had an extraordinary few weeks. We’ve seen some amazing scenery, had some privileged encounters with wildlife, met some inspirational people, and made some new friends.
We gave the expedition a decent shot, making good progress at first. However, in the last three weeks, our progress has slowed dramatically. The persistent northerlies and westerlies continue to create difficult conditions. Unfortunately it doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon either.
We are confident we could continue and eventually finish, but shortly we will have had as many days off the water as we had in both our previous Ireland and Britain expeditions put together.
That means instead of forecasting an end date of 3rd week in August, we are now looking at end of September or even early October.
The desire to make progress in the face of difficult conditions, also means we have been pushing the boundaries of what we would normally describe as safe.
It has been a long time in dreaming about this one and in preparing for it in earnest, so of course we are disappointed. Neither of us like giving in – we are both a bit stubborn like that.
We’ll get over it though so don’t feel sorry for us. As I said at the beginning of this post, it has been a blast. Every single day has been an adventure and left us with incredible memories.
Our only regret is that we can’t continue to share our adventure with you all.
Thank you all for your incredible encouragement and support. From the amazing send off, and your continued messages and notes. We felt the love, particularly when we were in the tough stuff!
Thank you also for your very generous donations to our three charities.
We may never embark on such a long expedition again, but we do have some ideas for some micro adventures. Maybe even one later this year.
Looking forward to making the most of the rest of the summer back home with family and friends.
Love
Andy and Geoff
Midlifekayak 
So glad you enjoyed your incredible adventure!! It was such a joy to read of your adventures, your encounters (human and non) and your spirit. I wish you good luck (SO important) with absolutely everything. Carolx
At least you gave it a shot. Weather so unpredictable. At least you are safe and going back to your families. Take care.
Sure it’s the right call and if you had stayed and waited Ireland may have run dry of Guinness… Safe journey home and The Popes wish you all the best. Look forward to the mini adventures and the reports. Best wishes
Don’t regret stopping, it’s the mark of an experienced person that you can recognise when to call it a day.
Go home, remember what you have achieved not what might have been.
And live to fight another day.
Dear Andy and Geoff,
<
div>If that’s ’giving in’, my name’s George Washington. You very courageously be
Well done boys.
A brave effort.
Glad you saw sense!
<
div>Have a micro adventure off Hampshire. Meet you
I
So glad you’re safe, your last few posts have had me worried – and I’m sure you’ve left out some of the scarier details!
So glad you’re safe, your last few posts have had me quite worried, and I know you’ve left out some of the scarier details! Well done and enjoy the trip home.
Dear Andy and Geoff
So sorry you’ve had to give up your expedition. We’ve been following your daily blogs since the start and are amazed you have manage to achieve so much. Over the last few days we have been increasingly concerned that you are pushing the safety boundaries and think your decision is extremely wise.
It amazes me that after an exhausting day on the water you can still create a detailed, interesting and lucid account of your journey.
Looking forward to seeing you both in the Plume in the not too distant future.
Best Wishes
Tim and Pip Tregidgo
Dear Andy
What a truly difficult decision for you both⦠but it seems like the right one. I have so enjoyed reading your missivesâ¦. with more than a few scary scenarios where I have wondered how on earth you have made it from one shore to the next.
And clearly the weather is all over the place, and totally unpredictable so it makes your challenge even more challenging⦠( I read this morning that there are floods in Palma Mallorca but 43 degrees in Athens⦠!!!!)
Huge congratulations to you and Geoff for braving it and making it so far. A massive achievement⦠and you will certainly get a big welcome home.
I shall miss your updates â they have been like reading a good adventure novel⦠but will certainly look forward to following your future micro adventures!
Have a safe journey home.
Best wishes to you both
Susie xx
Susie De Paolis
07710 122361
susie@depaolis.co.uk
De Paolis Ltd
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