Route Map   Weather Map   Daily Journal         Q & A   Special Reports   Education Section           The Game Click here to send the Viking adventurers your questions Greenland Tourism's Project Leif 2000		Four miles and a few hours from a ceremonious landing Log Date: Monday, September 21 Author: John Abbott Location: At anchor 4 miles off the coast of L'Anse aux Meadows From John A.: Well, sports fans, today the race was on. Snorri blasted out of the starting gate full of spit and vinegar, before being forced to yield by failing winds. Her attempt to take it down the stretch to L'Anse aux Meadows, thwarted by light (non-existent!) winds and contrary current, inspired the crew of Snorri to dig deep into its bag of tricks. Our last glimpse of Labrador before heading across Belle Isle Strait to L'Anse aux Meadows Anything to get their baby to the finish line! As their motto this summer has often been, "Live by the oar, die by the oar!" (Only figuratively, of course, as this is a family program.)   The crew hauls up the anchor before departing for our final destination The crew and assembled friends and family on board made a final, unified and loving gesture...we rowed our asses off for hours! At 10 AM we dropped the sail and eagerly yanked the manila lines supporting our quiver of no less than 6 Excaliburs. As they tumbled into an idling pile amidst the catwalks, we handed the oars to the foredeck and aft. Motor power a la Snorri! Rob, His mother Dorothy, and friend Allison   Terry at the helm with Rob's mom, Dorothy Hodding's wife, Lisa, and Helen   Erik's friend, Michael While a fine row it was, it lasted many an hour. We dropped anchor in Newfoundland an hour ago, at 11 PM. The on-land support crew came out to meet us to take loved ones to shore, allowing us one last chance to sleep with the rain pelting our tarp until the tide turns. Visitors from our Coast Guard escort, the J.E. Bernier   When she does, we will all awake, wipe away the sleepy sand, stuff our bags, cook breakfast - oh yeah, all our stoves are currently inoperable - well, then, we'll scarf down a PowerBar and haul the anchor one last time (we hope) as all arrows point to L'Anse aux Meadows and the joyous conclusion of our excellent adventure. Let the party begin! Hodding takes it all in after setting sail and regretting this as one of the last days he'll live in his Viking tunic   Live by the oar, die by the oar. When our wind died during the crossing, friend and filmmaker David Conover helped us do what we do best! Top of page