So, the rower who was trying to break the record of 62 days to row from Orleans, MA to France has given up.  According to the Cape Cod Times, he called the Coast Guard on May 29th to come and get him because he wasn’t mentally able to continue.  I can’t say I blame him for being mentally unprepared.  So much time alone, in yucky weather, only going in a circle after rowing for an entire day.  I would be very depressed as well.  I am disappointed that the Coast Guard had to go help him because it wasn’t as though he had had an accident and was drowning.  Drowning in depression, yes, but really at risk? Some people say he should have to pay the $80,000 it cost in resources to resuce him.  But, if we start making people pay to be rescued, won’t people who truly need rescue be afraid to call because they won’t be able to afford it? 

This man, Charlie Girard is rowing his boat from Orleans, MA to L’ile sur Mer, France.  He wants to beat the current record of 62 days.  62 days in a 21 foot boat.  Rowing.  Across the Atlantic.  Alone.  Thoughts?

Visit his site to see his progress:  www.atlantique2009.com

What a great view of Le Chateau Frontenac!  One of my students took this in Quebec during our trip a few weeks ago.  I can’t figure out where she was standing to take that picture.  What a great day we had that day!

Wow, in only 3 months, we have had over 2,000 visitors to this blog!  Look at the flag counter on the right and see how many countries are represented!  I love it!  Keep posting!

Isn’t this a funny picture?  Doesn’t Mlle. Watson have a slightly evil grin?  Mme. Olander, Mlle. Watson, Mme. Walker and Mme. Mason were caught trying to race each other in the musket loading competition at the Maison de la Decouverte in Quebec City.   Mme. Mason is cut out of this thumbnail but if you click on it, you will see her!  It’s a hard task with lots of steps and the pressure is on when the whole group is watching and taking pictures!  I can’t imagine how they did it back in the days when this is how they really fought battles!

Does this scene look familiar?

The Québec trip is already over!  We had a great 4 days in the city of Québec learning about the history and life of people in the province of Québec.  We had a great time with our guide Nathalie and we ate some great French and Québec food.  Some of us might have also eaten at McDonald’s in Québec but that’s another story.  So, if you were on the trip, what was your favorite part?