Mike Horns Latitute 0° Circumnavigation Update

Mike Horn - Solo around the world along the equator

Mike Horn has successfully traversed the Atlantic Ocean, the South American Continent, and the Pacific Ocean, using only manpower, willpower and windpower. He is currently traversing the Island of Borneo, halfway through his third last, the Indonesian Islands.

Mike calls from Samarinda, the Eastern port of Borneo:

"It's taken a little longer than expected to get everything organised here in Samarinda. I arrived two days ago and met up with Steve Ravussin and his friend George. They are taking the boat around the Northern Coast of Borneo while I traverse the Island on foot.

While in Samarinda, we had the boat out of the water and thoroughly checked the damage done to the left floater made during the storm at Bucan Island. It's great to have Steve's expert advice. We repaired the floater and are happy with the results. It'll get me over the Indian Ocean and happily I can say we do not need to replace the floater.

All other parts, cables, ropes, joints have been controlled and replaced if necessary. The new replacement gennaker is up and they are ready to go. Steve, George and Martin will head off tomorrow and they seem to think it'll take 10 days to get to Pontiank on the Eastern Coast.

I will also get moving tomorrow, once I've checked my first aid kit, supplies and packed my backpack. I don't know a great deal about the terrain I will be crossing in Borneo but have heard there is a path that takes me to the forest and towards the mountains. I will stay on this path for as long as I can. Then I will go through the forest until I reach up to a river.

The weather is hot and humid. It rains most days and the rivers are full and muddy. It almost the end of the rainy season so the weather will soon improve.

I am fortunate to have my Iridium phone still working. Even though the company has become bankrupt and most of the phones have stopped functioning, I am one of the 30 privileged (or so I've heard) that they have kept the phone in operation. It's always an extra security to know that I have a phone. Cathy is a little more relaxed as well.

That seems like it for now. At long last I'm going to trim my beard and cut my hair. A civilised man again! Wonders never cease!

I'll keep you informed about the traverse.

Kind regards, Mike

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