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ADVENTURER Pete Goss has less than 900 nautical
miles to go as the intrepid crew aboard the Spirit of Mystery make
their final push towards Melbourne.
Recreating
a 154-year-old journey made by seven Newlyn Fishermen, Pete and his
team are aiming to sail into Port Philip Bay on March 10.
Seeking
to escape poverty in Cornwall and start a new life in Australia, the
seven fishermen, all related by blood or marriage, spent four months at
sea in their 37-ft Mount's Bay Lugger, before arriving in Australia.
Recreating
that famous journey with son Eliot, 14, brother Andy, and
brother-in-law Mark Maidment beside him, Pete is now just days away
from his destination.
"This has been an amazing trip and it has given me renewed admiration for the original crew of the Mystery," he said.
"They faced untold dangers and hardship in their journey to seek out
a new life down under. It's no surprise that Australia has become such
a great place, built as it was on the tough and pioneering spirit of
people like them. I want to shake the hands of their relatives."
But they are not there yet and another storm was due to pass by them early this week.
Pete
said on his online blog from the boat: "We have a big old blow on the
way making today a rather subdued affair as we wait for another work
out. It's the waiting that's the worst part making everyone a bit
withdrawn as they work it through.
"For
all that, Eliot and I had a really good call home. It's always the
highlight of the week but this was special because Olivia, my beautiful
daughter, is 18 today and I am so proud of her. It was also lovely to
have a chat with Tracey – she flies tomorrow."
For more information, or to follow Pete's progress, visit his website at: www.petegoss.com
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN
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