British man John Beeden rowed non-stop across the Pacific Ocean by himself starting from North America to Australia for over 200 days. He previously rowed the Atlantic Ocean by himself, as well.
Fifty-three-year-old Beeden began his journey in June from San Francisco and he estimated 140 to 180 days would be enough for him to travel 6,100 nautical miles. The unstable weather extended his course to 209 days, according to ABC News.
Still feels a bit strange to be on solid ground. Here's a photo of my first few steps yesterday! #solopacificrow pic.twitter.com/fan9IywzjQ
— John Beeden (@solopacificrow) December 27, 2015
"To be the first person to achieve something on this scale is incredible, really. I haven't processed it yet ... I thought I was going to be here mid-October and it was going to be hard work but just like the Atlantic - it wasn't going to try to kill me. But it tried a few times," Beeden said to the reported upon reaching Cairns in Queensland on Sunday, according to the Guardian.
Thank you Cairns for the brilliant reception, I was overwhelmed, it made the last 209 days worth while. Wow it's over! #solopacificrow — John Beeden (@solopacificrow) December 27, 2015
"It's been difficult the whole way but, in fairness, that was what I was looking for. I just didn't realise it was going to be so difficult. I did the Atlantic three years ago and, although it was hard work, I found the actual process of doing the 53 days relatively easy, in a sense. It was just hard work," Beeden said. "So, I went looking for something more difficult to push me to the edge. I have peered right over the edge a number of times."
He was welcomed by his wife Cheryl and their two daughters.
"He's an amazing guy, he's different than a lot of other people - he'll always fight to get the mile when he's having a bad day... he'll always be rowing," his wife said, according to BBC. "Always knew he could do it, it just took a lot longer than we expected and just glad that he's home and safe."
"I kind of think it's like childbirth because he says he's not going to get in another boat for a while - but I am sure in a couple of weeks he'll be having some other adventure, and I will have to restrain him a little bit," Cheryl added.
