Dear Richard, Congratulations on conquering the ocean entirely on your own, on becoming the first American male to singly row the Atlantic and the oldest person to row an ocean! (Diana may have something to say about that!) Your effort has been a great example of courage and endurance and reading your mails has provided great entertainment. We do hope you will make a video of your story and make sure it is compatible with the European VHS-PAL standard! Maybe see you in Los Gigantes in early October for the ARR01 race? We can be the "old experienced ones"!
Richard, Dane and I have watched and prayed for you daily. You are truly an inspiration to all in your faith and spirit of adventure. You were so motivated and kept your eyes on the task and on the Father the entire way. Congratulations on a wonderful success!!!
Richard, A few days ago you asked your friends and supporters to express their thoughts and feelings about your transatlantic solo row. As I watched your progress and read your reports, my overwhelming emotion was that even with a satellite phone, GPS, and radio, the open ocean is the loneliest place imaginable, especially during a storm. I remember a few times when I was hiking alone in the High Uinta Wilderness Area and a storm blew in over the snow-capped ridges. As the wind and rain pelted me, I ducked for cover under a pine tree or rock outcropping. Unlike you, I still had reference points (e.g., mountain peaks, streams, and lakes), and I knew I could find my way back to camp. While rowing In the open ocean, you had no reference points except for the bow and stern of your boat. Another thought I had was that unlike the Jaredites, who had each other, you had no one on the boat except you. I'm sure this was a time for some "soul searching." In his book Seven Summits, Dick Bass describes climbing the seven highest peaks on the seven world continents. After finishing the book, I decided I'd climb the highest peaks in Utah and six nearby states. So far, I've only climbed King's Peak in the Utah High Uinta Wilderness Area (13,500 feet). Your successful row has stirred me to pursue my goal of climbing the six highest peaks in Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
THANK YOU RICHARD!!! We are so PROUD of you. For what you have done!! Our prayers have been for you night and day. I know it might be disappointing that you didn't reach the beach of Florida but we are grateful that you are safe. I'm glad you listened to the prompting of the Holy Ghost. It has been a wonderful experience for my husband and I to watch, and follow you across the ocean. At first we watch just the news paper and the TV, then I found it on the internet. I watched for a couple of weeks before I started to write to you. I just couldn't resist! You have made a positive influence on my life.
HI Richard, I have been watching your progress and cheering you along as many have and haven't taken the time to let you know how great you are doing. We are very proud of you here in Utah. When you get home I hope you and your family can come to the new conference center on Monday night and we will be glad to give you a tour. I hope you have a good day. I don't know how many people send you Email but I wanted you to know that people you don't know are praying for you.
Our prayers are answered. You're safe. You can be proud of your crossing. Can't wait to see you again. Now rest and get your land legs back
Uncle Richard, CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME HOME!!
Richard. Congratulation!!! You made it. You seemed to be so well prepared and had the faith in what you were doing and I did know you were going to make it. Again well done. This will always be in your mind to remember. Now celebrate and enjoy. Hopefully we will meet one day. Maybe you can show me how to raft… Best wishes to you, family and friends
Dear Richard, I was planning to send you a long message in a couple of days but since your row is over, I will send a short not today. Richard, I have been tracking your days on the water since you left Gigantes, Tenerife on October 10, 2000. Your notes were most informative as to were you were and what was going on as well as The Ocean Rowing Society web page that showed the maps of your progress day by day. The whole treck was most interesting to me. You may not remember but I was the person who sold you my dad's house about eight years ago. The shop where you built The Brother of Jared is the same shop where my dad built a small two place single engine airplane that he took up only one time before he sold it. He was too old to continue flying. I will always remember the day I drove by the house in which I was born and saw you in the back yard with the Brother of Jared. It was structurally complete but did not have the hatch doors on yet or any of the other hardware that was added to complete the boat. You spent over an hour with me explaining how you built the boat to that point and what it was going to take to complete the project. It was all very interesting to me because I am a graduate Mechanical Engineer and did the stress analysis on the wing spar for the airplane my did built in your shop. I drove by several times after that visit to see the completed boat but I could never find anyone home. I hope you are able to get The Brother of Jared back home again. I would really like to see it and find out why the rudder failed. That was most distressing when I learned that you were having to row without a rudder to keep you going in the direction you wanted to go. Without a rudder, the wind has its way with a boat. I want to congratulate you for the effort and endurance you exercised to accomplish what you were able to accomplish. It is too bad you did not make it to Florida. That would have been the icing on the cake. However, you should in no way feel that you did not achieve your goal because what you did was outstanding. I have asked myself several times if I would attempt anything even remotely associated with what you did. However, I answered my self with a "no". What you did is not for me. I guess my interests and ambitions in life are focused on other things. That, however, does not dampen my interest in you and what you did. I also took an interest when you bicycled across the USA. That was also a great accomplishment. I have noticed that many of the great achievements in the world were achieved by people who had the same determination and drive that you have and most accomplished what they did while being alone and isolated from the world to some digree. After you get home and settled down for a while, I would like to spend some time with you to discuss your adventure. You must have an amazing tale to tell. Again, congratulations on completing your crossing of the Atlantic ocean. Your name will certainly go down in history as one of the great achievers in this world. Have a safe trip home and I look forward to seeing The Brother of Jared back in your shop in East Midvale.
Richard, I've given your voyage a lot of thought. As you know I have been following it with great interest. Not only because I know you, even though we haven't had much contact since our days at Granite, and consider you a friend. But, because of the inspirational and spiritual nature of what you are about to finish. Your long term goal or dream, wasn't just something that you thought you'd like to do, but it was something that you decided was important enough to you, that you created it. At great personal cost, I'm sure, in both time and money. That kind of commitment to one's self is what appeals to the finest in each of us, for ultimately we are ALL, POWERFUL, CREATIVE, DIVINE spirit children of our Father in Heaven, even those who don't know it or have forgotten it. And when we see someone who has obviously freed their spirit, to the point that they have accomplished a larger than life goal, it raises each of us and our spirits to a higher level of consciousness of what we can individually accomplish. Your voyage raises each of us a little higher in our awareness of self and what our life in this world is really all about. Your accomplishment makes each of us a little better, by our association with you and your voyage. It seems that in today's world there are all kinds of forces out there that would have us believe that we are victims of our circumstances. That we are NOT powerful, creative, and divine. Until someone like you comes along and says, "Enough is Enough!" I have a dream that may seem totally ridiculous, in the eyes of many, but "I" choose to do the ridiculous, which to me is sublime and do-able, and if I don't do it, I will always be less of person in my own eyes. Your voyage proves that we are not victims of circumstance, that we can all accomplish those dreams that are important to us. That kind of personal power, seems to be lacking in many people today. When they have a dream, unfortunately the very act of living seems to take the steam out of the dream. They give up, procrastinate, sell out, or just stuff it. It's time for us to stand up to the nay sayers, say this is what I dream or believe, and not you nor anyone else is putting the damper on what it is that "I" wish to accomplish. We must embrace our power, creativity, and divinity, determine what is most important to each of us, and go after it, no matter what the cost. In other words, "What you think of me (or my dreams), is none of my business!" Richard, that is the importance of what you have done. I am praying for you to complete your voyage, especially in the unassisted status of ocean rowing, thus making you the very first to complete a solo unassisted row, from East to West, in the Atlantic, and reaching the mainland of North America. Your accomplishment deserves to be heralded as a spirit freeing inspiration not only for yourself, but for all of us who have had a dream and put it on the back burner. "It's time to rekindle those dreams, dust them off, and breath new life into them!", as a good and wise friend of mine said recently. God be with you til we meet again. , Class of 61' Feb 15, 2001
Dear Richard, What an honor to hear from you by phone. I was so surprised that I hardly knew what to say. I'm still thinking about driving to Miami, I would love to see you come in, but there are some living stuff that is standing in the way. If I can create it by getting all of the considerations taken care of in the next week, then I will be coming, otherwise I would like to meet you at the airport or whatever. How are you getting the boat back? It was really good to talk with you, keep up the good work. Thanks for calling back the second time, I would have kicked myself had I missed your call. Praying for your success. Am greatly inspired by your voyage. Your average miles for the last 5 days is 43.6. ORS indicates you are 501 miles from Miami. At that rate that puts you in Miami 11.5 days from today. I'm assuming your going to make better than average time. Counting today and taking off the half day, that puts in Miami on Sunday February 25th. I'll update as we get more information. Good luck, keep up the good work. Praying for your success, and watch the ships. It was great talking with you. My heart to yours.
Richard, just received the news that the voyage is over. Hope you will be able to get the boat back. I'm sure you will be out of touch for the next few days, but please have them keep us informed as to your Salt Lake arrival. Congratulations, on your successful row across the Atlantic Ocean, unassisted. What a feat. My heart to yours.
Richard, Congratulations. You did good. We admire you. You got Balls. I wouldn't attempt what you did if someone offered a Hundred million Dollars. You are I in a Billion
Richard, I just want you to know how much Chris and I have enjoyed following your voyage and getting to know you through your writings. All my family and several friends have been following as well. It's kind of a backwards way of getting to know someone, learning their fears and sharing their success, before even meeting face to face. Our dreams and our future are uniquely tied to yours--not being able to communicate has forced me to let go and have faith, which I think is probably good for me. Your spiritual strength is inspirational. We look forward to talking with you soon. Congratulations!!
We are glad that you are safe on an island and will soon be coming home. The bishopric visited Lynn and gave her a blessing. She is speaking a little but will not last much longer. They have estimated that she will pass in 6 weeks to 3 months. We have enjoyed following your trip on the web and with your phone calls to Paul. This has kept us quite well informed. I hope you didn't loose your video camera and the pictures that I suppose you took. I'm sure the ward could plan a dinner and entertainment night to have you tell us and show us pictures of your journey. You ask about the effect that your trip had on my life. Well I have always set goals and worked toward them. At times it seamed that a lot of things get in my way but I get through them and move on.
Richard, Congratulations on all of your success, you have inspired and uplifted me in so many ways. Thank you for outstanding efforts. The altruism you have given us through your dreams will last a life time, for me my family and for all humankind thank you again and welcome home. ps. I hope you will keep writing after you get home please don't stop enlighten and teaching.
Dear Richard, I am sorry that your crossing did not end with an arrival in your own country as planned, but it was a valient effort - congratulations on a superb achievment! As one of the few others who has rowed solo across the Atlantic, i have had a special understanding of what you have been through, both the joys and the frustrations, and have been able to relive some of my own experiences. Stein and I have followed your progress daily, the first question on coming home after work has been "how is Richard doing? and we have enjoyed reading your latest reports. I hope that we shall be able to meet up and exchange experiences. Enjoy the pleasure of coming home and the comforts of being back on land, knowing that you have a remarkable achievment behind you. Congratulations and best wishes
Richard: Congratulations on a remarkable adventure!! My family and I have watched with great interest as you worked your way across the ocean. As I flew over the Atlantic several times in the past months, I often thought of you down there in your boat fulfilling your dream. We look forward to future reports both by way of your website and in person. Best regards,
Richard: Congratulations! I have greatly enjoyed your adventure through your reports and have read almost daily since Richard LeVitre told me about the site last November. As a river runner for the past 18 years I share the feelings that come when one grabs hold of the oars and looks downstream.
Richard, I am relieved that your course change has proven successful. I didn't sleep for a couple of nights (nothing new to you, I'm sure). Just a suggestion. When you contact a friendly ship, ask them to put out an alert on your position and course heading and speed. Their radios reach further than yours, and maybe you can get a communications link going. I'm certain you will, but try to stay out of the main channel, if at all possible, especially at night. Even if you have to row a but further (ugh), take a couple of extra days and get there safely. Don't like to sound like your mother, but I'm worried for you. What have I learned from your adventure. While I am intensely PROUD OF YOU and awe-struck by your achievement, I know personally that I never want to cross the Atlantic in a rowboat. At one time, my dream was to live aboard my sailboat and see the world. After a couple of long bluewater passages, I realized that life was probably not for me. However, I do want to sail again, and your experience has put me in touch with that. More importantly, I realize that there are many adventures and places to travel, and I want to do some of the things on my list before I'm too old. I've decided to retire from Western, and begin pursuing my dreams. We'll talk more about that when you return. Meanwhile, I'm checking your progress daily and praying for your safe return. Best personal regards,
Dear Richard-- You asked how this journey of yours has impacted us. Well, first of all, right now I am feeling enormously relieved. One of my ongoing nightmares came to pass--and you survived. You are not going to star in your own real-life cast-away movie. You were not run over by a cruise ship, eaten by sharks nor torn to pieces on a coral reef. Whou! God is good. He has answered our prayers. As to how it has impacted me personally... positively... I wrote a letter when you first asked this question, one all filled with how proud I, and all of your old friends feel. But it bounced back to me. You must know we are incredibly proud of you and proud to know you. You are a world class athlete! And best of all---you are our age. You are a grandpa! I guess when my ulsers heal, the greatest impact of your incredible feat is the realization that perhaps we are not over the hill after all. Perhaps it is not too late to do something awesome. Perhaps we are all setting our sites too low. I think, perhaps, I will seriously consider writing that book I was always going to write when I got time. And maybe, just maybe, I will join my daughter in a climb up El Capitan. (Maybe I won't have a heart attack on the way up.) Cheers, Young Richard. I think you are the Lion Hearted!
Dear Richard; Congratulations on your magnificent accomplishment! What a great example you have been to me. Thank you! I am so thankful I found your internet site a couple of months back...it has enabled me to share your adventure with you. And I really appreciate your honesty in your reports. You helped me feel like I was right there with you, and you reminded me when life gets right down to the brass tacks all we can do is rely on the Lord. I think we all tend to try and fix every problem ourselves until we reach the end of our rope...and then when we finally turn to the Lord everything turns out. Hopefully we learn the lessons we need to and remember to turn to Him more often. You have strengthened my faith and testimony of the Lord and His love, and you have been a great example of following our dreams. If I ever get to meet you there will be tears of joy and gratitude, so be forewarned!
You made it. Im Pedro and I'll be rowing in october as the first spanish team ever to cross an Ocean. I've been following you and YOU ARE GREAT. Yes, for me you made it, you cross the Atlantic Ocean sole and Rowing, once in the Caribean Sea, that was another story, you made it Richard, that's how I feel towards you. GREAT DONE!!!
Richard Very interesting trip you took! I don't think I could do it. Sorry you wasn't able to finsh it.
Dear Richard, We're so glad to hear that you have safely reached land, and we are in awe of your amazing journey. Sorry to hear that your things got ruined at the end, but you made it across the Atlantic. Had you been an ancient traveler, I suppose you would have colonized those little islands where you landed! Again, congratulations on your safe return, and thanks for sharing your adventure with the world.
Sorry to hear about your mishap. Because of the many days and weeks that I have been following your trip, your mishap seemed like a part of me participated in it. Rejoice in what you have accomplished and let us rejoice with you, for we have been greatly rewarded for having followed your experience with you. Thanks for the memories.
Nice going Richard! Glad you made it safe and sound. Just remember if the trip was un eventful what would you have to talk about that was exciting. We will look forward to seeing you sometime.
I have really enjoyed your journey with you! I hope all is well with you.I hope to hear more! I am sure you have a whole new view of life and your world! please share some more of your feelings.Thanks again...Jim Wheeler... Star Valley Ranch Thayne, Wyoming I am a Physical Therapist, I have always wanted to go to China and learn more about acupuncture....You have given me added courage to look harder at making this desire a reality!!
Richard: Congradulations!!!!! I am a little sad to hear that your journey has come to an end. It has been fun following you across the Atlantic. It has also been very inspiring. As a lover of the outdoors and endurance racing it is not hard for me to think of adventures , outings and races that I would like to participate in. Many of these adventures are even followed up on and accomplished. However I work as a computer programmer and find the mental struggles ofgetting a programmer to work properly very challenging. Hearing about you overcoming your hardships out there on the ocean has been a great strength to me each morning as I face the cerebral challenges of programming. Thanks Richard.
Richard, Sorry to hear your boat was capsized, but I am glad that you are healthy and well. You have definitely been an inspiration to many people and I am to have gotten to know you. Look forward to hearing from you when Rachel and I come back to the west. Hope you enjoy those wonderful new twins in the family as well. I bet they will be excited to see their grandpa again after such a long vacation. May the Lord continue to bless you.
My husband and I have been following Richard's journey via your web site since we met you both in Los Gigantes in October. We joined you for breakfast on the harbour that morning and felt a bit like intruders since everyone else there had some connection with Richard's trip. I must say that no person made us feel unwelcome - quite the opposite! We walked out on the jetty as Richard made his final checks and was filmed with Scot and the team. We then walked to the end of the harbour to film him with our own camera as he left Los Gigantes. Having seen the start of the Atlantic rowing race several years ago it was extra special being involved - in a small way - with Richard's departure. We gave Richard a small Christmas gift as he left and enjoyed reading a bit about the gifts from his family which had come in useful - like the nail clippers! What we have most enjoyed has been reading Richard's ideas on his philosophy of life and his strong religious beliefs. This is strange as we are not at all religious people. For the last week we have missed checking the web site as Geoff's mother passed away and we have had a week of mourning her death and celebrating her life. When we looked and discovered that the trip was over it came as a disappointment in that we won't have the contact anymore - but we are delighted that Richard is safe and that the journey was a great success.
Dear Richard, What can I say * you are my hero! How grateful I am to have had you be a part of our Young Women's camp in Moab last year. I consider myself so privileged to know such an awesome person. I have followed your journey across the Atlantic Ocean with complete excitement, dedication, and anticipation. I have felt your spirit through your trials and have admired your continual faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. I have prayed for you and fasted for you. I have enjoyed your stories and memories that you have shared. You are an incredible man! At times I have thought you to be totally crazy, yet I have admired your determination, strength, and will power to set your goals high and reach for them no matter the outcome. You're an inspiration to all who know you. Your family has missed you greatly and look forward to your return. I look forward to seeing you when you visit Logan and see what's on your agenda next. I think you should be a motivational speaker and you definitely should write a book about your life. May the Lord continue to bless you for you have touched many lives.
From the start I have viewed your expedition as a very courageous adventure and I have continually seen it as a parable of life, with currents, counter-currents, winds, stormy seas, capsizings, losing a rudder, equipment failures and the endurance of one oar stroke at a time to cross a vast ocean. It is a profound parable to me. I offered many prayers in your behalf and I am grateful for a safe ending to your journey. I look forward to visiting with you when you get back to the Salt Lake area.
As I have followed your progress and read your entries, I have reflected several times upon my life and my own thoughts and have found that I too have similar hopes and dreams for my life. I have thought of many adventures I would like to take, and many business ideas to pursue. At age 36, I am just beginning to gain a glimse of the many possiblities. Some of these I hope to accomplish and a few of them I have actually begun to plan for as a result of you sharing your adventure. I has been fun to look at your website on a almost daily basis just to see how far you have come. I almost wonder if the same type of thing happens in the heavens above by those who know and love us there! Wish you a safe landing in the States!
Richard, YOU ROCK!