2011 01 05 RATS by Angela Madsen

2011 01 05 RATS by Angela Madsen

Yesterday we arrived at the boat and began the chore of food preparation. I opened my box to find rats had ravaged it and I had lost 20 days of my food supply. Forty meals at about $5.00 a pop. Liz lost about six meals. I was so angry I had to go outside the gate of the boat yard and let out a big yell. What a waste. Deb and I paid a great deal of money to have a space big enough to sort the food at the house but the authorities would not allow us to move food from the boat to the house so our grand plan was offended and extra costs incurred to us by customs and port authorities. Last night we loaded the food onto the boat and sealed it up. We cannot afford any more loss of provisions as there is no place to purchase or replace expedition food here.

They could make it easy for us here because we do not fall into pre-established category so they are making the rules. I do not think we have enough money to make it go our way and they do not see past our pocketbooks into the future. Ocean rowers can contribute greatly to their economy in the future as we have this project. Future ocean rowers will not choose to come here when made aware of these circumstances. It would be better for them in the long run to welcome us and ensure our safety and success of our rowing projects. There are other places in the world to row from. They may have us here now but never again. I will take my business elsewhere.

Still no sign of my wheelchair and negative symtoms of life without it are becoming evident with more back, shoulder and wrist pain. The crew are trying to help me out as much as possible and do not mind pushing me around nearly as much as I do. Accepting assistance is a difficult thing for me.

We leave the boathouse at dark so avoiding all of the obstacles becomes more difficult.  Abrupt stopping when hitting an obstacle can injure the person pushing and can eject me from the wheelchair. We are trying to be cautionary as any injury now could be detrimental to the success of the project.  The wheelchair footplates keep falling off and the wheel has fallen off once. Cabbies still don’t want to give me rides and want to charge more money.  I have to use cabs because I cannot possibly push this chair where I need to go and I don’t go in cabs alone since being robbed.  Just 3 more days. 3 MORE DAYS.

The weather reports are looking good, progress with boat is good, progress with food is good. So far we are on schedule for Jan 8 departure.

Angela

2010 12 17—TransPac Solo Row Announcement by Angela

2010 12 17—TransPac Solo Row Announcement by Angela




My Name is Angela Madsen and I am going to row a solo ocean rowing boat with no support boat from California to Hawaii. What this means is that I will stay on my little boat the entire time, no one will give me any food or water, I will have to have enough provisions on board to sustain my life for as long as the journey takes. I will row as many hours a day as I possibly can and will try not to drift too far off course while I sleep. The time established by female soloist Roz Savage is 99 days. I am hiring a professional project manager, Tony Humphrey to facilitate the purchase, shipping and outfitting of a solo rowing boat as well as assisting with fundraising and providing 24/7 land support and weather during my crossing. I will start this rowing expedition Memorial Day weekend, May 30, 2011 from Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California and will be rowing 2,551 miles to USS Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii as a tribute to Veterans and Service Men and Women who have lost their lives or like myself, who have been injured in the Line of Duty.



I always say Situation and circumstance should never be allowed to dictate who we are and what we will be able to achieve in our lifetime. Allowing situation and circumstance to oppress us is a choice. I dream big and set goals for myself realizing possibilities and potential for success, being hopeful and willing to do what is necessary to achieve those goals. When I first learned of the sport of Ocean Rowing I was drawn to it. I knew I was going to row an ocean. I did not allow the situation of being a woman and a paraplegic stop me. I just had to work harder and work differently to achieve my goals.



My current project can be followed on www.bigbluerow.com I was planning my solo row when this crew approached me a few months ago and asked me to skipper their boat across the Atlantic in January of 2011, they clearly needed help so I agreed to go with their project. I have decided that rather than postpone my solo project, I can try to do both. It is an ambitious plan but I am a paraplegic who rows across oceans. It seems rather normal to me. I don't have a lot of time to go out and find a sponsor so if through networking someone can help connect my team with a perfect partner to sponsor a first ever paraplegic to row across an ocean then I would be eternally grateful. I do have a fantastic story. On my first crossing I could not find sponsors because no one believed a paraplegic could do it. Now all anyone has to do is check my resume of rowing achievements on www.RowofLife.com



To negotiate sponsorship package contact team Project Managers:

Tony Humphreys

Ocean Pursuits

tony@oceanpursuits.co.uk





Debbie Moeller debmole@sbcglobal.net (661)363-3864

Blogging www.debmole.blogspot.com



Angela Madsen, Website http://www.rowoflife.com E-mail Msparasurfer@aol.com (562)434-8334 cell (562)505-4157



To support my individual fund raising Donate-Pay Pal on website Rowoflife.com or send check to The California Adaptive Rowing Program, 3350 E. Seventh St., # 231 Long Beach, Calif. 90804. Donations should include the words "PARA SOLO" in the memo box of the check. I am also seeking literary agent and publisher as completion of the edit process for my book is at hand.



Thanks for your consideration,

Angela Madsen

California Adaptive Rowing Programs



Solo Ocean rowing Boat, some new paint and some awesome new sponsor logos and she will be absolutely stunning!

Progress on the Big Blue Row & RowofLife Springs a Leak

Progress on the Big Blue Row & RowofLife Springs a Leak

By Angela Madsen  12/07/10

Back from New York dealing with packing food for the crossing, boat will ship this week and be in Morocco on Jan 1. If we can get the boat assembled and all the food ready to load we should be able to Begin the Row on Jan 8. I was hoping to get some training in, row to Catalina, Newport Harbor, Dana Harbor, and San Diego. Not much time left before heading off to row the Atlantic again. So I put Rowoflife in the water the day of Christmas Regatta on Sunday and rowed a bit, checked all my deck hatches, nice and dry. Then we rowed last night. I went to go for a row today. First things first, I checked all the deck hatches. We had a bit of rain so I was fully prepared to pump out some water. I removed the survival suits which were floating around in what looked like way more than rainwater in the starboard battery compartment. I removed the battery. I began pumping and the water level went down. As soon as I thought I got it all I stopped pumping and noticed that the water was pouring in through an 8 inch crack in the hull. She is compartmentalized much like the Titanic so she wasn't really sinking but not willing to chance it. I had rowed it from the Dunster dock over to the rowing dock and noticed a woman in a kayak, Beth, paddling towards me. As soon as she got close enough she said “I Google searched your name” we talked and then she offered to help me get the boat out of the water. I was sad to see the water pouring out of the crack in the hull. Is it repairable? Guess I'll find out soon enough. I hope so.

Flare Guns do Kick by Angela, July 13

Flare Guns do Kick by Angela


July 13, 2010

In the middle of the night on July 13, 2010, Angela and Laura took to the oars. They requested Bel give them the VHF Radio and turn on the SeaMe. Just after the start of their shift, they called the Coast Guard to advise that there was a big ship headed toward them. They were able to get the ship to change course. Shortly after that, there was another big ship headed toward them. They again called the Coast Guard who contacted the ship. That ship’s captain had some difficulty understanding what the Coast Guard was saying. They said they could not see Go Commando and they kept on their collision course. Angela reached for the flare gun and shot up a white, anti-collision, flare. She heard the ship’s captain tell the coast guard they had seen the flare and were changing course. Angela said it was the closest call with a big ship in all of her 166 days at sea in 3 ocean crossings.

There was a casualty of the encounter. When Angela shot the flare gun, it had a big kick. She has a large cut on her hand, broke her left index finger, and other bones in her hand. Apparently, her homecoming on Tuesday will include a visit to her favorite doctor, Dr. G, at the Long Beach Veteran’s Hospital. So if you see Angela trying to make her way around London pushing her chair with one hand, give her some kindness.

Mini Blog by Angela 06/11/10

Virgin Row Around Great Britain

Mini blog from Angela Madsen on Go Commando nr St Ives

June 11 21.10

The watermaker intake valve is broken and will not open. Mounts directly to hull of boat and do not have spare. Will just have to use hose over side. Not convieniant but still makes water. It is tough going out here. Thanks for all your support.

Angela

Angela's Time in the Heathrow Prison=Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Prisoner at Heathrow by Angela
05/03/10


I am getting anxious about this travel plan as I just found out my team mates won’t be picking me up in London. I will have to make my way to Gosport. I have traveled all over the world but when I am on my own I typically don’t have the xtra baggage of ocean rowing kit. I also have a post traumatic stressor specifically related to one of my previous experiences at London Heathrow Airport. I was flying from Malaga Spain to USA with transfer to connecting flight on British Airways in London. In Spain they gate checked my chair for me to use to change planes in London and when I arrived in London they refused to bring me my wheelchair. They porterd me, like luggage to a room far away from everything and placed me in a stationary chair w/o wheels. They took my ticket. I could not go to the toilet, could not get food, could not socialize or interact with other human beings. The door was open but it was like being imprisoned because without a wheelchair where can I go really? They violated my human rights! They forgot about me for a couple of hours and then the porters were arguing about having to take me to my flight, threatening to leave me to make bets on how long it would be before anyone found me. It was a terrifying experience. I am worried they are going to do this to me again. Really worried!



They also lost my wheelchair since it was checked for me to use in London and not checked through to Los Angeles. I had to use an airport chair in LA to get to the car and then Deb had to get my back up chair for me to use till they could find my everyday chair. I am thankful to have a backup chair but everyone knows in the VA system your backup chair is your old chair that was condemned and determined unsafe, necessitating the need for a new one. A horrible ride but got me through the couple of days it took them to find my wheelchair and get it back to me.

I do not want to relive this experience!

One Week Since the Abilities Expo by Angela

April 15, 2010--1 week since the Abilities Expo.

I am feeling rested and recovered somewhat. Displaying the boat there and allowing people to use the rowing machines was lots of fun, well as much fun as a rowing machine can be. I transferred over on to the rowing machine and demonstrated it hundreds of times, got into and out of the Rowoflife boat several times for interviews and video and spoke with thousands of people about rowing and its physical and mental benefits for everyone.

The rules were that the boat was just to be displayed and no one was to go onboard but I really just couldn’t help it. Some of the kids were just so darn cute and they couldn’t see in without getting up over the gunnels. For those who are not familiar with the Expo it is similar to a trade show.

It takes place at a convention center and is attended by thousands of people. It is called the Abilities Expo and does have to do with products and services for people with disabilities or caregivers and health care provider of people with disabilities. I have a difficult time using the word disabled mostly because my definition of dis abled is anyone who believes they can’t do something. There were not many disabled people there only people looking for the latest and greatest technology and advances to enable them rather than disable them.

Working the expo is as rewarding and energizing, as it is tiring. Every person there has and shares a positive energy. Everyone there has an amazing story. I wished I had more time to here some of the others and see some of the exhibits. I did not stray far from my exhibit and missed a lot. I have been going through the show directory and buyers guide to catch up but there is nothing like seeing something in 3 d or watching it being demonstrated. We took the boat in on Wednesday had Thursday to prepare handouts and Friday was the beginning. It was especially hectic Friday morning since KTLA Gail Anderson came out and did a piece on the Expo. She rowed in sync with me on the rowing machine next to me and interviewed me while we were rowing. She was definitely winded before me but I still said "bringland" instead of England. That may have been a Freudian slip. Bring land get it? Quite a few people came to the expo saying they had seen it on the news and came down.

We came in so early with the boat and it took that much time to set up but by 7 pm after the expo closed at 4, we were outta there with the boat and everyone else was outta there too. It moved and tore down so quickly. We made it home, boat in tow, safe and sound. She is now back in her cozy little niche in my driveway. I spent a day getting the ergs back to the rowing center and unpacking the boat. I had taken a bit of personal kit to show the kids what you take on an ocean crossing, how you rehydrate your food, how to use GPS and of course, showed them the bucket.

It was a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate the sport of rowing and represent ability and achievement. I Thank and appreciate the organizers of the event for sponsoring my exhibit.

Get Ready! Here We Go Again!

Get Ready! here we go again. Boat name and website under consideration, suggestions welcomed
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Angela Madsen, Paraplegic woman who rowed across the Atlantic, joins 8 person crew in effort to break multiple records while attempting to row across the Indian Ocean.


Woodvale Challenge Ocean Rowing will be launching an 8 person crew to attempt a speed record. The crew of 8 will begin at the same time and location as the other boats in the Indian Ocean 2009 race and finish at the same location in much less time than it takes the other racers setting one of multiple records.

Speed record across the Indian Ocean.

No 8 man crew has ever rowed any ocean

Angela will be the first woman to have completed the Indian Ocean row (providing she gets there first and is the only female in the crew of 8)

Angela will be the First Paraplegic and woman with a disability to have ever rowed across the Indian Ocean and the first to Paraplegic and woman with a disability to have rowed across 2 oceans

Angela captured the title for first Paraplegic and woman with a disability to row across the Atlantic in the 2007 race completing the row in 66 days 23 hours and 24 minutes with Amputee French rowing partner Franck Festor. Website http://www.rowoflife.net

At present there are only 2 individuals who are considered to have completed an entire crossing of the Indian Ocean, Anders Svedlund said to have crossed in 64 days back in 1971 and Simon Chalk who crossed in 107 days in 2003, so the gauntlet has been set and the getting the record is achievable.

The Route:

Geraldton, Western Australia – Port St Louis, Mauritius 3,100 nautical miles

The Date:

The start is scheduled for the 19th April 2009 in order to coincide with the start of the first ever ocean rowing race across the Indian Ocean the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009.

CONTACT: Angela at msparasurfer@aol.com 562-434-8334

Debbie at debmole@sbcglobal.net 661-363-3864

Blogging at www.debmole.blogspot.com

More about the Indian Ocean Race 2009

The first ever ocean rowing race in the Southern Hemisphere has captured peoples imaginations around the World.

The race starts in Geraldton, Western Australia and forms part of a week of maritime celebrations. The local fishing fleet will escort the rowing boats away from the coastline and past a reef system some 60 miles off shore. The route will take teams over 3000 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean to the paradise island of Mauritius.

Teams from all over the World will compete on equal terms in solo, pair and four person teams. The start of the race is planned for April 2009 to miss the cyclone season that ends in between February and March. Fours teams should complete the crossing in around 60 days and pairs should be completed in around 80 days.

As ocean rowing races have proven in the past - the speed of crossing could increase dramatically as soon as teams are pitched in race classes against each other.
The weather won't be the same as the constant trade conditions of the mid-Atlantic. Teams will have to row every mile with a lower amount of support from both wind and currents. The temperatures will be high - especially close to Australia but then should cool as the race unfolds.

There is far less shipping in the Indian Ocean than in the Atlantic. There is less pollution and the wildlife is simply out of this World! Sharks, whales and dolphins will be common sight. Birdlife is ever present, shoals of fish will follow the boats, and the night time sky will be breathtaking.

The Indian Ocean Rowing Race will be the adventure of a lifetime.

More about Angela Madsen

Angela had back surgery in September 1993 to correct an injury she suffered while on duty in the military. The botched surgery, however, resulted in incorrect bone grafts and disabling injuries when a drill or screw pierced her spinal cord.

"One doctor told me my physical condition was a waste of human life. I decided to prove him, and everyone who thinks like him, wrong by making my life anything but a waste," Madsen said.

Since the spinal cord injury, Madsen has undergone a double mastectomy for breast cancer, and more surgery for carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve problems. She has also been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, but medication has kept it under control.

Angela has since gone on to compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, has competed in wheelchair basketball leagues, surfed in the Women's World Championships of Longboard surfing in Biarritz France and become an expert rower, specializing in adaptive rowing techniques -- those used by people who are differently abled.

Angela has gone on to become founder and director of California Adaptive Rowing Programs, a USRowing level III rowing coach and has been a member of the U.S. National Adaptive Rowing Team Member since 2002 Rowing in this years Paralympics in Beijing China.

Those interested in donating to Angela's quest can send donations to CARP
California Adaptive Rowing Program, 3350 E. Seventh St.,
231 Long Beach, Calif. 90804.


Donations should include the words "Ocean Rowing Project"
in the memo box of the check. Donations are tax
deductible.
or PayPal is available at the website www.rowoflife.net.

CONTACT: Sports editors and other reporters may contact
Angela Madsen for interviews by e-mailing
Msparasurfer@aol.com or by calling (562) 434-8334.

Questions and Answers by Angela

Questions and Answers by Angela
09/13/08


Rowing Classification question: I thought they would have separated by classes like in basketball?
We do have separation by classes however there are only three classifications for the sport of adaptive rowing. The physical differences for functional ability in the sport within those three are huge.

Adaptive rowing is a relatively new sport at the elite international level so the lines of classification shift to accommodate more people to help the sport grow plus
with only 4 events where do you draw the lines? Currently we have

W1X arms only women's single scull (no body swing, back, abdominal or leg)
M1X arms only men's single scull (no body swing, back, abdominal or leg)
TA2X trunk and arms mixed gender double scull (uses body swing, abdominal and back muscles)
LTA 4+ leg trunk and arms mixed gender, sliding seat, sweep rowing. The + is the coxswain or person in the boat who steers and verbally instructs the four people who are physically rowing the boat. The coxswain does not have a disability.

The 1X and 2X sculls are fixed seat for people who can't use their legs. In sculling each individual rower has both a port and starboard oar.
In 4+sweep rowing each rower has one oar and is either a port or a starboard. It is also referred to as crew.

As you can see there are only 3 classifications and 4 rowing events. We actually need more of both for fair competitions. I speculate at this point that if we had more of both, countries and coaches would just flood the events with more minimal disabled athletes just to win the medals leaving behind those that the sport/event was designed for. Until the lines of classification are etched in stone rather than being drawn in the sand, this is what I see happening.

I understand the need to accommodate to bring more athletes into the sport. So accommodate away with additional events and classifications! Now it is time to move on to the next level. I understand how we got where we are and its relationship to where we need to go in the future. Like most competitive athletes, I would prefer to compete against equals and similar levels of ability and to push myself harder than to have it be the other way around. I want to earn it! I think most athletes would agree. Personally, I want to do well because I have worked and trained hard not because I have a physical advantage in classification. I don't want to race against people who cannot place pressure on the foot plates nor do I want to race against those who can push on foot plates in the fixed seat boat. It is an all out 1000 meter sprint and winning can be determined by as little as a tenth of a second. Classification plays a big part and is sometimes referred to by our athletes as our first competition. There will be a significant difference between no pressure on the footplates, withstanding pressure and static load on footplates and actually pushing on footplates in all of the fixed seat categories. This is more evident in the single boat than the double because the two people in the double have differences. 2 people in a double who can push on the footplates will be faster than a boat where only one can push and one can just place pressure of static load. People in the sport who can place no pressure or bear no static load will be eliminated and have no opportunity to compete at the elite level of this sport. The addition of new straps to try and limit movement will only limit movement and will not inhibit the bodies neuromuscular response to static load.

As a retiring athlete it is no longer an issue that effects me however to continue as a coach, I too will have to seek out minimum disability athletes for elite competitive opportunities in the sport. We will all have to go for the highest level in classification and push to extend the lines of classification if we want to win medals. This is the growth of Adaptive rowing as I have witnessed it and experienced it since our first World Championships in 2002. This is what will be required of me as a coach and an adaptive program director. Maybe its the military training and not leaving anyone behind attitude that makes all this so difficult for me. I want to provide the opportunity to all levels of ability and not be part of the problem or responsible for taking those opportunities away from anyone based on the classification system. It is time to expand and change would probably require rattling some cages or making some waves. Some may not be happy with where they are when the lines are drawn and balance is achieved.

Where would you be if we were to expand events and classifications If you were not retiring? I would have loved to have rowed in a TA 1X against the other women rather than a double. With the rods in my back and doctors orders of no more TA rowing, I could go arms only legitimately but I would love to enter an LTA W1X with my braces on. I already tried to move up to LTA trying out for the 4+ but the rods in my back prevented me from achieving the body angle for sweep rowing. They also would not allow me to wear my orthodics in the boat. Without my braces my feet drop and turn sideways or pray. As soon as static load is applied my knees are out and I am on the sides of my feet which could cause injury if there is enough pressure. It was a good experience as a coach, I learned a great deal and realized that as much as I don't like to admit it, I am too physically limited by my disability to sweep row in a crew boat. In a single, matching doesn't matter, in sculling the torso does not rotate and I may get half slide if I can keep my braces on. I think I can and I prefer to try and move up rather than down in classification. Going against other women arms only rowers with my size, reach and strength would just not feel right to me. No offense meant to any women's single arms only rowers out there.

Are you retiring from the sport completely? it depends. Can I make a difference? or will I just have to go with the flow to stay in the game. I am more of a make waves type person and not much for going with the flow, unless the flow is headed towards a common goal and doesn't challenge me morally, ethically and spiritually. Some may think, we are here and this is it. Don't change a thing. Don,t make waves, be complacent and happy with where you are. I am not so sure I could go with the flow if that is where we are truly at in adaptive rowing. I could only agree that being where we are now and what we have been able to achieve is great ( If we were complacent we wouldn't be here). I also believe we are just getting started and there is a lot more that needs to be done.

My ambition would involve change. Adding more classifications and more events and to define and defend the lines of classification to ensure equal opportunity and fair play. This is not something I can do by myself and requires cooperation and effort from everyone involved in the sport. From the athletes and coaches to the international governing body of our sport. If adaptive rowing is going to be sedentary then I don't see the point in offering a continued commitment to its developement.

I made a commitment in 1998 to help develop the sport, a commitment in 2002 to my national adaptive rowing team and to my rowing partner to see this sport and him through the 2008 Paralympics. Its been a wonderful experience with many ups and downs. Having fulfilled my commitment to the best of my abilities. I am now free to move on. I am now available and can now continue to assist in the advancement of the sport of adaptive rowing at another level having all of the experiences of an elite athlete, an adaptive rowing program founder and director and a level III coach or (jokingly) I could retire completely from the sport of adaptive rowing and take up Frisbee golf.

I just love Q&A got any more for me?
keep the questions coming,

Angela

Beijing Update 9/7/08 by Deb

Beijing Update by Debbie
09/07/08

Just a little update. It does not look like the rowing is going to be televised in this country, even on the web. The two places that are broadcasting on the web are http://www.paralympicsport.tv/ and http://www.universalsports.com/ . The Universal sports site has events you can see on demand, after the fact, along with some as they are being shown. The opening ceremonies can be seen on Universal Sports as an on demand feature. I watched the Opening Ceremonies live on Parasport.tv. BBC announcers commentated the coverage. When the US team walked by they cut to the crowd to show fans waving flags rather than showing the athletes. I was saddened. I was able to pick Scott Brown out of the wheelchair athletes, but not Angela. She told me that she is just in front of Scott. I am going to watch the replay on Universal Sports to see if I can see more of the athletes. I started and did note that the commentary appears to be done by US commentators. I am hoping that their video coverage will be more athlete focused.

The Rowing events will start at midnight (Pacific Standard Time) Monday night/Tuesday morning for 3 nights. The Rowing finals will be starting at midnight (PST) Wednesday night/Thursday morning. I am now looking for coverage in a foreign country. The BBC is broadcasting, but only in the UK. I will probably tune into Paralympic Sport TV and hope they broadcast. I am going to shoot them some emails and hope for the best.

Angela is doing well. The rooms are nice. The cafeteria is open 24 hours. They have physical therapy staff that is providing daily massages. She has wireless internet in her room and has been able to communicate with me on Skype. Angela looks on Skype hoping to find friends on that she can call. You can find her on Skype by searching by her email address, msparasurfer@aol.com . You can also email her. After she rows, she plans to start going to other events. She looks forward to seeing some of her friends play wheelchair basketball. The team is coming home on the 19th of September.

Angela is sending me the daily news for the US Paralympics’ team. You can look at it by looking at the following link http://www.usocpressbox.org/

Arrival in Beijing by Angela Madsen

Angela Madsen (USA TA2x) and Ron Harvey (USA AM1x)
Rowing venue in Beijing

The rowing venue is awesome! It felt really good to be on the water for the first time yesterday. The new boat feels good. Focusing on training, racing and keeping it very together with my rowing partner and coach. Staying hydrated and cool. It is hot and humid here much like Philadelphia so I am pretty well acclimated and my time in Philly is paying off. I am not allowing myself to get stressed out or worked up over anything. I am visualizing surfing for mental stress management, in fact I am wearing my Wheels to Water surfing rash guard and board shorts as I sit here returning e-mails, writing and listening to Superchick and Casting Crowns.

It is a much different atmosphere than our World Championships. We are integrated with our regular National Rowing Team at Worlds so there are more rowing events,more boats and many more people. The rowing venue is very quiet by comparison and we do miss our National Rowing Team. Congratulations to all of our Olympians! Go USA! On the other hand, in this experience we are housed with our national Paralympic Team. We all go to our sport specific venues during the day and socialize a bit over meals at the cafeteria and in the Paralympic Village with all the worlds Paralympians. We are meeting some really cool athletes and everyone has interesting stories, non that I can share "blogging restrictions"

With all of the blogging restrictions it is difficult to have anything to write about. Athletes have to take care not to violate the rules so many have decided not to blog at all. I on the other hand will just try and stay within the guidelines so I will apologize in advance for lack of content in pictures and in text. It was stated in our briefing that the rules and restrictions apply until 3 days post closing ceremonies and I am permitted to inform everyone that these rules are in effect.

It is a long bus ride to the venue every day but our practices are in the afternoon so no need to rise early and rush. We went to the shops yesterday and I did most all of my shopping. I always make gift bags for my three granddaughters. Amanda 13, Angel 7 and Cheyenne 5. I like to get my shopping done right away as many others do also but it was not super crowded. It is most likely because everything is efficiently managed here. Nothing feels crowded and everything is relaxed.

As other athletes are arriving the atmosphere is still very relaxed. I can't imagine it staying that way for long as opening ceremonies and the beginning of competition are just around the corner. Time goes by quickly here and today I finally got a wireless Internet signal where yesterday there was none. Excellent example of what can happen when effort is made in spite of previous negative results "never give up!'

Oars up!

Angela

Where is Angela Now? by Debbie

Where’s Angela Now ?……by Debbie
08/30/2008

Where is Angela? Angela left Philadelphia, PA on Friday, 8/29/08 for the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She went through processing there and will be headed for the airport at 1am Colorado time on 08/31/08 with the other USA Paralympic athletes. They will be headed to Beijing at 6am 8/31/08. Opening ceremonies will be 09/06/08. The rowing events will happen on 09/09 to 09/11/08. The rowing team returns to the US on 09/19/08. Angela is returning to Philly to get her car and driving back to California (If she remembers where it is. West, Miss Madsen, West.)

Viewing of the Paralympics. It looks like at this point, the best place to see the Paralympics is on www.paralympicsport.tv They also have a YouTube channel with Paralympic athletes videos. I have requested that rowoflife be added and also my new video of Angela and Scott rowing on the Schuylkill River in PA. Universal Sports is also supposed to broadcast some of the Paralympics. www.universalsports.com

What is processing or I didn’t know they made hot dogs at the Olympic Training Center: The two days at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado were spent getting training on culture and customs and getting their gear. They have parade gear and their unisuits. For many of you the burning question is for the first time in 7 years….did they get a unisuit that fits Angela properly? NO. They did find a men’s extra large which fits better than the woman’s suit she had a first. She reports armpit bruises, but at least she can move her arms. The other burning question…..Has Angela says she has learned how to say she is not guilty or it is not her fault in Chinese? She says that she did, but she was not able to come up with the whole phrase for me on the phone, so let’s just hope she listened to her customs and culture training and does not end up getting arrested. Or at least if she is arrested it is by someone who speaks one of the 7 or so languages she can say it in. The paralympic team has been limited as to what they can say in blogs, so I hope you enjoyed your last two burning questions for awhile.

Row or Blow: Scott and Angela are ready to ROW! I watched them improve greatly during the 2+ months that Angela has been in Philly. They were rowing twice a day and going to the Gym 5 days a week and rowing once a day on the weekends. They look like a team of elite athletes. Check out the Bayada Regatta race on YouTube once I get it up. They are so in sync they were dressing alike and finishing each others’ sentences by the end of the last week. Their times have been amazing. I see medals in their future. Angela and I looked at them on the computer and she was particularly fond of the Gold one.

Blog: I hope to update you guys all as I get information, but my plans and what actually happens may be different. Angela should be able to get her email while she is in Beijing, and so send emails to support to msparasurfer@aol.com

Debbie

Even Madsen needs a Vacation

Surfing and Fishing in Hawaii, for a short break before leaving to Philly to train for the Paralympics. Photo is Angela dancing to the Polynesian music.