Preview: Tom Robinson’s Solo Row Across the Pacific, Part 13 – Life on Penrhyn

15 Responses So Far to “Tom Robinson’s Solo Row Across the Pacific, Part 13 – Life on Penrhyn”

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  Tom McFarling says:

  Tom, don’t ever stop writing and filming. I will watch everything you produce. Thank you for reminding us what a beautiful world we live in populated by such gracious people.

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  George Kruzynski says:

  Why the insistence on using the colonial name Penrhyn ?

  Lady Penrhyn was built on the River Thames in 1786 as a slave ship.

  Lady Penrhyn was designed as a two-deck ship for use in the Atlantic slave trade, with a capacity of 275 slaves

  When we are trying hardto “decolonize” indigenous peoples all over the world, it would seem to me that Tongareva would be more appropriate…..especially with the history given above

  On a more uplifting note, many years ago, we ran into similar humility, generosity musicality and happiness in Fiji, Samoa and Raratonga.. Terrific video Tom !… captures it all very well.

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    Steve Stone says:

    Thank you for this George. I had the same issue with “Penrhyn” from the start after reading of this history of the colonial name, and I used “Tongareva” almost exclusively for a while at the beginning. If you dive more deeply into the slave history’s effect on the island and it’s population, it’s very sad. I’ll admit that it felt like swimming upstream using Tongareva as the island’s name, creating some confusion, which I was happy with, until I kept reading and hearing that locals call the island “Penrhyn” without reservation and they have great gratitude for the bringing of Christianity to the islands which is also part of the colonial story. So I slowly relented and switched back to Penrhyn mostly alleviate confusion (and so I slipped into a bit laziness in reminding everyone of “Tongareva”). I’m glad you brought this up — it prompted a discussion with Tom about it and he has confirmed the view of the locals above. Tom says that he uses “Penrhyn” in the titles of things for clarity, but uses “Tongareva” as much as he can within the text of what he writes.

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  Spencer Day says:

  Tom, I’ve followed every step of yours, from before you left home and all the way across the ocean. This video history is such a gem! Your perspective is a wonderful help for the world’s citizens to see how people can live, work, and enjoy their lives. The SINGING is not by any means just some behavior without need of commentary. It is superb. These people can really sing beautifully. You are indeed a lucky man to have this experience at a young age.

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  Aren Carpenter says:

  wow tom-that’s why you did that trip. excellent documentary ,videography, beautiful people. And with a cell phone yet! your new job is to row to islands all around the world now and document the life out there. we could all learn a lot from those wonderful islanders.And to think of what has vanished away. I’m ordering a hat and earrings for my wife asap! Thank you and you made the right choice to stay alive-mission accomplished bud

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  Phil Faris says:

  The comment that “the villages are smaller now due to the young people moving away to pursue other opportunities” brings up the perennial questions:
  – What should families do to raise children in light of “modern, global civilization”?
  – Can balanced and sustainable ecosystems be established that are also modern?
  Of course, those same questions should be asked everywhere on earth and not just in tropical paradises.

  I’m too old now, but still harbor the desire to sail to Penrhyn with a circumnavigating flotilla that serves as a community college. I’m not sure about “rowing” to Penrhyn…

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  Kirk Gresham says:

  Thanks Tom,

  I was sad and happy at the same time to see you were able get rescued and get home alive. You appeared yet in your usual good cheer and spirit, even after just being pulled aboard that ship! That positive spirit and good humor, even in the midst of disappointment, or what others might foolishly call failure, will certainly lead you to great joy, happiness, abundance, love and real success were ever your next choices and adventures lead you. I hope maybe someday, you might decide to come visit our fabulous Woodenboat Festival here in my little slice of heaven; Port Townsend, WA, USA. Certainly lots of work here for wooden boat builders like yourself. And lots more islands to explore in a small boat, from here, north through the San Juan Islands and up through British Columbia to Alaska too!???? Please look me up, if you do ever come. I’ll take you sailing on my current Welsford Navigator yawl and my wife is a sushi chef from Northern Japan! I know you like raw fish! Me too! Kirk Gresham

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  Dave - SeaStorm Marine Australia says:

  Oh boy, what a beautiful time you had on Penrhyn Tom!
  It’s great to get a glimpse into another way of life and practically another time.
  Thanks for bringing us this slice of Heaven.

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  Langdon Allen says:

  Thank you Tom for sharing your amazing experience. So much happiness and friendship. One wonders why the world can not learn from these beautiful people.

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  dave lathrop says:

  touched deeply by the simple harmony with nature for these remarkable people…

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  Andy Bullock says:

  Thanks Tom for sharing your experience of life on Penhryn Island, in its different aspects. The church is such a large part of the lives of the islanders; I found their singing and dancing moving. But I didn’t sight any sailing canoes in the video.

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  Dale Niemann says:

  Thank you Tom for a wonderful video of the life you experienced on Penrhyn. I feel very privileged to be able to experience it through your eyes. I am now 83 years old so can only experience it through you.
  I admire you openness in expressing your feelings about your adventure.
  Thank you.

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  Doug Bullock says:

  Thanks Tom for creating and sharing a great video on life on Penrhyn. What a great adventure you have had and a story well told. Your video clearly shows what is really important in our lives; friends, family and the simple pursuit of happiness.

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  Jonathan Lewis says:

  Thanks for the tantalizing taste of life on Penrhyn. It justifies the longing we’ve all cherished for the South Pacific. Well done. Tom, you deserve the friendships and accolades that your amazing endeavor garnered. All the best.

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    Glenn Holland says:

    Thanks Tom for showing us all what you had the privilege of experiencing. That beautiful place is made that way because of those beautiful people. Looking forward to the next one and the BOOK and the MOVIE????