After a successful rescue and refit thru the Torres Strait of
Australia, Smiles and I were able to row to Indonesia. Arriving in
Samulaki, it was here, I learned of the local ways. Primarily my
first friend Ken, a local scooter taxi driver, who looks to earn
100,000 rupiah per day, to provide for his family. That’s roughly 7
USD per day, less his driving expenses. We were able to offer him
2,000,000. 120 USD, a months pay. The expression and level of
gratitude they shared back, really opened my eyes to how far, so
little American Dollars, can go. 
I was then off on an expected 40 day final row across Indonesia to
Bali, where I was expected to stage for the upcoming big Indian Ocean
crossing next. Halfway across I found myself on a remote fishing
Island, called Karumpa, to avoid high seas. It was here I met Ishan,
the son of a local fisherman who was killed by a lightening strike a
few years ago. Using Google Translate to communicate with him and the
rest of the village, I was able to understand the life this village
lives. Surviving on fish to earn a living, while Ishan teaches at the
local school, to offset his fear of going on the water his father was
taken from. We were able to contribute a bit of funds as well as a
smartphone, that would allow him to stay in touch and use his own
Google Translate now.. 
After a short two day rest, I then successfully reached Bali, specifically the Medana Bay Marina, in Lombok, the neighboring Island. It was here I was also joined for the first time by someone, this special someone is a good friend and rower, named Mary. Mary will share here own story when she is fully recovered from her unexpected brain tumors, but in short, she found Ari. Ari is a local fisherman who heads up a small village near Bintang beach. He offered to also take the new film team on board, to capture my arrival. Having the film team, Mary, and others on site, really added validation to the 4 year effort so far. Ari and his family have been living here for some time now, using a community boat, to earn a living catching small fish and Octopus when the fishing dries up. Normally Ari has a small boat he uses to also, help other visitors go snorkeling and transportation to the Gillie Islands near by. Ari, has never asked me for anything, but I insisted on finding out how much he needed to repair his boat. On Jan 14th, 2025, we made are largest donation to date for Indonesia, 320 USD. Enough for him to get it ready, in time for tourism season coming in April.
My time now is spent mainly in Bali, the neighboring Island. It is here I met a kind man named Grayden, who is also a fellow sailor. He offered me housing until my expected departure with a chance to get fit, both mind and body, at his Yoga Retreat Center, www.Kayumama Resort and Spa.
I have spent even more time, understanding the cultures here with respect to the spiritual elements. Sharing 6 different religions, they all seem to have an understanding of others. My travels within Bali are generally done by scooter, but for long distance or airport visa runs, I use my new local friend, Hiro. He is a father of 12 and spends 16 hours a day driving, for a similar company to Uber. He often sleeps in his car at night, to keep driving, and returns to his home with family every few weeks. On Christmas, this campaigned offered him 100 USD. It was the about a weeks pay, in effort for him to take the time off.
These dollar amounts may seem little to those reading this page, but hopefully these stories I share and more to come, will highlight all the help and support this journey has provided to the various campaigns we have going, and my efforts to keep Smiles and I, a float. Thank you to all for a great start to 2026. Fingers crossed I will have a bit more in place to continue rowing. I am after sponsorship to replace my Watermaker, 2-6 pax liferaft, and survival suit, recently lost in PNG. Regardless of the outcome, if the journey came to an end this year, it’s been life changing to see the difference and connection one can make, with a humble effort.
Aaron
