Helly Hansen

Julie (33) and Colin (36) Angus from Vancouver Island, British Columbia have departed today from Britain's north easternmost point, John o'Groats and are travelling 7,000 km to Syria. The duo is using amphibious rowboats for the journey and will follow an interconnected route of canals, rivers, lakes and coastlines through Britain, Continental Europe, and the Middle East. The two 18 foot vessels were designed and constructed by the team, each able to carry a bicycle and boat trailer. Although most of the journey will be on water, the team has the option of travelling overland pulling the boats behind their bicycles. Over the next seven months the Angus's will pass through four seas, three major rivers and sixteen countries while only travelling by human power. Colin Angus' family is from the far north of Scotland and Julie's is from Germany and Syria. The journey will link these three countries, and a key component of the expedition is to explore their ancestral roots. The other focus is to promote active living and environmental stewardship in schools and an adventure learning program based on the expedition has been developed (details at www.rowedtrip.com). Julie and Colin departed from the coast near John o'Groats at 10:30 GMT pulling the boats behind their bicycles. They will cycle until Inverness and launch their boats in the Caledonian Canal. When asked of their decision to cycle instead of row for their first leg, Julie replied: "There's a gale hitting the coast of Britain tomorrow. I think we'll make better progress on land." A small crowd of well wishers, mostly extended family who still live in the region, waved the duo goodbye as they pedalled into stiff west winds. If all goes according to plan Julie and Colin Angus will pedal and row into Aleppo, Syria in mid-September. The journey will end at Julie's family's olive farm on the outskirts of the city. The team will be posting weekly updates, video logs, and pictures on the expedition website www.rowedtrip.com. Enjoy the trip, guys!!