Today Cynthia and Sheryl rang up Bertie on Skype and had a brief chat with him about his experience rowing the Atlantic to support Facing the World children’s charity. Bertie is, as you’ll soon hear, delightful and made us feel at ease immediately. Many thanks to his partner, Sam Scott Thomas, for setting this up for us and for absolutely everything to help us raise money for the charity.
There were some technical problems with the connection from Barbados so please excuse the intermittent loss of audio and our occasional swearing. We kept our chat short so that Bertie and Sam could join their friends and family to enjoy their incredibly well-deserved tropical vacation.
Bert waking up; photo courtesy of Sam Scott Thomas
Here’s the interview in MP3, we hope you enjoy it!
Conversation with Bertie Portal
Bert told us that being on dry land is great, but he feels a little ” … spaced out, a bit strange, like jet lag, really.” He and James Cash, his partner in Facing the Atlantic, kept their clocks on board Patience set to UK time. They crossed five different time zones during the voyage, but had no idea where they were located. When we asked about when he planned to shave his beard he told us he’s keeping it until after he returns to London. “It’s a kind of badge of honor for me, to show that I really did this thing.” We think he looks quite handsome in his rower’s beard!
We asked about Bert’s future projects and he sent this reply: “I’ve no idea. Robert Portal is available for work.” We know he’ll be back in the acting saddle very soon and look forward to seeing him on the big screen.
Bert is signed up for another adventure, but for only six days, not 63! He’ll run across the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables described as: “The MdS is a multi-day, ‘ultramarathon’. Run in six days over a course of between about 150 and 156 (254km) miles long. (That’s the equivalent of running from London to Dover, deciding not to go to France after all and running back again. In 120 degree heat. With a back pack on. And voices in your head, talking about ice cold beer).” The MdS is a charity run supporting Solidarite-MdS and Facing Africa. The race is run April 6-16 and, amazingly, there are no more places for the 2012 race.
Bert’s going from “the toughest rowing race” to “the toughest foot race.” I can’t decide which one is more terrifying.
Comment by Sheryl — February 10, 2012 @ 10:31 am
The foot race, shorter but …
What a sweetie Bert was. I could have talked to him all day, he was so friendly and gracious.
Comment by aemac — February 10, 2012 @ 11:12 am
I can’t fathom running six marathons in six days! Unbelievable! Bertie’s got amazing perseverance!
Fantastic interview, ladies!
Comment by SenseofDoubt — February 10, 2012 @ 11:16 am
Why thanks! I sound like a great big dork but, as Aem wrote, he is delightful to talk to, as is Sam. Nice people.
Comment by Sheryl — February 10, 2012 @ 11:42 am
Thanks so much for letting us hear his account. I got this sense that this is a changed man – that this experience will reflect on him throughout his life.
In some ways it has changed us as well – in the sense of the awareness it created in us all.
Comment by shocknawe — February 10, 2012 @ 12:15 pm
Yes, Bertie seems to be just starting to process all he has gone through on that journey – which surely was one for the heart, mind, and soul as well as the body. Amazing, and so foreign to anything in my world. Thanks so much for the recording. It was plain to hear how much he appreciates your unwavering care and concern. Nicely done, ladies!
Comment by iamtrue2bill — February 10, 2012 @ 10:09 pm
That was utterly delightful! What a guy!
Are we going to to follow Bertie with the ‘Marathon Des Sables”? It certainly was an adventure for the boys – one that they will never forget!
Team Facing The Atlantic! I like that!
Cindy and Sheryl! It was good hearing your voices again!
Comment by Lizzie1701 — February 11, 2012 @ 4:24 am
The conversation we had with Bertie before the recording started was utterly delightful. Sam’s a lucky lady …
Comment by aemac — February 11, 2012 @ 6:57 am
Yes, it was delightful. Really the nicest couple …
@Lizzie1701 I plan to follow Bert in the MdS (in my head I call it “Marathon de Sade”). My time with Simply Moyer draws to a close but if there’s any tracking or news to be shared I’ll make sure the proprietors know about it.
Comment by Sheryl — February 11, 2012 @ 7:18 am
I finally had a chance to listen to the interview and it was lovely, just lovely! Hearing this gracious mans beautiful voice.
Great interview ladies! So many fun things to discuss, such as rowing through 5 time zones (I had no clue), his poor sore bum (chaffing on salt water, and nothing dry must really hurt), the 7 days without oars in the boiling hot cabin, rogue waves…….etc.
All I can say is how I am still in awe of these men, as well as the other participants in the race, for their determination and bravery to do this for the charity, FACING THE WORLD.
I love children, and now these men, and was so happy to at least donate and show my support in what little way I could.
So ladies will you be covering Berties run across the Sahara?
Many thanks to you both Sheryl and Cindy (Sam too!) for keeping us always informed and letting your “gang” be a part of the fun as well as the occasional frightening moments of this incredible journey.
Big hugs to Bertie and James (and Sam and Anna), you did us all proud!
Comment by Antonia — February 11, 2012 @ 9:28 am
Thank you guys so much! What a dellightful interview> Bertie is a charming and delightful gentleman. He and Sam were most gracious.
I enjoyed hearing his account and also hearing the birds tweeting on this cold and snowy day in the northeast.
All the best to both of them and good luck in the Sahara. I look forward to following that as well.
Thanks again to Sheryl annd Cynthia for the awesome coverage!
Comment by Tiffanycrystaldawn — February 11, 2012 @ 11:10 am
@Sheryl – are you leaving SM??????
Comment by Lizzie1701 — February 12, 2012 @ 3:31 am
Actually, I’ve been gone for several months now. I’m handling only Bertie and Facing the Atlantic – none of the day-to-day stuff. Those decisions are made by the other proprietors.
Comment by Sheryl — February 14, 2012 @ 1:54 pm