It was not that long ago that intrepid adventurers took off into the unknown, well aware that the next time they made contact with their loved ones would be upon their return. The isolation and anxiety that followed was an accepted part of the journey. Communication has not always been as pervasive as it is today.
[easy-tweet tweet=”#Cloud computing is enabling us to share our experiences more freely than ever before” user=”Dropbox”]
Cloud computing, however, is enabling us to share our experiences more freely than ever before. Digital technologies can now overcome even the harshest of conditions and modern-day daredevils are using them to ensure that their personal stories have the broadest possible impact.
Tempest Two
Earlier this year, James Whittle and Tom Caulfield completed what is likely the be the biggest challenge of their lives – rowing unaided from the Canary Islands to Barbados. Recognised by many as the toughest voyage in the world, the 3000 mile cross has been completed by fewer than 500 individuals, a smaller number than those that have conquered Everest or the North Pole.
If you are able to get over the intimidating nature of their task, however, there is plenty of beauty to be found in the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside whales, sharks and towering waves, the journey also had something else worth sharing.
“Many of you reading this will undoubtedly be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern day life,” wrote the pair on the completion of their arduous journey. “London and other cities offer a huge amount in terms of stimulation, but one thing it lacks, is simplicity. This simplicity gives you time to reflect, and puts things into perspective like never before.”
Of course, sharing this experience when floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is easier said than done. For Whittle and Caulfield, cloud computing provided them with the means of sharing their once in a lifetime experience. With just a laptop, a few cameras, a satellite phone and a Dropbox Business account, they were able to regularly update their family, friends and followers on their progress.
As well as sharing some breathtaking images of their surroundings, the cloud also gave followers an insight into the two travellers’ states of mind. Over the course of the two month journey, they shared blog posts, images and videos that revealed their struggles and successes. As well as letting us know about the physical toll that the journey was having on their bodies, we also found out how the pair kept spirits up and broke up the monotony of rowing day-in, day-out.
[easy-tweet tweet=”Via the #cloud, the Tempest Two team were able to share their personal adventure with many others” user=”Dropbox”]
Spending 54 days on a boat no bigger than a minibus with just your rowing partner for company could certainly be an isolating experience. Through cloud computing, however, the Tempest Two team were able to share their personal adventure with many others all over the world.