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| How much more will be sent to test us? |
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| Written by Lin & Rachel at sea | |
| Friday, 15 February 2008 | |
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Yesterday was a great day, hot and sunny, calmer seas and we’d drifted North in the night so we could row West with the wind and the waves for a change. This almost felt strange but it meant we made great progress and passed the 100 nautical miles to go mark.
However, that was all set to change (surprise, surprise) and the night time brought with it very strong wind, enormous seas and horrendous rain storms. In the end we had to give up, tie the steering in position and go to sleep, which meant risking going South again. True to form, we woke up this morning with it still blowing a gale out there and the GPS telling us we were once again 4 miles too far South – soul destroying…. So we’re out there in our shifts, fighting against the waves again trying to claw back the miles but this is drastically affecting our Westerly progress. In preparation for getting to Antigua and the need for both of us to row, we had to move the life raft, which has been sitting on the stern rowing position runners most of the journey and is now back under the gunnel after a lot of pushing and shoving by Rachel. This means we can set up the stern rowing position again when we get a little closer. We also had a bit of a minor drama this morning when one of the rowing gates broke. We very quickly got the spare one out and changed it over whilst getting wave after wave sloshing all over us. This is where we really start to wonder how much more can be thrown at us before we complete the remaining 69.5 nautical miles according to our GPS. We had a passing ship called Athos earlier today that came within 2.3 miles of us – this may not sound close but when they’re traveling at 17knots and we only move at around 2 knots, you have to make sure they know you’re there in case their bearing is likely to cross yours. The guy on the radio sounded quite astonished by what we were doing and proceeded to tell us he would be between Guadaloupe and Antigua in a few hours – a bit of a wind up merchant don’t you think! We found out Lin’s Dad and her son Liam (with skateboard and football in suitcase!) have arrived safely in Antigua and already been in touch with Caroline at ABSAR. It’s great to know Dad survived his first ever flight and they’re both really excited to see us. Rachel’s Mum will be in the air now on her way over too. Hopefully we will follow soon after!!! Messages:- Pete Birch (Lin’s Cousin’s Husband) – wishing you a very happy 50th Birthday – hope everything goes well and you have a fantastic time. Donna Malcolm – Sea settled – hmmmm if only! We did plan to wash our hair today but it’s too rough and not really worth it while the sea is persistently dumping itself on us. We guess no one ever said it was a glamorous journey! Mark from Mission Atlantic – thank you so much for your message, that means so much to us. It would be good to catch up you guys in London and all your support crew who were in La Gomera – such a great fun bunch of people! Dave Evans – please pass on my regards to Jimbo and let him know I’ll be expecting him to come back for a few drinks to celebrate the success of crossing the ocean that he said I’d never do!!!! Joe & Andrew JW – thank you for your message – can’t wait to see you in England (got a few things to tell you now you’re not in phone contact)! Keith Robbins – You’re right about normal life when I get back and Single Status doesn’t make work that inviting either! See you soon. Syd Cottle – great one about the passports left in La Gomera – thankfully we know exactly where our passports are – with the beer money in the emergency grab bag!!! Love and Hugs to you all from Lin & Rachel |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 18 February 2008 ) |