The cool of the artic summer means that excessive bodily sweating is not to much of a problem (unless going on strenuous hill walk as we did yesterday) even so after two or three days of days ensconced in thermals and various other layers of fleece it becomes time to expose skin and have a wash. Catryn has 2 x 250 litre water tanks although generous by some boat standards still easily exhaustible.  She is also fitted with a water maker that can produce 70 litre per hour however is less efficient in cold climes and we reckon is working at 50 litres, This is a 240v system so can only operate when the generator is going using precious diesel.

 

The only alternative is finding a stream and ferrying jerrycans of water in the tender back to the boat which some boats are doing – that makes you really consider how much water is being used.

 

The art of the bucket wash is therefore an important tool in the preservation of water.

 

So put 3 – 4 in (75-100mm) of warm water into buckets. Rinse hair with head over bucket if you are using shampoo, i have opted not to for the duration and its looking pretty good (so he tells himself! – ed), use the absolute minimum amount because that's all the water you have. Wash and then rinse into bucket again, see why you do not want to much soap if any at all. With flannel wash face and upper body again light on the soap. Put bucket on floor one foot in a time flannelling legs in the process. Finally squat over bucket for those all important places.

 

Poor half of water into sink use to shave with. Rinse face at end with water in bucket finish with one handful of water (cold) from tap. In bucket now wash undies and socks using the smallest amount of water possible to rinse and there you have it fresh and clean and believe it or not warmer and cosier all over.

 

So remember us out here on the edge of the world next time you are having a 10 minute shower or soaking in the tub.

 

Phil