Day 5-7
Carlile Adventures
Mark Carlile
Tue 10 Oct 2006 09:32
For the first week, I have travelled 573.4 nautical miles, or a little over 80 nautical miles per day. This is a little under my planned week length. Most weeks I should do over 600nm. The day of poor weather probably stopped me reaching the target. The boat weighs an extra 1.5t with all of the fuel, water, and food on board at the start as well.
I am happy to have made Plymouth to near Spain in this time. I have completed two of the more difficult parts of the trip. The first was to cross the English Channel dealing with fatigue due to lack of sleep, watching cautiously in the busiest shipping lanes of the world. The second difficult part has been to cross the Bay of Biscay. I have crossed it a little late in the sailing season (so I can pass South Africa at the best time), and it is notoriously known for bad weather. I had one day of uncomfortable weather so I am pleased to have past it.
I have recovered from the lack of sleep and haven't seen ships for a day now.
The days have been mainly showers, and cloudy being quite unsettled. The nights are getting a bit warmer, and the days reach about 18C. Reaching Spain means warmer weather and if the weather routing is right some more settled and favourable weather.
The first week has meant that I have been sailing, navigating, and getting into a routine.
I haven't had much off duty time to do things like read. I have listened to the BBC World Service on the radio to keep up with world events.
I feel perfectly fine with my spirits high. Thanks to everyone for your emails. It really does help to keep me feel connected with the real world, or have made me laugh. I reply to every email I receive, so keep them coming.
That's about it here on the high seas where it is currently about 5000 metres deep, and the ocean a deep blue.
That's a good day to you from Ingrid
m
http://www.CarlileAdventures.com
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