Day 7 - Noon June 16th to Noon June
17th
It seems like a long time ago when we left the
Mediterranean and headed out to Madeira. On that trip we passed close to the Seine sea mount – an underwater mountain that rises to
within 86 metres of the surface.
Today we are passing just south of the Gettysburg sea mount which
rises from deep water to a mere 20 metres below the surface. Awesome! I wish we
could stop the boat and dive on that – I bet the big pelagics circling around
would take your breath away.
I love stuff like that. I’ve started to discover some of
the many mysteries of the Atlantic. When it’s
in a bad mood its power is frightening but magnificent at the same time. Yet
when it’s at peace it can be like a millpond stretching as far as the eye can
see, welcoming you in for a swim. It’s revealed its character to me.
Respect!
As for progress we’re doing ok. The wind has finally
backed a little and although the sea remains challenging, we can at least start
to creep North towards Lagos. We have about 150 miles left to go and
they should prove interesting. The bottom corner of Portugal has a
20 mile wide 4 lane shipping separation zone which we will have to cross. In the
last month we have been lucky to see one vessel per day. In the next 24 hours I
expect to have to dodge upwards of maybe 50.
And finally, congratulations to Biggles. The old hero has
chalked up another victory at age 65. At 13.25 on 16th June he passed
his 10,000 nautical miles mark on this trip about 250 miles off the Portuguese
coast. Well done mate – nobody deserves it more than
you.
|
Well done Barrie – hard work
rewarded |
|
|
Paul -
Peejay
