Back in the saddle again 19:45.499N 31:23.778W
Row Across The Pond
Richard Hoyland and Steve Coe
Mon 1 Feb 2010 19:54
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Steve's thoughts for the day...
Back on the oars today after 5 days on anchor,, winds still
not best but have to make a start,, we are heading south west as a result of the
winds which we can afford a little as we were blown northwards over the last few
days..
Bad news today, I dropped pooh bucket over the side.. chose
not to go in after as is was sinking quite fast and thought rick of high seas
and strongish winds the bucket can go.. we have two spare,,, One we use to flake
(coil) our para anchor rope in and the other a spare,, which will now be our new
Head/Jon/WC/Pooh Bucket,, the correct terminology on a boat is heads,, i think..
Other thing happened today, our jet boiler sparker broke so can only light
with lighter,, we have spare and commissioned that...
Decided another fish dinner was good, so chucked line over and
within 30 seconds hooked a lively tuna.. sorry ollie.. this is
survival out here.. about 12 pounds. rich has skinned and
im chef tonight,, tuna with veg casserole.. sounds ok...
good to be making some ground..
There was a delay to our emails and blogs yesterday and
not sure if it is our technology or a fault with our satelite
provider,, very frustratring and hope it will be resolved, this is a very
valuable link (both directions) with the outside world. we have been very
deflated the last 24 hours thinking we may have to continue with a
much more limited form of communication... Not a problem just not as
much fun or as useful
Richard adds....
At last the para-anchor has been flaked back into it's bag
with all the ropes that attach to it and the oars/seats/rowing gloves etc. have
been dusted down and we restart the business of rowing again. Although the
days on the para are behind us for now we don't know what weather systems are
still to try and slow us down. At the moment the winds are from the North so we
are trying to make as much progress Westerley as possible...apparently things
turn for the better tomorrow (but in what directions? I don't
know).
Apologies to all those that were waiting for mails or the blog
yesterday, we are indeed having problems sending and receiving emails. One point
to note is that at any time the emails/blog could stop if we have a technical
fault...it doesn't mean we arent safe in the boat but that we have an glitch
with the PC/Sat Phone/Modem/Iridium/MailaSail...there are lots of places that it
could go wrong..it's been a wake up call. So, don't be worried if we are quite
for a particular day :-)
The routine of rowing is now overtaking the boat and the old
shift systems are back in place...punishing again, but hey I'd rather be rowing
than sitting on the anchor. My mood is positive as despite a few setbacks today,
we have emails to read, we're healthy, there's a glorious sunset off of the Port
bow and we're heading once again in the general direction of Antigua....and my
family (that I miss very much).
Tuna for dinner tonight...if anyone want's lessons in how to
gut/prep a great big tuna...my survival fish gutting classes will be starting
upon my return...yuk...I'm psychologically damaged by the whole experience
;-)
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