15:59.218N 35:12.993W

Heading West Second Blog, Norma’s bit

29^th November 2014

Before we dive straight into Norma’s contribution here is the boring bit for all you accountants out there. Day five and all going well, the winds are due to drop in a day or two and so we are pushing on while the going is good. The watch system is working well we are all eating together at each meal bar breakfast and getting at least some sleep as we roll along. The water tanks are full and the generator is starting every time I push the button so big smiles from me.

Here are the stats so far:

Day 1 17.5 hours    84 miles            Average 4.8 Knots

Day 2 24 hours       173 miles          Average 7.2 Knots

Day 3 24 hours       187 miles          Average 7.8 Knots

Day 4 24 hours       168 miles          Average 7.0 Knots

That’s it from me over to Norma.

Well here I am thinking why let Paul have all the fame of writing to amuse, when I am sure I can add a little girly twist.

Sailing at Night: from the female prospective or should I say mine as not all girlies are big whoosies like me.

Sailing during the day is fun, I can read, paint, sew, practice my Ukulele watch films and generally make myself busy and of course I also have to make sure the boys are kept on their toes. Sometimes however things can get a little boring when all you can do is try to keep two feet on the floor/deck while using both hands to hang from your finger nails just to stay in a safe position. Yes all fingers nails are gone, broken off on the first day, but Paul has promised me a manicure when on land, something to look forward to along with a hot soak in Sue and Tommy’s bath tub at their hotel in Barbados. At night though things change, you still have to balance and hang swinging around the cockpit like a monkey while trying to keep all your whit’s about you. So this is where my time differs from the boys or is it that they simply lie!

Now totally at the mercy of the darkness all around with all that lurks below, beside behind and in front. If it’s got lights and or AIS I am good, as I have the control to move if needed.

How do I survive as it really doesn’t take much for my imagination to run riot, “I do spook easily”.

Now for all those things that make me jump and want to dive below leaving the boat to fend for herself while I run and hide.

Dark shapes lurch out of the sea beside me,

“What is it”?

Dolphins, whales, turtles or something more sinister, not to worry only another large wave.

The boat is surrounded by lights flashing in the sea. 

“What is it”? ,

Aliens from the abyss coming to swallow us whole, not to worry only large fish as they swim through the luminescence.

Lights directly ahead and I mean right on the bow.

“What is it”?

A boat that I am now going to flatten, not to worry only our bow lights as we roll in the swell.

Something white flashes below in the saloon.

“What is it”?

A ghostly presents now haunting the boat, not to worry only Steve getting ready for the watch change.

I’ve lost my boy Tony.

Where is he”?

Has he been taken away by giant squid, not to worry he’s in his bed fast asleep.

Something grinding and grumbling below my feet.

“What is it”?

Is the rudder rattling free, not to worry only Paul snoring.

Lights directly behind us.

“What is it”?

Pirates getting ready to climb onboard, not to worry only our stern light as we surf down another large wave.

Something is on the deck next to me and still coming my way.

“What is it”?

Torch ready to strike anything that gets too near, not to worry the flash of light reveals another flying fish flopping around on deck.

I have survived another night but I thought Paul told me that he was taking me on an extended holiday. By the time this is ended I will have arms like Popeye, a head of grey locks like Steve and Peter and will probably be on some form of happy pills. As Peter always says “it’s not a holiday it’s an adventure” and I am having a wonderful time and even though the night sailing makes me jump it also keeps me awake. It is enjoyable during those periods of darkness when I am alone, I dream of our return and where the seas will take us next.

Email:

Spectra {CHANGE TO AT} mailasail {DOT} com

No attachment or pics please as this is a very low bandwidth satellite link and costs a small fortune per minute for downloads and they block up my weather reports.

If you want to send normal email pics attachment etc.

Paul {DOT} russell732 {CHANGE TO AT} hotmail {DOT} co {DOT} uk and I will pick it up when I am on WiFi