Vasco da Gama
Ian Strathcarron
Mon 23 Jun 2008 09:52
We are in the Western Approaches between the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic, heading SW in a straight line from Falmouth to W of Corunna in Spain.
 
For the first time since leaving the Isle of Wight at 1 am on Friday, we have fine weather, good visibility and a calm sea.
 
Between midday yesterday and 4 o' clock this morning we came through a horrendous patch of rough sea.  I spent the storm in our cabin, working on some counted cross-stitch embroidery to keep my mind off the crashing waves and noise.  I was excused watch duty as it was stormy, foggy and we were in a busy shipping lane of the English Channel.
 
At about 6 pm I emerged to make some sandwiches as it was too rough to heat up the Shepherd's Pie I had made earlier.
On my way back into the cabin, a huge wave broke over the bow, covering the boat and me and filling the cabin with water.  Fortunately the bed was covered with a sheepskin cover given to us by Hazel which trapped the water in a puddle and I was able to empty it, change my clothes and get into a dry bed for the night.
 
Today, in contrast, is beautiful.  We are heading south, the barometric pressure is rising, and we are in very good spirits.