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Andante of Mersey - St Helena and Forever Onwards(2)



Three days in St Helena, weigh the anchor and off we go again.  Still in the same race but we are drifting back positionally - we are of course very badly handicapped and I dont mean physically - although that might have something to do with it.  The wind isn't strong enough for us but most people say that.  Anyway our first concern is crossing the finishing line within the time limit (2200UTC on 31st) and our main one is arriving in time for the Heinekin sponsored party on the 1st Feb.  We have about 1300 nms to go and both are very much in doubt at the moment.  On board bad chesty colds abound.  We just hope that all the coughing does not lead to coffins.

Our other complaint is aching leg muscles and that takes us back to St H where one of the things to do is climb Jacobs Ladder-a 700 step straight-up concreet staircase from the town up a headland.  I went up and down and could hardly walk thereafter for 2days, Bob Ann and Derek taxied to the top and just walked down and their legs have only just recovered - it should have had a health warning top and bottom!! One evening most of the crews went for a chinese meal - food was not too good but great fun was had by all.  Mainly because we were entertain by the islands Anglican bishop who knew many borderline ditties and was quite good on the restaurants TV kareoke. We also had a tour round the island, visiting Boneparte's bungalows etc.  He was a prisoner on the island for 20 years or so and died there.  His body was eventually taken back to France when he returned posthumously back into political favour.  It is a very friendly island which has few visitors as there is no airfield.  Population about 3500 and everyone says hello to everyone they see.

Fishing has improved but we went through a shoal of tuna and caught at the same time a fish on each line - one weighing about 25lbs.  So we had too much fish which we dont like as we only want to catch what we are going to eat.
Comments have been received re the photo on the web site when we were caught drinking outside the St H hotel - we are glad it cheered you - I climbed the ladder straight afterwards!  SRUFC result against Wallasy cheered us.
Love/best regards to all from Bob Ann Chris Derek and me.



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