Mark; we are cracking along today on the right course to St Lucia, under Full main and a slightly reefed genoa. The Atlantic resembles small mountains today , Butterfly seems to mange to climb up and then surf down the other side with ease! For the last few nights we have experienced some ‘tropical Squalls’, the best way to describe them and last night the wind suddenly increased to 35 knots and a desire to reef very quickly before the heavy rain shower follows!
Kenny has taken up the post of Master Baker today and his trying his hand and a wholemeal loaf, we all wait with interest to see how our digestion copes.
Rob is busy preparing a cottage pie for supper while being tossed up down and side to side, Simon and Lee are in the land of nod and Kenny, Mike and myself are having a crib contest.
Hope all okay at home, got your email Diana, Love to all.
Rob: Been snorkelling today, saw some really unusual fish down at 4000m, some looked like aliens and one looked a bit like Mike when he yawns. My favourite was the maroon fish with moobs like Jabba. Hoping to go disco dancing on the foredeck again tonight, wearing my headlamp on flash setting after the others have gone to bed. Missing civilisation and normality and loved ones massively now..can you tell? Love Rob. PS thanks for your lovely message Lynn, I feel your presence with me. Xxxx
Mike: As the winds blow and the seas heaved last night, Kenny managed the top speed ever on Butterfly, 16.8 Knots, sounds and feels a little scary in the pitch dark, 1000 miles from land!!
Looking forward to seeing and walking on land again, having some comfort, space and most of all being home with you all soon.
A bit early to start counting the miles to shore yet , but I am!!
We are all getting on, eating and drinking well, just starting to use canned food, can smell some freshly baked bread in the oven as I write this
Whilst the ocean can be a majestic place and the feeling of isolation is amazing, I prefer being surrounded by the English countryside or the beauty of the mountains.
William Oliver and Catherine, it would be good to hear from you and what has been happening for you at home, just copy the URL and send me an email.
PS William, The inbetweeners and Borat has given us a laugh and helped us to feel a little nearer to home at night!!
I think a few on board are smelling land already , for me the sea is still a fantastic place to be, the company is good and I am sure Neptune is keeping a good watchful eye over us all.Must go and see how my loaf is getting on. Looking forward to find out what job you have Dan.
See you soon Gadders KJ xxx
Simon: Just been woken up by another strange dream…I was dreaming I was having dinner on the Nemesis at Alton towers…oh no, wait its real life!! It was a squall – silly me!! rolled out of my bunk again! Guessing its Kenny’s watch?! Being in the forward cabin when it gets bumpy seems like being in a washing machine! Just over 850 miles to go, going to have a peek through the binoculars to see if the Caribbean is still in the same place this year! Hopefully the map reading and orienteering exercises at school will pay dividens! Xx 88