Day 66, evening.
I am glad this day’s rowing is done and I soon will have supper!
The N-going current that sent us straight N is spite of wind from W was there for many hours, creating complete havoc to the seas. My sore right bum did not like it all the rolling at all!
So tonight the Ship’s Surgeon had to get out the anti-septic ointment and a plaster. (Feels better already.) We had a good following breeze, but on the preferred course E it was impossible to get more than 1,5 k speed. (You walk faster on crutches than that!) So we got pushed further NE. And fog in addition. But in afternoon things have improved, waves are not so steep and short, still some criss-crossing, and speed and direction improved. And fog lifted!
Best news of the day, however, (apart from Johan having a super birthday, says Diana) is that the water is warmer and I saw a Blue-bottle jelly- fish! Also thought I had a Tropic bird for a short visit. It has a very characteristic tail with long central feathers. Beak is red, but I saw it only as a silhouette. Much warmer in the air, less clothes needed. But there was so much spray I had to wear wet-weather gear, anyway. All this has made me quite excited in that I may be in the Golf Stream or very near it and should get an average of 0,5 k extra speed. But these currents often do strange things, like go deep or suddenly do a big circle. My friend Martin, in Barbados, are you able to find out anything up-to-date? And any hurricanes that may come this way yet? Greetings to Beckey, Trudi & Ian and you, too!
Lots more greeting received, thank you all! Two I must mention: Andrew and Frode. 2 years ago they, Diana and I sailed White Admiral from Bahamas to Azores just S of here when we were in very bad weather and a huge wave damaged the port side aft, filled the engine room and more and gave us some anxious hours. But what a good team we were! (www.whiteadmiral.com – report 69?) All went well eventually, and the catamaran now has new owners in Arendal.