Annie: Taking on the Atlantic Ocean
Well! What can I say?
It’s been quite some time since I’ve been slapped round the face with such ferocity that’s for sure!
Last night was indeed a night and a half. It all started fairly well with some nice favourable winds. The swells were taking us vaguely in the right direction so although rowing was fairly hard work, it was worth the struggle. But night soon descended upon us and brought with it some unfavourable winds. We were making progress in the right direction but it was taking all our strength to stay on course which just wasn’t sustainable all night. I couldn’t see which direction the waves were coming from and there were rogue waves crashing over the boat from all directions.
In conditions like these it’s nigh on impossible to plan or predict where or when to place your blade in the water… It feels like someone has grabbed hold of the other end and is ramming the handle into your thighs and hips with all their might! We are totally black and blue as a result but after a couple of weeks of such abuse, you don’t tend to notice anymore! We battled through a 2 hour stint each, then admitted temporary defeat and put the para anchor out
.
It’s so frustrating having to deploy the anchor as you’re constantly thinking what other crews might be doing, how much ground they might be covering whilst you’re stationary etc. However needs must…
Strangely, with the elements giving it their worst outside, we actually managed to get a good few hours sleep. Conditions this morning weren’t quite what we’d hoped for (ie: they were still bloody well the same!!) but the wind direction at least had altered to enable rowing to once again be a possibility. We’re back at it with vigour now. Trying to claw back last night’s lost ground.
I personally, am feeling physically and mentally strong. Each day is certainly proving to be a challenge but I feel I can pretty much take on whatever this big old ocean wants to throw at me. Bring it on! Rowing today is fabulous. The sea is big and boisterous but appears to be in a much friendlier mood. Last night, the sea was just plain grumpy as hell!
I’m hoping for a more peaceful night tonight as there’s lots of work that needs doing at my imaginary village. Tourism has certainly picked up and I feel that perhaps I should consider constructing my first hotel. I’m not sure though… I don’t want the place to lose its rustic charm in any way…
Annie x
We will be tracking Annie and Mel’s progress and posting more of their blogs here. Keep up to date and find out why we are supporting therm here. Track their progress across the Atlantic here.
