Mel’s Blog – Monday 8th
Note – due to satellite comms problems, this blog is being published a little later than it should be, but hopefully it all makes sense anyway.
Hi everyone
Hope you all had good weekends having roast dinners, reading papers, socialising, going for walks in the countryside and other things which seem a world away to us.
Unfortunately we had what has become a typical weekend of battling unfavourable weather. The wind has been going gradually south and building and by yesterday (Sunday) we had made progress west in our boat which loves to go sideways. All we could do was north-west, but that was preferable to being on para-anchor. Progress has been quite slow and has required every ounce of energy on every stroke. During the worst hours we were only moving at 0.5 of a knot and half of that was in the wrong direction. Rowing is usually a pleasurable experience and when you place the blades in the water and drive down with the legs you can feel the boat pick up and as soon as you drag the blade through the water you can feel the boat go under you as you up the slide. It was so far from that yesterday it was laughable. Forget treacle, this was like rowing in setting concrete. Moving the boat required an almighty effort and up the slide you could feel her going backwards or sideways! And all that for 0.25 of a knot!
Effort like that costs though. We’re both feeling it today, pretty much everywhere. Thankfully the wind died off early evening and we were able to make progress west again. Today has been mostly west, although the wind is still gradually forcing us north-west at times. It’s supposed to die off and then come back from the east later today. We sincerely hope it does because at the moment, conditions are making that bar in Antigua seem a long way off.
Mel. xx
Hey there girls. Don’t feel blue about the weather and progress, you are doing brilliantly! You still have your focus and enthusiasm, and your efforts WILL pay off. You are on your way to Antgua with less than 450nm to go. Remember what you ahve already done to help with what you are and will be doing! Summon up dolphins to guide you and I will make a sacrifice to the wind gods! All love catherine McK x
Hi!
Don’t worry. The wind is getting better already when i write this. If you are going with very slow progress, use the parachute anchor and take it easy. The wind will turn. You are doing great!
We are rooting for you and amire your guts. You go girls!