The pace of life on board has changed as well. The crew can no longer leave to the haven of the foredeck and are spending more time in the cockpit. The children are displaced down below and have rediscovered the saloon table (despite the heaving of the boat). Everyone is in lifejackets and lifelines in case of a rogue wave and Croix des Gardes powers on throughout it all. We are grateful for her high freeboard and immense build as it is not an unpleasant ride. We should make good progress compared to the smaller boats if this weather holds and the mood is once more buoyant.
Cooking is more challenging, so today we had cup-a-soup and sandwiches for lunch, and will have a simple madras curry tonight. Working the galley is like cooking in a caravan - whilst it's being towed at high speed down a bumpy mountain pass. I am quite bruised today!
We eventually enticed the children into the cockpit in the afternoon (weather side, tied on etc). Elizabeth said she loved sailing and was daring the sea to soak her. It obliged. She said it was better than the best roller coaster she'd ever been on. I hope some of her excitement subsides before bedtime as it's quite exhausting. Matthew just carries on as normal, oblivious to everything.
At sunset we had a pod of spotted dolphins playing off the bow and overnight the Geminids began their annual display.
surely not better than troublesome trucks at Thomasland Elizabeth - glad Matthew takes it all in his stride. Looks a bit rough to me although the sky is better than here.love u all - mum xx
ReplyDeleteA ship that was supposed be heading for the Carribean caught fire at Ipswich docks a couple of days ago. You're going the wrong way James!
ReplyDeleteRod
PS Reading your blog always makes me hungry.
Your Rolls is doing well - you are maintaining 7th place. It's been very cold here for the past 2 days. Yesterday's bird watching was hard because of the fog, today was almost clear but much of the ponds was frozen. North Korea launched a satellite. love Dad xxxx
ReplyDeleteDelighted that your speed had picked up so much when I checked the tracker last night; this is addictive stuff. The Mars-bars chompers at the front seem to be tonking along but you're keeping pace with them and the gap isn't increasing so keep up what you're doing. Valteam seems to be the one to watch at the moment as she's making good speed. A celebratory beer and bit of artisan cheese is in order
ReplyDeleteYep, that's about how we remember her, eating miles majestically! glad all is going well, is that the Blue Peter just ahead?
ReplyDeleteIan
Forgot to tell you yesterday Delta bought Singapore Air's 49% share in Virgin Atlantic.
ReplyDeleteThere goes the neighbourhood
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