Christchurch

Sobering stuff and really scary to see it all so close to home. Thinking of all the people in Christchurch, NZ will pull together and we will get through this.

2011???? Really???

Well well well, it's been over a year since I arrived back home and despite promises to keep up with the blog I somehow never managed to. So on a Sunday night all curled up in my new room at my new flat starting the second week of my new course I figured I should check in and let you all know what I'm up to!
2010 was a whirlwind year with lots of highs, some awful lows but now things are looking on the up. I'm now enrolled into the diploma year of Adventure Tourism at Whitireia Polytechnic and after my first week think it will be an interesting blog as I am the only student of my age, with a few others older and yet all the rest quite a bit younger. It's a slippery slope but I've already been called Camp Mum a couple of times and I'm going to have to work hard not to become that. But really, who turns up on day 1 without a pen or paper? I feel myself getting the old person head shake and grumble. I'm not even 30 yet, what's happening to me????!
Right, must run now. Am feeling that it's going to take a wee while to get back into blog mode. Watch this space however, as Suzy is back :)

Aunty Susana

Hey there, well thankfully I haven't had my head in any diesel engines lately so I guess this holiday is going to plan. Unfortunately though, I've been so busy that I haven't even unpacked my bags!!!! That may be a job for later this week.

I've spent some good quality time with my brother and two nieces and today I'm heading off to New Plymouth for a walk along the beach with Dad and Trish.

Right, we're taking off now, sorry there aren't more entertaining stories of blocked heads or generators! Just family catch up. But I have been sleeping in and it's great!

The one before last!

Trying to get to some wireless internet has been a bit hard but I found this cafe so all is good. Last night I did a really quick blog, but here is the one that I wrote and couldn't get to and was the one I wanted to stick up. Will be back with more news. Currently spinning out as James and I have gone through town and seeing how much it's changed. I'm sure it was only yesterday we were at school but James tells me that was actually in 1998 and that that was a few years ago....Ouch.

So where did I leave you yesterday? I know that I had to go board my plane and now I'm writing this as my friend James drives us towards Napier for the wedding of our good friend Chris which is on tomorrow. But that's another story.

So I think it was Sunday I left you on. It's weird you know, I had been waiting so long for the trip to finish and then suddenly all too quickly it was over and then I was suddenly having to pack up to leave. I still wasn't fully aware of all that had been acheived and that we had actually done it. So when it came to goodbyes with Geoff, Elaine, Tim, Mike and Martine, it all felt surreal to me, like it wasn't really happening and that I would be seeing them in a couple of hours again. The fact that I don't know when I will see them next didn't hit me until a lot later.

Onto the taxi and then picking up Digby, Paula and Francis along the way. We checked in fine and went through for the plane. On the first flight up to Antigua I sat next to a young man on the plane who was asking me about my time in Tortola and was really excited to know about the whole project as he had been following it all on tv. I felt like I had a claim to fame :)

In Antigua we checked through and I managed to catch Richard our pilot who is friends with Geoff and Elaine on his way through. He was flying us back, and originaly we were all going to be on the flight together so he would have been taking Geoff back but plans had changed. Still, it was lovely to see him and as I left the flight I was able to go up and say goodbye and thank you to him. He also showed me an article in the paper where I have made my reputation as 'Seasick Susana' !!!! I guess I did moan about it a lot and I'm sorry :(

The arrival back into the UK was cold to say the least. I had heard about all the snow but seeing it all was a different matter. I eventually got back to Southampton. Arriving to the house it dawned on me that I wasn't sure when I would see everyone again and there was a lot of snow and I just walked into the front door and had a good old cry. Bit soppy but I've been struggling emotionally trying to get my whole head around the trip and realise that we've done it. I keep kicking myself that I let the sea sickness get to me, there was a stage in the middle of the trip where I was miserable and I'm gutted I didn't have it in me to put on a braver face. But hey, lesson learnt and next time (if there is a next time for anything similar) I will know that I managed to get through this one and that I can do it. I am so grateful that Geoff and Digby were there to help me through the rough times though. We were a real little team out there.

So once I settled in (that means a shower and wearing lots of layers of clothing) I made a lot of phone calls and emails and spent the eveing busy trying to catch up on communications. Tuesday was a long sleep in as I enjoyed a night in a bed on land and then a day of packing and then a lot of phone calls and visits. So much to do, so little time.

Wednesday morning there was more snow and after a bit of morning stress (thanks GG for helping me out!) I got to the train station where my train was thankfully on time and then my connecting bus to Heathrow. I was lugging two huge cases as I have packed up the past four years of my life and taken them with me. I got there though and checked in and through security with hours to spare. Still with all the extra snow I was much happier to be early than rushing it all.

26 hours later and you have found me landed in NZ. Dad and Trish were at the airport with James to greet me. We all went for some breakfast and then it was time to take off. I'll be catching up with the family next week sometime but for now James and I are on our way down to Napier as it is Chris' wedding tomorrow. I'm really excited to be going as I'll be seeing friends I haven't seen for years so that's cool. James and I have figured we last saw each other 7 years ago. Time just flies. It's great to be back home, seeing all the places I used to go to, and enjoying the beautiful scenery that NZ has to offer, although we have just had lunch in Taupo and now on our way to Napier where the weather has turned and it is now dark clouds and raining. I came over here for summer!!! Something wrong in this whole setup I think. But tonight will be good, catching up with friends and then relaxing before the ceremony tomorrow. I have been worrying myself the last few days on where to go from here after such and amazing journey and adventure that I was lucky enough to be a part of, and also I've been questioning my own ability on the trip and if I did well enough but now that I've arrived in NZ and seen my family and friends I think I'm starting to relax a bit. I guess the solution is to first rest, revive and then think about things, but for the moment, just enjoy the time I have here.

Home ground!

Oh my goodness, where has the last week gone? So I left you with Sunday, and suddenly it was the flight back to the UK. It felt so surreal saying goodbye to Geoff, Elaine, Tim, Mike and Martine. It didn't hit me until being back in the UK that I don't actually know when I shall see them all next. The flight back was fine, Richard (Geoff's mate) was the pilot so I got to go up and say hi as we were getting off the plane which was pretty cool. Then it was all snow and a bit of a mission getting back to Southampton but I made it. As soon as I walked in the front door though, I realised that I had left all the others behind and burst into tears. Then after that I made a heap of phone calls, emails and then had a night in a bed in a house!!!

Tuesday was all packing up getting ready from my next trip - NZ!!!! Wednesday was getting to Heathrow and now I am home. It's been so weird being here after being away for so long but I am loving it. James was at the airport to pick me up and Dad and Trish were there as well to welcome me home. Then because I hadn't had enough travelling, James and I drove down to Napier for Chris' wedding. Adrian was best man and it was so lovely to be with old school friends. We had a catch up and it was just like old times. I think it's a sign of a true friendship when you haven't seen each other for years and when you do meet up, it's like you've never been away. That's how it felt with these guys and it was great.

The wedding was beautiful, I was so happy to have been able to get home and be there for it. I have missed far too many events like this of close friends so it was great to be here. Sadly there was rain (so much for me coming home to a summer!) but we all had a wonderful day. A big congratulations to Chris and Kris. Love you guys to bits.

Now James and I are in Masterton getting some tlc from his parents and it is great. We did a drive by the house I grew up in and went through town. It's so weird to come home and see how everything has changed. Tomorrow we'll do a catch up with lots of different people, but right now I'm starting to struggle staying awake, and I think the jet lag is possibly setting in....must get some sleep!

The whirlwind stop at Tortola

Thursday was arrival. Friday morning was a very tender head, but not mine, talk to a few others though. I think I was still going on adrenaline. I attempted to try and clean things but it was all just a bit too hard so it ended up being an exercise of pick this item up and put it somewhere else. Not very productive.

James and Lucy were very kind and took me to Snow Leopard where I had a lovely shower and felt like a new girl. Lunch was provided courtesy of Pussers Bar and then it started raining a bit. But the sun came out. Once that happened I scrubbed the outside of the boat with the help of young Timothy who is not a very good aim with the hose, well not when it comes to hosing the boat but when it comes to getting me saturated, he's pretty good. I got him back though, with the help of Geoff providing a decoy.

Todd from the Beacon had been around at lunchtime to take some photos and then kindly offered to take me out to a quiz night that evening and meet some of the team from the paper. It was a great fun night. Although my only contribution was the ten questions on the phonetic alphabet. I got them right thankfully - Papa, Hotel, Echo, Whiskey!!!!!!! A big thanks to Todd for taking me out and showing me the sights and introducing me to a whole bunch of new friends. I just love meeting new people.

Then back to the boat where I got the share a bunk with a hot young guy - Master Timothy! He wanted to have a night on the boat so I was happy to be able to grant his wish. Bit of a hog with the covers though, and we had two!!!

Saturday morning Tim and I worked our way around the saloon cleaning up and we had Doris a cleaner at the marina come and polish all the surfaces. I think it's safe to say we did a pretty good job. It was definitely cleaner.

Mike and Martine arrived with Geoff and Elaine and then I was whisked away by John to go to the Yachtclub for some lunch. I had the Caribbean curry which was just how mum used to make and it was simply delicious. I made another whole bunch of new friends there and was given a yachtclub top which was very kind of them.

And finally an afternoon of relaxation :) We chilled out up at Myetts where I am sure that Geoff and Elaine are really appreciative that I have taught Tim the art of raspberry kisses!!!! Hehehe, I'm such a bad influence.

Saturday night was the fundraising dinner at Myetts which was a nice fun evening. The food was delicious, we had wonderful entertainment and it was just nice to be with everyone.

And suddenly it was Sunday. Time for goodbyes at lunchtime and then I did my last bit of packing and met the taxi. It was all a bit sudden and rushed and I wasn't really aware that I was actually going. I felt a bit numb. Picked up Digby, Paula and Francis and then we were on our way.

Now I just have to run, there is more to tell but I'm in LA airport and my flight is about to board! Such an exotic life I'm leading now. Watch this space and I'll follow on from there :)

Terra Firma, well for a bit at least

Hi there. I am soooo sorry that it has taken this long to get back to you all and update you on our arrival. It has been such a whirlwind that I can't believe it all happened. And I hope that you haven't lost faith in me and have come back to see this entry. I think I will keep it going randomly during my next trip home, I'm not so sure I will be able to provide entertaining entries on diesel engine maintanence and plumbing but if I do then it means that something in my 'holiday' has gone terribly wrong!

So the arrival. I wanted to put up a video of us coming in and seeing all the support boats around us however my computer is having a technology hissy so I'll get back to you on that one. But yeah, the arrival. It was wonderful. We had the flotilla come out, Tim was on the RIB and it was just so very cool to see all the people out there waving and welcoming us. I felt like I was this pretty cool person hanging out with the superstar as everyone was clambering to get a photo of him. And there I am going, yeah man, we're mates and hang out. Check me! It was cool.

Geoff and Digby weren't so impressed that it was actually raining when we arrived. Ok, not my ideal picture of our arrival but I for some reason like rain. Put up the MASSIVE flag for Geoff which was great as there are some pretty awesome shots out there of him under it. We headed out to Cane Garden Bay where everyone on the beach was up and waving to us and all the boats were cheering and it was such a cool high. We had the search and rescue boat seeing us round and then we tried to get a mooring (and this is where I wanted to crawl into a hole) but failed after three attempts. It was my terrible attempts to get the mooring, and what made it worse was that everyone was watching! But they all made me feel better by saying that it was a difficult thing to do. Then we bailed and dropped anchor. Works for me :)

Tim and Elaine jumped on and had a glass of champagne with Geoff. Then poor Elaine had to go curl up as the motion was getting to her but in all fairness I think if I had been on the RIB as long as she had then I would have been right next to her as well. Also met Todd from the Beacon who was taking a few snaps of our arrival.

We then headed into Sopers Hole where we had a very tight 'parking' spot and no pressure here people as there was another huge welcoming committe there for us!!!! Geoff did really well though and got ID in smoothly, I on the other hand was terrified that my fenders may fall off or that I had left a breadcrumb trail of fenders for all to follow where we had gone. Then I got asked to throw ropes over but if you recall from New Years Eve, I apparently throw like a girl! We got there.

And there it was. Onto land (I did my little jig/dance) and three big cheers for the arrival. It was a bit surreal. Here we were, wanting to do this crossing and finish it and then when we were there. I was in a bit of a dream state not really believing we had done it. In fact, here I am nearly a week later and I still can't quite get my head around it.

We were welcomed onto land with some pizza which made Geoff and Digby drool. They had been talking to each other about pizza for days so as you can imagine it was WANTED! And it was lovely. In the evening we had a reception on the boat where we had lots of people there and drinks provided by Pussers rum. I'm not too sure why they call them Pussers Painkillers though becuase attempting to drink my cocktail was quite painful. Painmakers I think they should call them!

But it was lovely to see everyone and meet new friends (James and Lucy, you have no idea what you've let yourself in for by giving me your contact details!) and show people around our somewhat messy home. Or should I say lived in!

It was a great evening with everyone, thanks for all the support and generosity from all. I will be back with more of a follow up on my time in Tortola however I am off to NZ tomorrow (wow already?) and need to go pack.

It's all still so unreal to me, I haven't had time to figure it out but in writing these blogs I can sort it all out in my little head. Doesn't take too much for me to overload you see! So watch this space, there is still a whole heap to catch you all up on...

Home Straight

Here we are on the final leg. It's a mixture of feelings of excitement, anticipation, nerves and an odd sense of calm on the boat, actually right now a feeling of deafness as Geoff is trying to play with the stereo and has it blasting Shania Twain at us. Hmmmm. He's claiming it was the radio station....:)

It's beautiful and still today. Good thing we have enough diesel to motor our way along because there isn't a breath of wind out there at all. Sunrise was pretty special. I missed the dolphins which came out to play third morning on the trot. I've been trying to pack and get ready but it's all feeling like a huge task at the moment and I've started just moving things from place to place. Geoff and Digby have been busy doing interviews.

I'm not sure how my own emotions are. I can't wait to get onto land and think is this somehow an emotion I shouldn't be having? Shouldn't I be wanting the journey to continue? But in all honesty I'm pretty tired right now and don't want to be tested anymore on my engineering skills. And I'd love to do some washing. Plus I can't wait to get back to UK and NZ and see my friends and family. I'm worried I'm going to be at a loose end in Tortola and not know what to do with myself but I'm pretty sure there is a palm tree there with a shady spot and my name on it. Well I hope so. Other things going through my head are have I been able to be up to the task at hand? I thought I was made of more steel and would have coped with feeling ill a bit better but just felt a bit wimpy on that one. I've tried my best though with everything, and I've learnt a lot about diesel engines and plumbing and holding ropes and microphones! I was concerned at the start that I would disappoint those close to me and not be able to do this job well but I can only hope that in trying my little heart out that I have done them all proud. And have I done my job to the standard that Geoff wanted? All these doubts. I feel like I'm at the end of an exam and now I'm nervously waiting for the results! I guess all I can say is that I've tried, I hope it's been enough and if nothing else provided you all with some laughs like the time I got sprayed with poo :) In the meantime however, to distract myself from these serious moments, I've been letting off my party poppers at random with cheers of delight. My plan of letting one off at each hundy was slightly foiled with our change of route so I'm just going for whenever the mood takes me. Sometimes Geoff and Digby join in (ok once) and the rest of the time they just shake their heads as I'm sure they're thinking I've started to lose the plot. Yup, check that, just let another one off and Geoff has chuckled and called me a nutter.

Moving on! Last night I went for a swim off the back of the boat. It wasn't the wonderful calm glassy waters that are here this morning, so perhaps I peaked too early. And it wasn't quite the middle of the Atlantic, in fact it wasn't Atlantic at all, it was Caribbean waters but who's checking on the details?! I'm pleased I managed a swim off the back in the middle of some water so that's what I'm ticking off the list. Oh and speaking of yesterday, hehehe Rich, I know, I was thinking of the same song and couldn't get it out of my head either!

And now I'm sitting here feeling like I should get the boat semi tidy and continue with my packing but you know what? I think I may just chill and enjoy the calm waters and peace.

Just a big thanks to Geoff and Digby now. Our little team has finally made it. We've coped pretty well I think, and living in such close proximity it's all worked out really well. There have been lots of laughs along the way, the only other option was tears and that isn't much fun. We've been through so much in these last four weeks. It's four weeks to the day since we left, unaware of how many adventures we would have along the way, testing us all to our limits. But we've come out the other end, still smiling and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a trip we'll all remember for a very long time. Also thanks everyone for all of your support through my whole incredible journey, all the comments have been wonderful and helped me smile as I have moaned my way across the 'pond' about feeling sick, fixing things and laughing at all the situtions I have found myself in. I'll get an update for you on the reception and Tortola but for the last time out at sea, I'm signing out.

Keep smiling everyone :)

P.S. Just saw all those jokes. LOVING IT!!!!!

The final countdown!!!!!

Anyone been confused by the tracker yet? Don't worry, we did intend to go in this direction. Last night, Geoff made the decision that we should head to Antigua and refuel and then get ourselves up to Tortola. I mentioned yesterday that the wind had changed direction and was pushing us this way anyway. Plus we have the issue with the generator being a little bit sick and our tender loving care hasn't been enough to revive it, so power has also been a hot topic. We have been charging up with the starboard engine but then yesterday had to put the last of the reserve diesel in and so that was looking a bit dire as well. It was at this point yesterday when Digby pointed out that I was starting to get a reputation for having to climb into small holes. And a pre-requisite for that seems to be it has to be smelly and awkward! Anyway, weighing up all the pros and cons we have come to Antigua where we just had the most delightful meeting with ABSAR (Antigua Barbuda Search and Rescue) who came alongside in a RIB and did a bit of refuelling for us. Many thanks to Jonathon, Sven, Barbara and Becky. They were such a lovely team and wonderfully efficient. They came out and welcomed us and then pulled up alongside, hooked up the pumps and we were away laughing. It was great actually. We left the boys to it and then I gave the girls the grand tour and we stood around chatting. Just how I like it :) Now we're off (hehe, yes, again). But now it's about 24 hours to go and we will be there at the finish line. It feels so close and yet so far away. Who would have thought four weeks ago that we would have had this many adventures on our trip. But I think we're all coming out smiling which is the main thing isn't it?

Looking around, the water is lovely and blue and the sun is out and there's a whole feel to it that we know we're in the Caribbean. Speaking of which, I was watching Pirates of the Caribbean last night and as I made my way around the deck for something, I realised where old Johnny got his inspiration for Jack Sparrows' swagger as I swayed my way along. Speaking of Johnny, yes the point has been noted and I will definitely be making sure I'm scrubbed up before we arrive. You never know who could be waiting there on the beach. Dreams are free people!

Now that we are near land cell phone reception has become available. Sadly my phone has decided not to play and is pleading the 'inactive sim' function so I'm suffering phone envy while the other two get calls and text messages. One would have thought that by now I would be used to not having a phone. I suppose it's the option of having it there and not being able to use it which is gettting to me. Still, I just need to look around and remind myself that there are worse places to be where I could have reception so I'll be happy with here and none. And so now I'm going to go and sit on the front and keep a look out for random fishing boats and dream about being on dry land. Not long to go now :)

Dolphins and palm trees

I'm sorry everyone, today isn't much of an interesting entry. I woke up feeling a bit sick, but then Geoff and I were out the back and he saw some dolphins so they distracted me for a while. Then I had a snooze and now we're just chilling out. Have the engine running to charge up the batteries and sadly the wind has changed direction so that it would head us for Antigua. I'll have to get out there and have words. We've got 320 miles to go. There are a few party poppers left over from Christmas and New Years so each time we reach the next hundred I'm out there doing my one celebratory party popper. It keeps me going :)

Doesn't look like the mid-Atlantic swim will happen. I missed the opportunity on Christmas Day when Digby said we should jump in and all I was able to do at that point in time was lift my head and grunt at him. He took that as a no but I think had he donned the mankini and threatened to throw me in I would have jumped willingly to avoid contact! No offence Digby but it really is scary :)

Speaking of Digby, he deserves a gold star. Bless him, he went down and tried bleeding the generator through twice but it still isn't working. And then put the whole cabin back together for me so now I can actually go down there and walk through without having to climb over things! It's quite a novelty.

Really looking forward to reaching the other end now, it's not long to go. A few days I guess? And then being on a beach and using some advice from Kai on curing sea sickness - that is to lie on a beach under a palm tree. I can see it now..

Dreaming of pizza

Hey folks! I'm back, a whole lot sooner than you thought. Sadly this does not mean that we've fixed the generator. No, it means that I've snuck this through while the engine is charging the batteries up :) Clever cookie hey? Actually it was Digby's idea so I can't steal the credit.

We've been playing with the generator again. Managed to find a pipe which involved me diving head first into a hole and having my legs up in the air whilst I unscrewed a jubilee clip and pumped air through. We established that the blockage wasn't there. Now we are suspecting something with temperature gauges. I've had to come up for air, it's a bit hot down there. Still we will truck along.
Only 450 miles to go. It's getting closer, Dad, David, it really is like one of those walks. Just round the next corner. But it's good to see the miles ticking off. My wager on not to have a shower before arrival may not be followed through. I'm hairy, smelly and in grubby clothes. Just as soon as we play with the generator for the last time I may have a wash. I need it :)

Now, after Geoff talking about pizza and his order of meals once we get to dry land, he's started Digby with the thinking too. I've got them both sitting opposite me talking about how much they would like some pizza, and that the next meal has to be steak and chips. Sorry, Kiwi version - steak, egg and chups! I suppose the guidelines of not talking about this until two days out has been pushed aside. We would love to be making pizza on board however with the energy consumption of using the oven we can't.

And so I guess we're about three days out. The wind is behaving and helping us along which is good. The end is so near and yet so far. Still, we will get there!

Oh and really sorry to tell you, still feeling queasy every day. Tried all the tricks, it seems I shall just have to live with it :( If Darwin could do it, then so can I. Hang on, he's a bit of legend though isn't he....

Oh no!

Oh no! Today the generator has packed a hissy. We changed the impellor and one of the wings has come off it and we think that it is stuck somewhere in one of the pipes. We can't find it! What this now means is that we will have to conserve our energy as much as possible and I am sorry to say people that that means you won't be able to hear from me quite possibly until we arrive :( This is because we rely on the generator to top up our battery supply and we kind of need all our power to be able to use the naviagation systems and things. It's kind of good to know where you are and where you're going!
Also we are low on fuel so charging up from the starboard engine is on strict monitoring so that means we are going as green as possible. I'm gutted because this means I can't keep you up to date every last step of the way but what I will do is keep up a blog daily and on days we are allowed the luxury of a quick internet session I shall load them all up. How does that sound?

So today has been a day of try and fix it and fail. I started the morning with Digby, had a mini hissy (I felt the generator was hogging all the attention), then came back to play and Digby and I have found that the bits you try to get at in an engine or whatever always seem to be in the most awkward possible place. I think I may try my hand at yoga when I get to land and see how it goes since I think I've had some good training.

But onto other things, we now have only 594 miles to go - woop woop! I only felt sick for a few hours this morning, oh and again when I was upside down trying my best in the rocking motion of the boat to undo a jubilee clip but still it wasn't for the majority of the day so another woop woop! And um, oh I'm sure there is something else. Maybe the fact that we still have physical challenge game of 'How many Maltesers can you fit in your mouth in one go?' to play. And I need to think seriously about my 'Yay I'm on land' clelebration dance. Geoff has started dreaming about his first meal he would like when we arrive, (pizza), Digby has told him that's not allowed because the rules say you're only allowed to start dreaming about that stuff when you're two days away from arrival and I'm going to see if I can go these last four, five or six however many days without a shower!!!!! Scummy hey?!

So we will be trucking along. We're all in good spirits, even if now conserving power does mean we will have to resort to the art of conversation and actually speak to each other instead of playing on our computers! I do hope we manage to fix this problem but if not, sit tight and I'll be back just as soon as I can. Thanks for all the support so far everyone, I saw last night how many hits this site has had. You guys are awesome! Not long to go now, we're on the home straight :)

Ok, quick update. Digby has said they're not rules so I'll just call them guidelines. But I think between you and me that they are rules and he just doesn't want to sound grumpy! And he said that I may be able to write daily when we run the engines to top up so I could be back sooner than you think! Mwaaahahhahahahaa :) (delerium has set in now)

Progress :)

We have wind - whoo hoo! We have speed - woo hoo! We have 780 miles to go - woo hoo! The sea is bumpy - bugger. Need to go lie down now, ginger biscuits - check, pressure points bands - check, looking at horizon - check. Watch this space.... :)

2010 is here :)

Welcome to 2010 everyone! I hope you all had an enjoyable evening last night. I wrote that Geoff had gone to catch a bit of sleep before midnight. Well Digby was busy editing, I was frantically trying to get my blog up before midnight and then at 2350 I went to wake Geoff. He managed to mumble at me that he was going to stay in the land of Zuzu for the night!
And so it happened that when it actually reached midnight (I went by the time on my computer and we're all working on UK time on the boat) that I ran outside, looked at the moon and said 'White rabbits' three times. Silly little superstitious thing I do but hey, we all have our quirks! Then I ran back inside and jumped up and down and waved to Digby to get his attention and we had a mini New Years celebration. This involved letting off a few party poppers and having a glass of wine. It was beautiful and calm and the moon was so bright. I think by 1215, I was in bed!
New Years resolutions never last long with me. The one to not eat so much junk food went out the window at 3am when I was up on duty and had 3 toffee pop biscuits and then regretted it immediately when the sugar overdose hit! I'll work on the other standard ones of exercising more later, like when I'm on dry land! One thing is for sure, a year ago today I never would have thought I would be in the middle of the Atlantic for New Years. Amazing how things happen.

There was a plan for Digby and myself to have a mid Atlantic swim today. This was because yesterday was so calm and still. Imagine my surprsie when this morning it was overcast and then we had some rain. I went out and stood on the deck and let the rain splash on my face. I know that you folk in the UK will think I'm nuts but I really enjoyed it. I've missed the rain and it was a great feeling to have the fresh water raining down on me. We all know I've had lots of other water sprayed on me these past few weeks! Back to this swim. Well it hasn't happened and isn't going to happen today. That is because we've been through a couple of squalls and it is choppy. But on the plus side we got an hour of good speed this morning and now we've had the wind pick up again in the last hour and we're shooting along at 8.5 knots. It's uncomfortable (well only if you're a wimp like me) but it's all progress in the right direction so I'll take it as a win. I do hope though that there will be chance for a swim before the crossing is over. It has to be done!

Happy New Year everyone, I hope all your dreams and wishes come true and that even though there'll be tough times as is life, that there will be enough good times to see you through!

In with minutes to spare - goodbye 2009

Happy New Years Eve everyone! I know, I know this is a late entry for the day but this afternoon got really busy! Here I was wondering what I was going to do for an entry and now there is just so much to tell you. Where do I start?

Hmm, well yesterday I had Lesson 1 - 'To be a pirate like Jack Sparrow you need a fast boat and need to have some sea legs'
Today I had Lesson 2 - 'When Geoff says 'what's in that cupboard?' - DON'T open it!'

First story of this afternoon. We'd been busy doing something, I can't remember now but then Geoff innocently said to Digby, shall we look in that lazarette and see how it's going? Opened it and it was full of water and a bottle of something had leaked. 'Take one for the team Suze' stepped in and I found myself down in the lazarette pumping out the water. Then it got a bit further down and I was filling up buckets and handing them up to Digby. It all got a bit messy. Once I emerged Digby had to laugh as he said I looked like a mud wrestler coming up from my den. I think the truth would have been closer to a story of a whale emerging and beaching herself on the deck so there had to be a quick phonecall to Greenpeace to let them know all was ok, I did actually intend to be on the boat. Emergency averted. I did enjoy another Atlantic shower though and it was good. We still didn't manage to empty the water out, or find out where the leak is. We've shut the door now and are pretending we haven't seen it. Mike, don't worry we'll sort it when we get to Tortola!

Next we were busy doing interviews for Digby so look out for us on the BBC tomorrow! Lots of holding light reflector things and trying to not look like a dork on camera. I guess we can't expect him to do miracles for me! He did ask me to brush my hair this morning. I laughed and told him I don't own a brush. I think he thought I was joking....

In between all of that I was preparing dinner (chicken curry tonight) and twisted Digby's rubber arm to finish off the last tiny bit in the bottle of wine. I rinsed it out and then wrote a message. Hear that people??? I was preparing to send out a message in a bottle! So I wrote my message, 'we're on Impossible Dream, we're going from here to here, write to us at geoffholt.com and all that'. I got pretty excited. Digby was kind enough to take a photo of me with my message and bottle and then took a little video of me throwing it into the ocean. Geoff and Digby said I throw like a girl. I think secretly they were just envious they couldn't throw it like me. Shall I remind them of the fish bludgeoning episode? Hehehe.

Right, next on the list of things was a beautiful clear sunset. It was pretty special and we all went out to see if we could see this thing called the green flash. Legend says it's a mythical flash of light where if you are lucky enough to see it you are endowed with the power to look into your own heart and recognize true love. Yeah. But it really is a real thing. The green flash that is. It's something to do with the light spectrum and stuff, I will look into the technicalities later but it's seen when you're at sea and the sky is clear. As the sun sets, just as it disappears the light changes and you see a flash of green. Pretty exciting because we all saw it tonight. What a special way to end the year hey?!

Back to dinner preparations, then Geoff and I rang our friends who were our neighbours in Marina Rubicon in Lanzarote on their boat Brigante to wish them a Happy New Year. I got a phone call from my dad and then we sat outside for dinner. Not only have we been treated to a clear sunset, we've also been treated to a full moon on a clear night. It's pretty awesome.

The wind has now gone so we are bobbing along quietly. I'm stoked because it means I've finally had a day where I've only felt sick for a little bit of it although ir does mean our progress forward is somewhat hindered. Geoff has gone off to sleep a bit before midnight and Digby and I are wondering how likely it will be for us to go out on a pub crawl....Dreams are free! Ha. Right now there has been some squeaking outside. Digby has gone marching out with a can of WD40 prepared for battle. All we have heard is a bit of bumping and muttering and then 'Yeah? Squeak now!' Don't mess with Digby and his can of WD40.

Oh and yesterday I was wondering where all the wildlife was? Well just before sunset last night we had a visit from a pod of whales. They must have heard me! Gotta run people, things to do, people to see and all that. Hope you all have a wonderful New Years Eve and speak to you all again tomorrow! Ciao ciao xxx

The Atlantic Shower

I've just noticed I have a lot of typos in my blogs. Sorry about that folks, put it down to ramblings of a mad woman! The pirate life didn't work out for me in the end. It doesn't really help when the other boat is a lot faster...That's ok though, another thing I can cross off the list on options of what to do when I grow up. Although with the amount of interest the mankini shot has generated I'm sure there is a gap in the market for me to utilise somehow. Random shots of people around the world I've convinced to wear the contraption? Could make an interesting calendar...

Today the wind seems to be dying down. Sad because we kind of want it but I'm happy because it's a bit calmer :) Can't have it all. I think we're nearing the halfway point as well. I'm wondering how long we'll have in Tortola before our 10th January flight. I haven't left myself much of a window in the UK as I'm on a plane on the 13th on the way home to NZ for a holiday!!!!! How excited am I? It just occured to me yesterday that in just over two weeks I'll be setting foot on Kiwi soil for the first time in four years. Pretty excited.

But, back to the here and now. Ron, you asked about the whole water thing. Well, we've catered 10L drinking water between the three of us per day. This may sound like a lot but would you believe we are actually chugging our way through it. Maybe not quite the whole 10L but pretty near it. It's important to keep hydrated. Then we have the tanks. It's a bit naive of me, but I'm not actually aware of how much they hold. We have the water gauges though and they are reading near full so that's good. Dishes we wash in a bucket of sea water out the back and then rinse in a bit of fresh afterwards. Same goes for showers. I'll admit, I've been pretty skanky at sea and only shower every four days or so. But then I did invest in enough wet wipes to buy shares in the business so they make for pretty good cleans as well. But then lets get serious. I've been curled up feeling so sorry for myself that the idea of having to go down below and try and have a wet wipe shower makes me want to hurl so I just stay manky! But yeah, the Atlantic shower is a bucket of sea water (bit brisk so best to do on a sunny afternoon) then lather it up with shampoo and body wash. Rinse off with a couple buckets of sea water and then the luxury of a 1L jug of fresh water that I slowly pour over myself to rinse off the sea water. It's a bit excessive really, you don't need the whole 1L but we're doing so well with our water usage it's fine. But after my 'poo shower' I did use two lots of fresh water and lots and lots of buckets of sea water and lots and lots of soap! I think I can be forgiven for that :) Jules, you're lucky it was only tea you spat out over your computer....I narrowly avoided a mouthful of yucky water! We won't go there...

Ok people, not much else to report today. I'm on the lookout for some dolphins, none are coming out to play. I know, I know. We got pilot whales and dolphins and two turtles on our first few days, then we've had loads of birds and heaps of flying fish and caught a tuna and yet I still want more! There's just no pleasing some people! Oh but before I forget. Wait for it....we finally had some Christmas pudding!!!!! The secret was to have it before we had dinner because we can never be bothered after dinner. All that did though was wipe out any chance of wanting any dinner because it was so filling. And I only had a little bit! Digby has deemed his brandy butter a success and is now a convert to making his own from now on. I couldn't face going down below to try find my custard so just had a little sugar sprinkled on mine. We've still got one more that we're going to save for New Years....how many days before we get round to eating that one?!

Dig Deep Suze!

We now have trade winds. But the swell is coming in from the North so that means that the seas are very choppy. What this means is that I have been very unwell for the past two days. I have however graduated to keeping meals down which is something! I feel like a real wimp but am fustrated from not having been able to acclimatise. I'm trying not to think about it (bit of a tricky thing when all you do is sit on a boat in lots of water) but when you wake up because you're feeling sick it's hard! Never mind. I just thought I would be a bit tougher than this. Never mind, dig deep and she'll be right.

Not much else to tell you guys really, I've been my usual sack of potatoes self out the back. Although we have just been overtaken by a Oyster 72. They radioed us and Geoff had a chat with them. They said the yes, the seas were very uncomfortable and that it was making things difficult for their chef! We're contemplating about turning into pirates....

Where does the poo go?

Hehehe, maybe not the most appetising topic of the year but it really is quite funny. Well, depending on how you look at it. (Rich I know you are going to love this blog entry). So yes, back to the title, where does the poo go? Well, when you're out at sea it goes straight into the ocean or it can go into your black tank. Don't think about it too much because if you're like me you think, but then there are fish in the sea and I eat the fish.....just don't go there. It's all natural right?

So, in life things happen and toilets block. The 'heads' on the starboard side were playing up (Digbys' side) and so he started to use the port side (my side). All has been fine but then last night it wasn't flushing. Don't worry people, I was only having a wee so it wasn't too gruesome - yet. As is customary now, Team Suze and Digby were down there with various tools and head torches trying to figure things out. We didn't have much luck. Our train of thought was that there was a blockage. So we took off the pipe from the loo to the vacuum and emptied that out. All seemed clear, just a heap of water coming through which I guess is a good thing. That pipe went back on and then we looked at the pipe coming out of the vacuum pump. I recalled a story from Mike (boat owner) about when you do this, to remember there is a lot of pressure and use a lot of cloths to contain the impending explosion. I was trying to explain this to Digby but then the pressure was quite strong and before I had time to put the cloth over the top it wooshed off and I was fully sprayed. Eeewwww!!!! However, the saving grace was it was mostly just water. Honestly!!!! Ok there were bits in there too but I have blocked all that out. It was only water people! We tried shaking things and seeing if we were having any success. I was holding a pipe on while we switched the pump on and then turned it off. My grip on the pipe slipped and there was another huge build up of pressure so I got another 'shower'. We then looked at a valve that switched directions to the black tank and Digby said he thinks we may have solved it. Somehow or another there was yet another spraying over me. I was fully saturated by now. And I mean totally saturated. You're probably wondering why I didn't move? Well, there wasn't any room so I was kind of stuck! Right in the line of fire. Awesome. But since it's our last functioning loo I was ok with taking one or three for the team. I think.

Afterwards I went out and soaped up and doused myself with buckets and buckets of sea water and then two jugs of fresh water. And I still smelt. I think the smell has gone today, either that or I'm used to it. Think we've fixed the loo, I'm too scared to go test it out so have a bladder the size of a shopping bag. I'll have to go soon or burst!

I guess you could say that this has been an eventful crossing at least. Now I can add 'part time plumber' to my list of skills. Although my 'part time mechanic' skills were of little use so I'm not too sure how it would go.

Other news, still getting great feedback on Digby and his mankini episode. With regards to the body hair, no I didn't supply a wax set. I never actually thought the thing would make it out of the packet! But it seems to have provided a lot of laughs for all so as long as we can laugh it's all good right?

Today we have some wind and so are actually sailing! The motion however is a bit stronger today and I'm back to feeling unwell. I'll be brutally honest here, it's really getting to me. I just want it to get easier! I know it was going to be hard, but I think this is taking just a little bit longer than normal. Guess I always had to be different! Ooh, also, as you would imagine, we didn't have any Christmas Pudding last night. Who would ever wonder why?

Thanks for all the messages people, Dorcas I don't know if I've met you but it's nice to know you're following :) Friends and family, I'll be emailing but keep watching this space for the next exciting chapter. What could possibly happen next?

Will we ever eat the Christmas pud????

I've had a bit of feedback from the photo of Digby in his mankini. Some say that green is a good colour for him, others say how game he is to have put it on and then posed for the camera and others (Kerr) are now having to field awkward questions from their sons! Geoff saw it last night and couldn't stop laughing. I did ask Digby when I took the photo if I could put it on the blog and he said yes, but I don't think he actually thought I would follow through! As long as we're all chuckling I think it's ok :)

Still feeling under the weather today. But I got the best piece of advice EVER about how to combat the sea sickness. Kai, you are simply a genius. You know what he said people? To go and lie down on a sandy warm beach under the shade of a palm tree. How about that? I think that is the perfect cure and will do that as soon as possible. Sadly about two weeks from now I think. Maybe just under. I'm not too good with guestimations.

Christmas pudding has still been evading us, hopefully tonight. Other than that, bobbing along. Today we've all had Atlantic showers, feels good to have washed my hair. Hope you are all well everyone, I'll be back tomorrow!

Boxing Day

I think there was one achievement from yesterday in my corner. It could quite possibly be the first ever Christmas where I haven't eaten myself to the point of pain and been unable to move after the Christmas meal! That's a good way to look at it right? I'm feeling a lot better this afternoon. This morning was a bit dodgy but after a bit of lunch I seem to be ok. I wonder though if that is because I am lying down on the deck in the shade with a lovely cool breeze. Sadly that doesn't mean we have much wind to take us along although Digby and Geoff have been telling me things should pick up by Monday. Fingers crossed.

Perseverence got me through all the Christmas presents last night. Scott family (Friars Lea branch), the present box was simply AWESOME and even in my wallowing state of self pity I managed to have a lot of giggles and I love every single thing in there. THANK YOU!!!
Tonight I'm feeling game enough to try some Christmas pudding. Would you believe that we still haven't managed to get one open yet? What are we like? It's not as though we have anywhere to go and yet we still manage to run out of time. Tonight is the night I think.

Not much else to report really. We had a grasshopper on the deck yesterday. I'm still trying to figure out how the little guy got carried all the way out here and then I think his feet got hot on the decks because he then jumped into the water. Speaking of which, I don't stop to think about it much because I just freak myself out but it is an odd thing to look out and see nothing but ocean and realise that it's only us out here as far as we can see bobbing along in our boat. Endless blue. With a swell coming in from the side....not behind like I got told by all those liars out there!!!! And Rich, you are right I think, there is going to be a net gain in weight at the end of this trip! How that is possible after not being able to hold anything down is beyond me, I can only think I have gone into famine mode where I'm storing everything possible.
Hope everyone out there is well and as tradition goes, enjoying your sandwhiches of left over turkey or whatever roast you had yesterday. Later gaters :)