Before we embarked on our journey on-board Hot Stuff across the Atlantic we
heard about the famous trade winds. "Don't worry, it will be downhill all the
way" chirped all those who told us the Atlantic would be an easy ride. As we
currently beat our way upwind across the Atlantic we maidens are experiencing
life at an angle of around 45 degrees .... whilst been kicked around by mother
nature ... not the easy ride in the brochure!
A freeze frame from on-board today:
Feeling more and more toned by the day, we have all been practicing various
yoga positions in attempt to keep upright. Amanda the scribe for todays blog has
just spotted maiden Linda, who is perfecting the 'Flamingo' pose.
We have one crew member in the loo, using those leg and bum muscles to the
fullest and holding on for dear life. The rest of us can hear the occasional
giggle from behind the door.
Three other crew members are recovering from the daily debacle of cleaning
the saloon which used the same amount of energy as climbing mount Everest. One
maiden thought she had been shot when a cabbage flew sideways out of its hammock
and hit her on the head. Sometimes if you are really lucky, you might find a
little slimy discoloured water in the bilge ... and then the best part - you
give it a little taste to see if it's salty or not.
Our skipper is feeling a little 'un-fresh' after the daily harvest. One
soft looking red pepper was rather more juicy than expected - in fact
after plucking it from the crop and flinging it overboard it internally
combusted on impact. Lets hope that no more of those make it to our vegetable
stew later which Sarah is preparing.
We are all discussing our baby wipe and dry coconut body shampoo showers
later with eagerness. Until settled weather kicks when we can have some water
bucket showers over deck we will continue to kid ourselves that 'dry' coconut
body shampoo and baby wipes work! And talk about the spa day we are all going to
have when we get to St Lucia.
As we fly west through the Ocean and cling on the the helm for dear life,
we realise that up on deck beating up wind is exciting, exhillerating and one of
the most amazing experiences we have ever had. Approximately every seventh wave
is absolutely drenching the stargazers on watch right now, but they are still
bearing the widest smiles we have seen all trip.
In the words of fair maiden JC, "We've paid for this when we could have
been horizontal on a beach - but wouldn't change it for the world..."
With love from your nine fair maidens at
sea.