Rhumb - Day 8 - Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

Bewitched because we think we keep hearing things in the quiet of the night, bothered because of the Doldrums, and bewildered because we are at a loss to know what to do. Stuck in the Horse Latitudes, which we are renaming the Porridge Latitudes on account of Tim having porridge two days on the trot. Still, it has prompted a number of discussions about what we should try and what we ought to avoid. It's true what they say, that a mariner's true capabilities come through when in light airs, as much as when in strong winds. No comment!!!

All a bit tedious at the moment folks, although spirits were lifted today as we made the most of the calm with a swim in the mid Atlantic. Quite a moment and something not a lot of folks have the privilege to enjoy. Sea temp. according to the instruments was 78f. all enjoyed a very pleasant wash and brush up following, apart from Skip who was last in whereupon the water run out. All that said, we are fortunate to have the water maker which replenished stocks reasonably quickly.

We also managed a "Sunday Lunchtime at the Pub" moment at the Atlantic Arms, where we replicated what used to happen in pubs before the EC informed landlords it was unhygienic to serve cheesy chunks in bowls. We feasted on roast tatties, cheesy chunks accompanied by pineapple, crisps, cashews and peanuts - oh, and a beer to wash it all down. Despite the frustration of the lack of progress, we had a great day making the most of the sun, sea, and friendship.

A slight increase in the wind has prompted us to get the main up again, but with winds at 10-11kn max. it is still very slow progress.

Skipper went fishing again, but no bites, so hoping for better fortune tomorrow. Otherwise it's John West red salmon.

The ship's clocks went back one hour today, as sunrise was happening around 8am, with sunset moving on similarly.

Night time is quite a pleasure when on watch. One night in particular saw a brilliant array of stellar activity with shooting stars, the space station and sightings of Jupiter, Mars and Venus, all in a perpendicular line in the east. Castor and Pollux in Gemini were clearly visible as was Sirius (brightest star) in Orion. More stargazing a must we think.

Rhumb over - N21.51 W29.08