Day 3 and all is well. That is, other than the woodpecker that has just knocked himself out by flying into the chart room windows. Oh no, it’s ok…thankfully, despite the attempts of two of the permanent crew to give it mouth to mouth or something, it has flown away. He is currently holding onto the course yard. The bird that is, not the permanent crew. Let’s hope the poor woodpecker doesn’t try and peck at our metal masts or it might get a headache.
We have other stowaways too. About six zillion flying insects. Some of which have jaws the size of hippos. No, seriously - and stings the length of the Royal yard. I am so not kidding. Many have now been killed by over zealous crew members, but I like to think the Woodpecker brought them along in case he got peckish on the journey.
Today my watch F/S were on the 12:30-16:00. We saw a container ship about 10 miles away, another tall ship far ahead of us, and the woodpecker. Three and a half hours looking out to a big, not so blue, sea and topping up our sun tans. Thankfully it remains breezy so the sails are still out. Last night things got a little choppy and the Kwells were being popped out of their packages. But everyone seems to have gained their sea legs and more food was eaten this lunch time than last night. Can’t wait for dinner.
This morning we had a sail lesson by 2nd Mate Ali. This occurred after we did a bit of bracing and ‘string’ pulling. Never mind the gym, we are all going to have arms of steel by Sunday! So long as the wind holds.
Our next watch is the midnight ‘til four in the morning. We are trying to be positive about it. ‘It will be a great bonding experience, the stars will be divine, it will be good for the soul’ etc.
Tomorrow we will reach land and enjoy the pleasures of an island belonging to Denmark. I hope our woodpecker has relatives that he can stay with whilst on vacation, or who can give him good credentials if he wishes to apply for a visa.
Having a grand old time, sun and sea if not the sand!
Rachael (spelt the nice way)