Ocean Date 8th March 2010

We are closing down on the 50 degree West mark, with 68 nautical miles to go we should be there on Tuesday 9th.

We are closing down on the 50 degree West mark, with 68 nautical miles to go we should be there on Tuesday 9th. Our sights then move to the 500 miles to go post!

We had hoped for better progress over the weekend, however Southerly winds have meant we have been rowing across the waves in order to head West, particularly as we do not want to get pushed further North. Hopefully some East or North East wind will enable us to get below 18 degrees North. We have been trying to do this for the last week or so, only to then get South East winds or South hindering progress in that direction.

You may have seen the weekend blog – James has hurt his back. He did this while sitting on the second rowing seat having a rest! It is very painful, so James is taking Diclofenac to reduce inflammation and pain. Norman has been giving some back massage before and after James rowing shifts to help. Moving about a lively boat is difficult anyway and even more so when those movements are causing pain. James has had some extra rest lying in the cabin, but when it’s hot that just doesn’t work. By re-arranging our rowing patterns James is still rowing, some are shorter stints, and if he feels able a full 2 hour at a gentle pace. It’s not easy though. If we had a following sea the movement of the boat would make life much easier. The sideways rock just irritates a sore back.

When times are tough you have to come up with some distractions, so we have started ‘Jackanory’ - a daily installment of Treasure Island, which Norman reads out loud while James rows. James says it does help take his mind off his back. Anyway if you are in to your soaps forget the Rovers Return and The Queen Vic. It’s all happening at the Admiral Benbow Inn! ‘Aha, Jim lad!’

Finally James spotted the big fish/shark that had made an appearance last week. It is an impressive 14 feet or so with a blue fin. More news and better description if we see it again!