Tuesday 7th July- Day 12

Another milestone reached!

Yesterday we passed 500 nautical miles rowed, which is a real psychological boost. It means we're almost a quarter of the way home. Out here you quickly learn to celebrate the small milestones because they break the crossing down into manageable chunks. Instead of thinking about thousands of miles still to go, you focus on the next landmark, the next day and the next rowing shift.

The conditions, however, continue to keep us on our toes.

The grey skies haven't gone anywhere and overnight the wind picked up considerably. Normally we'd be delighted to see more wind, but unfortunately it was fighting against a counter current. The result was lots more effort without much extra boat speed.

What it did bring was colder conditions and a much more uncomfortable life on board. Everything becomes that little bit harder when you're cold. Changing shifts takes longer because of all the layers, your hands don't work quite as well, and even simple jobs around the boat seem to take twice the effort.

Thankfully, things seem to have improved a little this morning. We're currently heading a bit further south in preparation for the forecast southerly winds, which should hopefully work in our favour over the coming days.

One thing I still haven't managed to work out is what I call...

The Five Minute Wave.

It happens every single time.

I'll row an entire three-hour shift, gradually drying out as the wind does its job. By the end of the shift I'm finally completely dry.

Then...

Exactly five minutes before I'm due to come off shift...

A huge wave appears from nowhere and absolutely drenches me from head to toe.

Every.

Single.

Time.

That then leaves me trying to climb back into the cabin without soaking everything else. Of course, that's impossible. Water gets everywhere, so every off-shift starts with another round of mopping up condensation and wiping down every surface. I spend ages chasing moisture from underneath bags, around the floor and into every little corner before finally climbing into my sleeping bag.

It's a battle I know I'll never completely win, but keeping on top of it makes a huge difference to staying warm and comfortable.

This morning did bring one lovely surprise though.

A beautiful rainbow appeared off the bow.

After so many grey days it was a welcome splash of colour, and I'm choosing to take it as a good omen for the days ahead.

Sometimes it's the little things that give you the biggest lift.

---

Dawn

“Together Paul and I are rowing home — the long way round.”

Hometown Row

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