Jonathan is counting the miles - he doesn't like these long crossings and I think it will take some persuading for him to do an ocean crossing again once we get back. I am not so bad, but this is the longest we have done so we will both be very glad to see land again (roll on Barbados). The wind is behaving itself and, although it is not the quickest, it is comfortable and has picked up from the very slow conditions initially (although that was quite good when we were both down with colds/various plagues). We are pretty much healthy again so that is making life a lot easier. Haven't seen too many boats around, and are only picking the other boats up intermittently on the radio-net now we are getting out of range, but we are still keeping in contact via emails and can get world service over the SSB radio, so well up on the latest cricket scores.

Also haven't seen much other wildlife since we saw a pod of Pilot Whales crossing our bow just after we left St Helena. A bird tried to land on our rigging last night and, after about an hours worth of attempts, gave up. Must be worth their while and I was looking forward to the company, provided it didn't just stop to crap on the deck. We also keep seeing what looks like pinky-purple blown-up condoms on the water, we are assuming these are jellyfish like Portuguese Man-O-Wars, but not sure, perhaps the carnival has started early in Brazil this year. Jonathan keeps threatening to get out the fishing rod, but at the moment our only fresh fish experiences are the flying fish on the decks each morning.

I am continuing my embroidery (Possum Up a Tree), but it may defeat me, with the rocking of the boat and my eyesight not being what it was. I pretty much pierced my tongue after a particularly lively wave hit when the needle was in my mouth awaiting threading - I wonder if there are awards for extreme needlework.

We have been baking with mixed success. My bread is reaching new levels of density, I am blaming it on the rocking stopping the rising and not getting a reasonable temperature in the oven- we are still eating the stuff though! It would probably make good ballast or useful to throw if we want to stun a whale. However my vindaloo chickpea burgers, quishe and chilli's are going down a treat, and I am going to start making pizza soon. We have plenty of provisions, but we are down to cabbage, carrots and a few tomatoes on the fresh stuff.

Jonathan is on a personal crusade to save the water and reckless washing (ie washing everyday) is frowned upon. We will be halfway soon and still have more than half a tank, so we are doing OK so not too sure what the fuss is about (we also have a small water maker and fresh emergency water anyway for drinking). However I am relieved to say today is going to be a shower day for both of us - I think the atmosphere in here is getting a little spicy. I have to admit I quite like the lack of ceremony getting up and dressed in the morning, I literally do put on what's first to hand with no thought to co-ordination - only smell dictates - and the hair is in a permanent ponytail. Oh the joys of long distance sailing.

Heather and Jonathan, signing out from the middle of bloody nowhere...