Freebird Atlantic

Neptune took our request for wind and fish a bit too seriously.  We have been hoping for more wind to speed up our passage, but we have had a bit of a roller coaster for the last 24 hours. The skies darkened last night, the rain picked up and the wind had a good howl.  As each squall passes, the wind typically strengthens and backs by about 60 degrees before settling back to the prevailing ENE trade. The sea has become surprisingly awkward, resulting in an uncomfortable motion. So it has not been a very restful night to say the least, and I am about to cook up porridge to cheer the spirits. The forecast shows that the wind will continue, but it is the squalls that are more difficult to manage.  Hey Ho.

Neptune has certainly also been doling out fish. The Mahi Mahi (we have caught 8 so far) are piling up in our fridge and the crew are begging for a change in diet. If only the tuna were more obliging because that is our favoured staple and the Skipper has developed a taste for Sashimi.

Neptune has also been galvanising the flying fish who have been throwing a party over our decks in the night.  As the sun came up this morning, we found 4 dead flying fish on our decks. By day, we endlessly see flying fish skirt across the sea, often airborne for 50 metres or more, and sometimes chased by a petrel.  It is a wonderful sight.

Our thoughts are for all those poor rowers out in the big wide sea with us. It is rough, there are menacing clouds, changeable winds and it must be scary in a small rowing boat.  I know which boat I would rather be in.