We’re now about halfway between the Azores and Aberdyfi, so about 700 miles remaining. I’m currently about 400 miles due West of Cape Finisterre. The weather so far has been OK. I’ve been lurking along the fringes of a ridge of high pressure pointing towards Ireland from the Azores. This has kept us out of the strong winds but with enough to keep moving well in the right direction, but has meant that I’m using the engine a bit too much too. Give me calm seas anytime!

 

It’s certainly been quiet on board since Pete disembarked in the Azores, but I’ve had a busy few days. It’s curious that when one sees another vessel it often turns out that we’re on a collision course, and one of us has to take avoiding action. Usually me it seems as I’m too small to argue! Last night for example, a vessel on a collision course with me refused to budge, even though it was my right of way. He didn’t respond to calls on the VHF nor visual spotlight. We passed within 200 metres of each other! I guess they were all asleep on board!!  A pity I couldn’t get her name.

So apart from keeping a good lookout another thing which keeps me occupied is our fuel system.The tank is badly afflicted with diesel bug which is constantly clogging up the pipes and filters. This has to be cleared and cleaned every 6 hours or so – a ritual I’m getting accustomed to. But it’s not all avoiding collisions and bugs out here. There are often dolphins swimming along with us and playing around the boat and I’ve seen several whales since leaving the Azores.

With some luck CATRYN should be back in Aberdyfi at the weekend. I’m look forward to catching up with friends and family and sleeping in a bed which doesn’t tip me onto the floor and catapult me into the ceiling!