N74 12 E115 01 pressure 1010 water 0.1c air 2c
Well what a 24 hours. We have done more mileage in this time than in two weeks.
We left our storm cove and headed off. Past the point we nearly grounded the other night, slowly down the coast. As predicted, the same strong winds from the storm had driven the ice away from the shore, so the poo in the pants was not in vain – figuratively speaking, of course.
Then it was my watch, I always get the watch when the ice closes in, and we had one last tricky headland, which the ice charts had predicted closed. So, gingerly down, and yes, closed. I was so cheesed off. Then Mrs Irish comes up, with her Holy water in her pocket. BeJeezus, it was like the parting of the seas. We found a little gateway, and that was it. Through. We have had a clear run since. We could even go North of an Island that was again ice bound before.
The new Ice charts came in tonight, and as we all know now, things can change overnight with the wind driving the pack, but at the moment, we think we can get all the way through to the New Siberian Islands, and if the forecast is right, through to Point Barrow. Ironically, the ice is getting closer to PB off shore than here now.
So after a great Dinner cooked by Babs ( Mrs Irish) for Ben, a great sunset and sunrise, great mileage, great forecast, I am looking forward to my Vodka with my Comrades.
David