pN71 12 W 159 47 pressure 1019 water temp – 0.3 outside temp 2 degrees 28 Aug UTC 16:30
Another time change after passing the date line. One for the day, we are on the same day twice ! and moved the boat clocks forward 4 hours . So I think !!! we are 12 hours different to Murmansk, and back on our old watches but 12 hours different. Deja vu, today. Same day. BUT a big day.
No longer in Russian waters. If we need rescue, it will be Uncle Sam, not the Big Bear. It has to be said we were treated Royally by be Russian Authorities. They have a process, they keep to it, and they let you get on with it. Easily said now.
So the last couple of days in the Chukchi Sea. In a rolling sea,it is difficult to stay in your bunk let alone sleep, so everyone is a little grouchy.SO what is this like… ?
Well, how do you do your number ones in such a sea state of rolling waves and 25 knot winds. Well our toilet, ‘Heads’ have a little bowl, with a hand pump. Ladies it’s easy, they just sit. Well the boys its harder, firstly you have to find your John Thomas through several layers and get him lined up, meanwhile because of the pitching and rolling , you have to stand 45 degrees to the bowl, and hope the toilet seat doesn’t chop your crown jewels off.
Number twos. Oh my goodness. You have to plan this one…
Firstly, hold on to the wall handle, or boat, or you are a goner. Sit down,and try and do your business. Holding on to the wall handle for dear life. DON’T let go. with your other hand find the paper.- 2 sheets rationed only! Holding on to the wall handle. Tear off two sheets with your teeth,with your other hand try and and wipe your delicate bottom., then try and pump the handle to get rid of your breakfast. meanwhile, to put this into context, its like riding a broncho billy, whilst trying to to do the essentials.
Our ‘heads’ have a flimsy plywood door, more than once I have head butted the door,while sitting on the throne. Actually, its quite dangerous, I wonder if we did a risk assessment for that one.
David
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Thank you for those arresting mental images.
I understand everyone in Barrow is planning to stock up on toilet paper prior to your arrival. Let’s hope there will be some left for you folks on Leg 3
If sitting for number 1 is easy for the ladies, why is sitting for number 2 so difficult? 🙂
David, Great to hear your updates – possibly tmi?!
Just watched you sail into Barrow on live shipping – interesting to see you’re not the only intrepid bunch up there, the French guy on Yvinic who is very nearby is sailing with his chicken?! (according to the telegraph)!
David. Today’s Times carries a whole article by Matt Ridley on “Ice scares aren’t all they are cracked up to be”. That said, it starts by saying that you were held up for weeks North of Siberia. Not strictly true I believe: you have made terrific progress and only 2 days behind schedule. Now you have the real problem of the NW Passage which put paid to the likes of Franklin. Good luck! David