Bears and Bruises!

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Now, a couple of days ago I had an email from Rob (on Jbellino) saying that it wasn't cold in the fog... Rob - it's freezing! The temperature has dropped almost 10 degrees in the space of 24 hours and at the moment I am looking like the michelin man! Today has been a blissfully peaceful day after the dramas of yesterday, I have had a good chance to sort the boat out, make a few repairs, eat LOTS of food (3 meals today - a race record!) and catch up on some kip. I dont think we have done over 6.5 knots, but as we silently slip through the fog that is just fine. Today also gave me a chance to taken a look at my injuries from yesterday. I was expecting those disappointing bruises when they really hurt but there isnt much to see... i am very please to report that these bruises are full proof that I am not being a wimp! Suffice to say - Mum dont bother bringing any pretty dresses / skirts / shorts to Newport for me, or someone will end up being arrested!!

I had a good look at the iceberg chart today and i shan't be out of the danger zone until tomorrow at some stage, but that is ok as the area I am sailing through only has 2 in a 60sqmile area... i would have to be pretty unlucky to find them in that. What i would like to know though - if anyone can shed any light on the mattter is, how is one supposed to keep a vigilant watch for icebergs, when you can't see more than 100m in front of you?? Presumably by the time you get close enough to see them you are pretty much commited to having ice in your drink?

Anyway fingers crossed we don't encounter any - ironically today whilst getting down to some serious ipod action the Titanic soundtrack came on - understandably I skipped that one!

We are in for some breeze tonight, I think compared to the rest of the fleet i will escape relatively unscathed, but famous last words and all that! At least am going in the right direction and will be able to chew up some miles over night.

All for now.. off to find another fleece...

Photos show bruising (obviously) and my watch leaders looking out for icebergs

(*Edited to add by Sarah, from Hannah's team - what she isn't saying here in her blog is that she had been up the mast twice to sort out her kite plus got stuck into mending her alternator. 24 hours of GRRRRRR but in the middle she still managed to speak to Sir Robin Know Johnston live on the H20 Show. Now there's dedication*)

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