Land Ahoy!!!

27 Jun 2009

Well what an eventful 24 hours. First of all a whole flock - not just one or two but loads of birds all at once - and they were squarking! The first sound other than wind and waves and oars and squeaky seats that we have heard in ages - except the racket we tend to make of course.

Then we were rowing along last night minding our own business when what should we see but the twinkling of lights and the unfamiliar glow of land! And as night turned to day the outline of an island came into view. Amazing to think we were just 20 miles away from civilisation and people and terra firma. But at the same time slightly cruel of someone to put that there just where we'd have to keep on rowing past it to get to the finish line! Still it was a good practise run and we're well and truly ready for Mauritius now - not that we had any doubt we would be but good to know for sure. Sorry Rodrigues - although tempting you'll just have to wait for another time (and maybe some other rowers!!).

This morning (and the last few days in fact) has brought with it several downpours. Elin and Fiona were out for their early shift enjoying the sun whilst watching the big black clouds approaching. Then the raindrops began to fall and Fiona flung down her oars as Elin asked "are you going for your jacket?" to which the reply was "no I'm going for the shampoo!" and within moments they had both downed oars and were well and truly lathered up! The downpour was a little brief for full rinsing but nothing that a quick bottle of water over the head couldn't fix, and so they were clean and shiny and ready for breakfast.

ONLY 300 MILES TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!