Wildlife at last!

11 Jun 2009

So having seen the ships and been reconvinced that human life does still exist and swine flu hasn't got you all, we couldn't believe our luck when we also got a treat of the wildlife variety. A pod of dolphins turned up to check us out, circling the boat and generally being curious. They were amazing and as they swam away, a couple of them leapt right out of the water with a farewell flick of their tails, showing off and obviously having a lovely time. So they left us in awe and with smiles on our faces.

We have had a couple more wildlife encouters of the bird variety. Not being avid twitchers we can't tell you exactly what sort of birds other than one, (which floats around the boat like a duck on a pond) apparently is the spitting image of Sarah's cat Eeyore - work that one out! As the rest of us keep pointing out - IT'S A BIRD!!!! The other has clearly heard on the grapevine the story of Fiona decapitating a pigeon with her windscreen wipers on the way to work several years ago. It was an unfortunate but unavoidable incident and the general pigeon population appear to have had it in for her ever since. Apparently it's lucky!!?? Anyway, this one has obviously been sent on a mission - no escape even in the Indian Ocean. Fortunately this one did not do its business on her head, but more scarily kept trying to line itself up for an attack. Talons out and rapid decent straight for Fiona every time. She of course was very brave and simply asked it very politely if it wouldn't mind landing elsewhere. And if you believe that.... maybe a little bit of girly screaming went on but even the others conceded that it was a little scary. Anyway it gave up in the end.

So we're all in good spirits and taking all these things as good signs. The power has come up a little with a bit of sunshine, and we seem to be making good progress towards the finish. Back in second place which is fantastic. For those of you who don't know the 8 man boat "Aud Eamus" is not part of the race and is doing a separate crossing to get a speed record so only racing against themselves/time. They are a different class of boat and have not been subject to the same rules etc as the rest of the boats who are in the race.

So we'll leave you there. Hoping tomorrow brings us the last 1000 miles - woohoo!!