Ahoy there! So last blog, we were desperately trying to run away from the centre of a high pressure. We almost did it but in the end we couldn't escape. However as far as wind holes go, it was alright. We kept pointing the right direction and didn’t start going round and round in circles, managing to maintain at least a couple knots of boat speed.
Accepting our fate of the wind hole, knowing it would fill in eventually, we decided that it would be a day dedicated to Lil Washy. I took a trip up the rig to check everything was hunky dory. The small issues we were having with the water maker were solved. The compass lights were wiggled and restored as well as many other things. It was also a day for personal admin that had been put off, for example finding those specific socks, get out another tube of toothpaste, organise that bag of clothes etc. Although we might have preferred sailing at speed to the finish, it was actually quite a useful day.
Since then, I am delighted to inform you that wind has in fact filled, almost exactly to the forecast and we are now, finally, sailing towards Seattle at speed. The forecast looks good and our future looks fast. (All of the fingers and toes crossed please)
We have also reached a part in our race where crew (sometimes assisted by AQP) are getting a lot more comfortable/confident in the galley and the creativity has surged. The latest development has been porridge cake. This started a week ago when Dave basically added maple syrup into the leftover porridge and put it in the oven to see what happens. (The answer to that is slightly crusty porridge). But a week later he revised his method, and helped by sous chef Ella they created the newest form of porridge cake, this time adding a bit of flour and baking soda. It tasted okay but the consistency was very strange. Overall mixed reviews from the crew, but we’re excited to see where it goes next week.
Almost exactly as I send this we are crossing the International Date Line. This marks another momentous part of our round the world adventure. We’re now in the right hemisphere and on the right side of the world to Portsmouth where we started 7 months ago.
Lots of love Hannah, Ella and The Washington, DC Crew.