Entries by carmen

Day 26: Water is life

Besides the obvious reasons, I am glad I am not allergic to penicillin. Otherwise, I would have to toss all this biltong away. I also found a packet of biscuits. What a bonus. I have terrible difficulty rationing myself to one biscuit a day. My problem is once I open a packet, I have to […]

Day 25: Daily stuff

The Atlantic high-pressure system has started to move slowly South, allowing the trade winds to come back to Osiyeza and me.   A following wind does make a big impact on our lives. 🌬 Besides the miles it gives us, it also creates wind chop, which eventually joins together and becomes small swells which surge […]

Day 24: Things that actually go bump in the night

Today’s sunrise was a treat. It showed signs of some weather coming my way. Sure enough, a light SE developed, and my paddling load started getting a little lighter, which my back is very grateful for.   It was a pretty standard day. No distractions. No headwinds. Just a good day on the water. I […]

Day 23: A day stuck in the middle of the high-pressure system

Today was a hot slow day with headwinds. Why are there headwinds? I guess that’s what variable conditions mean. Router Rob indicates later in the week; conditions will improve.   Unlike yesterday I don’t think I will crack 50km well, shy of the 100km goal. I obviously can’t have too many days like this. 😐 […]

Day 22: Scatter cushions

Woke up this morning without the usual pain in my back. Last night’s smarties seem to have done the trick and eased the back muscles, and I feel much better. Thanks for asking.👍.     Today’s ocean was flat. Sometimes even glass-like. I took the opportunity to do a lot of admin. I washed my […]

Day 21: Things that go bump

In the comments to my query regarding “underpants,” a few suggested going commando would be best. If it’s good enough for Alex Doba (1st person to kayak across the North Atlantic), it should be for me.   Alex was a great inspiration, by the way. When I first started researching and came across him, I […]

Day 20: First Fish

🐟🎣 A few have been asking when I am going to fish. Well, I got my first fish today. A flying fish nogal. 🤣 Such a wee lad. I am unsure if he flew here or if a wave dumped him. I did pop him back into the water, and I am sure he swam […]

Day 19: The world carries on without me

Besides the usual blogs, pictures, video, weather, routing, shipping and power system checks with the shore crew, Albert has kept me in the loop regarding the Governor’s Cup, a yacht race from Cape Town to St Helena Island.   I have been hoping to catch a glimpse or, better yet, a wave from anyone in […]

Day 18: Paddle, eat, sleep and repeat

The days and conditions seem to be blending into each other. Paddle, eat, sleep and repeat. I am thankful for the recent cloud cover, which keeps things a bit cooler.   Young Tighthead has been wandering around all day glued to his device. I saw him and Patriot Pete looking at it together a few […]

Day 17: Passed a milestone

Officially I have been at sea now for longer than attempt #1 to Walvis Bay. An excellent psychological milestone.   Even though the sea had increased in size and Osiyeza was rock n rolling again, I decided to celebrate with a breakfast fry-up of scrambled eggs, bacon and a coffee 🍳🥓☕.   A little tricky […]