It is the morning after my mother watch, I was so tired after it I went straight to bed, But knowing I was the "lazy Mother" (a term used for the mother who has an extra 4 hours the next day off as their watch is just coming off watch) I knew I would have time to write. I have just had a shower and it was bliss! To feel the hot water on my skin and feel warmth was like heaven! It is quite cold here now (below 45 degrees South) and last night my watch has snow!!! Brrrrrr!! so having a shower is a luxury that you pay for when you have to come back out! Worth it though.
Well in these conditions (true Southern Ocean) you find out what kit is good and bad.
Seal skin sox - good and bad - dry but not warm
Dubarry boots - wet and stay wet, thus the need for seal skins -
Le Chameaux boots (waterproof) much better for these conditions but not
for others! but at 250 pounds can anyone afford both!
Gauss sleeping bag - not getting on with it at all! Feels wet on outside alot (but is dry on inside)
Individually the layers dont really work independently together too hot for most conditions
(except now!) micro fleece lining stick to base layers and so twists up if you move and the
toggle system of joining the layers makes it worse! All in all I wish had gone for the ocean
sleepwear system, more expensive but people are swearing by them! may have to invest
before Qingdao!
Gloves - rubber are the only dry ones, everything else, rubbish!
Hats - good - until it pops off your head while bringing in our Yankee 1sail and you see it bob off into the Southern ocean!! Luckily a very kind crew mwmber Jo, has leant me a balaclava (i look like I should be on Crimewatch but its bliss!!
Anyway enough on kit, Life is tough at the moment,rough weather, storms and the cold all taking its toll. I seem to be in my now usual 10 days into a race Homesick mode, and I miss you all more than ever. It is hard to even listen to my music as it all reminds me of home too much! sorry to be sad but I just want you to know I think of you all always and its the hardest thing I have ever done being away from you all for so long! on the plus side it means that I will be forever under everyone's feet and never away when I get back, you are lucky eh!! I will be better in a few days Im sure but I will be missing you all just the same!
Well in these conditions (true Southern Ocean) you find out what kit is good and bad.
Seal skin sox - good and bad - dry but not warm
Dubarry boots - wet and stay wet, thus the need for seal skins -
Le Chameaux boots (waterproof) much better for these conditions but not
for others! but at 250 pounds can anyone afford both!
Gauss sleeping bag - not getting on with it at all! Feels wet on outside alot (but is dry on inside)
Individually the layers dont really work independently together too hot for most conditions
(except now!) micro fleece lining stick to base layers and so twists up if you move and the
toggle system of joining the layers makes it worse! All in all I wish had gone for the ocean
sleepwear system, more expensive but people are swearing by them! may have to invest
before Qingdao!
Gloves - rubber are the only dry ones, everything else, rubbish!
Hats - good - until it pops off your head while bringing in our Yankee 1sail and you see it bob off into the Southern ocean!! Luckily a very kind crew mwmber Jo, has leant me a balaclava (i look like I should be on Crimewatch but its bliss!!
Anyway enough on kit, Life is tough at the moment,rough weather, storms and the cold all taking its toll. I seem to be in my now usual 10 days into a race Homesick mode, and I miss you all more than ever. It is hard to even listen to my music as it all reminds me of home too much! sorry to be sad but I just want you to know I think of you all always and its the hardest thing I have ever done being away from you all for so long! on the plus side it means that I will be forever under everyone's feet and never away when I get back, you are lucky eh!! I will be better in a few days Im sure but I will be missing you all just the same!
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