News Archive
23 March 2006
21.45 S 93.21 W
Adrian discovers a kindred spirit and an unexpected supper
I finally finished reading the authorised biography of T E Lawrence - all 1000 pages of it. He has always been something of a hero of mine and I was waiting for a good opportunity to learn more about his life. I was given the book in 1989! This voyage seemed like the perfect opportunity. There were many aspects that I found I have in common with him - the need for quiet and solitude - the peace gained on focussing on the simplest of things - the desire to do. Lawrence undoubtedly would have seen, immediately my need for this voyage I am making and understood without hesitation or explanation the fundamentals of it - as an adventure, an exploration, a mission, a test, a circle, a road, a fulfilment of sorts. I have promised myself a visit to Clouds Hill, his cottage in Dorset when I return.
The schedule I have set myself is 100 nautical miles per day and so far I am 118 miles to the good! So let's hope the trade winds stay solid. I am sure to hit calms closer to the equator so any credit I can build up now will stand me in good stead for then.
When I went on deck this morning, I found two squid! One on the port side, the other starboard. I am at a complete loss as to how they could have got there. No water has broken over the boat for at least a week! Is this a new species of 'jumping squid'?