Yesterday afternoon saw many of us enjoying the glorious sunshine relaxing on the deck as the ship bobbed gently on a calm sea. The turbulence of a few days ago forgotten and all is well with the Lord Nelson world. Mike devised a Quiz for the evening which was great fun and the questions were of wide nature which meant that everyone had a chance to know some of the answers so the final scores had few points between them. Very satisfying for everybody. Thanks Mike.

This morning the weather looked less settled and by the afternoon we have mixed drizzle and sunshine. Capt. Barbara has challenged the skills of each Watch by changing to manual steering for a day. This means turning the wheel like a demented hamster to get the ship to stay on course. The helmsmen and women are toning the muscles in their upper arms and the hydraulics’ are having a rest. However the downside is that it’s very hard work to keep on a straight course and there are some very wavy lines in the Indian Ocean behind us at times. No-one yet has achieved a full circle but the day is not yet over!

The murder game progresses. Several more crimes have been committed today. Alan (Salisbury) achieved his 4th “kill” today as we came on Watch. With so few left in the game Bob was well aware that he was a target but unfortunately for him he was leaving Watch as Alan was coming on. He tried to crouch and hide himself before making a run for it but no chance. Aided by Stevie, Alan managed to manoeuvre Bob to the right spot on the bridge before he was able to escape! So we think there are only three left standing, Chris, Alan and Lande. Tension is in the air and each is trying to avoid the other. Surely there will be a winner before the next blog is written!

Poor Laura is suffering, feeling a little under the weather, but being the stalwart she is insists on joining the Watch this afternoon. We have sent her down into the dry to do the Watch photo cull with Siobhan so she feels honour is satisfied.

Chris continues to go for gold in creating a long string of Baggy Wrinkles (see previous blogs for explanation of B.W’s).Being such an active man he needs to keep busy so no task is too menial and it will raise the profile of the Watch if he succeeds in creating the longest of these strange looking creations.

There is some despondency on the ship because beer and fizzy drinks have run out and the wine stocks are being rapidly depleted by the more mature members of the voyage crew. They know who they are!

James W. is really missing his daily Coca Cola and is making plans to drink Freo dry of the stuff on arrival.

Hoping to get into Fremantle by latest about 10 am on the morning of the 18th if all goes to plan!

We are already discussing our first ports of call on land, ranging from Starbucks to Hairdressers’ to somewhere for a big juicy Steak. Those being met by friends and relations are getting the most excited and can’t wait to see them.

Aft Port Watch. Neil,Siobhan,Alan,Stevie,Laura,Sam,Caryl and Chris.

p.s. Many thanks to Caryl on Mess Duty for bringing us Hot Dogs as a special favour because we missed out on seconds at lunchtime. Thanks also to Cookie Dave who she sweet-talked into providing a few extras.

SPECIAL NOTICE! JUST AFTER WRITING THIS BLOG WE SAW A WHALE! HONESTLY!! HE WAS ABOUT 50 METRES AWAY FROM THE STERN ON FIRST SIGHTING, SPOUTING HAPPILY AWAY TO ANNOUNCE HIS PRESENCE. WE CAUGHT SIGHT OF A PALE GREY, SMOOTH BACK BUT HE WAS A BIT SHY AND AFTER A FEW MORE SPOUTS OF FRIENDSHIP HE DISAPPEARED AGAIN. BUT YES, SEVERAL OF US SAW HIM AND ARE REALLY THRILLED!