Christmas albatrosses

There was one in the gloom during the night and now two soaring around the stern. Identification to follow but lovely and way better than scrofulous reindeer that were faffing around during the night. Hoof marks and crud all over the deck. Santa couldn't find the chimney so consternation all round.

Chrissy 0630 position 3540 01923, trip 89 and we also cracked 8000 miles from Falmouth, DMG 58.

We had to change consultants in CT - Dr Murphy's supply ship was overdue and the man from Dublin had his in port so we've just had small Con with the Doc from Dublin along with bacon and tabasco sando. CT bacon is like bacon used to be before someone worked out how to sell water with it. Toasted all y'all and planning a few more toasts as the sun moves around.

Not much wind but at least it's now taking us south. Westerly at the top of low due tomorrow and we should be far enough down to jump into it.

Stockings and presents to follow.

Happys from 30 miles WSW of Cape Agulhas

Sparkling day - wind has come and gone and returned, lots of ships turning the corner, including an amazing contraption called Shen Hua 27. Never thought we'd be becalmed just here but we were for a bit. Big fire on the coast just west of the Cape.

Berri is decorated, stockings are hung and Lily the Pinkbok is pretending to be a fairy. Carol, your card just caught up with us and is part of the display, Hilary and Steve (and anyone else who might have sent us goodies) your parcels did not, unfortunately - really is snail mail into Cape Town - so will be waiting for us in Sydney as Felix has promised to forward them.

Wedecided that Christmas in New Zealand was the signal for a small Con - are you there, Brian and Jen? - and we will probably call it a day when the sun sets in Dutch Harbour and Nome. That way we can remember all our mates out there.

Happys to you all and all the very best for 2010.

And thanks for being there.

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