Day56

16 February 2014

“At dawn the AIS system detected a fishing boat 5 miles in the distance. I didn’t radio them because my experience has shown that as soon as fishing men hear that there is an ocean row boat, more often than not, they want to come closer to take a look at my boat. Such encounters are stressful and not necessary.

The weather is fantastic. The wind is 10-15 knots, the waves are unswerving, with no crests. Last night went well without any rain or squall episodes. The circumstances are ideal for an ocean rowing. I get a great amount of satisfaction from rowing and just being on the ocean. While on land, it’s exactly what I hope for while preparing for an ocean expedition. Such days like today get ingrained in my memory most vividly urging me to return to the oceans again and again. I’m in a great mood right now. It’s time for breakfast. I think my body has lost about five kilos. I have to be careful not to lose too much of my weight. There is really not much to lose to begin with, and I still have 5000 miles to row. I’ve got to keep better care of my body.

Still no fish, but there are a lot of bluebottles known as the Portuguese man of war. One of them got tangled in the fishing line and I decided to release the creature. I didn’t wear gloves and got stung all right. The pain is tolerable, but I will definitely wear gloves next time I catch a bluebottle.

Mentally I’m preparing myself for the new section of my route – the passage of islands. It will be difficult and dangerous, but if the easterly wind keeps its course, I have a great chance to pass between the Tuamotus and the Marquesas Islands without a glitch. If the wind turns from the north or the south, I will be in great danger of being pushed towards the islands, and in the worst case scenario, ending up at the rocks. The narrow passage is only 150 miles wide and I have to be precise with my maneuvering between the islands. I’m still hoping to be there by the end of the month, God willing. I’m with you. Fedor.”

The map of the Tourgoyak’s course: http://yb.tl/konyukhov2

The detailed map of the course: www.oceanrowing.com/Konyukhov/Pacific2013/dist_map.htm

Translated by Tatiana Koreski

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