First, McQ got a really nasty bang on the head this morning when we were putting in a reef - glancing blow through hood and beanie and non trivial. I checked all the signs - pupils ok, no bleeding from anywhere, lucid, but very sore and angry and badly shocked. We both think she will be ok. I kept her up and talking for an hour - cryptic clues, simple maths - all seemed to be there so sent her to bed to get warm. Woke her 2 hours later to check the signs, all seemed ok so allowed her 1 Nurofen - her painkiller of choice tho wouldn't be mine - and one every 4 hours since. Wants to get up and help but I'm insisting. Rather her than me.
Second, weather as bad as it has been - 20 kts up the clacker earlier, then 25+, big big building seas, v. uncomfortable, v difficult to manage. Down to poled out heady for a bit, then bare pole, now back to tiny heady as wind has abated to 20 again. At least 30 hours to DH at this rate but gale warning for tomoz, 35+ so may have to park for a bit. Bloody Examiner - two to her for the day.
And third - I could weep with rage, anger, frustration and plain disappointment. My second computer crashed a couple of hours ago as I was sending original blogs. Just like last time - lost everything - digital charts, all emails, downloaded photos, track data - the whole shebang. This set up is so complicated for a non geek that if it goes wrong, I'm stuffed, completely. and, once again, it has and I don't know why. I hope there's someone in DH who can sort it. Sorry folks. Examiner 3, Berri 0
Current situation - McQ resting, Whitters trying to ensure that everything possible happening to get us through the barn door as fast and safely as possible. Tiny sail area just getting us high enough to stay more or less on track. Changed one of kevvo's steering lines, both checkstays on, everything possible tied down. Have alerted contact in DH re McQ just in case she needs xray or other inspection on arrival, checked Nikolski as possible safe haven. No weather event lasts for ever, but this one is a doozy - exquisitely placed by the Examiner and we're going to have to negotiate it to get home. Cold, wet, miserable.
And, please everyone, appendages crossed for this computer - my home laptop, not at all suitable for these conditions.
There were lots of messages and thank yous etc, but can't at this stage remember and don't have original incoming emails to check.
Can't believe it - first sun since Gareloi - tiny hole in gloop lighting my keyboard.
Love yez - hope the webcam works, but prob updated every few minutes only.
Wind back up again. Will try to send this - Don't know from minute to minute whether it will work or not.
