Isn’t it funny how when you lose something, and then find it again, you’re so much happier than if you’d never lost it in the first place? There is nothing that cheers me up more than finding something I thought was gone forever – apart from my electrical system starting to work again when I thought it was a goner.

Yesterday the old Sunsaver Duo unit was up to its old tricks again, blinking its ominous red eye of death at me. The usual remedies did not work, so I turned everything off and sent it to bed with no supper, hoping it would have come to its senses today. This may not sound like a very scientific approach to electrical maintenance, but you’d be surprised how often it works.

This morning I woke up ready to go into battle. I put fresh batteries in my head lamp, armed myself with trusty screwdriver, and opened up the control panel. And was greeted by the welcome sight of a little green LED gazing steadily out from the recesses. It had indeed come to its senses.

I am beginning to suspect that the problem might be related to the temperature in the cabin. I will test this theory if it happens again. But it would be really nice if the opportunity didn’t arise. It is not good for my nerves.

I also did a stocktake of my remaining food supplies, and found that I’m in reasonable shape, although I may never want to look a beansprout in the face again once this voyage is over. I even treated myself to a new pair of rowing gloves, and although conditions are still too rough for half-way celebrations, it’s nice to know that I have those treats to look forward to. Even the anticipation is a treat.

So all in all, apart from it being a majorly bouncy and splashy day, stress levels are low and morale is high aboard the good ship Sedna Solo.

Other Stuff:

I wasn’t able to download incoming emails last night, so I’ll pick up on your comments in my next blog. It wasn’t really a technical problem that prevented the download – just that I lost the satellite connection after uploading my blog, before the downloads had completed. I tried a few times to re-establish the connection, but to no avail, and meanwhile was getting very nervous due to the high probability of getting chucked around the cabin.

So I’m not ignoring you. I’ll get caught up eventually.

The forecast is for winds and waves to abate somewhat tonight. Fingers crossed. My TimTams await.

I had a good chat with a journalist from the Daily Mail the other day, on an unusually good satphone connection. The Daily Mail has been vocal in its support for a ban on plastic bags in the UK, so we were discussing how they and the Olympic bag ban campaign” can help each other. All good stuff.

Quote for the day, apropos of my reaching halfway: “From a certain point onward, there is no turning back. That is the point that must be reached.” (Franz Kafka)

Sponsored Miles: Grateful thanks to the following, some of whom have contributed to several miles: Doug Grandt, Chris Lynch, Robert F Harrison, Jeffrey Blatt, Kenny Runnerduck, Thomas Heavey, Nate Beery and Ward Carpenter.