Bird of passage

Today was the long passage, 13 hours or thereabouts from Cuxhaven to the Frisian Island of Norderney. We knew there would be little wind, and because we had to motor against unfavourable tides for a few hours, that made life easier. Having wind against a strong tide will kick up nasty chop, which is very unpleasant or sometimes dangerous.

Nic had made tons of sandwiches featuring very strong smelling German cheese. We took the usual 2 hour watches, with the person off-watch resting, eating or filling in the log.  

Unfortunately Lesley was due to call into a board meeting of the charity of which she's a trustee. Sitting in the forepeak trying to get a phone signal  was quite surreal. But it was a waste of time. No signal.

Soon after, Nic had an unexpected visitor who flew on to his lifejacket and brazenly hopped across his chest. A small yellow breasted bird who seemed tired and disoriented. He settled on various places including the fenders (see pic) and even the folds of our noble flag, the Ensign. Then he disappeared. We fear for him, so far from land.

Now it is sunny again, and the cloud has cleared away. Frankly it's better cloudy as the heat really gets you down after a while.

We have left crumbs. But he probably won't be back.