snow flakes (soot) all over it again, I was sitting in the sun a couple of days ago and thought I could smell something smouldering, it was me three little holes in my shirt and some scorched hair. That’s life I suppose. The swimming pool was filled today, so there was much frolicking in  the water for a while. Karin was very disappointed because the water was very warm and not refreshing enough for her.

18^th October. We must be getting into the warmer climates, when you step out the door you feel the heat hit you and the humidity is much higher. I don’t quite know how much hotter it will get when we get to the equator. I will just have to spend more time in side with the air conditioning. We have had the ships clocks moved forward one hour the last two days, surprising how much difference travelling at a constant 23 knots in an easterly direction makes.

19^th October. First day in the Indian Ocean. This morning we went on a conducted tour of the Upper Deck with the Chief Officer. A most interesting morning. A brief description of our morning tour. We went the length of the ship up the port side to the foscle to see the anchors, windlasses and mooring ropes etc. The “Chief” explained how the chain is marked to show the length as it goes out and how the chain is washed as it is brought back aboard. We all had our photos taken on the platform right up on the bow. Then it was back to the stern where he showed how the refrigerated containers were monitored twice a day to make sure they maintained there temperature. This is done to every refrigerated container no matter where it is on the ship, even in the holds, every 1304 of them, up and down ladders even in the rough weather. There are three refrigeration engineers to do this. Then down to the aft deck where the stern ropes are, a look at the churning sea over the stern. We also went down to the steering gear and the CO² room where they store the CO² to fight fire in the hold if it can’t be controlled by water. All in all it was a most interesting morning.

21^st October. Last night we had a barbecue night, Loads of fun. The whole crew other than those on watch were there. A good time was had by all, EVERYONE had to dance! It was a chance for the crew to let their hair down. Lots of food and one of the few times alcohol is allowed, and no one drank to excess. We left at about 10:30pm and I understand it wrapped up at around 12:30am. Everyone needed to be ready to be at work on time today, with no ill effects. Today is Trafalgar day a day that Duncan wanted to celebrate as it’s the 200^th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar. Duncan with the help of the stewards decorated the dining room with the flags of England, France and Spain as the combating nations, and also New Zealand, Germany and India to represent the nations of the people present. He also had a small Cornish flag on our table to represent the area he comes from. There were the appropriate toasts; the Queen, Admiral Lord Nelson, each country present and the ship we are sailing on. Another pleasant evening.