Another message from the Pacific! Elsa had a detailed satphone conversation with her shore team today, is confident that she can continue safely, and that she can make timely and appropriate decisions if she does need to request any assistance. Thank you all for messages of support and concern – read on, but don’t fear for her safety – all is in hand!!

Golly – it’s kind of scary reading all these rescue stories. Partly reminds me that I’m not mad and overreacting at how horrible the conditions are, but also scares me as it confirms that they are dangerous….These seas are no joke. Are those that have retired staying in Monterey a while or have they headed home? Really really really going to do my best to make it to Hawaii in one piece!

Previous pic was tiny and on sea anchor! Prob with getting pics of bad waves is that I’m too scared to let go of anything to try and take them, and nervous of taking camera things out of the cabin in these conditions. Am aiming to get plenty of film footage to use on my return.

Am rowing very carefully though and putting the oars first, and tethering the spoons in case of further breakages.

Today was a funny sort of day. The morning was markedly better than it has been, and I allowed myself briefly to hope that I was getting on the better weather. I only got splashed twice all morning, and was making good progress. Alas, the afternoon changed all that – totally mad and turbulent waves and strong wind making it impossible even to hold a course south. Got dumped on by wave after wave and ended up retiring to my cabin early, totally soaked, to warm up a bit.

I did see dolphins late morning though – a couple jumping through the water ahead of my boat.  Although it’s shit again now, that brief glance of slightly better weather this morning has made my spirits lift a bit – it can’t be this bad all the way.

Thank you to all for so many messages! Really does help to read them. Gives me more reasons to keep pushing through. Thank you to everyone who is sending messages and good wishes.

Please continue to send messages of support. Like and share Elsa’s row on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, subscribe to the newsletter – and dedicate miles and sponsor oar strokes!!

Elsa still has a way to go to reach her fundraising goals – please share as far and wide as you can.