The full picture

The team would like today to send you all our most heartfelt thanks for your generous donations. We're looking forward to getting all of your personal email addresses so that we can say thanks properly and catch up with you all.

In the meanwhile we have made our arrival in one piece (just) into Darwin Australia. As it turned out we ended up using motor power to cross the Timor Sea. We also flirted dangerously with a Tropical Depression that developed into a full blown cyclone whilst we were at sea. As it turned out our captain was totally inadequately experienced to attempt the crossing. As it turned out we found ourselves in 5 to 6 metre swells and our compass and rear awning were washed off the boat. At that point we found ourselves navigating with my personal handlebar mounted compass from my bike. Around this time we also found ourselves getting further away from Australia rather than closer. Our fortunes changed for the better when the Coastal Watch plane picked us up and made radio contact. With at least one of our team members sobbing hysterically as eggs, cups, saucers, loose water bottles and crew members flew asunder around the main cabin; all was certainly not well on the good ship 'La Boheme'. Wondering whether we would ever make it to Darwin the calm and measured voice of the Coastal Watch Radio operator welcomed us into Australian Waters and within a few hours HMAS Launceston (pronounced Lawnsesston in Ozzie-speak!) was alongside us issuing calm instructions on our safest course to dry land. We had one more night at sea and managed to explain our growing fear for our lives as time passed at sea without seeming to get closer to Darwin. After deliberation on quite who should join HMAS Launceston, Dean and I were plucked from the ailing La Boheme and we left the team to make the 30 mile journey around the Cox Peninsula to the safety of Darwin harbour.

As the two of us set foot on the solid steel of Her Majesty's Australian Ship we couldn't help but have a wide grin of relief across our faces. And yet at the same time we knew that the disaster wasn't over yet for Andrew, Tim and Rich.

After some great 'tucker' on board Launceston, we had a slightly lumpy night's sleep before reaching the sweeping expanse of Darwin harbour and the naval base. The efficiency of the navigators on the 'Flying Bridge' of this Australian Patrol vessel such a contrast to the careless and amateur manner we had just arrived from Indonesia.

On arrival in Darwin, we were met by Customs and Excise who duly informed us that the latest news on 'La Boheme' ..... 'aw yeah, A'm sure that went down last night'. The post breakfast revelry was soon wiped off our faces and replaced with a deep rooted sickness in the pit of our stomachs. La Boheme had been grounded, holed, and all crew members had evacuated - SAFELY.

What an arrival in Australia. Now that is one adventure we all wish that we had not had to live through - and we are truly grateful to be here.

Many thanks again to all of you for your ongoing support and interest. We look forward to catching up with all of you. Keep reading - and keep mailing. All our love

Richard, Andrew, Nadine, Tim, RichS.