16th March 2018.
Yesterday, our second of three sea days was extremely agreeable but not particularly remarkable. Outside, it was humid. We had exited the Great Barrier Reef at around 10am, after what must have been a very skilful and complicated transit. The previous night, the blackness out to sea, was punctuated by marker lights which were installed as a guide to shipping in that area. I now regret that I didn’t take an air trip to witness the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef from above. The ship’s photographers have produced the most fabulous images from both above and among the sea life below the water’s surface. My resultant pictures could have been taken anywhere!
The sweltering heat subsided little as yesterday progressed despite a torrential downpour. I retreated to the coolness of the cinema just in time to watch the recent movie, L.B.J., a “biopic” of the the Vice President who took over the U.S. Presidency following the world shattering events of November 22nd 1963, the day President Kennedy was assassinated. (I remember it well, they played classical music back to back all evening on Radio Luxembourg).
Back to this morning. I awoke to find, eventually, the open spaces on deck 12 soaking from yet another tropical downpour. Again it was humid but I was still able to complete my walking target prior to breakfast. While strolling along the boat deck, the Captain announced that because of a developing tropical cyclone, it would not be prudent to continue to Darwin thus heading straight for this dangerous weather. Naturally, I am disappointed because I wanted to see Australia one last time.
My texts are not being transmitted at the moment, probably because I am in the wrong part of the world for my phone! Anybody at home need not be concerned about this cyclone which with internet and other media may be common knowledge and perhaps a cause for alarm. The closest we shall be is around 100 miles from its epicentre.
Next port of call is Bali, I think on 19th March. I shall be joining my table companions Martin & Jan, and Nick and Geraldine for a relaxing day at a luxury beach complex. Because of a national holiday, we are not welcome there the day before. All credit to Cunard, they did try to arrange for a two day visit.
Many thanks again for reading. Best wishes, David.
David's Cruise 