What an absolute privilege to set eyes on this gorgeous part of the world for a second time. I had spent far too much, this morning, in my cabin. Eventually, as described in my first blog, I did manage to give myself an hour or so for some “pre shore excursion exploration” For a brief half hour or so, I was having a “nosy” along a tiny bit of waterfront, almost as far away from home as it’s possible to be. I saw palm trees protruding from lime green grass alongside a tiny piece of beach. A warm wind caressed my travel weary frame with a supernatural tenderness….and the day would become warmer. (19.16hrs) As the sun poises itself to set in pyrotechnic splendour, (maybe), that caressing warmth has morphed into a cooler breeze, and the realisation that I should have brought some warmer attire on to the higher open decks. On Deck 9, the sail away party has given way to a lone guitarist serenading a disinterested gathering in single figures. Nevertheless, there is a relevant ambience which I doubt would exist on many other cruise ships.
The river cruise to Russell with a freshly cooked one course lunch (billed as “brunch”), was another wonderful experience. It was a tad touristy, but the whole thing was most enjoyable indeed, affording close up views of the passing picturesque landscape. My writings and photographs, fail to describe adequately this tranquil part of New Zealand. Only a handful of pictures may illustrate what I (and of course any other visitors), see in the Bay of Islands. Russell is reputed to be the first capital of North Island; apparently, this isn’t strictly true. The tour guide left me somewhat confused with his explanation as to the exact location of the short lived capital. Eventually, Wellington, which I visited last year, would become capital of New Zealand. However, we were afforded half an hour to explore present day Russell with its most attractive wooden structures gracing a paradise of a sea front. While there, a strong breeze developed, harbinger of a bumpy twenty hours ahead on board M.V. Queen Victoria.
There are two sea days ahead, before anchoring off Sydney. Already, I am preparing for the next leg of my “World Tour”. For the next 18 or so days, I shall be on my own as, following a carefully prepared itinerary, I embark on my most ambitious of railtours. More of that when it happens. The wind is strong now, (19.42hrs). Once again, white foam stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s going to be quiet around the ship tonight. Below is a selection of pictures taken during the day.
Thanks for reading, David.
David's Cruise 