Yesterday, I bade my own farewell to all that gorgeous and spectacular countryside that the remoteness of Alaska offers in unimaginable profusion. Hubbard Glacier provided the vivid climax of this most scenic of voyages. I have made a promise to myself to return for one final time, probably one that actually, I won’t keep. As this rural splendour faded into the horizon, we dived into some kind of sea mist which persisted well into the following morning. The muffled (in my stateroom) and mournful ship’s siren warned vessels every few moments of our presence within a ten mile radius. Outside, the ship’s whistle is anything but muffled. The mist cleared gradually to reveal leadened skies but still, a calm sea. Occasionally, what I thought were whales would make a tantalizingly spit-second appearance on the ocean surface.
A numbered edition of a book charting the history of QE2 has been on sale. Leather bound, just 150 copies exist; I assume this update on the former liner is also available in general format. The Captain had a signing event at 2.30 this afternoon. I bought three copies, one unsealed for future reference, signed by the Captain, one, also signed, as a present and one unopened for my Cunard archive, (or as a possible investment!)
29th June, 08 35hrs
I had a single course lunch in the Lido, and a sandwich and (dry) scone up there after a deck walk.
I have decided on a return to Alaska late next summer, but probably without the train ride across North America. Much will be a repeat of this year, but rather than returning eastbound, my intention is continue north to Anchorage and west to Tokyo from where I shall visit various ports of call before flying home from Tokyo.
Today I shall be in Victoria, Canada.11.27hrsOne of the better Cunard tours, a splendid afternoon tea served at 10.45hrs! I discovered the magnificent flavour of black tea. TWG 1837 (The Wellbeing Group). The bus tour around Victoria was pleasant and comprehensive. We travelled through most residential areas as well as to a point overlooking the city, and past the important sights. Apparently, The Empress Hotel also serves afternoon tea from 10am!
Here are some pictures taken this morning.
These pictures go some way to portraying how pleasant this part of the world is; I could not avoid the reflection from the bus windows!
David.
David's Cruise 