As you can see from my previous blog, the only other box ticked off my “to-do” list, which I didn’t mention, was to sample the SkyTrain for just one stop. The lunch I enjoyed with church member James became longer than anticipated and the only certain way to reach my ship on time was to use public transport.
U.S. Customs formalities were carried out before embarkation and although time consuming, at least these procedures won’t eat into our day at San Francisco.
Day after day, I have gazed upon tranquil seas and glorious landscapes as we sail from port to port. Tonight leaving Vancouver, the once dramatic countryside is less so, but no less easy on the eye. The sky is clear, but we are warned of 15 knot winds from the north west with temperatures pegged at 61 degrees Fahrenheit.
I reflect on this morning’s church service. There were so many reminders of St. John’s in Buxton. But the healthy size of the congregation in Vancouver wasn’t one of them! The Dean, in his homily, reminded me (& many of the congregation) of the Simon and Garfunkel song “Silent Night/Seven o’clock News” where the gentle melody of the well known Christmas carol and its comforting lyrics seem to lose the battle with a radio news bulletin of depressing and alarming content. I do hope my brief discussion with him after the service about this did not offend in any way; I found what he had to say was profound throughout, and that did remind me of St. John’s.
Arrival at Vancouver brought the curtain down on those whose Alaska voyage had come to an end. There has, as a result, been a slight change of occupants at our dinner table. Joan has left the ship to venture to New York (I think) to pick up Queen Mary 2 on which her son is a lecturer. Lynne and her mother, Carol have come to the end of their Alaskan adventure, and by now, Lynne will be reunited with her two small children…and thankful husband! A recent addition to our table has been “Top Sailor” Erma Klindt, whom I first got to know in 1998 when I joined her and her friend Doris Lorz at the Captain’s Table on QE2. Two people of (as yet) unknown far eastern origin have joined us. They are travelling as far as San Francisco. This gives us little chance to become acquainted. They have either signed up to, or are contemplating a world cruise next January. As for me, I do not recall much need for contemplation!
I have to remind myself of the extraordinary events so far on this journey; the danger being that so many experiences, treats, and events, so many scenes of immeasurable magnificence, glaciers, snow covered mountain peaks, forests, rivers, wild life and other pleasures can merge into something hard to remember. Will I remember, for instance, tonight after dinner, being serenaded by a string trio in the ship’s atrium. Mozart unamplified is a rare pleasure.
This 49 night voyage is divided into three segments. From what I gather, the first was between Vancouver and either San Francisco or Los Angeles, then to Ft. Lauderdale and finally from there to home. However, Cunard seem to have allowed guests to join and leaves at port of their choice.
Finally, those very long hours of daylight are consigned to the recent past as we head south. By the time we are in the vicinity of Iceland, the long hours of sunlight won’t be quite so remarkable. But the scenery may well compare well with what we enjoyed recently. There are numerous pleasures to anticipate. It will be good to re-acquaint myself briefly with San Francisco before heading out to the Nappa Valley Railway for a three hour train ride with lunch and wine tasting on board. Those who know me will expect me not to partake of the wine!
I have no plans for when we call at Los Angeles, but may well elect to revisit R.M.S. Queen Mary.
Finally, I have glanced through my recent blogs. While they document my journey adequately, electronics and technology beyond my understanding seems to re-space what I write. Occasionally, I will tidy up blogs that I have posted, even a long time ago. When, eventually, I have them printed in book form, they should look ok.
Many thanks or reading,
David.
David's Cruise 