It’s still Independence Day here in California and after dinner we shall, on board Queen Elizabeth, have our own celebration with R.M.S Queen Mary as a backdrop along with fireworks let off in the night skies of Long Beach. I expect the open decks to be crowded. Nevertheless, I hope for a good view, and to be deafened by the pyrotechnic choreography in the California sky. There has been an earthquake today near Los Angeles, the biggest for 20 years with aftershocks. Thankfully, there are no reports of casualties and seemingly minimal damage. The epicentre was inland and therefore no disturbance at sea.
I have walked and relaxed most of this warm day, and for the first time, indulged in a little sunbathing on the open decks, and a little on my balcony.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is being relayed across the U.S A. and to our ship. It’s three hours later on the east coast and already dark. The whole event is so overproduced and “long-winded” I am having difficulty keeping up, and maintaining interest. Commercials punctuate the broadcast with the frequency of rush-hour buses.
Dinner is served 45 minutes early to enable all “guests” to enjoy the extraordinarily rare event of fireworks, Queen Mary and today’s Queen Elizabeth coming together, not only on Independence Day, but on the 179th anniversary of the first Cunard sailing, from Liverpool this day in 1840 to Halifax and Boston. The fireworks on TV were ok, but the broadcast quality was very poor. So before it all wraps up, I am off to that early dinner! Service feels deliberately slow tonight; however, I did manage, just, to enjoy probably a best-ever fireworks display with noise and colour aplenty. I tried to take an image from the 15 minute video I made of the pyrotechnic display….not overly successful!
Back in my cabin, we are now at San Pedro Cruise Terminal, Los Angeles. Fireworks are going off all over the place – it’s like New Year’s Eve at home. I can enjoy the celebrations from my little piece of private outside space. It’s not cold, but certainly not humid.
But now, it’s July 5th. I have been on board since June 20th, and on vacation since May 31st. This has been a holiday of contrasts. I have no idea what will come to fruition tomorrow in L.A. I really ought to revisit Queen Mary just one more time.
All the best,
David.
David's Cruise 