The Captain’s promise of overnight rough weather was fulfilled in spades. My cabin steward, Krystian, had, while preparing my stateroom, secured all vulnerable items as best as he was able to, and placed my potted plant on the floor. Even lying down in bed, I felt the need for a sea-sick pill. It did help, not a lot! Right now, at 09.49 hrs, the sea remains choppy, the sky, misty, dull white and featureless. We had left the scenic Magellan Straits and were now on the inappropriately named Pacific Ocean, about to enter the Nelson Strait. People will be out in droves later this afternoon as we cruise by Amalia Glacier from 16.00hrs and during the early morning, Pio XI Glacier. This morning’s rain is expected to clear somewhat in a couple of hours and once fully inside the Nelson Strait and the fjords, the waters will be far more still.
This is the first of three welcome sea days. All my birthday invitations have now been delivered, the World Voyage concierge is gifting me a birthday cake, and those excellent people in the Photography Gallery have sorted out the problems with my Lumix camera. Unknown to me, it had gone on to manual focus, and I learned yet another function of this rather over- complicated piece of kit. There is slight damage which sometimes prevents the lens ‘leaf-style” cover from closing, until, gently tapped with the edge of a finger nail.
12.36 hrs. We are now well into the Nelson Straits (I believe) in the Norway-esque Chilean Fjords. This is yet another rare feature of this “Discover South America Cruise.” Sadly, it’s misty outside and the majesty of this countryside is somewhat obscured. Two hours have long passed since our Captain suggested possible welcome breaks in the weather.
We are due at Amalia Glacier at around 16.30 hrs where M.V. Queen Victoria will stay for around two hours. I am glad the Lumix is back in operation; it was frustrating relying on this phone, particularly as photographs take so very long to upload now. Also, on my camera phone, there is a marked loss of quality on zoomed-in photographs. We are due to sail by the PO xi Glacier from 07.00hrs tomorrow.
I have tried a little deck walking today in a quest to take in these still “mist covered mountains…” It is cold out on deck so perhaps viewing the fjords from the comfort of the Lido through its salt stained windows seems the best way to enjoy this spectacular journey through the Chilean fjords. Perhaps, also from the panoramic Commodore Club. I think, like Alaska, I would like to come here again.
The drizzly misty weather does not seem to be abating. Distant forested islands remain barely visible. Nevertheless, to witness all of this, even in such disappointing weather remains a rare and wonderful event of a lifetime. The internet isn’t working right now, so my last two blogs will be published together when circumstances permit. Generally, the internet on this voyage has been very good, a vast improvement on previous voyages.
Blog amended 11/4/20 16.20hrs. Thanks for reading, David. Note: Re reading this, it seems I never finished this particular blog.
David's Cruise 