Yesterday in Puerto Madryn, the sun shone and temperatures in the very high twenties Celsius seemed to be the warm weather’s grand finale as, today we would continue our voyage to “The End of the World.” The seas around Cape Horn are known to be treacherous but from what I gather, we are in the tempestuous waters right now with swells of 6 metres. Damage has occurred on board with a massive window near the Winter Garden put through on Deck 9 and a kitchen door ripped off its hinges in the Lido, also on Deck 9. A former engineer on the QE2 assured me these spectacular waters were far from unusual. I had felt the ominous movements of turbulence during the night, and anticipated an exciting day ahead. I do get the feeling our ship is being put through its paces at the moment. Winds and sea conditions are set to abate, which, perhaps is a slight pity. Although summer in these parts, there is nothing between here and Antarctica from where the influence is coming. Worryingly, I am told of temperatures in northern Antarctica reaching 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This could just be here-say.
This morning, following my usual breakfast, I attended attended, with Jo, a full and standing room only lecture delivered by former Governor of the Bank of England, Lord King of Lothbury. He referred to HS2 disparagingly as “Boris’s Train Set!” It was an excellent presentation, as one would expect. He made uncomfortable comparisons between the Great Depression of the 1930s and the recent financial catastrophe of 2008 when RBS (my bank!) requested “bailing out.” If I remember rightly, its CEO disappeared with a tax free pension of £700,000! Ye Gods! (This didn’t come up in his lecture!) Richard Cowley delivered an illustrated history of the Tango.
Jo chose to teach me how to play backgammon, which, during the Force 9 gales, was most enjoyable. She tells me I have picked it up very well even though I lost two games out of three!
It’s almost 19.50 hrs. Formal wear is the order of dinner tonight. The gale is still blowing, but is expected to calm down at around 03.00 hrs tomorrow. No basking in the sun, however, for the next few days as we explore the southernmost extremities of the South American Continent. Right now, we are following the Coast of Patagonia, against the north flowing Falkland current.
Blog not completed
Published 4th March 2020.
David's Cruise 