It is nine minutes to midnight on Day 28, Thursday 23rd April. If I remember rightly, it is St. George’s Day and it had only just occurred to me as I bring this blog up to date.
I decided to contact my travel agent this morning, to discuss paying for my forthcoming holiday, and inquiring about going on one of Cunard’s first sailings when the ships come back into service on May 16th. (The only place I can get a much needed haircut!) Lucy, who has taken care of my holiday arrangements for a number of years now, answered the phone. As we spoke, news came through that the Alaska season had been cancelled for this year. I would learn that my 38 night voyage from Vancouver to Alaska and Japan was in fact running again in late August next year. But QM2’s nearest transatlantic crossing was going to leave in excess of three weeks in which to cross the USA by rail to Vancouver. “Is there a Deck 3 single cabin available on the crossing to New York?” “Just 3006 replied Lucy.” I confirmed the reservation. I also confirmed the transfer of my Vancouver to Japan booking in a balcony cabin on Deck 7 of Queen Elizabeth to 2021. I am greatly relieved that it was possible to move my deposits to next year without penalty. In fact, as an incentive, I will receive a future cruise credit of 10% above the QM2 deposit and 25% above the QE deposit. I am very tempted to extend the rail aspect in the USA to take in New Orleans and Los Angeles. That way, I get to ride Amtrak’s “Crescent,” “Sunset Ltd (?)” “Super Chief” “Empire Buider” and “Cascade.” Or, I could relax for a week in some nice countryside. Either way, I am now not going away this year. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of my second trip to North America in May/June 1971. I saw QE2 for the first time, from the Empire State Building, which I have been up several times since.
Back to reality, it looks as if the lockdown precautions are here for several weeks, and I read of the possibility of food shortages. Next year’s trip might be curtailed also. But at least I shall enjoy looking forward to it.
I didn’t get to do walking yesterday, but I managed to walk 2.535 miles, according to the health app on my ‘phone. There was little wind today, and the weather was warm and pleasant.
00.39 hrs Friday 24th April
Yesterday was William Shakespeare’s Birthday. It’s a bit late to wish him “all the best!”
But it’s goodnight from me, David, 0041 hrs 24th April.
David's Cruise 