It was too good to last! The magnificent weather from the end of May to around a couple of days ago, has been usurped by something more typical of a miserable English Summer. Never mind; I am in Buxton’s excellent Taj Mahal restaurant having just enjoyed a veritable celebratory curry. On Wednesday, I was informed that my World Voyage in January was cancelled, but today, alternative and equally exciting arrangements were in place. The images below were taken in 2019 during Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth final Alaska cruise of the season prior to its monumental voyage “round the houses” back to Southampton.
My travel agent tells me that 2023’s Centenary World Voyage has sold out. My Deck 2 single outside cabin is secured for the full voyage. But before then, let’s see if it can be “third time lucky” for Japan and Alaska. Annoyingly, this is an “eastbound” passage entailing an overnight flight to Tokyo. This should mean not having to stay overnight in London. Instead of gaining an hour or two as we venture west, we skip an hour at each time zone travelling east. This could be uncomfortable if there are any early starts as I make my way by rail across (mainly) the United States. But, what an amazing journey. I might just get to see the famed cherry blossoms in Tokyo, though to be frank, there’s tons of the stuff over here, too! But a “burn-up” on a Bullet Train is high on my ever expanding bucket list. So far, accommodation is secured on both M.V. Queen Elizabeth in May and June, and R.M.S. Queen Mary 2 in early July. Pandemic permitting, I can look forward to wandering around distant lands, and ambling around America on long distance trains.
Right now, the pandemic shows few signs of subsiding. Nevertheless, I am optimistic that things will be vastly improved by the beginning of next year. However, if entry into the U.S. remains prohibited, these ambitious plans could be curtailed yet again.
I was not surprised that our exit from lock-down had been postponed until 19th July. This is when my blog account of the pandemic will draw to a close, ‘though I doubt I will stop writing completely. While still warm and dry, I revisted the High Peak Trail between Parsley Hay and Friden Brick Works. Below are more images of this walk through the Derbyshire Dales.
Many thanks for reading, David 22.42, 18th June 2021.
David's Cruise 