Today is Sunday 10th July. This morning, after a much needed good sleep (the second such kip on board), I awoke in a much better state than I was in yesterday. I did attend a couple of lectures yesterday, but the energy to walk far was just not there. I guess travel fatigue had still got the better of me. Or had my sugar levels risen again?
I attended the Interdemoninational Church Service at 10 o’clock, conducted by Captain Andrew Hall whom I remember from a previous stint on QM2. Attendance dispelled the continual media assertion that church congregations are declining. And the hymns were reasonable favourites of mine also, with the pianist trying out Michael Williams-esque unusual harmonies/descants during the the last verse! (Those of you who attend St. John’s, Buxton, may know what I mean…even Michael Williams!) Sunday Worship on board Queen Mary 2 takes much from the Book of Common Prayer, the liturgy I grew up with and never saw any reason to change. Both the young ship’s crew acquitted themselves well reading what I assume were the appointed lessons for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost. Have I been away that long ?!
Monday 11th July 2022
09.45 hrs.
Yesterday was pretty routine, and eventually, I continued walking. I have set myself one final target, 1.5 million steps by midnight on 14th July. 9,232 steps/day for the remaining four full days of this journey should “do it.”
Again yesterday, Sunday, was unexpectedly warm as numerous passengers basked in the sunshine. This morning the skies remain crystal clear as we navigate the Grand Banks area on our third sea day en route for Southampton. This morning, the sun rose at 04.39, and the long day ends at 20.52. I awoke after a night where I learned every inch of the route to the bathroom!
After a pleasant evening of dinner and convivial conversation, both there, and in the Golden Lion Pub where an Irish folk duo entertained a respectable fun-loving crowd, I returned to my palace of a stateroom where outside was posted a letter, which would remind me that I hadn’t registered my credit card. After being unable to last night, I did, this morning, register my card to cover any on-board expenses, e.g. a new pair of trousers!
My sugar levels must be up today as once again, I am struggling to motivate myself to walk, although as I write, I am almost at today’s modest target. At tea this afternoon (still no cake!) the ship’s pianist serenades a full Queens Room with a baroque inspired selection of music. This is all very genteel and civilised. Being full, I was seated with somebody who I felt did not wish to be disturbed. Customary pleasantries were exchanged; although, if one wishes solitude, I’m not sure whether formal Afternoon Tea is the ideal place for such peace and tranquillity. However, she continued her writing, and I mine and in fact, the arrangement worked reasonably well! I now suspect it’s the four plus cups of tea which has me road-learning the bathroom….or several bathrooms!
I am enjoying these final days on Queen Mary 2. Earlier on in my travels, I was rather apprehensive about this cruise and overland odyssey drawing to a close. Far from it! The leaving of Brooklyn, although wet, had not lost its sense of occasion, adventure, and anticipation. And I was on the high decks as we skimmed under the Verrazano Narrows Suspension Bridge, to the delight of a cheering gathering of passengers. I had already looked across at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, remembering with much pleasure, having visited both earlier this year. On that occasion, the crossing was rough and exhausting, probably in part, because I managed to catch covid-19 towards the end! Strangely, that did me a favour, the illness acting as a kind of booster jab and making it very unlikely I would be ill again anytime soon.
This time, the seas are almost like a millpond. I remember little of the first sea day, but yesterday and today, it has been clear,pleasant and sunny. Some people spotted a huge pod of whales, which became the talk around the ship. Yesterday, I spotted a school of dolphins later in the afternoon, and I think that both yesterday and today, there was much for the keen observer to see. I saw birds skimming across the water in search of what this part of the ocean has to offer. There were many “disturbances” which might have indicated sea life. I wasn’t sure.
But so far, this is a nice crossing and I hate to admit it, but I shall be fairly glad to be in Buxton on Friday afternoon. Then the fun will begin. A mountain of post to deal with, and junk mail to send to the “starving” landfill sites. If I can’t open the bonnet (hood) of my red car, that’s another call-out for the A.A. I will show my face at Buxton International Festival, once a huge part of a previous, pre-heart attack life. Although I volunteer very little for them these days, I am regularly kept in touch with, something which I appreciate greatly. And my tuxedo will be put to use at the second Opera Gala Dinner at the Crescent Hotel. Already this spa hotel is destination in its own right.
I have achieved today’s walking schedule, the late afternoon being a more agreeable period to take in the fresh air of the North Atlantic.
As well as “lapping” the Promenade Deck a few times, I re-explored the heights of Decks 12, 13, and the area above the cabins on Deck 13. Is this officially Deck 14? I will need to check. (I ascertain later that this walking area above the cabins on Deck 13 is NOT deck 14!)
Now, to change for dinner. It’s already 8pm!
I joined a table for 8 right by the window, and enjoyed another extremely pleasant meal before going along to tonight’s show. I then walked around looking in at various venues before one final deck walk and, at the midnight buffet, a mischievous sandwich.
It feels like a busy day tomorrow.
Many thanks for reading,
David, 00.32hrs The Kings Court
David's Cruise 