It has been a number of days since my last blog. I seemed to encounter difficulty with the ship’s internet facilities.
There were eight sea days between Santa Cruz, Tenerife and Walvis Bay, Namibia. As we cruised south, the weather became warm and the seas “slight”. We crossed the Equator with all the usual “ill treatment” of “first timers”, both crew and guests. This procedure lasted well over an hour, and although very well staged, I felt it somewhat “missable”.
It wasn’t long before the excess heat of entering the southern hemisphere began to subside, and there was a general coolness in the winds coming from the south. However, it is far from the discomfort of January in northern Europe!
Walvis Bay was our third port of call out of around 43. Blistering warmth was evident once again, before breezes from the cold south established themselves in the afternoon. I enjoyed my first shore excursion of the voyage, having chosen a “seals and dolphins” cruise. We were taken by shuttle bus to within a short walk of the jetty. It was more than a “Twice round the Bay” trip. Food thrown overboard attracted pelicans, gulls and other sea life. The grand finale was a long period among numerous jumping dolphins and seals, both ashore and in the water. Much to my amazement, a splendid buffet was served with beer and champagne. The waters were as smooth as glass for the first hour or so. A soft breeze brought some relief from the heat. The sight of dolphins and seals in such profusion in their natural habitat was spectacular, and probably something I may never experience again except possibly during similar shore excursions on this extensive voyage.
Today, we are at sea en route for Cape Town. The morning was dull and we were heading into force 7 winds. Blue skies have brightened up the afternoon, and the sea, although rough, looks (I can’t think of a better word) good, with lots of sparkle and white foam as far as the eye can see.
Queen Mary 2 handles these choppy seas with a minimum of turbulence, even high up towards “the pointed end”.
Early tomorrow morning, we dock in Cape Town. During the second day there, I leave the ship for a two night/three day overland journey to Port Elizabeth, taking in the Garden Route and a couple of safaris. Before that, a trip to Stellenbosch, and afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel.
I have enjoyed writing this and hope it’s of interest.
David.
David's Cruise 