David's Cruise

The sun shone on Southampton this morning as Roger (my neighour-cum-chauffeur) and I explored a still developing city in search of a post office and a music shop.

(11/1/20, 07.05hrs)

We had lingered over a leisurely “full English” at the hotel, but there was ample time to wander around and have yet another coffee at Starbucks. I had acquired my “spending money” and Roger, his guitar strings!

All of a sudden, it was almost 2.00 pm, the time suggested that I should check in at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

Embarking procedures were speedy; even the comprehensive airport style security precautions went smoothly. Perhaps I know what to expect now. I think I was on board at around 2.30. I had a small amount to eat in the Lido on Deck 9, prior to the obligatory “safety brief” at muster station ‘A’ in the theatre on 2 Deck.

Departure was more or less on time. As is “Cunard tradition,” at the start of what is classed as a World Voyage, fireworks heralded our departure. This was a superb display and very well choreographed.

By now, my luggage had been delivered, and again, previous experience enabled me to unpack in a most organized manner. My cabin is meant for two, and I would suggest only just adequate, albeit there is a nice balcony on which to relax and breathe real air, rather than that offered by the ship’s air conditioning.

I have come across three acquaintances from previous long voyages; I was expecting to bump into Nick and Geraldine from the 2018 QM2 World Voyage. If they are on board, I haven’t seen them yet.

Following the “best ever” pyrotechnics display I can remember, (by now it was dark, and a full moon was penetrating the light cloud cover), the Solent was silky-smoothe, as M.V. Queen Victoria turned 180 degrees to commence its journey along the English Channel.

Determined to arrive for dinner right at the beginning (rather than later as on numerous previous occasions), I joined the queue outside the Britannia Restaurant. I presented my card to one of the “welcoming committee” who showed me to my table, 371. Eventually, seven out of eight were gathered for the first evening meal of the cruise. We seemed to get along nicely on this first of seventy eight days. The service was impeccable and dinner excellent; I had sea bass and extra vegetables, which after my initiative were offered to all at our table.

By now, we had introduced ourselves to each other. Maggie was seated to my left, Margaret to her left; to my right, June from the West country. Opposite, Peter (on his first ever cruise), Robin and Liz.

I joined Peter for a further decaffeinated latte in the Queens Room where dancers glided across the ball room with the dexterity of a concert pianist. Not having slept well for two consecutive nights, I was ready to catch up on some much needed sleep.

This wasn’t to be!

My accommodation is located forward enough to be most affected adversely by any ocean turbulence. As a precaution, I had taken a travel sickness pill; these can enhance a good sleep. At some hour of the night that I didn’t know existed, I was awakened by the howl of the wind and the bumpiness of the ocean we were, by now, entering. I took another pill! Thankfully, I have staved off the foul unpleasantness of biliousness but my accommodation is about as stable as a surf board. I shall accomplish little today! (08.10hrs)

Thanks for reading, David.

Why is it that, despite numerous exciting journeys throughout my adult life, preparing for going away, including the dreaded packing, always seems to be complicated and somewhat of a “pain.” For once, I felt much better organized than previously and any anxiety I had, was very much at a minimum. Once again, my neighour from over the road was on hand to “chauffeur” me in my Peugeot 508 to Southampton where we would stay overnight at a decent hotel…and enjoy a most leisurely celebratory dinner. The bulk of the packing was completed the previous night. Even so, there was still plenty to do before leaving the house for just over eleven weeks.

We were away by 10.45 and during the five hour drive, the weather ranged from being extremely bright to being dark and menacing with stair rods of heavy rain. Traffic was never heavy during the entire journey and only in Southampton itself did we seem to hit every traffic light on red.

When, eventually, I settle down for some sleep, I shall anticipate with considerable excitement the amazing journey I am about to embark upon. There is no flying; my ship accommodation until the end of March is a balcony cabin forward on the starboard side, facing the coast all the way as we circumnavigate almost the entire continent of South America. These are the ports of call and their countries:-

Bermuda,

Port Canaveral-USA,

Ft. Lauderdale-USA,

San Juan-Puerto Rico,

Bridgetown-Barbados,

Macapa-Brazil (cruise by),

Manaus-Brazil,

Santarem-Brazil,

Macapa-Brazil (cruise by)

Salvador-Brazil,

Rio de Janeiro-Brazil,

Montevideo-Uruguay,

Buenos Aires-Argentina,

Puerto Madrin-Argentina,

Beagle Channel (cruise by),

Ushuaia-Argentina,

Cape Horn-Chile (cruise by),

Magellan Straights (cruise by),

Punta Arenas-Chile,

Amelia Glacier (cruise by),

PIO X Glacier-Chile (cruise by),

Puerto Montt-Chile,

San Antonio-Chile,

Coquimbo-Chile (where I celebrate my 71st birthday, March 1st),

Arica-Chile,

Calleo-Peru,

Manta-Equador,

Fuerte Amador-Panama,

Transit the Panama Canal,

Cartagena-Colombia,

Willemstad-Curacao,

Ft. Lauderdale-USA, and finally…

Ponta Delgada-Azores, Portugal.

My plan is to write about about each place we call at as well as during the numerous at – sea and “cruise by” days. Experience has shown difficulties publishing blogs from remote locations and at sea, and some pictures don’t “work out.” Hopefully I shall be able to produce an interesting and worthwhile account of this exciting journey.

Thanks for reading,

David.

December 31st. 2019Firstly, NEW YEAR GREETINGS to all those who have come across this latest blog.It’s that time of year again; there are just ten days before I set sail from Southampton, this time for a continent I have yet to visit, South America. There should be a good atmosphere as R.M.S. Queen Mary 2 and M.V. Queen Victoria sets sail for Australia and South America respectively, the same evening. I expect a super fireworks display, unlike in 2018 when QM2 was delayed and set sail the following morning!I am starting this blog on New Year’s Eve. In fact, the radio pointed out that it’s the start of a new decade tomorrow. Now, there’s a thought, might this be the last decade I see the start of ? 0 With luck, I shall make it for the next one as my 70s end even more suddenly than when they started!It is likely 2020 will be my last year of the “big trips.” I have a huge objection to the four figure cost of travel insurance, and feel unjustly penalised.New Year’s Day 15.00hrsI suspect that if I were to submit a claim, I would be confronted with enough loopholes to confuse a juggler.South America should have been my last “long trip.” However, I succumbed to booking a summer voyage from Vancouver, revisiting Alaska and continuing to Japan for around 10 days of cruising and visiting. The travel insurance industry has “taken me to the cleaners” one more time. Both journeys, however, are worth this mild annoyance of feeling “ripped off,” but one can appreciate the risks of such long journeys.Reaching Vancouver will take around two weeks, by ship and long distance train from New York via Chicago and Seattle.For that trip in August, I have a single cabin booked on QM2’s No 2 Deck. Very nice it is, too, but not quite as spectacular as those on Deck 3 with the two huge circular floor to ceiling picture windows…

January 2nd mid afternoon … Single cabins are usually booked up many months in advance and with well over a year before my crossing, I took the last single on Deck 2. (Just Deck 12 to go “for the set!”)Right now, there is a kind of hiatus. I shall commence packing on Monday or Tuesday.Thursday is the start of it all, a gentle drive to Southampton, a night at the Novotel; and the following day, the sight one never tires of, the white upper superstructure of Cunard’s Queen Victoria and its red and black funnel towering above the quayside buildings, the anticipation of adventures to come, the curiosity of whom one might encounter along the way, and perhaps what the stateroom is like. The balcony cabin which I have reserved, is forward on Deck 5, starboard, the side from which, if close enough, the coast line may be visible at times, during the anti clockwise circumnavigation of South America.Next week’s adventure calls at 24 ports in 14 countries. I hope anybody following the blog will be able to enjoy my almost daily writings. I shall “post” as many pictures as technology will allow. Experience reminds me that the internet can be very difficult from on board ship, and in other remote locations.Today, there are just eight days to go!

Many thanks for reading.

David.

For whatever reason, the Festive Season is one that I am usually relieved to see the back of. Despite annual resolutions, cards, presents and adding a bit of colour to my front window, are left increasingly to the last minute. I have no excuse; reminders of Christmas are evident from August!

This year seems to be different. December arrived with the haste of an unwelcome dental appointment.

A very modest and easy-to-miss item in the railway press announced a four day rail tour by a High Speed Train (H.S.T.) freshly repainted throughout in its original Blue/Grey Inter City 125 colours. I would receive booking details via my mobile phone. L.N.E.R. the current operators of the East Coast Main Line, would collaborate with U.K. Railtours, to stage a series of farewell journeys on four consecutive days which together would traverse (as far as I know) the entire territory of L.N.E.R. from Edinburgh to Inverness via Dundee and Aberdeen, and back to London Kings Cross via Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh York, Doncaster and Leeds. The route from Aberdeen to Inverness was not regular H.S.T. territory and thus added a rare dimension to the trip. (See previous blogs.)

I would walk around Edinburgh, Inverness and Leeds, all illuminated gloriously with magnificent festive lighting, particularly in Edinburgh’s massive Christmas market. (Scroll back to recent previous blogs.)

While on my travels, I would come across, while perusing the internet auction site, eBay, on my phone, the once familiar and still fondly remembered British Rail “Collector’s Corner” sign which directed enthusiasts to a large shed type building, crammed with masses of redundant railway memorabilia, adjacent to Euston Station. This was a regular haunt of mine since its establishment in the very early 1970s until its closure at the beginning of “railway privatisation” in 1994. My bid was successful, and said sign is added to items that I purchased from there over the years.

I would find that much had changed on the railway even in the short time since my retirement in July 2017. Electrification which I remember seeing under construction was now complete between Manchester, the West Coast Main Line and Blackpool, and Northern Rail’s long awaited new diesel and electric trains were now in evidence, their ill-chosen predominantly white livery prematurely a little dirty. Nevertheless, I remain excited by how the railway seems to be evolving, especially now that I have retired from the industry.

*****************************************

The candle – lit Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St. John’s Buxton, was a joyous and moving event, even after so many similar services during my life-time.

Uncharacteristically for me, I was beginning to enjoy this time of year. On Christmas Eve, I would travel by rail to Blackheath in S.E. London where I would reside at the still excellent Clarendon Hotel for three nights. On the way, I would meet my sister and brother in law and attend the First Communion of Christmas (6 pm) at the very Anglo Catholic church of St.Magnus the Martyr, near London Bridge. Predictably, at such a high church, music, and the service in general was glorious, as was dinner in the crypt afterwards!

My room at the Clarendon was spacious and most comfortable, and I hope the same accommodation might be available should I return in the future. There was ample time to attend Midnight Mass at All Saints, Blackheath, right opposite the Clarendon and1 was assured of being welcome to take Communion for a second time.

On Christmas Day, after a hearty breakfast, a car would take me to the former home of my grandparents, now occupied by my godson/nephew, wife and “growing-up” little boy. I am thrilled that the home my grandparents acquired in 1929 remains in our family, and is refurbished to almost the brand new modern state it was when Grannie and Grandpa moved in ninety years ago when the house was not yet two years old.

My return to the Clarendon was late in the evening. I would join everyone for Boxing Day once more at “the family home,” and again, I would return to Blackheath, late, having enjoyed the day with three generations of my sister’s family, as well the parents of my godson’s wife from south west France. Being Christmas, I ate far too much!

The following day, after calling on my sister and brother in law at their home in West London, and staying for a late healthy lunch of chicken and gorgeous salad, I travelled from Euston on the 17.00hrs Avanti West Coast service to Macclesfield for a taxi back home to Buxton.

Christmas had, of course, not been the ordeal I half feared it might be, but for the sheer intensity of it all, I am glad, once again, it is behind me.

Happy New Year,

David.

My final overnight stay at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, where I had hoped to stay at sometime in my life was “eventful.” The room was much as I expected, with adequate space and facilities. Christmas celebrations had swamped all the dining areas on offer. I found somewhere in town to eat, enjoyed a designer priced dinner, and returned to my quarters, closing the door on the intrusive sounds of (probably) alcohol fueled jollyfication. The noise carried on as if it was inside my room. Actually, it was! Owing to some peculiar mix – up, a group of fairly easy-on-the-eye women had been issued with a key to my room. You could not make it up! The likelihood of a sleepless night was significant and I wanted to be wide awake for the last HST into Kings Cross. At around half past midnight, after I had informed Reception that I was being kept awake, I was transferred to a room on the 8th floor, much larger and quieter; from 1am I slept for England and today all is well.

Day 4 of this lengthy tour is every bit as good as the previous three days. Yet again, I have been seated among the luminaries, this time next to Rail Magazine’s Co-Editor whose writings I enjoy for his entertaining “honesty.”

We left Platform 9 of Leeds City Station and so far have called at Wakefield, Doncaster, Retford, and Newark.

This is so reminiscent of the End of Steam, with large crowds congregating at stations, and vantage points in between.

The weather has brightened up today and is warm enough to discard my sweater. In less than two hours, as at the moment, we hurtle over the section where steam locomotive, “Mallard” broke the world speed record for steam traction, 126 m.p.h., we shall draw into Kings Cross.

15.02hrs and the last HST leaves Finsbury Park. 7 minutes and it will be all over, apart from the anticipated reception as we draw into “The Cross.” It will be a while before I leg it to Euston for the ride home.

The pictures below are all from today, and are, hopefully self explanatory.

The first image is a classic view of the concourse at Leeds City station, followed by a view from the footbridge. Note the contrast of liveries between the two trains.

The window labels were photographed at Retford, Nottinghamshire, as was the platform view.

I chose to stay in the train at Newark but took seven pictures at the next booked stop, Peterborough. (I was not considered important enough to be interviewed!)

Finsbury Park, now, just seven minutes from Kings Cross is noted with a final “view through the window” shot. At last, sadly, it is “journey’s end.” I may well be wrong, but I think we were just one minute late by the time we came to a final stand. One “through the window” picture, approaching the terminus, three images taken after disembarking the train, and one of Kings Cross station, bring the curtain down on what I consider to be a noteworthy (and that’s an understatement) rail tour.

To all those who followed this blog, I do hope you enjoyed it.

Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,

David.

The art deco Queens Hotel in Leeds is splendid and full of the joyous noise of the last Friday before Christmas. Disappointingly, being the Friday before Christmas, a solitary room service was the only comfortable way of dining at the Queens. All their magnificent function rooms were taken up by numerous parties; a walk around the near part of the city seemed the only thing to do.

I took a few more pictures of the train which was met by substantial crowds as the still shiny High Speed Train turned heads at Leeds City Station. I picked up tomorrow’s final ticket at the kiosk set up and manned by a couple of attractive rail staff. It seems I was in somewhat distinguished company. On this occasion, travelling alone did have (at times) its disadvantages. Tomorrow, I have a forward facing window seat at a table for four.

All the pictures in this blog were taken at Leeds.

As in Edinburgh, I explored the city as well as looking for somewhere to eat. There were the usual junk food eateries, but a security lady in a Victorian mall directed me to Harvy Nichols. Tired and hungry, even after the offerings on the train, I was thankful to have found a comfortable restaurant in which to relax. I had braced myself for a hefty bill. The meal was presented beautifully. However, it was not overly warm, and at designer prices I felt entitled to designer perfection. The food was returned to me with evidence of having been warmed up, but tongue blisters were never going to happen. Nevertheless, I enjoyed what I had ordered (venison…oh deer!) And, it seems I was lucky to be shown to a table as soon as I arrived, the place is packed…with energetic young professionals!

There is a Christmas Market here also. I have not come across it, but a couple I met at the hotel lamented how tedious it was!

10 out of 10 for the Harvy Nick’s Christmas pudding….magnificent!

Again, the pictures are not in the order I would have liked, but the do provide an idea of tonight.

Many thanks for reading….there will be more to come.

David.

This is the last opportunity for a “burn-up” along the East Coast Main Line on an HST, a classic run from Edinburgh to Doncaster and back to Leeds, where I shall stay overnight at another former railway hotel, The Queens, accessible directly from the station concourse. While familiar with the scenic high points, particularly the vast views of the North Sea in Northumberland, this remained fresh and exciting, and not very easy to photograph. Serious flooding in South Yorkshire remained evident, long after it had been a serious news item.

Sadly, the perfect weather of the two previous days deteriorated and by the time we were approaching York, it was raining, as it was while exploring Edinburgh’s Christmas Market last night.

To say the train was busy is an understatement particularly where I was sitting. Opposite me, representatives from the 125 Group, attracted the attention of passers-by as did one of our Drivers. This was tiresome at times, although all were pleasant enough. (See picture above)

We are drawing into Wakefield after lengthy periods of 125 mph running particularly between Darlington and Doncaster. We have come to a stand at its Westgate Station, and soon, we shall arrive at Leeds. Another splendid day.

David.

(Below, York)

My second night at the Ballantrae Hotel was far less disturbed than the first. That cannot be said for my First Class seat, L65, a single right at the back of the coach, conveniently adjacent to the loo and the luggage storage space. Seated opposite are invited guests and representatives of the 125 Group, all seemingly former railway personnel, as well as a Leeds Driver travelling as passenger to Durham where he relieves his counterpart from Edinburgh. There’s a lot of “railway reminiscing” amongst this group. At times, this end seat is somewhat claustrophobic with people standing around and a constant flow of travellers making their way to either the loo or the adjacent buffet car. (I’m getting used to it!)

There’s a convivial “buzz” on board this farewell special. So far, we have stopped at Dunbar and Berwick to a) allow scheduled traffic to pass and b) provide an opportunity for photographs. One or two pictures I have taken on both my phone and my camera are not too bad, but both are far too complicated for “comfort.”

The photographs below are “last ones first” between Berwick and Edinburgh, although the journey actually is from Edinburgh.

More later,

David.

My little room at the Royal Highland Hotel provided the environment for a much needed lengthy sleep. I had dined in the hotel’s trendy-ish restaurant where the chicken creation I ordered was very good indeed. It was really too nippy to venture outside and explore. But, there was time the following morning. I ventured into a Victorian covered market opposite the station. Much was on offer in numerous stores lined each side of a walkway. I recognised one place I had visited in 2013 from where I purchased a tartan tie. Sadly, the owner is retiring after decades of dedication to the business. I came away with further neck and headwear, very Scottish, but, wherever I have been north of the border, I have seen NO locals wearing anything like what I have treated myself to, and expect that I would stand out like a sore thumb wearing this obviously touristic attire, anywhere in Scotland.

The train, still looking as if it had just “left the works” was due out of Inverness at 12.14 At 12.12, I was still taking photographs and just made it on board at the last minute. Another clear day ensured the increasingly dramatic landscape interspersed with large bodies of water, looked their best.

I have happy memories of the Highland main line as far back as 1965, the centenary of the Highland Railway when a vintage steam train ran between Perth and Inverness.

My next trip would be decades later in 2013, steam hauled throughout to Inverness from and back to London Kings Cross.

But this time around, in 2019, I was awestruck by the vastness and remoteness and outstanding beauty of where I was travelling through.

And as darkness fell prematurely and we drew in Edinburgh Waverley, after another wonderful journey, I was, for a second time sorry today’s travels would soon be over.

An impending wardrobe malfunction, which began to manifest itself during the afternoon, deemed it prudent to acquire a fresh pair of trousers. I found a suitable pair in Edinburgh before any possible sartorial catastrophe! I had deposited my baggage back at the Ballantrae Hotel where I had been upgraded to a most spectacular and massive room.

In Edinburgh, I chose to explore the Christmas Markets. I know not the geography of Edinburgh, but the illuminated stalls lined walkways as far as the eye could see. A massive ferris wheel lit up the night with masses of choreographed colour. Despite the incessant ghastly Christmas muzak from which there was no escape, I was amazed at this mega Christmas event. Laser lights beamed and danced from on high across a dark sky as the rain now made an unwelcome and prolonged appearance. It didn’t matter, I had chosen my Alaska baseball cap over the red tartan one I had bought in Inverness!

Time for food. The eateries were crammed, but eventually, I ended up in “Wagamama”, where I tried out some Asian cuisine. I must mention Alex from Poland who took great care of me and told me much about her young life, travels and work. She has my blog details, but I fear she may find my railway writings tedious at best! However, Alex, if you do read this, thank you for excellent customer care, as well as everyone else who were most helpful. I wrote this blog in Wagamama’s; now it’s time to head back to the hotel. Yes, I shall be sorry to leave Scotland’s capital tomorrow.

The pictures below from top to bottom:-

Inverness

Aviemore

Five vews from the train

Perth

Five views of the Edinburgh Christmas Market.

Very best wishes and thanks for reading,

David.