Land Ho!

Finally, after 6 days at an average speed of 20 knots in extremely calm seas, the Scilly Islands and Land's End came into view a little after 1:00 this afternoon. There hasn't been much to take photos of in the last few days, unless you're especially partial to fog, and there's been barely a ripple on the ocean. It would be great whale-watching weather if only there were whales. We did, however, see some dolphins just before reaching the Scilly Islands, as we had a quick drive-by from the British Life-Saving Society's rescue boat.


This certainly has been an experience, and a little hard to define. We had boarded the ship with open minds, but not expecting too much, trying not to put much credence in what others had told us beforehand. Given Cunard's reputation for "stuffiness" and the way they market the line, we weren't quite sure of what we were getting into. Perhaps Cedric and Reginald, in tailcoat and top hat, discussing the morning line at the Ascot Races whilst Hermine and Agatha agonized over which fascinator to wear to the Ball that night?? Truth be told, while there is a certain amount of that among some people we met along the way, by and large this was really no different than any other cruise we have taken. The speakers were by and large interesting, the people we met in the bars were pleasant, the food was good and the service varied from okay to excellent. In other words, it was pretty standard as cruises go, but without the shore excursions.
Our tablemates were great fun, and although we usually started dinner a bit later than usual, a two and a half hour meal wasn't out of the ordinary. But that often meant that we left the table, headed for the show and then went to bed since by that time it was almost midnight. The two American couples are both renting cars and driving off towards Cornwall for a few days before flying back to the US. The last couple live halfway between Southampton and London and so are heading home (to all those chores you can leave behind on a holiday).

The social knitting group that developed on board is going to keep in touch. One of the ladies, Nanci, is going to set up a web site and a blog for knitters at sea to give us all a sort of 'roll call' to set up more of these get togethers amongst handicrafters who like to take their projects along. Should be fun!

Tuesday morning we arrive in Southampton, and the wake up call will come at 6:00AM. By this time tomorrow we will be in our B&B in Dover, and in 48 hours we will be settled in our cabin on Crystal Symphony for the next part of the adventure.

The journey continues.