spinnaker2

Terry yes st johns Newfoundland. The seas were apparently very very rough and we were lucky to have a safe haven. Lee seas. I have been told that the Silversea vessel following us experienced rough seas to the point that veteran sailors were sick. I could not get a photo of the sea food due to the mob sea scene. There was plenty but you would never know from the pushing and shoving. We have a large group aboard who have other cultural norms and values. They take over everything. Not a charter because they are I think less than 100. That's enough. We have been to St John's many times. And we are out of the harbor.

Today we will sail from St John’s to Louisbourg, N.S. The overnight here in St. John’s was much appreciated by the crew, many of whom went off for some much deserved rest and relaxation! Yesterday was a Sunday in St John’s and it reminded me of the passeggiata in Italy, except on steroids. Just in front of where we are docked is one of the Main Streets. So many people were dressed in summery clothes, walking, many accompanied by their children and dogs. An ice cream truck was just outside the fence of our docking berth, and what a business it did!!! And then of course was the cavalcade of cars, blaring music, many convertibles, roofs folded into the boot, getting every drop of sunshine. And motorcycles, with leather attired riders, showing us the power of their engines by goosing the throttle! Joyful noises! Today there will be a special lunch, the Seafood Invictus, prepared by Chef Devraj and his team. It will take place in the MDR and in LaT, expected to be well attended!! It’s definitely a highlight of the cruise. The Captains Recap and Crew Parade is also tonight, aka the “fond arrivederci”, or the “I can’t believe we have to pack and get off”. True, very hard to believe this segment is almost over, what an amazing journey through Greenland and environs. The expedition crew has been terrific. We are lucky and will not be getting off the Cloud just yet. We be attending a gathering for this pax who are staying aboard until Ft. Lauderdale.

This is a sight we haven't seen in days!!! Sunnnnnnnnnnyyyyy at the pool deck!

The expedition leader just announced that we will be in St John's overnight due to weather. There are some clouds in the sky but the sun is shining at the moment. This little harbor is crowded with ships, I imagine taking refuge as we now will be. The tour buses are off to see the sights. As we have been here many times we will find a place onboard to enjoy the solitude and the sol. The lighthouse hasn't changed much since our last visit except for some new graffiti.

We are just beginning a turn into St John’s. The wind is howling and the sea is dark steely gray, and we rock back and forth.

early this morning the sun tried to come out as we make our way to St Johns

I would be remiss if I did not mention the Library. Directly across from the spa/salon on deck 7, it is a quiet space with big windows, comfortable chairs and a nice selection of books to borrow. There are also some board games and puzzles.

Adieu to St Anthony. The fog has rolled in. We are on our way to the next destination. I am not sure which port because the Chronicles and the tv conflict. It seems it will be a day at sea as we skip St. Pierre due to storm Lee. I do miss the Captains announcements at noon which are informative. The expedition briefing at 6 in the "explorers lounge" is a bit contrived, with some filler and missing substance.

Lee??? Not hardlee. Sun and fog and sun and humid here in St Anthony. Not any wind to speak of and all pax except 20 went off for a hike or an excursion. The lighthouse.

Stay safe New England and Canada! Lee get out!

Stumbles, they are very rare. I consider myself very lucky! Don't know if it's clear but you could easily see the dark middle at the open end of the tubular cloud on the right.

Are we being kept in the dark and fed bs? No idea.

Actually the sun is out at the moment. Weather is totally downplayed by expedition leader. Mushroom anyone?

And others have seen this too. Magical cloud formation.

Sea Day 2. Rough night, creaking and shuddering and wind and rain. Rocked to sleep by the sea, but also aware of it. Lunch at the Restaurant was memorable as we watched the waves. The word of the day was wow. Then, the waves subsided. The sea is a steely grey and seabirds are skittering across the crests of the water. Not a word from the Captain. The briefing will be this evening around 6. 20230915_110215.mov

Quite the ears!

Hello Jolly. I am glad to hear you are ok. We watched this one before we left home and boarded up partially. As far as any announcements here, the silence is deafening. There are no noontime announcements as in a non expedition cruise. We are about in the middle of the Labrador Sea and heading towards St Anthony, Newfoundland at 12 knots. Wind is from the south at 28 knots. Doesn’t seem like we are rushing anywhere. We are to arrive on the 16th of September. Looking at the charts, not sure where any safe haven would be along the way. I totally get the tricky and the timing.

There but for… hoping all stay safe, saddened to hear Covid is aboard as an uninvited pax. I think it is ubiquitous.

Today is a sea day. Yesterday was our last day in Greenland, and I must say it was worth every moment. Perhaps not enough Greenland. Definitely not enough Greenland. Winter will come to Greenland in about two weeks and things will change rapidly. As it was, when we traveled through some areas one could hear the noise of the ice crunching. The temperature of the air was way above freezing. Some waterways will soon become impassable. I am not sure of the regulations regarding cruising in these waters or in the national parks of Greenland, but expect to hear more stringent supervision or rules in the future due to the recent grounding of the expedition vessel. Until you see Greenland you really can’t comprehend the vast remoteness of it. Nothing is close to anything else. Rescue is difficult. There are plenty of events planned for pax for the day. A lunch on deck by the pool with “Indian” food. Painting class, trivia, lectures, photography studio. Or just chilling in your suite or on the verandah. Notably absent is any news of the impending hurricane or the impact it may have on this cruise. Perhaps that will come with the captains announcement at noon. Pax are upbeat and smiling. The crew are terrific as usual. Tonight is Venetian night.

Second night of lights over the sea.

We won't be going to visit the ruins. This is a photo from afar

No hijack no worries. Hope you are enjoying and warm

On our way now to Halsey. UNESCO world heritage Arctic farming complex with ruins of a church from the 14th century. The settlement was a Norse farmstead. We continue to encounter icebergs. The air is so fresh and clean.

Just when I am getting the hang of the pronunciation we are winding down our time in Greenland. Today is Qaqortoq and Halsey. We arrived at Qaqortoq on time. Also sharing the harbor with several icebergs and a Windstar vessel. The Windstar vessel is using tenders to go ashore. We just learned that the museum in town is closed, we had been told it would be open. The town surrounds the harbor and up one hill. The houses are painted in vibrant colors. It's a balmy 46 F.

And tonight the northern lights