Having already covered today’s big issue, the itinerary change, in a separate post, this one will be shorter than usual. The ship has been moving considerably, so it isn’t conducive to carrying a big camera around, so no new photos today.

The weather also curtailed this evening’s entertainment, as it wasn’t safe to perform on the stage.

Temperature: 22C/72F

Wind/Weather: Horrible, lousy, atrocious – pick one!!!!

Sunrise/Sunset: 06:10/19:52

Clox: No change (Z+11)

Navigation

We maintained a NE’ly course, which puts us a few miles East of Sydney, in an attempt to lessen the effects of the rather nasty storm in our immediate vicinity. Since departure Hobart, we have steamed 521 mls, at an average speed of 12.4 kts. We have 193 miles to Sydney pilot station, requiring a speed of 8.8 kts. We are currently making 9 kts.

Weather

Seen better!! First thing this morning it was overcast, but clear, with E’ly winds of about 35 to 40 kts and seas of around 12 feet. By Noon, the winds freshened to around 45 kts and 12 to 14 foot seas. When we went to dinner, the rain had started, visibility was reduced and the wind was up to about 50 kts, with some seas around 18 to 20 feet.

The ship has been a tad lively, with 2 ice buckets in the MDR tipping over.

Meals

Apologies in advance for no photos today. After the incredible brunch yesterday, the galley deserved a well earned break, so no special events today.

We enjoyed dinner with the same couple from Boise, who joined the table with us and Alison/Ron last evening. Yet again another great evening of conversation, departing about 21:00.

Activities

No walking again today, since the ship was rockin’ an’ a rollin’ way too much to be a safe pastime. After breakfast, Judi headed to her usual spot in the Living Room for tea, while I spent the morning in the Theatre.

At 10:00 we had a most informative lecture from Tony van Maanenberg on the Japanese attack on Sydney harbour, using 3 miniature submarines. This was the first I heard of the attack, so was most interested. Next lecture was our resident historian Bill Simpson, with the 2nd half of his history of Australia.

On completion of the Captain’s Noon announcement, we had the final Daily Trivia, which is also the final one for our team, since the others disembark in Sydney. Just wasn’t our day, scoring only 20/30.

In the afternoon, the ship movement picked up considerably, so we spent a quiet few hours in the cabin. Unfortunately we missed the port talk, as Judi would not have been comfortable up fwd in the Theatre. We have both been to Sydney many times, so not a great loss.

As another day closes, we bid you farewell, till tomorrow and hope for fair skies and following seas.