After 3 busy days in Sydney, a quiet and relaxing day at sea, is just what the doctor ordered. However, with yet another Cyclone brewing in the Pacific, it was more lively than quiet and peaceful. Certainly not as rough as between Hobart and Sydney, but certainly not smooth sailing.

Temperature: 15C/59F

Wind/Weather: Overcast & rain with ESE’ly almost gale force winds & swell

Sunrise/Sunset: 06:24/07:47

Clox: No change (Z+10)

Navigation

On departing Sydney Heads, we cleared the Australian Coast, then set a course and speed for Brisbane. At Noon, the course was 018 T, at a speed of 15.8 kts. Since departure Sydney we steamed 241 miles at an average speed of 14 kts. We have 253 miles to the Brisbane Pilot Station, requiring 15.8 kts, for an 03:00 arrival at the Pilot Station.

Weather

We are experiencing the outer reaches of another Cyclone brewing in the Pacific Islands, so yet again this voyage is a tad lumpy. From early morning to late afternoon the winds were ESE’ly at 30 kts, which is just below gale force. In the evening the winds dropped significantly, but the swell never abated, so we continued rocking and rolling. Wave height was about 12 to 14 feet.

Meals

Today’s special meals:

• Aquavit (07:00 to 10:00) – Organic Muesli Bar

For dinner, we tried the Chef’s Table for the first time – British Menu, so it was safe for the both of us. The menu consisted of:

• Quail Scotch Egg – with the Quail, it was a very small Scotch Egg, of which you receive 1/2. It was served with salad and pickled veg.
• Fish and Chips – small piece of deep fried battered Haddock, with 3 beefeater type chips and pea puree.
• Gin & Tonic Ice – to cleanse the palate
• Slow roasted brisket, Yorkshire Pub, spuds and veg.
• Scotch trifle – certainly didn’t resemble any trifle my mother made, mostly whipped cream and fruit.

Judi tried the wine pairings, enjoying 2 of them, while I stuck with IPA. When eating good old British grub, wine seems so out of place, so I enjoyed a pint or two.

Activities

I headed up to Deck 8 this morning and completed a few laps of easy walking, with lots of stretching. Still not ready to re-introduce stairs, but the walking went well. Judi was sleeping in, so I headed to the World Cafe, for a bowl of Muesli and fresh fruit.

At 11:00, I attended a lecture from our newest Guest Lecturer – Colonel Anthony Coutts-Britton. Titled “South Asia at War” it was one of the best lectures, so far. Wow!, Anthony is brilliant, with a terrific sense of humour, which makes the presentation even more interesting.

Right after the Captain’s Noon announcement it was time for Trivia. The other members of our team all jumped ship in Sydney, so we needed 4 new members. With 3 Canadians and 3 Australians, our new team name is, “The Commonwealth”. We scored a respectable 10/14, but were 2 short.

I worked on Sydney photos and blog posts all afternoon, until we headed up to the Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle at 17:45. I spent most of the time chatting with the Financial Officer, while Judi chatted with the Staff Captain.

During dinner, we heard the dreaded “Bing Bong”, which at that time, generally means bad news. Bevan advised that due to the sea conditions, the pilots were unable to board until daylight hours, which would delay our arrival until 11:00. Consequently, to ensure sufficient time ashore, the Captain delayed departure until 21:00. After dinner, it was time for an early night, as the show was a repeat from the departure at Los Angeles.

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