Well, I sit at my desk while docked in Osaka, we arrived early this morning. It is sunny, however the temperature is hovering around freezing, ‘baby it’s cold outside’ 🙂 We have had quite a time since I wrote last; having had to cancel Saipan, we headed north towards this Japanese port. Ahead of us, in the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea were 2 weather patterns, streaming east and we were going to be the jam in the sandwich, right between the 2 and nowhere for me to go, we were just going to have to grin (or should it be ‘grim’) and bear it. Sure enough, we got slammed. It lasted for 2 days and during one night, we had 6 metres, 20 feet seas and winds gusting 60 mph, Storm force 10.
I couldn’t go on our track to Osaka and took the most comfortable course, in fact, almost due north, so that the swell came at us at an angle, at least it was manageable. This video was in the morning ‘after’ and seas had abated (?) slightly.
Today is our Sunday and the seas eventually subsided yesterday afternoon; guests came out of ‘hibernation’ and we returned to normality. We’ve had a glorious sunset and the phenomenon of ‘sea smoke’ forming. This occurs when warm water reacts with the cold air above, the condensate being ‘sea smoke’.
Japan is “The Land of the Rising Sun’, this sunset being similar to their National flag.
Sea Smoke and a double rainbow, beautiful….
Osaka lies in a Bay and one has to access this through a narrow ‘neck’ before steaming towards the harbour.
Overview of Osaka Bay, our intended track is red, the green track is where we sailed, avoiding the storm
The Bay, with the narrow ‘neck’ bottom
The approach to the harbour, our green track avoiding anchored vessels and fishing boats
..and where we are docked.
We embarked our pilot at 4:45 a.m. and made our way northwards towards the narrow gap into the Bay. He let us keep the conn, (you know by now how much we like that) and he ‘advised’. It’s very busy with shipping and we carefully make our way towards the port.
A radar picture, Osaka is at 2 o’clock, the ‘neck’ at 6 o’clock at dots/AIS triangles. are ships
The harbour ahead
Getting closer
A fire boat greets us with a multi-coloured display
The dock ahead
Almost on it
With typical Japanese efficiency, everything went like clockwork; the fastest tie-up I’ve had in years, personnel friendly and helpful. The jetway was in, bang on our scheduled 8 a.m. and guests were off. Some going further afield than Osaka or Kyoto, many further inland and they will return later, before we leave Japan. Me? I am relying on Karen to take photos, she and her group have gone to Kyoto, full of history and buildings over 2,000 years old. Keep your fingers crossed for me please.
Hi Captain, just getting to your arrival and it is stunning. The videos are a wonderful addition to your blog and bringing those of us on dry land to the voyage.
What a wonderful report, I lived in Japan as a child, I wish I could have been there. Thank you so much.
Cyndi
Fast version video of the Harbor FANTASTIC
most exciting thing you have ever posted
Now I understand why the Japanese founded a town there so long ago… such a protected Harbor
Only other one I recall like that was Kotor
Captain
These posts are great. The time lapse entering port is spot on. I am sure Karen will find something to bring home!
Thank you.
Well done Captain!
You & your crew are true professionals .
We will be thinking of you with everything ‘crossed’ as you journey on.
Great videos …keep ’em’ coming
Regards & safe travels
Noel in a warm Melbourne
Wonderful videos. I felt like I was on board the Amsterdam sailing into port
Love the video of the stormy seas! I have been in similar conditions crossing the North Atlantic on board the Rotterdam, and it is so thrilling when it gets like that!
Your arrival in Osaka looks so beautiful. As someone who does not like hot weather – – the tropics are not for me! – – it looks absolutely perfect!
Looking forward to more great photos from you and Karen.
Great pictures the Storm and Arriving in Osaka
Great Memorie from the W.C. Think it was in 2013
Thanks
Great storm story, Captain. We enjoyed the videos, especially when the stormy seas hit the bridge windows….. Why are we “keeping our fingers crossed for you”?
Jean & George in BC
Hi merely for Karen’s photos??
Love getting to see your video and vicariously experience the Amsterdam in a storm at sea. Brings the thrill of sea days all rushing back. The photos of arrival at Osaka are excellent too. Thanks so much for keeping those of us who can’t be onboard with you up-to-date with you and yours and the beloved Amsterdam.
Captain you are improving with the video. It is a great added addition to your blog. Thank you.
Thank you ?