Towards Cape Town, Day 2

We passed Port Elizabeth at 9 a.m this morning; paralleling the South African coast at a distance of 14 miles and, as we are at the southern end of Africa, making almost due west courses.

Typically for this region at this time of year, there is a large, rolling swell.  It has slowly been increasing in height and has now reached around 4 meters, or 13 feet.  Fortunately, its ‘period’, or the time between crests, is relatively long and so we have a gentle pitching motion.  We can expect this all the way to Cape Town and there, the swell becomes the famous ‘Cape Rollers’ which we will have to negotiate.  It’s not hazardous except that any object which isn’t tied down, or on the deck, is prone to moving in unwanted directions  😕

Last night, after I posted, I went to our Presidents Club dinner, a very pleasant affair and then, in the evening, a presentation by the Soweto Gospel choir.  O Lord, it was stupendous, awe-inspiring, inspirational and every wonderful adjective I can think of.  I actually succeeded in posting a video, yeah! 

Here are some photos.

_MG_0385 _MG_0382

It was a feast for the eyes and ears, the most beautiful voices, I am lost for words, which is quite unlike me… 😉

A good night’s sleep and then the start of another day, a Sunday Eucharist, with the Archbishop, in the Queen’s Lounge.  The choir was on stage and a small platform had been arranged on what was our dance floor.  The singing was once again, amazing.

Choir on stage

Choir on stage

Archbishop Tutu singing and swaying to the music :-)

Archbishop Tutu singing and swaying to the music 🙂

About to begin the service.

About to begin the service.

I then had to dash to the Bridge, as the Archbishop, his family and entourage  had expressed a desire to see it.  Stein and Arnold Donald too.  We now have  ship’s whistle that has been blessed by an Archbishop, he just wanted to blow it!

myself, Tutu's brother,Stein, Tutu,Leah, his wife, his daughter and Arnold Donald

myself, Tutu’s brother,Stein, Tutu,Leah, his wife, his daughter and Arnold Donald

The Navigation officers with Tutu (and cap)

The Navigation officers with Tutu (and cap)

And so I have to finish, I have 2 Mariner parties to attend, followed by another dinner!

I leave you with a photo from Durban, when Stein and Arnold Donald arrived.

Stein, Capt. Mercer & Arnold 3.28.14

 

 

2 thoughts on “Towards Cape Town, Day 2”

  1. Captain Mercer, it’s nice to see you up there with the top Carnival and HAL executives. You deserve it! It’s always such a pleasure to sail along with you, as well. Thanks so much.

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