I will be more than pleased when we leave these Southern Oceans. I write as we make our way towards Fremantle, on the west coast, a large city in its own right, however it is also the ‘gateway’ port to Perth. I will, no doubt, complete the post later today, as we arrive in Fremantle this afternoon.
Our voyage from Adelaide to Albany took us virtually due west, across the Great Australian Bight and one of our more faster speeds was required, 18 knots, 20 mph, 32 kph. There was still a large south-west swell running, the open Southern Ocean on our port side. The latitudes south of 40° are known by mariners as the “Roaring Forties” and for good reason. It is a weather machine, continuous storms circumnavigate the globe in this region, the subsequent wind, waves and swell travel for thousands of miles to the north, there being no land to reduce their effect. As a result, the Australian Bight was windy and rough. Our stabilisers worked with good effect, however we still had some motion. It was not until we neared the port of Albany that we had some respite and that not until we entered the port itself.
The pilot boarded and we went through our checklists with him. (Nowadays, the pilots come out earlier than in the past. We then have time to go through details of the ship, the ‘plan’ for docking and, importantly, the idiosyncrasies of the port itself; currents, ‘wind-holes’ and any local anomalies which may affect the transit into the port and the docking itself).
Interestingly, our Albany pilot was British by birth, (although he had, by now, a good Australian ‘accent’). He went to the same Navigation school in U.K. (Warsash School of Navigation, although I preceded him by a few years 😯 ) and he worked for the same company as I did, (British & Commonwealth). Once docked, we had a good old ‘natter’ about ships and people we knew.
I digress…….off we went, through the buoyed channel and my watch officers conning while the pilot advised. Past cargo ships, one loading wood-chips for Japan (for paper manufacture) and one loading wheat, also for Japan. Off the berth and a 180° swing in the turning basin before docking (against a very fragile wooden pier; we wouldn’t have cracked an egg, the landing was so gentle).
Albany was once larger than Perth, the passage of time has changed that, however it is a lovely town; friendly people and an area steeped in history. The first settlers of Western Australia landed here, an old whaling history and almost all the male inhabitants leaving the town during the 1st World War and subsequently paying the terrible price of Gallipoli, a disastrous campaign and slaughter of so many young Australians and New Zealanders.
Determined to get my feet on dry land even for a short period, I went ashore for photography, while K1 and friends went touring, 6 of them sharing a local taxi and travelling further afield.
Our track from Adelaide to Albany
The approach to the port
and the docking, with the 180 degree turn before doing so.
Loading wheat on the Bulk Carrier ahead
A pile of Silica. This is shipped solely by Toyota, with their own, purpose-built ship and is then used to manufacture car windscreens and windows
Looking astern, towards the town. The Entertainment Centre is the large, dark building.
The Main Street, looking down towards the harbour
Bronze statue of one of the original inhabitants
An ‘English’ church
Near the foreshore, the ANZAC Peace Park
Replica of the “Amity”, the ship that brought the first settlers in 1823
One doesn’t see this too often anymore, unfortunately. The Red Ensign, the flag of the British Merchant Navy flies from her mast
Fisherman’s cottage and ‘Net house’
An original Letter Box, 1897
Even the roundabouts are pretty!
Back on the shuttle bus, my photography complete
Now some of Karen’s, she travelled further afield and saw much more of the area and took (literally) hundreds of photos, so just a small selection here.
The Amsterdam docked in the harbour
Wild kangaroos abounded
Lush winery gardens
The ‘Dark Horse’ winery
Inside the ‘Willoughby’ winery
Captain, thank you for your blog. My parents are on the world cruise (we found them on deck in your Fiordland video!) As my middle school and high school deaf students follow my parents around the world, your blog has made it truly epic for them. Thank you so much!
So pleased that they’re enjoying it, Shari! Thank you for writing 👍
When there on the Volendam two years ago we hiked to the top of the hill with the ANZAC memorial. Beautiful views on a clear sunny day and a moving memorial. None of the blogs have mentioned visiting there. As I remember the ships gathered in Albany Bay with all the men from Australia and NZ headed for World War 1. I believe information boards said that was the real coming together of Australia and NZ as nations.
We also enjoyed the back streets of town and the flowers in the gardens – it was November, their spring.
Hi Captain, I caught Jeff too in his yellow parka but then if on board I would have been out for the sail in too!
I continue to follow along and enjoy your write ups, videos, photos (Karen’s too!)
Welcome to Albany.
Best, Rosie
Looks like a cute town and as you say full of history and culture. How fun for you to have a pilot that comes from a similar background. Maybe now your seas will calm down. Thanks for the video and photos.
I was happy to play the Albany golf course located near Middleton beach. Links style and in very good condition. The pro shop and members were very friendly. Glad the seas were better as we sailed to Fremantle. Tomorrow I’ll play Fremantle golf course about 2 miles from where we are docked.
Been this trip before on previous W.C. I can’t recall the Weather
Being that rough.
My good friend Martha Davey from Melbourne will Board in
Perth to Singapore we wher together in 13 w.c. She is with
Martha Sullivan from Boston.. Maybe you can send her a
Welcome Aboard. Thanks for your great Pictures.
My Best Regards
Fred
Dear Jonathan and Karen
Greetings from Sydney! I have just made the trip from Circular Quay to Manly on a mild day after weeks of humid days and nights. Hardly any swell as we crossed the Heads into Manly. (Lois met me at our daughter’s place here as we will be minding William (7) and Lizzie (5) while Mum & Dad go to a parent/teacher interview.
Thanks, Jonathan for your commentary, Karen also for the images cataloguing your ports of call so far.
Sydney is where we have live most of our life. Your photos of Sydney captured our brilliant harbour and city. Hobart was our home for 2 years followed by 6 years in Adelaide. During our time there we visited Kangaroo Island.
Since returning to Sydney in 1993 we have visited both Albany and Fremantle, heading north beyond Geraldton to Carnarvon.
As Australians we are proud of the beauty we can showcase to others and you and your guests are indeed privileged to experience only a fraction of what we offer the world.
We wish you well for a safe journey.
Regards
Allan Gibson OAM &
Lois Gibson
Guests ex Seatle September 2015
Hi Captain; Just wondering if there is ever an arrival when you don’t see Jeff taking pics from Deck 6 fwd on the grand world voyage? 😉 He must have taken a zillion arrival pics over the many GWVs he has done! More power to him! 🙂