Relaxing

We are sailing steadily south and fortunately the forecast for the Falkland Islands looks better. After a leisurely light lunch in our cabin we once again ventured onto the aft deck to relax into the sun. There we saw our first albatross circling round the aft of ship. I realised the difficulties of capturing such a magnificent bird in flight. Still after some patience I manage a couple of good shots. What is great is the presence of a number of experts on deck who are happy to explain more about the magnificent creatures we are viewing and the environment. I am beginning to become a bird watcher. But is like soccer, poor on TV, but to see it live is fantastic.

To build on this we attended a lecture about penguins, I little realised what fascinating creature they are and the variations between different species. Really looking forward to seeing them in the flesh, particularly as the chicks should be hatched.

Then it was a gym session watching Sky Sports News, really bizarre seeing a Gary Monk interview in the middle of the South Atlantic. Our final presentation was around the history of the Falklands, have you heard of the Treaty of Tordesillas? Again we were privileged to hear an expert explain in lay mans terms the complex history.

This evening we dined in the speciality restaurant modelled on the food of Thomas Keillor, aka The Laundry in the Napa Valley. We both had crab cakes and lobster thermidor (it is hell on this cruise). It was excellent, Marion said to Pipe and Glass standards. Then we finished the evening watching the sunset in the Observation Lounge. Unfortunately I am acquiring a taste for Highland Park malt as a nightcap, while Marion is on the Cointreau!

Tomorrow I will report from Port Stanley.