At 0830 we're running north at 17 knots headed for somewhere, probably the Falkland Islands. O is disappointed that we were within 100 miles of the Antarctic circle and didn't cross it. Lowest latitude reached was 64.59* against the circle's 66.34*.
D's cold is worse as shown by increased coughing. O has a slight headache but is otherwise ok. She's staying in this morning.
O attended a Q&A session with Stephen and Justin. Sort of informative, some already known from prior voyages.
The ship is bouncing around more than in past days. No waves, but long swells moving us (R).
We went to lunch, whereupon things got better. Lunch was good. We returned to the cabin to find it decorated for Mommit's birthday. A reminder card was present to remind us to go to Prime-C for dinner at 2000.
Progressive Trivia still has us in second place by 90,000 points (everything about PT is hysterical). We did ok today - we have a good group. After a while we went to cash Bingo; mommit won the huge cash prise - $49.50. Later, at the guest services desk they would not honor Justin's signature on the $49.50, so they're supposed to sort that out and get back to us.
We did well (17/20) in the general trivia but worse in the music trivia (Madonna). At the 15th question in Madonna, the crowd voted unanimously to stop there and not issue the remaining five questions. Just couldn't stand any more.
Dinner in Prime-C was very nice. D got special treatment and wine discount.
Photo Link
Here we are at 55*47.06'S, 55*38.36'W on course 014, speed 13.5 knots, in waters 3960 meters deep. Ship is lolly-gagging along toward Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, UK. SS3, breaking waves on top of modes swells.
We could have done more in the south. Still have colds.
Our account still shows no credit for yesterday's bingo money. Gonna have to ring some bells.
Called for coffee in the cabin while we catch up on news.
Finally got the right two people together to get us our bingo credit.
Normal set day after that.
20250218 Tuesday Stanley, Falklands, UK (often called Port Stanley)
We're heading north toward summer. Temperature should exceed 50*f once more.
Our tour here will be an easy one - the Highlights of Stanley, a two hour bus ride around the East Island. The tour ends at 1030 and the ship leaves at 1700, so we should be able to take a walk around the town near the pier (the center one of three in the picture at right).
There are several nesting places for different breeds of penguins, but we may have difficulty observing them due to a bird flu endemic in place as this is typed in November 2024. We'll do what can be done.
We got up early but skipped breakfast to get on the tender for Stanley. Miserable ride in the tender due to rain coming in the side window. About 20 of us jumped onto the bus for our tour.
We headed east out of town to pass the airport for the viewpoint of the wreck of Lady Elizabeth, an iron three-mast schooner that rounded Cape Horn but was then disabled. She straggled into Stanley but before repairs could be done broke her mooring and came up on the rocks where she sits today.
Then back to the west end of town via the bypass. Then, in no order, we saw the local schools, swimming pool, governor's residence, the fisheries area, hotels, and town hall.
All during this time our lady guide kept up a patter on living in Stanley. Moderate temperature, independent government protected by Britain, currency on par with Britain. internet max speed 6 mB/sec for 100 pounds a month, everybody works and pays into the retirement fund, world center for squid harvesting, no ATMs,
After the tour we visited the tourist center, which had plenty of tee-shirts. O bought a cap.
Photo Link
We returned to the ship in time for lunch and progressive trivia (we've lost in standings) where we did well.
Later we did trivia 14/20 and 15/20, with the winners not doing much better so we did well enough.
We decided we weren't hungry and that our noses were sore and that our chests were quite congested, thus we were sick. We told our cabin attendant of our illness, took to our beds and stayed there.
Stayed in bed late and had coffee brought in. O seems a little better, D a little worse.
D ran out of lozenges so O went to the shop and came back with lozenges, nyquil and a skin cream. More coffee.
Eventually we gathered enough energy for Progressive Trivia, where it was announced we had attained First Place. The bonus questions today were mean; we got nothing - so we may have fallen down.
Did lunch by ourselves but Katherine came along as we finished, so that started a long and complex conversation. Nice lady, very determined. Leads our PT group.
Rest for a bit, then back to the trivia world in the Living Room. We did all right but may have lost position.
D took off to find the pictures in a folder - contest sort of thing. The ordinary trivial came along where we did well enough to suit ourselves but not great. Our other trivia buddies gathered around for general discussion on places and cruises.
Looked at the menu and found things we'll like to try, then to the cabin to decide when we should enjoy them. But then D had a coughing fit and decided not to take dinner.
Either the ship's internet configuration has gone to hell in a hand-basket or everyone is on it thus slowing it badly. Later, it came back to normal speed, not that that is impressive.
O went to the show and enjoyed it - all rock and dance by the performers and the drums and guitars of the house band.
O talked for a bit with the Irish we met earlier over a Manhattan.
Back then to rest for tomorrow.
