From Cape to cape. Expeditions by land and sea.

[drron]

The last of Gough Island-

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So time to leave.

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[drron]

Lots of birds as we left and as we got out of the shelter of the island the swell began to increase.

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We learnt at the recap we had taken aboard another passenger at Gough.A member of the South African weather and research station there who needed to get back to his family.He was lowered down the cliff face to a waiting zodiac.Later we learnt he had brought with him 3 boxes of Tristan lobsters so he became very popular.apparently 2 previous expedition ships who had called at Gough wouldn't take him.So kudos to the Silverseas Expedition team and Head Office.

 

[drron]

We were now heading to Tristan da cunha which was one of the reasons I wanted to do this cruise.We were told we were picking up the doctor's wife from Tristan so I was hoping that although it seemed hopeless to actually land the good burghers of Tristan would come out in their trusty longboats and have a chat with us.We were told they were preparing 300 lobster sandwiches for us.
However as the afternoon and night progressed it was obvious the situation was getting worse.The morning broke and we passed Nightingale island another of the Tristan group.It didn't look promising-

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Even as we passed the island the weather worsened.

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A short time later the visit to Tristan was officially cancelled.We were only 8 miles south but no visibility.The weather deteriorated as the day went on and we were officially in a Force 12 gale.Swells 10-12 metres.winds 125kmh+.Couldn't get a photo of the display because the TV went out.Here is a view from our cabin that afternoon-

.We were on Deck 5.

Dinner that night was really eventful.meals,glasses and crockery went flying.We were one of the luckier tables just wasting some wine-

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So now we were to reach Capetown a little early.Oh well.Left our changes in place with flights which turned out to be a wise decision as taxis decided not to service the ship as no one used taxis on the day we arrived-the ship had put on free tours so the taxis were out of luck.
the next 2 days were rough so once again sleep impossible.

 

[drron]

Our last sea day was pretty calm.A few lectures but not that much interest for me.Like the Dames on their cruise the Historian was not a good presenter.But there was a good sunset!

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That night was the Captain's farewell.Had dinner with Ken and William a couple we got along with very well.They realised we travelled a lot so raised the subject of cheaper premium cabin airfares.They had been given advice on the best places to start RTW fares but as William was Colombian I brought up the subject of Life Miles.As it turned out Avianca was their primary loyalty program so they got a tutorial on buying miles and the cost using those miles of flying First class.Who would have thought an Australian could give a Colombian hints on how to use a Colombian program.
That night we had a very good sleep.

 

[drron]

The next morning we were up early for the sunrise and entrance to Capetown-

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[drron]

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[drron]

The last of the sunrise and approaching Capetown-

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The pilot approaches-

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[drron]

And the last pictures-

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And for the last picture-more fur seals but in an unnatural setting.

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So I have decided to end this particular TR here as it is already pretty lemgthy.I will soon start another with our African experiences.

 

[RooFlyer]

And now some of the rocks-

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Phwoooooar! Really, really interesting. Would never have expected that in that location.

And I can see why you wanted to visit Tristan.

Thanks for the TR

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Phwoooooar! Really, really interesting. Would never have expected that in that location.

And I can see why you wanted to visit Tristan.

Thanks for the TR

I knew you would like those photos ! The island had lots of lovely rocks, the geologist on board was in raptures over the island !

 

[love_the_life]

Thanks for the TR drron (and mrs.dr.ron). Pity about Tristan - maybe that means you will need to go back one day though those seas looked pretty mean. :shock:

 

[Pushka]

Thankyou for the rich TR Dr and Mrs Ron.

 

[Boca68]

Phwoooooar! Really, really interesting. Would never have expected that in that location.

And I can see why you wanted to visit Tristan.

Thanks for the TR

Must be like Geology cough?


cough aside, terrific TR drron. Looking forward to part 2.

 

[Jacques Vert]

As always, I have loved being along for the ride. Great photos, lovely sunsets, and you out-did the yank on the number of penguins!

Looking forward to the African Adventure.

JV

 

[rogerkambah]

Thanks for another fabulous TR dr and mrs ron. Looking forward to Africa.

 

[RB]

Another great write-up. Thanks for sharing some great photos & an excellent summary!

 

[Jacques Vert]

Re-reading your TR in preparation for our trip to Peru in Apr/May. Can you remember where you arranged your guide for Moray and/or MP?

 

[drron]

We arranged it through our hotel.A bit more expensive but worth it.

 

[Casso]

If you want to learn more about Peruvian potatoes here is an article.The website does give handy hints for peru-
The 3800 Different Types of Peruvian Potatoes - LimaEasy

Hello drron, still following your South American journeys. Most interesting.

 

[Casso]

S

Hello drron, still following your South American journeys. Most interesting.

My apologies, meant to say thank you!