Our visit to Cairns, Australia was followed by another day at sea. Again the time went swiftly. I have been reading a biography of Carl Sagan and made good progress. It was rainy with rough seas. The "cyclone" Olga didn't hit Cairns directly but was in the general area and has been more or less following us. We moved fast to get out of the bad weather as soon as possible. Monday morning we awoke to the sight of islands on both sides of us visible through the mist.
After a while I realized that we were circling around and around, not going anywhere in particular. We were scheduled to go ashore just after 8:00 a.m. The time came and went. The ship was still circling. Around 9:00 a.m. the Cruse Director announced that we would not be landing at Thursday Island. The seas were too rough. The tender could not land. I took a few rain drenched pictures of the islands in the distance.
Thursday Island is the administrative center of the Torres Straight Islands off the northern tip of Australia. It was originally settled by Melanesian Islanders. The island is a pearl diving center and served as a military base for Australian and U.S. forces during World War II. I doubt we missed much. We are now really in the tropics. The outside temperature was in the 90's even with wind and rain.
Unable to land, we headed into the Gulf of Carpentaria followed by the sea of Arafusta and the Timor Sea. It will be a total of four days at sea. Normally guests would sit in the sun, frolic in the pool and attend events such as lectures and games organized and scheduled by the cruise director. There are a lot of first time cruisers on board. The rough seas rain and wind have them pretty glum. Many are sticking to their cabins.
On the other hand I am having a great time. I have attended the occasional lecture and cooking demonstration. I toured the bridge, which was interesting and informative. Michael and I watched a water volleyball match between the housekeeping staff and passengers. It was fun to see the staff playing and cheering. I doubt they get much chance to get out in the open air. I finished my Carl Sagan biography and started a book on musicology.
Tuesday was Australia Day, the Australian equivalent of our Fourth of July. Almost half the guests are Australians. I heard Waltzing Matilda for the first and probably last time this trip thanks to Michael's request to the sound technician. The ship celebrated Australia Day by holding a pool barbeque which we peeked in on and a late night disco dance that I fell asleep long before. There is entertainment most nights which I mostly miss. Michael and I are early risers. 10:30 or 11 p.m. shows are just too late.
Wednesday we attended a Venetian Society reception and later dined at the Hotel Director's table. The Venetian Society is composed of repeat Silver Seas customers. Michael was honored for achieving the milestone of three hundred fifty days on Silver Seas ships. He was presented with a certificate for a free seven day cruise and a silver pin inset with a tiny ruby. We looked elegant in our formal attire. Unfortunately the glitter from my dress shed prolifically. It is now in the carpet, on Michael's tux on the bedspread – everywhere.
My account of the trip is now mostly up to date. It's Thursday and the sun is shining. People are a little happier. We are all looking forward to Komodo Island tomorrow.
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