Sunday, 27th September 2009

Dinner last night was followed by a drink in the Observatory, which is Balmoral's equivalent to the Crow's Nest. It was a clear night, so we followed that moonbeam across a calm sea. What a perfect end to the first day of our adventure. (Though, Harold, Julie and Dave, we missed your company.)

The activities on offer on sea days are many and varied, and today I raced from one to another, barely finding time to eat in between all those that I wanted to sample.

Dave came with me to a lecture this morning, intended as an introduction to the parts of Canada we will be visiting, explaining the history and geography of the area. The theatre was full, but the lecture was disappointing and I don;t think we'll be rushing to hear Part 2 tomorrow!

As we left the theatre at noon, Balmoral entered the Bay of Biscay, but once again no need to worry, it's been very calm all day and we can feel hardly any movement wherever we are on the ship.

1pm found me in one of the lounges, with a motley group of fellow passengers, ready to sample the delights of the Nintendo Wii. Unfortunately I had arrived first (keen, you know!) so, despite being a total novice, was first 'up' to try ten pin bowling. I wasn't any good, but thoroughly enjoyed it; even watching the others play was good fun. I spent that hour chating to a couple from Rainow - she'd been to Shints, so knew Cheadle Hulme well!

Then, a quick salad (honest), and it was time to seek out the Arts and Crafts Room in the bowels of the ship for today's craft class, coiled clay pottery. All sorts of crafts will be available over the next few weeks for those making the 40 day trip, and all are paid for by Fred.

So that's it for now. Captains' Cocktail Party, and then we're off to dinner with the Royle family again. (See Dave's next blog).

Love to you all
Janet
xx